How to clean an armchair

When it comes to any soft furnishing that cannot simply be thrown in the washing machine, removing stains or simply cleaning dirty areas of fabric can prove challenging. Upholstered armchairs are no different. With a number of factors to consider, including fabric type and the area of the chair you want to clean, doing your research before you get to work is a good idea.

To help you clean your upholstered armchair quickly, effectively and without causing any costly damage, this handy guide will tell you everything you need to know.

How to clean a fabric armchair

Although the methods needed to clean your armchair will vary slightly depending on the fabric it is made from, as a rule there are five main steps to effectively and safely cleaning any upholstered armchair. These are:

• Step1: Vacuum

Before you do anything else, removing any loose dust, dirt and debris from your chair is essential. While this can be done with a soft-bristled brush and dustpan, the easiest and most effective way is to use a vacuum cleaner. Using a small vacuum attachment that allows you to get into all the nook and crannies of your upholstered chair, start with the larger areas such as the seat, back and arms before moving into any corners and folds where dust and dirt tend to collect. Remember to also vacuum the underside of the chair - it is important to cover every inch of the item of furniture, especially if you are cleaning it with the aim of removing any nasty smells.

• Step 2: Spot clean

Once you have finished vacuuming, your attention should switch to removing any visible stains on your armchair. To do this, you’ll need to identify the type of stain you’re dealing with. For the most part, stains can be removed with white vinegar. To try this, simply blot the stain with a clean microfibre cloth dipped in a solution made up for equal parts vinegar and tepid water. To remove any lingering vinegar smell, follow this up by dabbing the area with a mixture of lightly scented mild detergent and water. Finally leave the area to air-dry naturally.

For more stubborn stains, stronger, shop-bought spot cleaning products may be required. However, always make sure you check your armchairs label, if possible, before using these products. Patch testing the product on a small area of the chair’s fabric that is generally out of sight is also a good idea.

• Step 3: Wipe down the fabric

For deeper cleans and to refresh fabric armchairs, you may need to scrub it. To do this, mix a solution made up of one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent and one litre of warm water. Next, completely soak a new microfibre cloth in the solution and then wring it out until it is no longer dripping. This damp cloth can now be used to gently wipe down the entire surface of your chair. If the chair is particularly dirty, you may need to replace your cloth as you progress.

• Step 4: Rinse

Once the chair has been scrubbed and the solution has been allowed to settle into the fabric for several minutes, it’s time to rinse it off. To do this, take a new microfiber cloth and repeat Step Three, this time only soaking your cloth in regular water with no detergent. This process will need to be repeated until no soapy residue can be seen or felt on the surface of your chair.

• Step 5: Dry

Finally, before you can sit in your freshly cleaned armchair, you must ensure it is completely dry. There are three ways to do this. You can either:

• Open nearby windows and allow it to naturally air-dry where it is. This is best in warmer climates.
• Take the chair outside and allow it to air-dry in a shady area. While this can leave your chair smelling fresh, beware of the wind - dust and debris can undo all of your hard work.
• Use small flannels or paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible by hand, before leaving it overnight to air-dry in a heated room. This is best in colder climates.

How to clean a leather armchair

Leather armchairs can be cleaned in much the same way as fabric chairs. However, be warned that when cleaning a leather item of furniture, excess liquid - be that water, vinegar cleaning solution or soap water - can leave marks if left to sit or not properly dried. For this reason, all liquids should be applied very carefully when dealing with leather.

Additionally, in order to keep your leather armchair in the best condition possible, it can be a good idea to use an approved leather cream/conditioner after a clean. These products are designed to restore lost moisture and suppleness following a clean, and can help protect the colour and texture of the leather.

How to clean armchair arms

The arms of any armchair tend to be the area of the item that receives the most wear and tear, meaning that they often need cleaning the most. Fortunately, most arms can be cleaned in exactly the same way as the rest of the chair. This process, which involves vacuuming, spot cleaning, scrubbing, rinsing and drying, may need to be repeated several times in order to fully clean especially dirty arms, however, ultimately this method should work safely and effectively.

If you have noticed that the arms of your favourite armchair are becoming dirtier than the rest of the chair, there are ways to protect these areas. Armchair covers , also known as antimacassars, are typically designed from lace, polyester or cotton and can be placed on the arms of a chair, as well as the headrest, to prevent these areas becoming dirty. These simple inventions, which can also be decorative, can cut down how regularly a full armchair clean is required. 

How to choose dining table size

When choosing the right dining room for your home, size matters. And there are several factors to take into consideration when weighing up the length, width and height you need, including the size of the space you have, how many people you want it to seat and any unique needs you have when it comes to sizing.

If you want to find out the standard dining table size, and how high and wide your table should be, read on. This blog will also help you to measure your space for a new dining table.

What is the standard size of a dining table?

The first thing you’ll need to take into account when choosing a dining table is how many people you need your table to seat. If you’re a family of four, for example, a four-seater table may work just fine, especially if you’re short on space. If you have more space to play with, you might decide to go for a six or even an eight-seater so you can have space for guests. If you’re part of a big household or you regularly host dinner parties, you may decide to go for a 10-seater table.

You should consider comfort levels when seated. If people do not have enough elbow room, their comfort will be significantly affected. After all, how can you expect to really enjoy a meal if you don’t have space to move your arms freely? Ideally, you should aim to have a 70cm-wide space for each person at the table.

Here are the standards lengths of these dining tables:

• 4-seater dining table – 75 - 90cm
• 6-seater dining table – 118 - 140cm
• 8-seater dining table – 150 - 220cm
• 10-seater dining table – 180 - 280cm

What height should a dining table be?

Regular-height dining tables tend to be between 71cm and 76cm from the tabletop to where the leg of the table meets the floor. Such tables are designed to be used with chairs that are between 40cm and 50cm in height.

Of course, a standard-size table may not be right for you, depending on your unique needs. Whatever height you opt for though, you should ensure that there is at least 24cm between the chair and the tabletop, and you should aim for no more than a 30cm gap between the two.

How wide should a dining table be?

The width of the dining table you choose will depend on how many people it’s designed to accommodate, as well as its shape (for example, whether it’s circular, rectangular or square).

Here are the typical widths for different sized dining tables:

• 4-seater dining table – 75 - 90cm
• 6-seater dining table – 75 - 90cm
• 8-seater dining table – 75 - 90cm
• 10-seater dining table – 90 - 100cm

How to determine dining table size?

When determining the width and length of your dining table you should buy, you’ll need to think about where it will be positioned. Whether you place your table in a dining room, kitchen, conservatory or multi-use space, you should aim to leave one metre between the edges of the table and any furniture or the walls ideally. This will allow people plenty of space to pass by the table without others having to move out of their seats. Of course, if you don’t have the luxury of space, you may decide to place the table nearer to a wall at one side to allow more space on the side that people are more likely to use to pass by. You should allow at least 90cm for people to slide their chairs in and out comfortably.

To calculate the right size dining table for your space you should:

1. Identify the area where you want to place your dining table.
2. Measure the length and width of this space.
3. Next, you should take away 180cm from the length and width of the space as this will ensure you have 90cm free on each side. If you want more space around your dining table, you can take 200cm from the length and width instead.
4. The figures you’re left will tell you the length and width of the dining table you should purchase. For example, if your dining space is 400cm long and 300cm wide, the maximum side table for your space will be 220cm long and 120cm wide if you want to leave a 90cm clearance. If you want to leave a metre gap, you would need a table that’s 200cm long and 100cm wide.

How to cover an armchair

There are many reasons you might decide to cover an armchair. Perhaps your much-loved favourite chair has seen better days but it still adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your interiors, or maybe you’ve invested in a vintage piece you’d like to protect from damage. Or it could be that you’d simply like to achieve a shabby chic look and feel in your space by adding layers to your replica furniture.

In this blog, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to covering armchairs to help you to make sure the final look exudes style and sophistication.

What are armchair covers called?

Armchair covers are also known as antimacassars or chair back covers. They are designed to cover and protect the back or head of a chair. The name ‘antimacassars’ is derived from a hair oil that was used in the 19th century called Macassars. Sometimes the term can be used to describe protective fabrics that cover the arms of the chair too, although these are more commonly called arm caps or arm protectors. You’ll find antimacassars in a variety of materials, such as lace, polyester, cotton and more. They are also available in a wide range of styles, so whether you like retro embroidery, herringbone tweed or pretty patterns on chenille, you’re sure to find something that will work in your living room.

Armchair covers can also refer to slipcovers that go over the whole chair. They are a good option if you want a less time-consuming and expensive alternative to reupholstering a worn, torn or otherwise damaged piece of furniture. Slipcovers can also be used if you want to change your furniture to complement an updated interior decor scheme. As the name suggests, all you need to do is simply slip them over your armchairs to transform their appearance.

How to cover an armchair with a sheet

Whether you want to protect your furniture, cover unsightly stains and rips or add texture and interest, covering your armchair with a sheet can work wonders. Simply follow these steps to create a stylish look:

1. Place the sheet on the armchair, ensuring you’re happy with the pattern placement if there is any. For example, if you have a striped sheet, you may want to check that the stripes sit vertically or horizontally on the chair.
2. Tuck the sheet in along the sides and edges.
3. Use fabric pins to pin the sheet so that it’s taut against the chair and stays in place.
4. Pull the excess fabric back into two corners at the back of the chair and pin them together.

This method is especially useful if you’re looking for a temporary solution or you want a permanent method that allows for easy cleaning. When your chair cover needs a refresh, simply remove and put it in the washing machine. And while your sheet is being laundered, simply cover your chair with another sheet of your choice for an elegant look all the time.

How to cover an armchair with a throw

Throws are the ultimate furniture accessory. They allow you to add colour, texture and hygge to your home in an instant, and they are a perfect accompaniment to armchairs.

There are many ways to use a throw to cover an armchair. For a neat and tidy appearance, you could fold a small throw lengthwise and drape it so that some fabric falls behind the chair and the remainder sits in a central position down the head, back and seat of the chair in a vertical line. You could then place a cushion on top of the armchair to keep it in place and create an extra layer of comfort and style. You could also use a small throw to cover the back of the chair alone or you could drape it horizontally across the arms and seat of the chair to protect them from wear and tear.

If you have a large throw, you could use it to cover the entire chair if you wanted to. All you need to do is position the throw so that it covers the chair and tuck in along the edges to keep it in place. This could come in handy if you have children or pets. It could also be used to create a boho-chic aesthetic that can be effortlessly updated.

How to cover an armchair with fabric

If your chair is looking lacklustre and you want to permanently alter it, all you need to transform it is some fabric, a measuring tape, a pair of fabric scissors, sewing needles, thread and a staple gun.

Once you’ve figured out how much fabric you need (see section below), choose a pattern and material you like. Then cut out the fabric to cover each section of the chair. Next, position each piece of the template on the right section of the chair, stapling it down around the base or edges of the upholstery. You will probably need to sew the fabric around the arms or wings of the chair.

How many metres of fabric to cover an armchair

Before you begin to cover your chair, you need to work out how much fabric you need. Simply follow these steps to get an estimation:

1. Measure the length and depth of the seat cushion and multiply both measurements by two. Then add the two figures together.
2. Measure around the arm of the chair and then measure the width of the arm at the widest point. Double both of these measurements and add them together.
3. Measure the length of the back of the chair from the top to the bottom.
4. Measure the height of the back cushion from the top to where it meets the seat.
5. Measure the seat depth under the cushion from the back of the seat to the front of the chair.
6. Measure the height of the front of the chair from the bottom of the upholstery to where it meets the cushion.
7. Add all measurements together to get the total amount in metres.

How to dress a dining table

Your dining table is one of the most functional pieces of furniture in your home - it provides you and your family with a place to eat, work and socialise. However, whether you have a traditional oak table, a sleek minimalist glass-top design, or a contemporary metal framed surface, your dining table’s appearance can end up a little lacklustre if it’s not styled properly. For this reason, knowing how to correctly dress a dining table is important.

From the simple addition of a tasteful centrepiece or table ornament to stunning themed table dressings for special events, turning the blank canvas of an empty dining table into a work of art that oozes style and personality is simple. In this blog, we show you how to transform the look of your dining room with some simple yet effective tricks and tips.

How to dress a dining table when not in use

Even when a dining table is not in use, the chances are it will still represent a major focal point in your dining room or kitchen. For this reason, it shouldn't be ignored. Dressing your dining table has the power to transform a purely functional item of furniture into a stunning design feature. But how do you go about this?

Fortunately, There are many different decorating options to choose from, so you shouldn't struggle to find a style to suit your home. Below we have outlined different ways to dress a dining table that’s not in use:

• Traditional tablecloths

If your home’s interior design is traditional and you believe ‘less is more’, an elegant tablecloth may be all you need to dress your empty dining table. Make sure you select a tablecloth that properly fits your size and shape of table, and also remember to stick to fine materials such as silk, cotton or organza. When it comes to colour and pattern, the choice is yours. You can either opt for a solid bold colour that will stand out and make your dining table a real statement piece, or you can go for a more subtle shade or pattern that will fit in with the rest of your dining room interior.

• Flowers and houseplants

Injecting a splash of colour in the form of bouquets of flowers or permanent potted houseplants can be a great way to spruce up a previously lifeless dining surface. This can be a particularly good idea if your table is large. While you don’t want to go overboard, the addition of one or two plants can transform a boring surface into a true focal point. For maximum effect, try to keep vases and planters on the plain side to ensure that full focus remains on the plants. Opt for plain whilte, grey, black or terracotta coloured vessels, paired with brightly coloured, lively-looking plants and flowers. Which types of plants you go for depends on personal preference and what goes best with the rest of your interior, however, whatever indoor plants or flowers you choose, this touch of nature is bound to turn a formal item of furniture into a relaxed-looking and inviting feature.

• Candles, vases and ornaments

If your dining area is a large open space, it’s not unusual for an empty table to look a bit naked in this environment. If this is the case, covering the surface with stylish decorative items that complement the rest of the room and turn your table into a focal point could be a good idea. Think about using a combination of candles, vases, pillars and other ornaments when the table is not in use to give your dining room a bit more oomph. If you go down this route, you can decide on a more eclectic look - ideal for traditional dining tables - or opt for a neat and tidy centerpiece approach - more suited to sleek contemporary tables and dining areas.

How to dress a white dining table

If you own a white dining table and are looking for the best ways to dress it, there are two paths you can take depending on your preferred style. If you favour contemporary and minimalist decor, sticking to items in shades of white, grey and black can provide a stylish monochrome aesthetic. Choose white, grey or black table clothes, vases, pillars, and candles, as discussed above, that complement the aesthetic of the rest of your dining area, and stay true to your contemporary style.

Alternatively, if you have a white dining table but would like to introduce a splash of colour to your home, use it as a blank canvas by adding multiple shades of one key accent colour. This may be a colour that is featured heavily in the room already, or a completely contrasting colour that will help to ensure your table really stands out. For maximum effect, you could even dress your white table with items in a range of bold colours. 

How to dress a small dining table

When it comes to dressing small dining tables, the old adage ‘less is more’ should certainly come into your thinking. Space is likely to be at a premium when dressing a small dining table, so stick to selecting one or two statement pieces that will help to maintain a simple, uncluttered look. Remember, even if you have a few different items you’d like to display on your table when it’s not in use, rotate them as time goes by rather than displaying them all at once. From Halloween or Christmas centrepieces to springtime flowers and summer greenery, you can even use this rotation as a way of celebrating different times of the year, keeping your dining area looking fresh in the process.

How to arrange a china cabinet

Offering a flourish of sophistication and the ability to keep your finest crockery on display, a china cabinet is the perfect piece of furniture in any home. Despite being available in a variety of shapes and sizes, china cabinets all possess the same purpose. But if you’re unfamiliar with this item of furniture or simply don’t know how best to arrange it, Crown French Furniture has all the answers.

In this guide, we explain what a china cabinet is, where they’re traditionally situated in the home and what you can put inside one, as well as tips on how you can display certain items in your china cabinet.

What is a china cabinet?

Traditionally built from solid wood with transparent glass panels, a china cabinet is an elegant item of furniture that is utilised for displaying fine china and other items of crockery. Although similar to display cabinets, china cabinets typically only have glass panels at the front, whereas some display cabinets may have them at the sides. This is a unique design that is purposed to direct the viewer’s attention to the front of the cabinet and at the fine china within rather than any other section of the cabinet.

Where to put a china cabinet

A china cabinet is often best displayed in the corner of a living room or dining room. Not usually intended to be the centrepiece of a room, these elegant items tend to modestly reside to the side of a window or fireplace. However, if a china cabinet would suit the style of different areas of the home such as the hallway or a bedroom, it may also work within these areas instead.

What to put in a china cabinet besides china

As the name suggests, the intention of china cabinets is to display fine china. But that’s not to say you couldn’t use it for other items. For example, you could consider other types of crockery such as dinner plates, decorative bowls, gold or silverware, dishes or tea sets.

Other items you could display in a china cabinet also include:

• Awards
• Books
• Candles
• Framed pictures
• Heirlooms
• Ornaments

How to display a tea set in a china cabinet

If you want to use your china display cabinet for its intended purpose, you may be interested to learn how best to display plates and other crockery sets within it. You should start by removing everything from the cabinet and plan out how and where you intend on placing each item.

Starting at the top and working your way down, look to place larger items at the top and smaller items at the bottom. A traditional tea set will usually include a teapot, milk jug, cups and saucers and a sugar bowl. For any particularly large items, display them at the top as the centrepiece of the cabinet with the milk jug, sugar bowl and other items around it. Then, for the teapot, consider placing it at the centre of your tea set on a lower level before setting out the cups and saucers around it.

How to stand plates up in a china cabinet

Alongside a tea set, you may decide to display other similar items. For example, this could include tall glasses, vases and ornaments that suit the style of china already in the cabinet. Plates are also common components in a china cabinet, and they can work well to fill up space and add more colour and variation to the appearance. However, it could be more visually pleasing to display them standing up, making it easier for people to see them.

To stand plates up in a china cabinet, there are two main options: using decorative display plate stands or leaning them against the back of each level. Although both are worth considering, leaning plates against the back can be effective providing it can be done safely and you have enough plates for the look to work. You can then put them at the back of each level of the cabinet to show a consistent pattern. Alternatively, if you only have a few plates or a set in varying sizes, you could use decorative display plate stands to utilise them as your centrepiece on the top level of your cabinet or set them out around key areas.

How to shabby chic furniture

If you’ve become disenchanted by the appearance of your home, you may be consider different styles that could breathe new life into it. A mix between vintage, traditional components and rustic, harsh textures, shabby chic is a style that has been popular for several decades and continues to be contemporary through the mix of old and new.

However, as it’s such a particular look, you may be concerned about implementing this style in your home incorrectly. In this blog, we explain how you can shabby chic a piece of furniture yourself before looking at a few examples of common pieces of furniture this look could work for.

How do you shabby chic a piece of furniture?

While shabby chic furniture is easily recognisable, unique and visually striking, the process of giving items of furniture this look is actually relatively simple. In fact, all you need to shabby chic a piece of furniture is newspaper to protect your flooring, different types of sandpaper, masking tape, paintbrushes, suitable shabby chic paint and items of furniture that will suit the style and complement the rest of the room.

In an effort to offer effective guidance for applying a shabby chic look in your home, we’ve focused on a handful of different common items of furniture:

How to shabby chic a fireplace

Although difficult in the sense that you can’t move it to a more suitable area, a shabby chic fireplace can accentuate the look of any home. It’s also a simpler process than many items of furniture as it doesn’t have any extra areas that need to be removed and painted separately.

Before you start, place newspaper on the floor around the fireplace and apply masking tape to any areas that you don’t want to paint. A contrast between areas could be an effective way of making your shabby chic fireplace stand out, or you may want to consider painting these areas a different colour after the paint has dried.

Use soft sandpaper to remove the outer coating of the wood. Fireplaces are often built from strong, thick wood, so this could take a while. However, ensuring that this is done correctly will allow for the shabby chic paint to coat the wood correctly. Once the wood is ready, you should apply a layer of shabby chic paint. You should then consider applying another layer if the paint hasn’t completely coated the wood.

After the paint has dried and you’re happy with the appearance of the fireplace, use coarse sandpaper to add more texture to the wood. As fireplaces are often the centrepiece of a room, you should decorate with ornaments such as plants and candles, and consider pairing the fireplace with other shabby chic items such as hanging a shabby chic mirror above it.

How to shabby chic a desk

Desks are often large and may need to be taken to a separate area while you alter its appearance. You should place newspaper below the desk, allowing an extra foot around it to ensure that any excess paint doesn’t come into contact with your floor. At this point, you should also apply masking tape to any areas that you don’t want to paint and remove any draws from the desk.

When the area is ready, begin by using a light sandpaper to remove the varnish or wax on the surface of the desk and make sure that any excess wood is removed by patting the desk down with damp paper towels and drying by hand. You should then begin to apply a shabby chic paint to the wood. It may need two layers, but as shabby chic paint can work in a number of ways, this decision should be made based on the style you’re hoping for. As a final stage, you can consider changing the colour of the desk by adding a pastel paint or using coarse sandpaper to give it a distressed look. After you’ve done the same to the drawers, you can allow them to dry before reinserting them into the desk.

How to shabby chic drawers

Possibly the most complicated and time consuming item of furniture for implementing a shabby chic look, it’s likely that you will need more time to apply this style to a chest of drawers. This is because you’ll need to remove every draw and apply the shabby chic paint separately. However, it’s worthwhile if it means altering the piece of furniture to suit the rest of your room.

To give a set of drawers a shabby chic appearance, you will need to check that you have enough space to paint the frame and each draw. To do this, lay out newspaper for each section and go across them one by one until they’re all sanded, cleared of any excess wood shavings and painted. Not only will this make the process quicker and easier, but it will also ensure that all pieces are consistent and match.

If you want to contrast between colours, you may choose to paint some areas a different colour or fit different handles of contrasting colours to the drawers. However, regardless of how you choose to approach this process, you should remove all handles from the drawers before painting. You can then either use different handles, reattach the same handles or paint the original handles separately before reattaching.

How to shabby chic a dining table

A dining table is an item of furniture that can add a feeling of elegance and class to your home, and if you’re looking to introduce a shabby chic style, transforming this element can really help you make a statement.

Applying a shabby chic look to a dining table is often done in one of two ways: painting the dining table entirely in shabby chic paint or displaying contrast between the surface of the table and the legs. With either of these approaches, you will need to sand the entirety of the table and use damp paper towels to remove any excess wood.

You can then either paint the whole table in shabby chic paint and decide whether to apply a pastel paint or paint the top and leave the table legs. To achieve the latter,, lightly attach masking tape around the top of the legs to prevent any overspill of the shabby chic paint. Then, when the paint is dry and no more coats are needed, remove the masking tape and either leave the legs as they are or use a different type of paint to make them contrast with the surface of the table.

A common piece of furniture in any traditionally styled living room, a glass display cabinet gives you the opportunity to arrange your favourite items, ornaments or anything that reflects your personality to guests within your home. But if you currently have an empty display cabinet and don’t know what to put in it or feel that the cabinet simply isn’t standing out as you’d hoped, you may feel lost for ideas.

In this blog, we offer tips on what you could do to decorate your glass cabinet, including items that could work in it and installing lighting.

How to decorate a display cabinet

Whether you want to accentuate the features of a new display cabinet or simply want to add a new lease of life to a cabinet that’s old and in need of a revamp, there are a few finishing touches you can add to help it fit into your home.

What to put in a glass display cabinet

When you bring a display cabinet into your home, you may have made the decision to buy it based on the visual appearance and the impact it could have on making the room feel more homely. However, something you need to bear in mind is what you’ll display in it, especially as it could contribute to how your glass cabinet looks.

If you have a collection of cards, trinkets or figures, a glass cabinet with internal shelving could be the perfect place for displaying these items safely, while also visually telling visitors what you’re interested in. Alternatively, you could use it as a place to store champagne and other alcoholic beverages for special occasions.

Other items you could put in your display cabinet:

• Artwork
• Awards
• Books
• Candles
• Glassware
• Jewellery
• Ornaments
• Photo frames
• Plates
• Potted plants
• Reed diffusers
• Statues
• Valuables
• Vinyl records

How to display plates in a cabinet

Plates are often displayed in a glass cabinet, but if you’re unaware of how to do this, you may need some guidance to make everything look just right.

Steps for displaying plates in a glass cabinet:

1. Identify the shelf or shelves you want to utilise. If you only want to use one shelf, it would be advisable to use the middle shelf out of three or the higher shelf if the cabinet only has two. If, however, you want to display plates throughout the entire cabinet, you can evenly spread them across every shelf.
2. Start by displaying the larger plates along the back of the cabinet, almost making it look like they’re leaning against the back. You can then display smaller plates in front and so on and so forth, prioritising any that match if possible.
3. Some display cabinets that are designed for plates have indentations for the plates to fit. However, if this isn’t the case, you should use plate holders to prevent the plates from falling.
4. As a finishing touch, if there are any gaps left, you could use any cups and other matching crockery to keep within the theme while using up the remaining space.

How to light a display cabinet

Another way to bring some life to your display cabinet is by lighting up the cabinet and its contents. You can do this by installing lighting within it, and while this may sound like a difficult task, it’s actually relatively easy and there are several ways of doing it.

How to install LED lights in a display cabinet

Methods of using LED lights in your display cabinet include:

Install LED strips -

For a solution that is effective and reliable, consider fitting LED lighting around the inside edges of the cabinet. You can then drill a small hole in a hidden section for connecting the wire from mains power to the lighting. If you want even more control, you could even consider using an LED strip set that allows you to manage the lighting remotely or change the colour or brightness.

Attach LED puck lights - If you want an easy alternative that avoids the need to make permanent changes to your display cabinet, you could consider attaching battery powered LED lights. Simply attach them to the underside of each shelf using stickers or double sided cellotape, and when the lights die, remove them to replace the batteries.

Fern xx

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Your coffee table serves an undoubtedly useful function in your home. But whether you have an ornate marble top table, a rustic oak design or a sleek, minimalist glass top piece, your coffee table can end up looking lacklustre if it’s not styled properly.

It’s time to see this essential item of furniture for what it is - a canvas that can be used to project your style and personality. With a little effort, you can say goodbye to bland and create a conversation starter in your living room. Whether you’re an earth lover who’s drawn to the natural look, a quirky collector of knick-knacks or a stylish devotee of clean lines and monochromatic design, you can make your coffee table work for you.

In this article, we show you how to add some oomph to this part of your home with some clever tricks and tips.

How to dress a coffee table

Whatever your style preferences, following a few golden rules should help you to achieve a chic coffee table look.

Rule 1: Less is more

It doesn’t matter if you own the biggest collection of art books known to man or you’ve managed to amass every candle that Jo Malone has ever released, when it comes to your coffee table, less is more. Having a few statement pieces helps to maintain a simple, uncluttered look and creates focus in your home. And remember, you can rotate items over time. So while you may go for Gauguin and gardenia one month, you might swap to Warhol and wood sage the next.

Rule 2: Variety is key

Create contrast and interest by using a range of textures and colours. It helps to vary the height and size of items on your table too. For example, you could pair a delicate white orchid with a heavy metallic sculpture. Or you could put two tall gold candle holders next to an asymmetrical ceramic bowl.

Rule 3: Create harmony with colour

Bold pops of colour can work well against neutral design schemes but try to keep colours complementary. For example, if you have a pastel theme running through your living room, brash primary colours may look out of place. Similarly if you have a lot of vibrant hues in your space, you might find that more subtle shades can cause your coffee table pieces to fade into the background.

What to put on a coffee table

As we’ve already said, your coffee table presents an opportunity to showcase who you are. So there’s a whole range of items you could choose to put on it, from vintage fashion magazines, to antique trinkets, to natural artifacts, to contemporary decorative figurines. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Books

Whether you love 80s sci-fi cover art, you want to show off your intellectual credentials with a Nietsche hardback or you’d like to start conversations with a display of guilty pleasures, you can’t go wrong when it comes to books. We find that big often works best but there are no hard and fast rules. If you have a small table, for example, a classic Jane Austen paperback may work beautifully.

Flowers

A bouquet of flowers can act as the perfect coffee table centrepiece. You could create an arrangement of peonies in a low glass vase for a subtle, fresh look. Or for a more dramatic effect, why not add some roses and baby’s breath to a wine bottle?

Art

From bold geometric sculptures, to decorative mother and child resin statues, to kitschy rubber duck-lookalikes, displaying art on your coffee table can add flair and interest. It can also tell visitors a bit about you.

How to accessorise a coffee table

Whether you’re looking to upgrade a well-loved coffee table or add a personal touch to a new addition, we have accessory ideas to get you thinking.

Runners

A simple runner can transform the look of a table. The textures, patterns and colours can create visual interest and make your table look truly at home in your space.

Coasters

Spice up your table with some interesting coasters. From handmade pieces made from recycled newspaper, to rustic olive wood designs, to coasters made to look like your favourite vinyl records, there are a host of great options out there when it comes to finding something to put your drink on.

Storage

Whether you choose a fancy decorative box, a raffia basket or a simple wooden tray, a storage solution can help to keep remote controls, matches, phones and other odds and ends from making your table look unsightly.

How to arrange books on a coffee table

Show off those spines by arranging a small stack of books by colour or size. Top the arrangement with a succulent for a really chic look. Alternatively, create balance by placing two books face-up at either side of a centrepiece. If you have a two tier table, you might choose to create a few stacks of books at even height on the lower tier for a neat, sophisticated appearance.

What to put on a glass coffee table

Glass is derived from the natural world so natural objects can work really well on this kind of surface. Coral, crystals, natural beads, seashells and greenery can all compliment a glass coffee table exquisitely.

If you have a mirrored tabletop, you could play around with perception by placing a chandelier on the ceiling above it. Candlelight also looks fantastic on a reflective surface so why not add some tea lights or votives (glass candles) to your table?

Fern xx

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Mirrors are the perfect accessory for making a living space look brighter and more spacious. When chosen and used correctly, a suitable mirror can be capable of bringing all elements of the room together, so it’s no wonder that so many people introduce them into their living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways.

You can choose the perfect new mirror for you by identifying a desired shape, frame colour and design, but you could also consider making alterations to an existing mirror if it’s not exactly right. Whether you want to change the look of a mirror to suit the colour and design of the room it’s going in, add more vibrance to a dull and lifeless mirror or update a mirror you already own, it’s possible to decorate a mirror in a number of ways to suit the aesthetic you’re going for.

How to decorate a wall mirror

If you want to decorate a wall mirror, there are several ways to do it. For example, you could:

Add a pattern or image to the mirror -

Print or cut out the outline of a pattern or image and paint over it to leave a unique shape on your mirror. You can do this using paint, spray paint or other arts and crafts materials such as glitter. Then simply remove the stencil to reveal a sleek, handmade design.

Create a unique frame -

Using pieces of felt, plastic or even coloured paper, you could create an overlapping pattern along the outside of the mirror to form a makeshift frame. This is especially useful for frameless mirrors, and all you need is a selection of identical pieces of material to create the frame and a glue gun to attach the pieces.

Fit the mirror into other objects -

If you no longer like the design of your mirror, you could remove it from the frame, pick an item to work as a new border and simply fix it into position in its new frame. For instance, you could fit your mirror to a luxurious picture frame, or for something a little quirkier, you could secure it in an unexpected item such as the circular section of an old badminton racket.

Upcycle the mirror into another home accessory -

Minor alterations could be made to your mirror to turn it into another type of accessory. For instance, If your mirror has an elegant frame, you could add a layer of felt to the back, fix handles to the sides and use it as a tray for serving afternoon tea, displaying other ornaments or showcasing the contents of a dressing table.

How to disguise a cracked mirror

Mirror redecoration is often done simply to accentuate or refresh the design of this item. However, if your mirror has become damaged and you want to keep it, you may decide to decorate it as a method of disguising a crack so that you can continue to proudly display it in your home.

There are several ways of decorating a mirror to cover up flaws. For example, you could attach a pattern of tiles to the affected area and do the same to the opposite side for symmetry. If the crack is in the corner or at one of the sides of the mirror, you could fix a floral arrangement to the mirror or simply place a vase or large ornament in front of it.

Fern xx

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What is shabby chic?

When it comes to changing the look of your home, there is an almost limitless  selection of different styles to choose from. Although there is likely to be a multitude of options, shabby chic is a term that is often mentioned in relation to interior design, and if you’re interested in altering the visual appearance of your home to present a style that is striking and tasteful yet capable of remaining enticing into future years, it could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Introducing a shabby chic style into your home is a relatively new phenomenon when it comes to interior design, but its robust nature and lasting appeal has meant it has instantly become popular among people of all ages. However, as shabby chic is a delicate balance between new and old, it’s important that you understand exactly what it is before looking to try it for yourself.

In this blog, we explain the meaning behind the term shabby chic, explain what it looks like and answer questions around how popular and relevant it is among modern interior decorating.

What does shabby chic mean?

Shabby chic is the name of an interior design style that incorporates a lived-in look alongside worn, rustic and authentic furniture, walls and flooring. The term originally comes from the 1980s when author Rachel Ashwell coined and later trademarked the term as a way of quickly and simply explaining a design that mixes relaxed, casual styles with a sophisticated, elegant and contemporary visual appearance.

What does shabby chic look like?

Although sometimes hard to define, when a room is decorated in a certain way, it’s easy to identify whether or not it has a shabby chic design. However, if you’re hoping to bring a shabby chic look into your home by introducing specific items of furniture, altering existing furniture or adding finishing touches that change the feel of the room you’re decorating, you may want a few tips.

A common method of utilising a shabby chic look is by bringing in traditionally stylish, old fashioned items of furniture and altering them to reflect a shabby chic style. For example, you could use a vintage wardrobe, bedside table, chest of drawers, coffee table or chairs and modify their appearance yourself to leave them with a shabby chic aesthetic. You can do this in a number of ways, but the easiest method is by painting your furniture in shabby chic paint that’s designed for giving your furniture a worn yet elegant look.

If, alternatively, you don’t want to edit the look of your furniture, you can approach shabby chic in another way. For instance, this look is often created using pastel colours, lighter shades and a handful of furnishings with floral patterns. If you include a few items of furniture that follow this colour scheme, you could bring a hint of shabby chic into your home.

Is shabby chic still popular?

For anyone considering introducing a shabby chic look into their home, it can be concerning that it’s nothing more than a temporary fad and that decorating their home in this style will need an update in the near future once it passes.

In fact, not only is the shabby chic look current, but it’s timeless and has been an appetising inspiration for interior design for several years. It also helps that it isn’t defined by a specific time period and works for the homes of people of all ages, whether that’s a teenager that wants to celebrate their new-found independent style, an adult that wants their home to look elegant yet full of character or an older person that wants their home to show a classy design in a subtle way.

Overall, it would be fair to say that shabby chic is a design style that has truly stood the test of time, and it’s just as popular now as it was when the term was first created in the 1980s. With this in mind, it’s a style that you could consider implementing in your home as it’s highly unlikely to fall out of favour any time soon.