Do you love the feeling of laying down on freshly washed bed sheets? Spring cleaning can make your whole home feel fresh and pristine. In today’s blog, our furniture experts cover how to clean your furniture the right way, including some spring cleaning tips that will keep your home looking immaculate all year long.  

How to Clean Leather Furniture

Brown Leather Sofa | How to Clean Leather Furniture

(Pictured Above: Leland Leather Sofa

For people with kids and pets, leather furniture can provide some much-needed durability, but accidents still happen. Here’s how to clean your leather furniture the right way. 

Get Rid of Debris

While leather furniture doesn’t trap fur and dust like other types of upholstery, you’ll still need to regularly wipe away debris with a dry cloth or vacuum up any debris using a brush attachment. 

Start with Soap & Water

With leather, mild stains don’t usually need anything more than soap and water. You’ll just want to dip a soft washcloth in warm soapy water to blot away stains, careful to use as little moisture as possible. 

Be Smart About Tough Stains

While mild soap or a vinegar mixture will work for small stains, you’ll want to do a little research before tackling more problematic stains. Baking soda, for example, is great for grease stains while rubbing alcohol works well with ink stains. 

Dry the Leather

Water is no friend to leather, so be sure to dry the area as best you can once you’re finished cleaning. 

Apply Conditioner

Once the leather is fully dried, you’ll want to apply a leather conditioner to the entire sofa, recliner, or headboard. This adds a protective coating that prevents cracks and stains while also giving the leather a subtle shine. 

How to Clean a Fabric Couch or Chair

Neutral Fabric Sofa | How to Clean a Fabric Sofa

(Pictured Above: Eva Sofa

While cleaning a couch or chair depends on the type of fabric used, we still have some spring cleaning tips and tricks to help you get started. 

Vacuum the Couch

Regularly vacuuming the couch with a brush attachment will help remove dust, fur, crumbs, and other debris. 

Remove Stains as Soon As Possible

The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to get out. That’s why it’s important to clean any stains immediately. 

Check the Cleaning Code on Your Couch 

The tag on your couch offers some insight into the best way to keep it clean. “W”, for example, indicates that it’s safe to use water-based cleaners, while “S” means you should only use a solvent to clean the upholstery. 

Spot Treat with the Correct Solution

Once you know the best type of solution to clean your couch, you can get started. Before you go too far, though, you’ll want to spot treat a small area to test for any discoloration. 

Freshen Up with Baking Soda

Especially if you use your sofa often, it can start to absorb some foul odors. That’s where the baking soda comes in. By sprinkling it over the entire surface of your sofa, you’ll allow the baking soda to start absorbing any unpleasant smells and moisture. 

Vacuum Up the Baking Soda

After letting the baking soda sit for a few hours, you should vacuum with the upholstery tool for a second time. 

How to Clean Wood Furniture 

Wooden Dining Table | How to Clean Wood Furniture

(Pictured Above: Weatherford II 5-Piece Rectangular Dining Set

When it comes to cleaning wood furniture, there’s routine cleaning and deep cleaning. These spring cleaning tips for wood furniture will help you keep your furniture clean without damaging the wood.  

Clean Away Spills Immediately 

Paper towels or soft cloths should be used to blot away liquid spills and condensation from beverages immediately. In the event you’ve spilled something sticky, you’ll want to dip a soft cloth in plain water, wring until it’s only slightly damp, wipe away the mess, and use a dry microfiber cloth to dry away any remaining moisture.

Don’t Forget to Dust Regularly

Because dust and other debris can lead to scratches, it’s important to dust your wood furniture often—at least once a month. To dust, take a microfiber cloth or a disposable electrostatic duster and wipe the legs, arms, surface, and any smaller wood supports thoroughly. 

Wash Away Grime 

Even if you regularly care for your wood furniture, grime can build up and cause the appearance of your wood furniture to deteriorate over time. Simply mix a solution of dishwashing liquid and water, wring out the excess water, and wipe with a soft cloth or sponge, drying immediately to wipe away common grime. 

How to Deep Clean Wood Furniture & Remove Stains

Wood Bedroom Furniture

(Pictured Above: London Loft King Bed

If you’re dealing with a lot of grime, a waxy buildup, or stains, you may need to deep clean your wood furniture.

Try Black Tea

Tea isn’t just for drinking! It can also help cut through the waxy build-up that can accumulate on wood furniture. Just brew two cups of black tea, let the tea cool, dip a soft cloth in the tea, wring out thoroughly, and gently wipe the furniture. For best results, you’ll want to wipe with the wood grain.  Before dipping back into the tea, you’ll want to rinse off the grime from the cloth in plain water. Repeat as necessary, drying each area after you wipe it down. 

Use Mineral Spirits

If the waxy buildup survives the black tea cleaning or if your wood furniture is starting to look dull and murky, you may need to clean the furniture with mineral spirits from your local hardware store. Because mineral spirits are toxic, you’ll want to wear protective gloves and gear when using it, make sure there’s proper ventilation, and keep any kids or pets out of the area. Simply place a small amount of mineral spirits on an old rag and wipe with the wood grain, rotate the rag as grime accumulates, and finish by buffing the wood with a soft, dry cloth. 

How to Clean a Mattress

Tempurpedic Mattress in Blue Bedroom

(Pictured Above: Tempur-Luxe Adapt Firm Mattress

While you're likely washing your bedding regularly, it can be easy to forget to clean your mattress. But regularly cleaning and rotating your mattress can help it last longer. That’s why you should make sure you include your mattress on your spring-cleaning checklist. Here’s how to clean a mattress the right way. 

Wash the Bedding

You’ll have to strip your mattress to start cleaning, so use the opportunity to wash all your bedding in hot water to get rid of any dust mites. 

Vacuum Your Mattress & Pillows

Use the upholstery tool to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface of the mattress and your pillows. If there are any hard-to-reach seams, use the crevice attachment to get any hidden dirt or dust. You should also use this opportunity to vacuum your upholstered headboard if you have one. 

Spot Clean Any Stains 

Especially if you have a memory foam mattress, you don’t want the mattress to get wet, which can make stain removal a bit tricky. If you’re looking to clean biological stains like blood, sweat, vomit, or urine, you’ll likely want to use an enzyme cleaner, while a dish soap and water solution should work for other types of stains. Simply douse a clean cloth with your cleaning solution and blot the stained area. Be conservative about the amount of cleaner and water you use and make sure not to cover the mattress until it’s completely dried. 

Freshen Up with Baking Soda 

Once any mattress stains have been removed, sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the mattress and let it sit for several hours, keeping in mind that the longer the baking soda stays on the mattress, the more it will break down acid and absorb the remaining moisture and odor. For best results, you should open the windows to let light and fresh air in. In fact, UV rays from the sun can naturally kill mold and other types of bacteria that are commonly found on mattresses. 

Vacuum Up the Baking Soda

Once the baking soda has had a chance to work, you should thoroughly vacuum it up from this side of the mattress. 

Flip the Mattress & Repeat

You probably already know that innerspring mattresses should be flipped every 3 months, while many pillowtop and memory foam mattresses only need to be rotated 180 degrees every few months. Regardless of how often you’re flipping your mattress, you’ll want to repeat the above steps on the other side of your mattress as well. 

How to Clean a Marble Table

 

Marble Accent Tables | How to Clean Marble Furniture

(Pictured Above: Chelsea Marble top Tables

Whether you have a marble dining table, coffee table, side table, or countertop, these spring cleaning tips will help make sure you clean it properly, so you don’t damage or dull the material. 

Immediately Blot Up Spills

Because marble can stain, you’ll want to immediately wipe up any spills, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus. To prevent spreading the spill further, try to blot out the spill and then wash the area with soapy water. 

Dust Regularly

Don’t let dust and debris gather on your marble, as this can lead to scratches. Make sure to dust weekly using a microfiber cloth, feather duster, or a disposable electrostatic duster.

Start with Soap and Water

When it comes to marble, you want your cleanings to be as gentle as possible. After dusting, wash the marble with a soft cloth dampened with a water and dish soap solution, careful not to press too hard. Never use abrasive cleaners, rough sponges, vinegar, Windex, bleach, or other acidic cleaners on your marble.

How to Clean Glass Tables

Glass Dining Table | How to Clean Glass Tables

(Pictured Above: Gamma 5-Piece Counter Height Dining Set

Glass tables look great, especially if you’re trying to create the illusion of space in a small room. But they are prone to fingerprints and smudges. Here’s how to clean a glass table the right way. 

Use Plastic for Sticky Substances

Sticky substances can cling to glass tables. Gently scraping them off with a credit card or plastic spoon can help get rid of the substance without scratching the table. 

Wipe Away Smudges with Glass Cleaner

Specialized glass cleaner is your best bet for removing fingerprints, smudges, and other debris without creating unattractive streaking. For best results, use a soft microfiber cloth or a crumpled piece of newspaper with the cleaner for a streak-free shine. 

Additional Spring-Cleaning Tips & Tricks

Spring isn’t just about learning how to clean your furniture the right way. It’s also the perfect time to update your living room, dining room, bedroom, or home office furniture. In the meantime, check out our furniture blog where we cover everything from how to break in a new mattress to our guide to natural materials in furniture. 

Do you love the feeling of laying down on freshly washed bed sheets? Spring cleaning can make your whole home feel fresh and pristine. In today’s blog, our furniture experts cover how to clean your furniture the right way, including some spring cleaning tips that will keep your home looking immaculate all year long.   How […]

Modern Two-Tone Console Table

The right sideboard cabinet or buffet can completely transform your living room or dining room. Not only do they provide much needed storage space, but they can help add a layer of style and sophistication to your home.

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The right sideboard cabinet or buffet can completely transform your living room or dining room. Not only do they provide much needed storage space, but they can help add a layer of style and sophistication to your home.

Guest Bedroom ideas

While fewer people will likely be travelling this holiday season, many people will might still be hosting houseguests for the holidays. In today’s interior design blog, we discuss guest room essentials and how to upgrade your guest room.

Choose the Right Bed

When it comes to guest room essentials, a guest bed is pretty high up on the list. Depending on the type of guests you’re expecting over the course of the year, there are different bed set-ups to choose from. Queen-sized and king-sized bed frames work well for couples, but if you’re expecting uncoupled guests or children, you might be better off with multiple twin beds or trundle beds. Choosing daybeds or sleeper sofas for your guest room can also be a great option, as they offer versatility—a great place to sleep and a great seating option for the waking hours.

Upgrade Your Mattress

Well-rested houseguests are happy houseguests and having a reliable mattress in your guest room can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved. Star Furniture has mattresses in an array of sizes, types, and brands, including everything from memory foam mattresses to more affordable innerspring mattress options. Plus, all mattresses over $999 come with free shipping on your whole order. If a new guest room mattress isn’t in the budget, you might consider moving your old mattress to the bedroom and buying a new mattress for yourself. Either way, Star Furniture has completely revolutionized the mattress buying experience to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Offer Extra Seating

If you have the space and budget, offering extra bedroom seating can be incredibly enticing for guests, especially if they want to have some alone time away from the action. Some of our favorite guest bedrooms have accent chairs or bedroom benches so visitors can relax and enjoy some quiet time during their stay. As far as guest room essentials go, having someplace to sit can be especially important for older guests who might need a comfortable surface for putting on their shoes.

Don’t Skimp on the Storage Space

Even if you decide not to have full-sized dressers in your guest room, having some storage space can make guests feel more at home. Try using nightstands with drawers as bedside tables, which double as clothing storage and a convenient surface next to the bed.  You could also consider putting a desk or vanity in the room so your guests will have space to get ready. Looking for small guest room ideas for storage? We love the idea of installing hooks for hanging luggage, coats, and other clothing items out of the way.

Pay Attention to the Details

Personalizing your guest room and paying special attention to the details can make it feel even more warm and homey for your visitors. We recommend hanging a mirror, wall art, or other decorations to make the room feel cozy. You might even consider having an extra television in the room. When it comes to what things to have in a guest bedroom, there are certain guest room essentials that can make the room cozy, convenient, and functional. Make sure to have a clock, wastebasket, blankets, hand sanitizers, and tissue readily available. You can even leave some of their favorite snacks, teas, or toiletries for them to enjoy during their visit.

Before you update your guest bedroom with these guest room essentials, be sure to check out the amazing furniture deals at our Star Furniture locations in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or Bryan, Texas. In fact, our in-store interior designers can help you find the perfect guest room decorating ideas for your style and budget. You can also follow our interior design blog for even more home design tips, including how to decorate a small bedroom  and everything you need to know about beds

While fewer people will likely be travelling this holiday season, many people will might still be hosting houseguests for the holidays. In today’s interior design blog, we discuss guest room essentials and how to upgrade your guest room. Choose the Right Bed When it comes to guest room essentials, a guest bed is pretty high […]

Are sectional sofas a good idea? It depends on your living room layout. But for many, sectional sofas create flexible seating options that are comfortable and stylish. Sectional couches come in all different shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and Star Furniture carries sectionals for every style and budget. Follow along as we explore some of the best sectional sofas for sale.

Best Affordable Sectionals

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t find a small sectional to tie your living room together. In fact, we’ve compiled a few amazing sectionals under $3,000.

Abbot 2-Piece Chaise Sectional

Grey 2-Piece Chaise Sectional

If you’re looking for a small sectional under $2,000, this beautiful L-shaped couch might be right for you. We love the tufted box style seat cushions and charcoal grey textured fabric. Plus, it doubles as a day bed if you have overnight guests.

Trisha Yearwood Atlanta 2-Piece Sectional

White Casual L-Shaped Sectional Sofa

This L-shaped couch from the Trisha Yearwood Home Collection features a southern casual style, complete with two sets of decorative accent pillows. Not only would it look great in a transitional style or farmhouse style living room, but it’s also incredibly comfortable.

Gotham 3-Piece Chaise Sectional

Gotham U-Shaped Sectional with Ottoman

For less than $2,500, you can still find large sectional couches for your living area, like this 3-piece sectional for sale at Star Furniture. It features a minimalist, modern design, 8 patterned throw pillows, and a versatile gray fabric, perfect for matching many styles of interior design.

Juno 3-Piece Sectional

3-Piece White Sectional Sofa

Looking for a large but affordable sectional? You’ll love this chaise sectional for sale now at Star Furniture. It includes a left arm facing chaise, a right arm facing cuddler, and an armless loveseat, providing plenty of room to get comfortable. Plus, it comes with three decorative throw pillows for added comfort and style.

Best High-End Sectional Sofas

High-end living room furniture doesn’t have to be out of your reach. With Star Furniture, you’ll find great deals on upscale designs, including large sectionals that will last years to come.

Chatham 2-Piece Sectional

Chatham L-Shaped Sectional

Designed by Paula Deen, this amazing sectional sofa takes comfort to the next level. Not only do the cushions feature 25% more feathers/fiber than standard 50/50 blend down cushions, but the sofa also comes with eight decorative toss pillows for extra comfort.

Dash Leather 3-Piece Power Reclining Sectional Sofa

Dash Leather Curved Sectional

This top-selling, 3-piece sectional features a power reclining sofa, spacious wedge seating, and a power reclining loveseat, all covered in a stunning charcoal grey leather. This sectional sofa is perfect, whether you’re hosting a get-together for the big game, catching up on your to-read pile, or catching up on some shut-eye.

Grandview 5-Piece Sectional

Brown leather Sectional Sofa

If your interior design style veers toward the traditional, you’ll love this brown leather couch from the Grandview Collection. Not only can this modular sectional be arranged in several different shapes, but it also comes with 11 down throw pillows for your comfort, convenience, and style

Godfrey 4-Piece Sectional

Beige Godfrey Symmetrical Sectional Couch

This large sectional sofa is perfect for anyone who loves high-end furniture and modern-contemporary style. Not only is built with high-quality craftmanship sure to last for years, but it also has Ultra Down cushions for true comfort and luxury.

Still not sure where to start? Our sectional sofa guide explains everything you need to know about how to choose a sectional sofa. If you’re redesigning your living room, you’ll want to visit one of the Star Furniture stores in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or Bryan, Texas. Not only can our in-store interior designers help you find the perfect home décor, but our interior design blog can help you discover amazing living room lightingaccent chairsdecorating tips, and more! Visit us today!

Are sectional sofas a good idea? It depends on your living room layout. But for many, sectional sofas create flexible seating options that are comfortable and stylish. Sectional couches come in all different shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and Star Furniture carries sectionals for every style and budget. Follow along as we explore some of […]

Large Master Bedroom Ideas

Your bedroom isn’t just where you sleep, it’s where you go to rest, relax, and recharge. That’s why it’s so important to make sure it feels cozy, even if you’re dealing with a larger than average master bedroom. In today’s blog, we discuss how to decorate a large master bedroom.

Choose Oversized Furniture

If you’re looking for large master bedroom ideas to make your room feel cozy, start with oversized furniture. Oversized headboards, sleigh beds, and canopy beds take up more space and prevent the room from feeling bare. If you have a high ceiling, tall chests and armoires can occupy some of the empty vertical space, and long dressers can fill up empty horizontal space. You’ll also want to consider large scale nightstands, bedroom benches, vanities, and other bedroom furniture so the room looks proportional and full.

Divide the Room

Master bedrooms aren’t just for sleeping, and one of our favorite large master bedroom layout ideas is to divide the room into different visual and functional spaces. You might, for example, furnish the room with extra bedroom seating in order to create a reading nook or add a small writing desk and chair to create a small home office space. Not only does this create a more functional space, but it also adds visual interest to the room and makes the room feel fuller.

Pull the Bed Away from the Wall

Many traditional bedrooms feature a bed pushed against the wall but arranging the bed away from the wall is a great way to fill a large bedroom and create visual interest. This arrangement works especially well for large scale beds, which often serve as the focal point of the bedroom. Not only does the wall placement draw attention to the bed, but it can also make the room feel cozier, especially when you decorate the bed with lots of layers and textures.

Choose the Right Wall Colors

One of our favorite large bedroom ideas is to paint the walls a dark color. While light colors better reflect light and make the room feel open and airy, dark colors can make the room feel cozy and manageable. With large bedrooms, it’s especially important to choose a color scheme so that different areas of the room feel more consistent and unified, even if they serve different functions. ‘

In addition to our huge selection of bedroom furniture and mattresses, we also offer complimentary interior design services at our Star Furniture & Mattress stores throughout Texas. Visit us in-store or online and be sure to check out our interior design blog, where cover everything from how to decorate a master bedroom to what every master bedroom needs.

Your bedroom isn’t just where you sleep, it’s where you go to rest, relax, and recharge. That’s why it’s so important to make sure it feels cozy, even if you’re dealing with a larger than average master bedroom. In today’s blog, we discuss how to decorate a large master bedroom. Choose Oversized Furniture If you’re […]

For many people, sustainability is one of the top factors they consider when purchasing furniture, but its definition can vary from one furniture maker to the next. In general, sustainable furniture refers to any furniture made in a way that consciously preserves natural resources.

What is Mango Wood?

Mango wood is a hardy, dense wood that does best in climates with some humidity. There are many varieties of mango trees, and the color and pattern of the wood depends on the specific type of mango tree used in production. Not only is mango wood attractive and affordable, but it’s also sustainably made, which adds to its popularity.

How Mango Wood is Sustainably Produced

To help you better understand what you’re getting when you purchase mango wood furniture, here’s a rundown of its sustainable production:

  1. On mango plantations, the trees are not grown solely to be turned into furniture. They produce fruit for many years – often for decades. Only when they are too old to produce a harvestable amount of fruit are they cut down for furniture production.
  2. For farmers, an empty spot in the plantation means lost income. That’s why almost every mango tree that’s cut down for furniture production is then replaced with another mango tree.
  3. The felled trees are sold and used for making mango furniture and other goods. This cuts down on waste and provides additional income for mango farmers and their communities.
  4. Re-purposing mango wood also reduces carbon emissions, because the felled trees are no longer being left to rot and rotting wood produces carbon dioxide.

Mango Wood Furniture for Sale at Star Furniture

Looking for sustainable furniture that uses mango wood? Check out some of our favorite mango wood furniture for sale at Star Furniture.

Santa Cruz Platform Bed

Mango Wood Platform Bed with Metal Accents

This modern platform bed is made from hand-carved mango wood and reclaimed iron. Not only is it sustainably made, but it looks great and incorporates one of our favorite interior design trends: mixed metals.

Carnegie 42-inch Mango Wood Dining Table Mango Wood Table with Metal Legs

Looking for something sustainable and rustic? Check out this modern mango wood table, which features sustainably sourced mango wood and a hand-forged iron base.

Bedford Park Mango Bookcase

Mango Wood Bookcase with Metal Accents

Need some sustainable accent furniture to tie your room together? You’ll love this modern bookcase made from mango wood and forged iron metal frames.

Ready to start furnishing your home? Visit one of our furniture stores throughout Texas to find a wide selection of living room furnituredining room furniturebedroom furniture, and home décor. In the meantime, check out our interior design blog, were we cover everything from the our favorite home décor trends of 2020 to how to protect a wood dining table.

For many people, sustainability is one of the top factors they consider when purchasing furniture, but its definition can vary from one furniture maker to the next. In general, sustainable furniture refers to any furniture made in a way that consciously preserves natural resources. What is Mango Wood? Mango wood is a hardy, dense wood […]

Coffee tables serve many purposes. Not only are they a functional surface for placing beverages and reading material, but they can also be a stylish living room decoration. Whether you’re looking for a fashionable statement piece or a more functional table with storage capabilities, one of these coffee tables could be the piece of home décor that ties your entire living room together.

Arboles Round Glass Top Coffee Table

Modern Round Glass Coffee Table

This unique coffee table pairs rustic charm with a modern sensibility. Because of the natural elements, each coffee table has slightly different dimensions, which means each piece is distinct and original. With its natural wooden base and its round, glass top, this coffee table certainly makes a statement.

Chloe Rectangular Coffee Table

Looking for a modern coffee table to match your interior design style? This affordable coffee table has that mid-century modern feel. Plus, coffee tables with storage give you plenty of room to store trinkets, books, laptops, remote controls, and anything else you’d like to have nearby while you lounge on the couch.

Trisha Yearwood Georgia Rain Coffee Table

The Trisha Yearwood Home Collection features living room furniture that’s simple, casual, and well-crafted. Finding a coffee table with storage can be tough, but this wooden coffee table comes with two storage drawers and an open storage shelf. In fact, because of the extra storage space and small scale, this is one of our favorite coffee tables for small spaces. Plus, the unique lattice-like open woodwork adds an element of style and fun.

Magnolia Manor Coffee Table

Magnolia Furniture in Farmhouse Style Living Room

The Magnolia Home Collection features furniture that pairs country charm with more traditional style. This small coffee table features a storage drawer, lower storage shelf, and a distressed wood surface. You’ll love the antique white finish and detailed table legs, which make it perfect for a farmhouse style living room.

Rhapsody Square Coffee Table

Traditional Wood Coffee Table

Is your interior design style a little more traditional? This traditional coffee table draws inspiration from the finest European art and architecture. You’ll love the ornate detailing and the walnut-colored finish inspired by the natural yet rustic nature of reclaimed woods.

Georgetown Storage Coffee Table

Georgetown Storage Coffee Table

Find yourself searching for coffee tables with storage to cut down on clutter in your living room? You’re in luck. This modern coffee table features a unique storage compartment accessed through a slide open door. Not only will it help you keep your living room looking tidy, but its sleek lines and beautiful wood finish are the perfect addition to a modern living room.

If you’re re-imagining your living room, you’ll want to visit one of the 11 Star Furniture stores in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or Bryan, Texas. Not only can our in-store interior designers help you find the perfect home décor, but our interior design blog can help you discover sectional sofas in every price rangepet-proof furniture ideasFeng Shui furniture arrangement basics, and more. Come see us soon!

Coffee tables serve many purposes. Not only are they a functional surface for placing beverages and reading material, but they can also be a stylish living room decoration. Whether you’re looking for a fashionable statement piece or a more functional table with storage capabilities, one of these coffee tables could be the piece of home décor […]

Bright Living Room

Unless you’re completely remodeling your home, it’s impossible to make a room larger. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use these tricks to make your room appear larger. Here’s how to make a room look bigger through color, lighting, décor, and layout.

Color Ideas to Make a Room Look Bigger

What colors make a room look bigger? In general, you’ll want to start with light colors. Light colored walls are more reflective, which means they can help maximize the natural and artificial light in the room. This makes the room appear bigger and more open. You can also create the illusion that your walls are farther back by painting your trim and moldings in a lighter shade than your walls, which can also make a room appear larger than it is.

Lighting Ideas to Make a Room Look Bigger

One of the best ideas to make a room look bigger is to take advantage of natural and artificial light. To do so, try hanging mirrors directly across from windows and lighting fixtures. Not only will this help better reflect light, but the reflection from the window can also add depth and the illusion of extra space. In general, be sure to add floor lamps, table lamps, and other lighting fixtures to your décor so the room will feel as light and airy as possible.

Décor Ideas to Make a Room Look Bigger

Whether you’re furnishing a small bedroom, living room, dining room, or home office, there are certain furniture and décor decisions you can make to make the room appear larger. Start by choosing furniture with multiple functions when dealing with smaller rooms. You might, for example, choose a bed with built-in drawers or a coffee table with built-in storage. You can also choose versatile furniture like dining tables with extendable table leaves. That way, when you don’t need the extra seating options, you can save space in the room.  Glass tables and furniture with skinny legs can also make the room feel larger and more open.

Layout Ideas to Make a Room Look Bigger

When decorating a small room in your home, there are certain layout tricks that can help create the illusion of space. For one, make sure to scale your furniture for the size of the room. If you’re decorating a small bedroom, for example, you might want to choose a platform bed rather than a sleigh bed. You might also consider floating your furniture and placing your furniture at an angle. Because the longest straight line in any room is the diagonal, positioning your furniture at an angle leads the eye along the longer distance rather than the shorter wall.

Need help decorating a small room? Our interior design blog covers how to decorate a small living room, how to decorate a small bedroom, and how to make a home office in a small space. You can also check out our guides to decorating living rooms, dining rooms, master bedrooms, and your home office.

Unless you’re completely remodeling your home, it’s impossible to make a room larger. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use these tricks to make your room appear larger. Here’s how to make a room look bigger through color, lighting, décor, and layout. Color Ideas to Make a Room Look Bigger What colors make a room […]

Blue Kitchen Island

Don’t have room for a more formal dining room? No problem. Just because your dining room shares a space with your kitchen doesn’t mean both areas can’t be functional, stylish, and well-designed. In today’s interior design blog, we discuss kitchen dining room ideas for making the most of your kitchen dining room combo.

What is a Kitchen Dining Room Combo?

Generally speaking, a kitchen dining room combo is a room in a home that serves a dual purpose as both the kitchen and the dining room. Often, kitchen and dining rooms are combined as a space saver in small homes and apartments or a result of a more open floor plan concept. In some homes and apartments, the dining room might also be combined with the living room, or if it’s part of a studio apartment, there might not be any architectural distinction between the kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedroom.

Kitchen Dining Room Furniture Ideas

When it comes to decorating a kitchen dining room combo, the first thing you need to consider is the furniture—starting with finding the perfect dining room table. In addition to finding functional pieces that meet your kitchen and dining room needs, you’ll also need to make sure the pieces properly fit in the space. Here are some of our favorite small kitchen table ideas to help take advantage of a room serving as both the kitchen and dining room.

Stick with a Kitchen Island

Especially if you’re dealing with a small kitchen that also has to function as a dining room, it might make the most sense to choose a kitchen island instead of more traditional dining room sets. What makes kitchen islands so great is that they can effortlessly serve multiple purposes, including extra counter space when preparing an ambitious dinner or as a dining table where your family can gather to eat the delicious food you prepared. Kitchen islands also work great as space for your child do their homework where they can easily ask you questions while you cook or as a designated workspace when working remotely.

Embrace the Breakfast Nook

Before you can embrace the breakfast nook, you have to understand what it is and isn’t. Breakfast nooks aren’t just for breakfast. Generally speaking, a breakfast nook is a corner or portion of the kitchen that is dedicated to a small kitchen table. Traditionally, breakfast nooks have featured built-in tables, booth seating, or upholstered benches, though as they regain popularity, you’ll find many different interior design and furniture styles represented.  Despite their name, breakfast nooks serve many functions. Not only can they be used to gather as a family for meals, but their proximity to the kitchen makes them great for kids, as they can spend time doing homework or crafts at the table while still being in sight of their parent in the kitchen. Creating your own breakfast nook is a great way to marry the kitchen and dining room together into one well-functioning space.

Make Entertaining Easy with Counter-Height Tables

Many people whose kitchens and dining rooms share a distinct space tend to have a kitchen island countertop in addition to a dining room table. If that’s your arrangement, you might consider choosing a counter-height kitchen table to best complement your kitchen island. Not only will a counter-height dining table better match the height of your bar or kitchen island, but it can also be great for entertaining guests, since the people sitting at the table reach roughly the same height as people standing. Even if you choose a small counter-height table, you’ll still have the extra kitchen island seating for dinner parties, and the casual look is perfect for the less traditional kitchen dining room combo.

Go with a Glass Kitchen Table

If you’re looking for small kitchen table ideas, consider going glass. Not only do glass kitchen and dining room tables look great, but they’re incredibly easy to clean and won’t stain if someone accidentally knocks over a glass of wine. Plus, glass tables can make the room feel bigger and more open, which is great if you’re trying to split space between the kitchen and the dining room. Hoping to make the room pop? Pair your glass table with a colorful rug. The glass top will draw attention to the rug and add a level of flair to your dining room. Just make sure you choose the right size rug for your space.

Save Space with a Storage Table

One of our favorite small kitchen table ideas is to save space with a storage table. Especially when you’re dealing with a kitchen dining room combo, saving space can be vital to the style and practicality of the room. With storage tables, you can utilize the same amount of space for multiple uses. Whether it’s counter-height table with built-in cabinets or a small kitchen table with drawers, cabinets, and wine cubbies, storage tables can help keep your space uncluttered and functional without sacrificing style.

Round Tables Mean More Room

Looking for small kitchen table ideas for your kitchen dining room combo? Try a round kitchen or dining room table. In general, round tables tend to be either circular or oval-shaped. While circular and oval-shaped dining tables can be made in a wide-range of sizes, in general, round tables tend to be smaller, and it’s the diameter you’ll want to pay attention to when choosing what size round table to choose for your home. Because of their shape, round tables tend to take up less space, which is great when you’re trying to save space by combining two different functions to the same room.

Give Dining Benches a Try

If you’re decorating a kitchen dining room combo room, it’s likely you’ll need to find creative ideas to save space. One of our favorite small kitchen ideas is to try buying dining benches instead of dining chairs. Not only are dining benches great for extra seating, especially for kids, but they also save space, as you can easily tuck them under the table when they aren’t in use. Plus, while you can often find great furniture deals on dining room sets, dining benches are often more economical than purchasing the equivalent amount of dining room chairs. Because dining benches continue to increase in popularity, you should be able to find them available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and budgets.

Try a Folding Dining Room Table

If you’re short on space in your kitchen dining room combo, try finding a folding dining room table. That way, when you aren’t using your kitchen table, you can put the ends down, opening up additional space. That extra space can make all the difference in the traffic flow of the room, making it easier to move around and use other parts of the kitchen. Folding tables can also help keep the room from feeling cluttered with large furniture.

Kitchen Dining Room Color & Décor Ideas

Different color schemes and décor ideas can help combine the kitchen and dining room into a functional and stylish space. Here are some of our favorite color and décor ideas to help you get started.

Light Walls Create the Illusion of Space

If you’re working with a small space for your kitchen and dining room, it might make sense to choose a color scheme that can help make the room look bigger and more spacious. Generally speaking, light-colored walls better reflect light and can help create the illusion of space. Consider choosing an even lighter color for any trim and moldings, as this can create an optical illusion where the walls appear to have more depth.

Choose Complementary Colors for Both Spaces

When integrating a dining space into the kitchen, it might help to use similar or complementary colors in both spaces. You might, for example, choose to have the walls in the kitchen area feature a different, but complementary color to the walls in the dining area. To tie the eat-in kitchen area together, try choosing décor and accent pieces that feature the dominant color in the opposite space. So, if you have a shade of green on the wall behind the stove, try choosing a runner for the table that matches the shade to create a more connected feel.

Use an Area Rug to Divide Space

When you’re working with an open floor plan or trying to create distinct spaces within a smaller area, it helps to find a way to visually divide the room. One great way to do this is by strategically using rugs. A large rug under a kitchen dining table, for example, can give the eating space a more distinguished look, even if it shares walls with the kitchen area. Remember, it’s all about balance, so while you may want to choose a rug to help the eating space stand out on its own, you might want to choose colors from the kitchen area to help pull the distinct spaces together.

Take Advantage of Mirrors

Especially if your space is limited, combining a kitchen and dining room can create a space that feels small and cluttered. Decorating with wall mirrors is a great way to take advantage of natural and artificial light, which can in turn make the room feel bright, airy, and spacious. For the best results, try arranging mirrors next to light sources or across from windows. While light can make the room look more cheerful and open, the reflection from the window can add depth and visual interest to the room.

Think Function Over Form

When you’re decorating with limited space, it’s especially important to prioritize function over form, meaning that how you will use a piece of furniture should take precedent over what it looks like. This will help you keep your space from being cluttered with pieces that don’t serve a practical function, and it will keep you from choosing furniture that looks great but isn’t practical for the space you’re furnishing. Before you simply pick a piece of furniture that looks stylish, make sure you’ve considered how the piece will be used on a daily basis and how it will fit in with the rest of the furniture in the room.

Shopping at Star Furniture

When you shop at Star Furniture & Mattress, you’ll find a wide range of kitchen and dining room furniture to help you design the kitchen dining room combo of your dreams. Not only do we have great furniture deals on functional and stylish furniture, but we offer free interior design services at our stores, so you can take advantage of our decades of design experiences. Plus, we have dining room furniture in every style and budget, including traditional dining room furniture, modern dining room furniture, transitional dining room furniture, and farmhouse style dining room furniture. We even offer a free room planner tool, which allows you to try out different furniture arrangements before you make a purchase.

Whether you’re decorating a kitchen dining room combo, a more formal dining room, or a dining room combined with a living room, Star Furniture & Mattress can help. In addition to these great kitchen dining room decorating ideas, we have a huge selection of dining room furniture for sale, including dining sets, dining benches, barstools and counter stools, china cabinets, curios, buffet servers, and bar carts and wine cabinets. In the meantime, check out our interior design blog, where we cover everything from what to do with a dining room you don’t use to how to decorate a hutch.

What is a Kitchen Dining Room Combo? Kitchen Dining Room Furniture Ideas Kitchen Dining Room Color & Décor Ideas Shopping at Star Furniture Don’t have room for a more formal dining room? No problem. Just because your dining room shares a space with your kitchen doesn’t mean both areas can’t be functional, stylish, and well-designed. […]

Just because you have mobility issues doesn’t mean you can’t sit in comfort and style. Star Furniture offers a handful of practical and stylish power lift recliners designed with the lounger in mind. In today’s blog, we explain what a lift chair is and suggest some of the best lift chairs for sale at Star Furniture.

What is a Lift Chair?

A lift chair is a chair that features a powered lifting mechanism to help the user move from the sitting to standing position by slowly tilting the base and back of the chair forward. Lift chair recliners have both the lift function and the ability to recline.

Pinnacle Lift Recliner with Heat & Massage

Brown Lift Chair Recliner

Our top-of-the-line lift recliner from Pinnacle offers an added heat and massage option for those looking for extra comfort and luxury. The seat and back have individual heating levels so that you can use one at a time or both together.

Alongside the natural reclining functionality, the Pinnacle also includes separate back and footrest reclining adjustments. With the added side pocket and “zero gravity” lift options, you’re sure to find one of the best seats in your house with the Pinnacle Lift Recliner with Heat & Massage.

Evan Lift Recliner with Heat & Massage

Gray Power Lift Recliner

If you’re looking for a power lift recliner with heat and massage but want a chair in a more affordable price range for your budget, look no further than the Evan Lift Recliner! Like the Pinnacle model, the Evan provides heat and massage options for its owner. The built-in lumbar massage and heating options complement the Evan's ability to fully recline into a “lay flat” position, perfect for napping. Made from durable polyester fabric, this lift recliner is in it for the long haul.

Logan Lift Chair

Brown Leather Lift Chair

Looking to add a bit of leather to your lounging experience? The Logan Lift Chair is the leather lift recliner for you! The Logan provides three different recline and lift options including power recline, power lift, and power lumbar support. While you’re comfortable in the chair, the side pocket allows for enough room to store some magazines, books, or an iPad.

Oliver Power Lift Recliner

Gray Power Lift Recliner

Rounding out the bunch is our most affordable lift recliner, the Oliver Power Lift Recliner! Watch your favorite show or take a cozy nap with three different comfort adjusters including power recline, power headrest, and an easy-to-use hand wand that controls Oliver’s power lift settings. Upholstered with soft and durable chenille fabric, the Oliver Power Lift Recliner is a great choice for your next lounge chair.

Looking for more design inspiration for the rest of your living room? Look no further than our interior design blog where we cover everything from how to decorate your living room to how to make a living room cozy. You can also browse our extensive living room furniture collection for sectionals, sofas, ottomans, end tables, and more.

 

Just because you have mobility issues doesn’t mean you can’t sit in comfort and style. Star Furniture offers a handful of practical and stylish power lift recliners designed with the lounger in mind. In today’s blog, we explain what a lift chair is and suggest some of the best lift chairs for sale at Star […]