How to Clean Your Upholstered Furniture

Image via: BHG

A Simple Sudsing Method

Sudsing, which some get confused with soaking- it is not, will help to lift away the stains that may have been more set in. One way to do this trick is to mix some warm water and a tiny bit of clear dish soap in a bucket or large bowl, then take a soft bristle upholstery brush and dint it into the mixture and apply to a small area of the upholstery. Be sure that you are not roughly brushing the area yet lightly stroking the area, then with a damp cloth clean the area. Be sure you check your labeling before doing any sudsing, some fabrics may need it others may just need a quick suction process.

Image via:  Current in Westfield

Vacuum Cleaning to do the Trick

Typically vacuums are just used for in taking the crumbs, leftover snakes and minute misc. items that get stuck in between cushions of the furniture within our homes. Take the upholstery tube attachment of the vacuum and like you would as if you are vacuuming the floor, make overlapping strokes on the upholstery from left to right. This will help to clean up the dirt spots that like to cling on to more shaggy fibers in certain upholstery.

Image via:  Rainbow Thailand

Spots on Specific Fabrics

Now if the fabric has more of the linen, polyester-acrylic or even cotton fibers to it then the cleaning process might be a bit different if it has certain messy spots on it. In that case, you want to get some carpet and rug dry cleaner along with pre-mist capture soil release and your vacuum. First use the pre-mist then sprinkle the dry cleaner and rub the cleaner with a dry cloth and then use the vacuum. If the spot remains then you can repeat the process, but be careful that you do not over do-it on the upholstery care.

We enjoy having our furniture looking clean and spotless; however life isn’t always as kind as we would hope. So sometimes our kids, pets and lifestyles make their way to the furniture and leave those lovely marks of mess and if we don’t catch it our upholstery is ruined. But not to fear because there are ways to help with your upholstery care, so take a look above and see how the tips work out for you. Also Stagetecure readers do you have any remedies for removing stains from your upholstery

Budgets are tight! It is so fun to browse through all the wonderful home decorating magazines and dream about purchasing the furniture that adorns those perfect rooms, but alas we have practical bills to pay – unless you want to skip that electricity payment and use candles. Hmmmm that may be something to consider…..

All joking aside, there are some really cheap ways to give your rooms an updated look without breaking your budget; Consider punching up your boring, tired décor with pillows!

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Keeping textiles around kids and pets

Kids can be rough on soft textiles such as pillows, so I have a solution! Buy outdoor patio pillows and use them on your indoor furniture. I have done this in my own home and have received numerous compliments followed by, ‘Where did you get those pillows?’. Guests never realize that they are outdoor pillows!

Outdoor fabric is sturdy, stain resistant and now comes in amazing designs and patterns that fit all styles of décor.  Another bonus? Outdoor pillows are on clearance right now!

Sew Your Own

Even if you are not a seamstress, if you can sew a straight line, then you can make your own pillows. Take a trip through the remnant bin of your local fabric store; these bins are full of small cuts of high-end fabric that are perfect for pillows.

Overall, don’t be shy! Pillows are one of the few areas of our home where we can be wild. They can add that much needed punch of color and crazy pattern that completes a room. And if you grow tired of your pillows, no problem – they are cheap and easy to replace.

For more home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Furnishing your home is a huge investment.  Take your sofa for example: why is one sofa more than three times the cost of another that looks similar?  Is it really worth the difference in price?  How long will it last before you need another replacement?  If you have ever asked yourself these questions, now you have the answers.  We all enjoy updating our living rooms, but most of us want a sofa with a level of style and quality that will outlast several mini-makeovers through the years.  So if it’s true quality and longevity that you’re after, here is what to look for when you start shopping.

Image via: James Thomas, LLC

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Frame

The true test of quality in a sofa is its frame.  American-made, solid wood frames represent the pinnacle of durability, especially with reinforced joints.  Ask if the base is eight-way-hand-tied, a traditional method used in furniture for over 150 years.  An eight-way system means that individual springs are tied together from eight different directions with tough fibers and supported below by industrial-strength polypropylene strips.  This base is the strongest in the industry, and creates a frame that simply won’t give out.  To finish, look for high-density foam cushions, which may feel a little firm but have the longest life over the years.  A frame like this will easily last over ten years with proper care.

Image via Pearson Furniture

Upholstery

Even the strongest frame will look tired quickly if the cover begins to show wear.  Polyester and other synthetic materials hold up well and come in a broad range of textures to suit every taste and budget.  Upholstery is also where style comes into play.  If you plan to purchase a sofa that will last over ten years, I always recommend choosing a neutral base color.

Image via: Joie Wilson

A neutral fabric, no matter the texture, will look timeless and is easy to update.  Save that bright color, wild pattern, or expensive silk for pillows that you can change with the season or your mood.  It’s also much easier on the budget to swap out pillows than to buy a new sofa!

Image via Caitlin Wilson

Now that you know a little about what goes into a great sofa, you’re ready to bring home a gorgeous sofa that you’ll love for years to come.

For more home furniture ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

When you are in a temporary place in your life – an apartment, or rental home that you don’t plan to stay in for more than a year ̶ why spend money buying furniture that you will have to pay to move or won’t fit in your more permanent future home? This is where rental furniture comes in very handy! Here are some tips for how to rent your way into a fully-furnished apartment with no life-long commitment:

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Couches and Sofas:

Believe it or not, you can rent a sofa! Go ahead pick out a small sofa that suits your small apartment and pay a small monthly amount. You can do this on a month by month basis until you are ready to move and then you simply give the sofa back! Or if you fall in love with the rented sofa, you usually have the option of buying it and using your monthly rental fees towards the final cost. When searching for rental furniture visit www.davidphillips.com/rental-furniture to give you inspiration for your home.

TV’s and Electronics:

For any lifestyle, it may be smart to rent your TV’s and electronics since their technology is always changing. Why pay thousands of dollars for that new ‘must have’ TV only to discover a newer, better model out the following month? Rent the TV that suits your needs, and then when the new model comes out return your old model and rent the newer model.

Tables and chairs:

Again, renting kitchen tables, side tables, and kitchen chairs just makes sense! Why pay full price for furniture that you won’t want after a year? Temporary living equals temporary furniture – it only makes sense AND saves you a ton!

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As you can see, you can literally furnish your whole home with temporary furniture and electronics. It is best to search your local listings for reputable furniture and home rental companies. Search for a company that offers the best monthly payment deals and has a broad selection of furniture models and choices. You will also want to find a company that allows you to use your monthly payments towards the purchase price, just in case you fall in love with a particular rental piece. Overall, be wise, do your homework and don’t sign any dotted line until you are satisfied with the rental deal.

For more home savings ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you think your couch is comfortable, wait until you match it with the perfect pillows! Throw pillow makes the couch more comfortable, silky and smooth. It is like an icing on the cake. Couch pillows provide not only comfort but also added decoration and comfort to those enjoying your relaxing couch.

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Choosing the right pillows for your couch should be carefully done. When choosing pillows decide if you want pillows just for decoration or they need to be functional for back support and comfort.  There are a wide variety of pillows available in the market today. It depends on the design, color, size, and the materials it is made of. The pattern and design is up to you and choosing a material can be just as easy to choose from.

To give you some ideas on the popular pillows for your couch, here are some materials preferred by many people:

Faux Suede

A very soft material and perfect for throw pillows. If you have children and pets, this material fits your situation. Faux suede is very durable and easy to clean. It has better resistance to scratches and dirt.

Polyester Pillow

It is one of the bestsellers among other materials. It is made of synthetic fillings that is relatively cheap and can be washed easily. It is more durable than other types of pillow materials. There is also polyester pillow that has polyester gel inside to add comfort. But this kind is not saleable since it emits a chemical odor. Be aware that polyester absorbs sweat, facial oils and dust. This is why regular cleanups should be done regularly.

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Tapestry Throw Pillow

Tapestry is a textile art which is traditionally woven.  It gives accent to the pillow since it will be covered tapestry. This makes it more unique and stylish as compared with other materials.

Accent Pillow

It is like adding a statement without saying anything. It has more effect if you try to follow the “less is more” approach and then accessorize your pillow. This type provides a more personal aesthetic to your couch and can be simple, ornate, or a mixture of both.

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Remember that your choice of pillows reflects your personality. Understandably, your personal preference plays a big part in the selection process and using these tips will help you decide on the right ones. Remember, choose pillows that not only compliment your couch but your personal design and lifestyle. Large furry pillows in a home with children and pets may get dirty quickly, for example. Choose pillows you love and your couch will look and feel great from your decision!

For more living room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

This is essentially the nightmare scenario of the sofa world, you have just bought a new sofa and settled it into your home and somehow you have managed to get a stain on it. Fear not there a few ways in which you can rectify the issue and flop back into your sofas in the height of relaxation.

Common Sofa Stain Culprits:

To be honest a stain on your new sofa is only a matter of time, so rather than worry about your sofa getting stained just make sure you are careful with the following usual suspects:

Hot drinks like coffee and tea

Ballpoint pen or biro

Food stains like troublesome Bolognese sauce

Fruit juice drinks, usually spilt by the kids in the household

Red wine

Image via: Be Interior Decorator

There are a few actions you should take when a stain does appear on your living room sofa:

Treat the stain immediately

Don’t leave wet stains to dry and tackle them immediately with a cleaning agent or a damp cloth this will ensure that the offending stain doesn’t get time to soak into the material of your sofa and will be broken down by the cleaning agent as soon as possible.

Never scrub the stain

Scrubbing the stain will damage the fabric of your sofa so should be avoided at all costs. It is better to wipe down the stained area and remove an excess and then work in your cleaning agent.

Check supplier recommendations

Usually sofa manufacturers will supply you with detailed cleaning instructions so be sure to check them first to see if it is possible wash your sofa covers in the washing machine. If possible this will remove most stains and can be a lot easier than working out a stain by hand.

Use vinegar solutions

Vinegar solutions of three parts water to one part vinegar can be used for removing juice stains and watering the stain down will help to disperse the offending juice. When juice is involved it is important to tackle the stain as soon as possible to avoid the juice soaking into the material.

Image via: Home Design Decorating

Don’t use bleach

Never use bleach on sofa covers as most materials will discolour badly and only make the stains worse

Removing blood stains

Blood stains need to be tackled with a salt and water solution. You should dissolve small amounts of salt into large amount of water and use this to tackle the stain.

Removing an ink stain from a sofa

Ink stains can be removed with hairspray and a good amount of washing. This is due to the alcohol content in the hairspray which works to break up the stain. This process of stain removing will require a number of applications and will gradually work its magic against the stain over time rather than removing the biro in one go.

Most sofas will come with washing guideline tags which will let you know what course of action to take for tackling a stain.

W – spot clean the stain with a water solution or mild detergent

S – spot clean with solvent only in a well ventilated room

S W – spot clean with either water based or solvent cleaning agent

X – vacuum only

If you have a large of particularly stubborn stain then it can be a good idea to buy new covers to get rid of the stain or use a dry cleaning service to tackle the stain. This may seem a little drastic but sometimes it is worth spending a bit more money rather than constantly being annoyed at having a stain on your sofa.

Jonathan is a freelance writer who enjoys finding new methods for avoiding home nightmares like a stained sofa.

For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Pillows have been around for a very long time

Pillows are thought to have been originally used by wealthy men in Asia and were found sometime later in Ancient Egyptian tombs.  They were greatly prized and highly decorated. Later the handcraft of designing pillows became an art form and textures, textiles and the creativity became varied and complex.

Image courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Besides bed pillows there are an interesting assortment of pillows used throughout the home:

• Throw pillows or toss pillows, generally called that because they are tossed on furniture to create a casual and inviting look.
• Novelty pillows which can be used on furniture for comfort but are also humorous to encourage conversation and a laugh or too. These may consist of our favorite cartoon characters or other stuffed objects.
• Accent pillows – a throw pillow created in a fabric to emphasize the area where it is placed.
• Sofa pillow or couch pillows are toss pillows belonging on the sofa or couch.
• Floor pillows – generally 26” X 26” pillows created to add needed casual seating.

Image courtesy of Circa Interiors

A pillow promises comfort.

Pillows can be created from a multitude of fabrics and textures and can be stuffed with many different fillings. They can be purchased or created for very little money and can add personality, warmth, color, comfort and charm to the décor. They can be filled with cotton, down, fiber, foam, buckwheat, synthetic fills, viscoelastic foam, latex or feathers. They can be washable or not. They also can be created to be hypo allergenic for those who suffer with allergies.

Pillows can be washable.

If purchasing a pillow which cannot be washed you may want to at least make the cover washable and create an opening of some type. It can be an envelope type where the pillow is tucked within the back or a snap or zipper closure. Pillows can accumulate dust and microbes so it is important to be able to clean them.

Without pillows a couch is just a couch.

It’s funny how a few pillows for less than $10.00 each can make such a difference, but they do.

Ordinary throw pillows can be found at a yard sale for less than a dollar each placed on a click clack futon purchased new for less than $100.

They can be tossed in a washer at the Laundromat. A normal wash machine used at home should not be used to wash pillows in, only an industrial one like the large front loaders at the Laundromat.

Image courtesy of Home Workshop

A scarf sized piece of sheer fabric tied around the center of the white pillow can take on a quite unique look like this lifting it from ordinary to extraordinary. The sheer scarf like fabric used to tie the pillow could also be used to drape over the curtain rods to truly make an interesting statement.

If you decide to keep it this way a couple of discreetly made stitches under the center knot will hold it in place. If not, remove the scarf and sew lace around the edges like this for a completely different look:

Pillows can do so much for your decor for so little cost.

Pillows and pillow covers can be made easily, quickly, and inexpensively. Fabric stores sell remnants of fabric for a fraction of the original cost and even an old pair of jeans or a shirt can be used to create a new pillow cover. Consider fabrics, colors, textures. Perhaps something sturdy is desired or perhaps comfort is the goal. The above pillow is created from very soft and plush suede like material which begs to be leaned back on. A pillow invites one to sit down and relax.

Marina Chernyak is freelance writer and co-owner of accent tables store located at – AccentTablesBoutique.com

For more decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

When I hear my friends and colleagues talk about how they are spending their summers, they are filled with vacations, relaxing, spending time with family in the outdoors, and plenty of soul searching…. geesh not me!

My summer has been filled with chauffeuring my teenagers around the city and becoming my 5 year olds new best friend! While I enjoy it, I’m in serious need of a break, even if only mentally and spiritually…

Today, I thought I’d take a break and relax with some Zen Outdoor Patio Furniture inspiration, after all if you can’t get inspired by looking at gorgeous furniture, then what’s the point in living?! Come and relax with me….

Image courtesy of On Home Design

Image courtesy of Decor Dir

Image courtesy of Arsitekturmedia

Image courtesy of Studio G Blog

Enjoy your relaxing summer, with these Zen outdoor inspirations, how do you not feel in the mood to drink in all that summer has to offer?

For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.