Multi-purpose Furniture: A Smart Homeowner's Advantage

Choosing the right furniture for your home is not an easy task. You have to consider color palettes, space, and budget. Why not hit many birds with one stone? Give your home a brand new and useful look this season, and check out these multi-purpose furniture selections:

Bed frame with drawers Utilize your bedroom and give way for some moving space with this innovative furniture. Bed frames with drawers are a trend these days, and you can’t go wrong with them. Store your underwear, socks, or other personal belongings underneath your bed for easy access.
Storage ottomans Storage ottomans are great for comfort and keeping magazines, books, toys, and supplies.

bedbathandbeyond.com

 Convertible dining and coffee table Want a coffee table and a dining table but you don’t have enough space in your room? Check out this piece out---fold, or open it like a pro, and you’re good to go.

Side table magazine rack Keep reading materials or other important documents without messing up your beautiful interior and choose this multi-purpose piece.

homearena.co.uk

 Sofa bed A couch and a bed in one piece? Not a problem! Sofa beds are great if you need more space for your other possessions, or if you have friends who constantly crash your place for an instant sleepover.

Circus Furniture is a local brand in Tucson, Arizona serving your furniture needs. Learn more about its furniture selections by following this Twitter page.

Choosing Colorful Furniture for the Living Room

No one should be afraid of adding a little color to their lives, especially in their homes. However, it is best to follow a certain scheme to ensure that the pieces won’t clash with each other. 

Image source: Pinterest.com

 

In considering color schemes for the home, it is best to think about all the residents. The shades could differ per room, but it would be nice to match these with the personality or preference of the people who’ll use the space. If there’s a teenage daughter in the household, pastel-colored furniture can work well in the bedroom. For the son who is into sports, darker hues can dominate his room. 

Following a theme could also be helpful in choosing colors. If the homeowners want an all-year spring feel, then they could opt for pastel yellows, greens, and purples to mimic the season. If the owners want an energetic feel to the house, then livelier shades like orange and red might be appealing. Choosing certain patterns and designs must also complement another décor. 

 Image source: Pro.com

Choosing furniture could take some time especially for pieces that match a motif. However, functionality and quality must never be compromised. Even if a sofa looks cute for a certain room, if it doesn’t last after a few months of use then it’s not a good buy. Before buying an item, it’s best to check how it will fit the space.

Circus Furniture in Tuczon, Arizona, has a wide collection of furniture and accessories for the home. Visit this Facebook page for more information.

The Best Wood Types for Outdoor Furniture

Wood furniture is the perfect finishing touch to a beautifully landscaped garden. Exuding warm tone and natural patterns, it offers sophistication and elegance in a rather rustic atmosphere. Though aesthetic appeal is what people seek first, outdoor furniture must be created with outstanding durability and weather resistance. Not all woods are of equal quality, so choosing the right type is crucial.

Some woods are softer than others, but that doesn’t mean they are not durable. An example of high-quality softwood is cedar. This wood paints and stains really well so recoloring it to match the rest of the furnishings will not be a problem. It also perfectly retains moisture, making it resistant to cracking. Another example of an excellent softwood is redwood, from the native tree species in California that is universally known for its stability. It does not shrink or warp. It is also naturally resistant to decay and insects. Both cedar and redwood weather and age well. With the right care, they can last for years.

Image source: decoholic.org

Meanwhile, hardwood is also a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Teak is one of the most durable woods often used in boatbuilding. It is a hardwood with tight grain and natural oils, making it strong and rot-resistant. It repels water, does not shrink, warp or swell, and ages well. Its superior attributes, however, make it more expensive than other hardwoods. For those with a tight budget, shorea is a cost-effective alternative. Its durability and rot resistance are impeccable and can last for decades regardless of the climate or season.

While these woods can last for years with minimal maintenance, taking good care of them will help them last for generations. Simple cleaning methods such as that with a cloth soaked in a mild soapy solution can go a long way. Varnishing the furniture can also help it have an additional protective coat to shield it from the harsh elements while making it look more polished and stunning.  

Image source: houses.com

Circus Furniture is a furniture store that has one of the widest furniture selections, one the highest quality furniture pieces, and one of the best services offered in Tucson, Arizona. For more resources on wood furniture, subscribe to this blog.

Removing Water Stains from Wood Furniture

Accidents happen. Homeowners with beautiful wood furniture do not have to panic or get irritated when water or other liquid stains their piece. Reverting the furniture back to its original state is relatively simple, depending on the damage and how soon a treatment is made.

The first step is determining the severity of the stain by looking at its color. White or light-colored marks mean that the liquid has not deeply penetrated the surface. Removing these is easy. Darker stains, however, indicate a deeper level of damage and may need professional treatment. For light-colored stains, furniture retailers typically recommend rubbing the area with an oily furniture polish or petroleum jelly. This is to displace the water with the oil. If this works, a thin layer of paste wax must be placed over the affected area and then buffed with a clean, soft cloth. Paste wax is recommended because the finish is usually nicer and longer-lasting, although a liquid or cream wax may also be used.

Image Source: Pinterest

 If the oil-based mixture does not work, homeowners can use toothpaste placed on a wet cloth or an equal mixture of baking soda and toothpaste (around 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon of each should be sufficient). More stubborn stains might need a mild solvent such as mineral spirits or an odorless paint thinner. These solvents should be tested first on a finished underside of the furniture, to ensure no damage to the surface.

Image Source: Today’s Homeowner

 If the water stain still refuses to lift, homeowners should bring their furniture to their local store.
Learn more about furniture care from Circus Furniture, a leading retailer in Tucson, Arizona. Like this Facebook page for more information on its products.

The Right Furniture to Prevent Back Pain

Medical experts are now predicting that there is a 50 percent chance of having back pain at least once in a year. This chilling statistical figure has caused quite some alarm in society. The cause may be blamed on lack of exercise and excess weight; however, these experts are also suggesting that wrong chairs and stance may actually worsen the condition. Back pain has the potential to be chronic based on a person’s environment and lifestyle. The good thing is that environment changes – such as finding an ergonomically-made chair- can be made immediately.

Image source: vacupractor.com

 Employees often spend eight to nine hours sitting down. More progressive companies allow their employees to stand up while working on their computer (their desktops being placed on a higher table). However, most companies still require their workers to sit down for the better part of the day. Thus, it is extremely important that companies choose a chair that prevent back pain. Typically, these pieces are naturally curved in the backrest or are made of materials that cushion the lower area. Furniture manufacturers have developed designs to suit all types of body shapes and sizes, so it is also encouraged that individuals try out each chair before choosing a furniture piece. The "standard" back-friendly chair may actually be incorrect for another type of person. Regardless of the design, an ergonomically-made chair will always make a person feel that their back is protected and cushioned regardless of position.

Image source: office-turn.com

 It is also a misconception that chairs for back pain are not stylish. Furniture retailers have been able to blend both functionalities with beauty. Interested individuals should visit their local furniture store to see its collection.

Find excellent pieces of superior quality at Circus Furniture, a recognized name in the furniture industry. For more information, follow this Twitter account.

Selecting the Right Furniture for the Book Lover

Finding space for all their books is one of the many challenges of book lovers living on their own (or even with roommates or partners). This is a singular problem as books, unlike clothes, shoes, or accessories, cannot be folded or hung in a cabinet. Book lovers also tend to see storing away their most prized possessions as something of a sacrilege. Many furniture retailers have come to notice this niche market and are now stocking up on pieces that book lovers will love.

Image Source: countryside-studio.com

Versatility is key to finding the perfect closet for books while still keeping within the budget. Many closets now have adjustable grooves which can fit as many as four or five shelves. These shelves can be taken out to accommodate larger books or placed back in to shelve smaller items. Individuals who find a piece they love but are lacking in space can ask their local furniture retailer to add more grooves. This is a particularly useful suggestion for people who have vintage pieces they do not want to give away.

Another technique is foregoing standard pieces altogether and choosing furniture that perform multiple functions. One such example is a bed whose frame is actually a closet. Furniture designers have been creating versatile beds such as these for new parents to store their baby’s stuff. However, these bed frames can also be used as additional space for books.

Image Source: myyakimahandyman.com

For many years, Circus Furniture has been the go-to name for furniture needs. Learn more about the company’s products by liking this Facebook page.

Choosing the Right Funky Furniture for Your Space

Image Source: functionalhomedesigns.com

Perhaps because of that new song that talks funk, or perhaps because more people are exploring different design styles, funky furniture have been taking the forefront in many homes and businesses. Interior designers list the many aesthetic merits of owning an innovative chair, from it being retro-inspired and contemporary chic to the explosion of lines and colors that embody comfort and style. For the relatively conservative homeowner, however, these design jargon seem intimidating.

Unlike traditional furniture, funky pieces add a little excitement to an otherwise standard room. They are useful as a conversation piece and recent designs have made them quite comfortable. It is easy to be deterred by exuberant lines but it is possible for any homeowner to have a funky chair or table without going overboard.

Design furniture shops really talk it out with customers in order to get an idea as to what would suit not only space but personality as well. These pieces should be bought with a different mindset. The functionality should be placed second and appeal prioritized. Remember that these pieces are accents to a room. They should perform their intended function well but being functional is not their primary purpose. The chair or table must suit the interior and overall décor, while being an index of the homeowner’s personality.

Image Source: bedroomkitchen.com

It is generally recommended that only one or two funky pieces be placed in an area. Several of these pieces in a single room would be overwhelming and would jar any creativity or design, particularly if these pieces are in bright colors. 

Circus Furniture in Tucson, Arizona is a reputable store in the area. Learn more about its great furniture selection by liking this Facebook page.

REPOST: Interior design ideas for maximising space

All of us want to have a  place to call our own. But space – or the lack of it – is fast becoming an issue. Whether you live in the studio apartment or want to get more out of a small room, Jessica Hynes shares these small space design ideas to help you decorate.

Furniture placement makes a big difference in a large room. | Image Source: stuff.co.nz

Placing furniture in a room requires careful forethought, writes Jessica Hynes.

If there is one thing synonymous with great interior design, a full-scale renovation, room makeover, or new a season freshen up, it is the consideration and manipulation of space.

Whether it be an apartment, a sprawling country manor, or a freshly signed-off new build, how we work with the space of each room is key to the success of your interior design project.

Furniture placement makes a big difference in a small room. | Image Source: stuff.co.nz

Space evokes emotions, reflects functionality, and is the blank canvas that can be visually controlled through colours, furnishings, and objects.

However, not all amateur interior designers are aware of what can be achieved in the space they have without even picking up a hammer.

We want rooms in our houses to be one of two ways — either cosy and warm, or spacious and airy. How we want a space to work for us depends on the function and purpose of the room. Rooms where people gather, socialise, and spend the majority of their time should feel spacious while a bedroom or study is more likely to feel warm and intimate.

Light sculptural look: Anteo Table by Giorgetti, from ECC. |  Image Source: stuff.co.nz

Apartment living in New Zealand is becoming increasingly popular, with the rise in house prices looking unlikely to slow down soon. Challenging the Kiwi ideology of the three-bedroom detached house on a quarter-acre section (no longer a reality for most of us), the inspiration and resources available for learning to work with smaller spaces are becoming more prevalent in design and architecture.

Adding multiple pieces of furniture to an already small room quickly makes it overcrowded; a couch, a couple of chairs, a TV and coffee table, rug, artwork, and dining table, and your modern, clean lined space quickly resembles a junk shop, and items that once seemed practical now seem superfluous and clumsy.

On the flip side, a large and open plan space can prove just as challenging. Place furniture too far apart and run the risk of a clinical, sterile atmosphere. A new build boasting light-coloured carpets and walls can come across as cavernous when empty; trying to correctly place furniture can be like attempting to decorate the Serengeti with sofas.

But before sacrificing your Marimekko fabric curtains or your Philippe Starck Louis Ghost chairs, be aware that it's often how you place your furniture within a space that can determine its feel.

Having your furniture haphazardly arranged around a TV or coffee table in a small lounge can make it feel pokey. Invest in a rug and face your furniture symmetrically towards each other around it to anchor the area; a little formality goes a long way in visually increasing a small space. Rein in those formally placed chairs floating at the edges of a room in a large space, and form different dominant and submissive clusters of furniture, areas for socialising and those more suited to curling up with a book and a cuppa.

The introduction of different areas adds interest to a large room, and can make it appear visually smaller and more cosy.

'Grounded' furniture can affect the feeling of space in a room: Shadow Buffet by Ethnicraft, from McKenzie & Willis. | Image Source: stuff.co.nz

While most people don't have the budget to knock through walls or add extensions on a whim, accessories and colours are the two secret weapons great designers have in their repertoire.

A bathroom in varying shades of white will make a space appear larger, as the continuation of colour draws the eye around the room. A living area with textured, patterned wallpaper, furniture in different shades, contrasting curtains, and layers of accessories will keep the eye occupied, and visually bring the room in.

The great thing about using accessories to change the way the size of a room is perceived is that you can play with new trends, and make small changes with affordable pieces like cushions and artwork to give your room a brand new look.

Here are a few tricks to keep in mind when you are thinking about how to fill a room to suit its function and size, while maximising or minimising the appearance of space.

* Mirrors aren't only magic for Snow White. For small spaces, place a mirror opposite a window and voila — your room has just gained much needed depth and an added sense of space.

* Big, bold prints maximise a small space, while delicate prints bring the space together.

* Grounded furniture is a great way of making a room appear smaller, as it adds density. Floating cabinetry, or furniture with fine legs make a room appear larger.

* Simplicity and repetition of materials, patterns, and colours make a space appear larger, while contrast, irregular patterns, and lines reduce space.

* Light colours and reflective surfaces such as stainless steel, chrome, and metallics are ideal for small spaces. Dark colours and light absorbing surfaces such as brick, concrete, stone and unpolished timber are perfect in large spaces.

Learn more about choosing furniture and other aspects of interior design from this Circus Furniture Facebook page.

Interior design tips: Comfort and style in the bedroom

Image Source: townandcountrystyle.com.au

The bedroom is a place for people to relax and get a good night's rest. That is why it is important to design it in a way that is most comfortable for the person using it. Here are a few tips to improve the aesthetic and comfort of the bedroom:

Choose a focal point

The focal point is the area in the room with the most emphasis. Choosing a point of focus directs the eyes of the viewer towards a beautiful object in the room, be it a bed with an intricate headboard or a wall with floor-to-ceiling picture or painting. These points add interest and purpose to overall interior design.

Keep proportion and scale in mind

A large bed in a small room will make the room seem smaller. Take note of the size of the furniture in proportion to the space in the room. Mirrors can make the illusion of bigger space. Add more functional furniture and décor to a big room so it won't look too empty.

Image Source: gotosofa.com

Layer with colors and patterns

Don't be afraid to use color. Layer neutral colors with loud or bright colors to add life to any dull areas of the room. Keep colors consistent and experiment with different shades. It's also a good idea to mix and match patterns on pillow covers and bed spreads to add depth and variety.

Add proper lighting

Light is one of the important elements of interior design and the bedroom needs ample lighting to set the right ambience. Natural light from windows can be muted with window blinds or curtains. Place lamps and other artificial lighting fixtures in strategic locations around the room like on the bedside table or near reading chairs.

Image Source: hgtv.com

Visit this Circus Furniture website to find the perfect furniture for your dream home.

REPOST: Color Combinations: 5 Bold Ideas You Haven't Tried Yet

Color is a very powerful design element that can really change the entire look and feel of a room. This Apartment Therapy article below enumerates some bold ideas you should try on your own space.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Color is a powerful tool for interior spaces. Masterfully wielded, it can shock, excite, pull a room together and more. The challenge? Finding different, fresh ways to use color in your interior spaces so you're never bored! We've got five ideas to consider today.

Color + sliding doors

(Pictured above) You've seen interior doors painted before, and while sliding doors aren't exactly new, they are becoming more and more popular indoors. So combine those two ideas into very exciting bold colored sliding doors to wow in your rooms! Idea spotted on Femina.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Color + two surfaces

Have some thrift store art you'd love to improve, and add some excitement to a room? Get inspired by the photo above and add some color halfway up the walland cover part of the thrift store art. This idea won't work in every home, but it's certainly bold! Seen on Domaine.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

 Color + a similar color

It's bold to use contrasting colors in the same room and definitely makes a statement. But you can be just as bold by stacking two similar colors together to create a more subtle but still really exciting combination of hues. This idea works best with two walls in the same room, or like above, a large furniture piece stacked in front of a boldly colored wall. Spotted on Sfgirlbybay.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Color + architecture

This isn't a new idea, but it's so bold it isn't tried by many people. But look how awesome it looks! Painting your interior window trim a bright color not only highlights the architecture of a space, it really makes an entire room stand out. Seen on Country Living.

Image Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Color + a casual, unfinished look

If you haven't tried a partial paint job yet — splashing color on one part of a wall and not using harsh, stark edges or lines — you could be missing out on a really fresh and bold way to add color to a space. Too much for a wall? Why not try this idea on a furniture piece? Spotted on Elle Decoration France via The Style Files.

 Follow this Circus Furniture blog for more design tips for your home.

Get busy: Designing an effective workplace at home

Image Source: dailybusinessdose.com

Today’s fast-paced lifestyles and cultural emphasis on work-life balance have made working from home a common arrangement. Most houses these days have a home office or a study, and the way they are set up can directly affect productivity. An environment where you can be inspired to work without interruption is the key to a great home office design.

There are a few things to consider when designing or decorating a home office – lighting, furniture and organization.

Adequate lighting is necessary for a person to stay focused without getting eye strain. Unlike the living room or the dining room where you want cozy, warm lighting, a home office should be bright, awash in direct light. Purchase a good desk lamp or install lighting fixtures on the walls or ceiling, and use incandescent bulbs or those that mimic the sun’s light spectrum. It is also best to have a window in the room to let in natural light, as exposure to sunlight can keep your mood and motivation up.

Image Source: gearpatrol.com

A spacious desk can ensure that everything you need is at arm’s reach, and an ergonomic chair can prevent back aches from hours of sitting. There should also be enough storage bins or shelves to file and store away work-related items.

Organization is also vital to a good workspace design. Remove all clutter from the desk and the entire room; things you don’t need should be put away in cabinets, loose papers should be filed in drawers, computer and phone cords should be neatly tied.

Designing a perfect and effective home office is not easy. Experiment with the layout, decoration, new furniture and technology, and balance it with your budget until you get it right.

Image Source: designfup.com

Located in Tucson, Arizona, Circus Furniture offers top quality furniture and accessories for clients who are looking to update their home interiors. Follow this Twitter page for more about interior design.

REPOST: Designer Erin Gates on how to find your style

Many people judge others by how they set up their homes; their taste in furniture and overall interior design is a reflection of their personalities. This article featured in the Columbia Daily Tribune shares some tips about finding your own interior design style from designer and writer Erin Gates.

Image Source: columbiatribune.com

Designer and writer Erin Gates, 35, lives in a white clapboard Colonial in Newton, Mass., with her husband, two dogs and a leopard-print stair runner.

Gates pens the popular blog Elements of Style, where her advice is glamorous yet practical and often served up with humor. In her just-published book “Elements of Style: Designing a Home and a Life,” Gates shares secrets including dressing up a closet to finding a kitchen counter material that will fit your lifestyle.

The book has lots of lists and charts and advice. She has got a great list of housewarming gift ideas — terrariums instead of flowers, for example, or a return-address rubber stamp — and assorted tips for renters — if you’re not allowed to use huge nails to hang a weighty mirror in an entry hall, try leaning a tall wall mirror behind a console table. Her primers on the 12 best sofa styles and 45 favorite paint colors are keepers.

I spoke to Gates recently about her book and her insights into helping people discover their personal style.

Q: How do you find your own style if you haven’t a clue?

A: Go through your closet. Your wardrobe says a lot about the colors and patterns and textures you are comfortable with. If you see a lot of bright colors and patterns, this is what you are drawn to and should do in your rooms. If you have a more muted wardrobe, more businesslike, then I advise people to decorate with neutrals and clean lines.

Q: What other tools can you use?

A: Pinterest has been the most helpful tool for people to really explain and figure out their style. You can look back at your pins and say, “Oh, I have 57 linen couches pinned here. I must love them.” We always ask clients to make a board of anything they are attracted to, whether a wall color or type of chair or a fabric. When you gather these things and look at them as a cohesive unit, trends will pop out.

Q: What else do you have to consider?

A: Be honest about your lifestyle. If you are somebody who doesn’t throw things away or has lots of stuff or kids who have a lot of hobbies and toys, a streamlined space that is super modern with little storage will not function for you. Do you have dogs? Kids? That should play into the fabrics and rugs you choose, and the style of furniture and materials. You don’t want glass coffee tables or white silk fabrics if you have kids.

Q: How do you add personality to a room?

A: Add antique or vintage goods or hand-me-downs. If you see a room with brand-new, high-end and fancy things, it looks unlived-in, like a hotel room. I always try to bring something vintage or antique with a little patina. Look for things a bit quirky. If it’s too perfect, there is no warmth to it. Add a funky upholstered chair or cool piece of art. Make sure that there is something unique that is not in everyone’s Pottery Barn catalogue and seven people in your neighborhood have as well.

Q: What is one of your favorite neutral paint colors?

A: My favorite is Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist.

Q: What are five home accessories no home should be without?

A: A beautiful collection of books; greenery (either a fresh flower arrangement, plant or tree); an amazing-smelling candle; a work of art you absolutely love; and beautiful trays for coffee tables or as a catchall atop a bar or in the bedroom to corral jewelry.

Q: How can you make a personal statement in a tiny apartment?

A: Use wall color. Dramatic wall color changes everything, especially in a small room. The adage that small spaces can’t be dark colors is wrong; it actually makes them feel bigger. Another way is to incorporate a large-scale work of art; the dramatic size will be especially impactful in a smaller-scale space.

Q: Would you share a couple of budget decorating tips?

A: Etsy is the best source to find pillows made from trade-only, designer fabric for much less than even we designers can make them. It allows you to decorate with pillows that not everyone else has bought from the same company. Don’t overlook hand-me-down furniture: A fresh coat of glossy white, black or bold-color paint and a change of hardware can take Grandma’s dresser from blah to beautiful.

Learn more about choosing the right style for your home by subscribing to this Circus Furniture blog.

Choosing the right lamp for any space

Gone are the days when lamps were mere accessories to a living space. These days, lamps function both as a practical fixture as well as a decorative piece. In particular, many furniture designers are now creating new and more innovative designs that feature all kinds of intricate details such as iron scroll work, trimmings, and even crystal beading. Given the variety of choices currently available, some homeowners may find it a bit challenging when choosing the appropriate lamp for their home. Here are a few tips that can make all the difference:

Image Source: motiqonline.com

Variety is the key: One of the nicer features of lamps is that they are generally small. This allows for a certain amount of experimentation. Compared to a mattress or sofa that has to match the size of the room, lamps follow no rule in terms of room size and space. In fact, most interior designers recommend mixing and matching lamps to create a more unique and trendier feel. The objective is to create interest in the room, so having a collection of both floor and desk lamps are suggested.

Image Source: shadesoflight.com


Choose the right lamp shade: The focal point of lamps are generally their shade. This is why it is important that the homeowner choose one that compliments both the room and purpose. For example, a shade that is made from heavier material blocks light more effectively and often provides a more romantic feel. This would not be recommended in areas where a brighter light is needed.

Image Source: hometrendesign.com


Lamps are often the first things homeowners can experiment with if they want to upgrade the look of their space. It is recommended though that they ask their local furniture store for interior design tips.


Keep up to date with the latest in furniture design from Circus Furniture, one of the leading stores in Tucson, Arizona. Visit this Google+ page for additional information.

REPOST: 5 Tips for Decorating a Small Space From Cool New Interior-Design Site Laurel & Wolf

In this article from Glamour, Lindy Segal makes a list of 5 tips to transform a small space  into a cool new interior design. 

A Laurel & Wolf-designed office | Image Source: glamour.com

The chance to have interior designers compete to design your space? That's the dream. Brand-new design website Laurel & Wolf is bringing that reality-show-esque concept to the masses. Here's how it works: 1) Take the style quiz. 2) Share details about your space using the room survey. 3) Let the company's interior designers compete over you, HGTV-style. Such a fun idea, right? They just send you inspiration boards, and you pick the one you love most. And if a full-service designer is outside your budget, Laurel & Wolf's packages are a more affordable alternative (some start at just $199). In the meantime, I scored some free advice for decorating a small space from the company's founder Leura Spielman. Check it:

1. Get organized. Before you can design the perfect space, you absolutely must get organized. The key to maximizing the beauty of a small space is to give everything a home. Make sure that the stuff you are storing in your bedroom are all things that you use and need, and donate everything else.

2. Make your furniture multitask. Look to combine beauty and function when selecting furniture. Think beds with extra storage, nightstands with drawers, and tall armoires. Before you select anything for your space, think not only about how it looks but what else can it do for you.

3. Bring in the light. Light is key to making your space feel larger. If you have windows and lots of natural light, make sure to highlight them with beautiful window treatments. Fabulous bedside lamps and a nice ceiling fixture are always a great addition to any space. There are great flush-mount ceiling options now that not only provide you the wattage you need but also look incredible. Mirrors are also the ideal wall decor for small spaces because they are decorative and reflect light into a space. Plus, they're always handy to have around for checking your makeup!

4. Think vertical. When floor space is precious, make sure you are maximizing your wall space. Take advantage of the walls by selecting a tall armoire, bookshelf, or dresser. Also, when hanging draperies, make sure to hang them as close to the ceiling as possible to maximize the visual height of the space.

5. Design like you dress. You dress to accentuate your best assets, right? Design can use that same practice. Keep your color palette simple, and don't go for multiple statement pieces. Invest in items that are timeless, and have fun with accents that can easily be swapped in and out for seasons or style changes.

Circus Furniture offers quality furniture and accessories to help their clients turn their places into their dream home. Follow this Twitter page for more updates.

Choose the best desk for a home office

Image Source: .rialnodesigns.com

No home office is complete without a desk, which provides a work surface and storage space and also functions as the focal piece in one of the most important rooms in the house.

When choosing a desk, one should look at five important factors. These are:

Ergonomics

The wrong desk can cause injuries like neck strain and repetitive strain injury (RSI). To prevent these, the work surface should allow for the keyboard and mouse to sit closely together, and it should be high enough for one to be able to type without bending the wrists.

The work surface of the desk should have enough room on it for the monitor to be placed an arm's length away and at about eye level.

A desk should be at a height that allows enough space for one's knees and thighs to fit comfortably underneath it.

An ergonomic desk should be partnered with an ergonomic work chair for best results.

Image Source: proformsportschiropractic.com

Size and shape

One should choose a desk that's right for the size of work space it's intended for. Foldable computer stands, Parsons-style desks, and wall-mounted versions with vertical shelving are practical options for small offices. A larger home office with extra floor space calls for larger desks.

L-shaped desks are great for corner offices. Home offices with more than one user will do well with a u-shaped desk that has a divided surface area and provides plenty of space to be shared.

Storage

A good desk should have storage space for documents, cables, and other home office supplies. Before purchasing one, it should be screened for sufficiency of storage space (in the form of drawers, hutches, or attached shelving) for the owner’s needs.

Construction

Laminate desks are a popular, inexpensive option. High-pressure laminate desks are more durable than their low-pressure counterparts but are slightly pricier. Wood is classic and durable but prone to surface nicks. Metal is even more hard-wearing but might not be a good fit for the home, style-wise.

Image Source: .pinterest.com

Avoid ripoffs when purchasing furniture purchase and inspect and test the desk before buying it. Check the corners for fraying and splinters and the entire desk for exposed nails. Give the drawers an in and out slide run to ensure they do so smoothly. For more furniture buying tips, follow this Circus Furniture Twitter account.

A few tips on cleaning your leather furniture

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Leather furniture are an investment. While they are generally more expensive than other types of furniture, they instantly provide a classy, elegant feel to a home. They are also known for long lifespans. However, with the everyday life might not be generous in furniture maintenance time and a homeowner might be caught offguard by the intricacies of furniture cleaning. Caring for leather, however, can be easy with the proper techniques . Here are a few simple tips that a homeowner can use:
 

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Read the tags: The tags that come with the furniture provide the necessary details for cleaning and maintenance. For leather furniture, tags would also contain the type of leather used and specific instructions for caring. In the event of missing tags, homeowners are recommended to contact the manufacturer or supplier of the specific furniture to get instructions.  

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Place leather furniture in the proper environments: Leather is similar to wood in that it can crack, fade, or stiffen when directly exposed to the sun. Homeowners should place their leather furniture a safe distance from a furnace or from areas where they will be hit by sunlight.  

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Blot with dry cloth: For relatively simple stains, leather should be cleaned using gentle methods. Use dry cloth to blot out stains. Avoid rubbing as this could help spread the stain further. Leather also absorbs moisture. For this reason, use dry materials. The stain should disappear after a few days, but if it still remains, consult a professional leather cleaning company.

A reputable furniture store is a reliable source of supply and information about furniture that need special attention. Circus Furniture assists its clientele in the search for and maintenance of different types of furniture. For more tips, visit this Twitter page.

A short guide to buying furniture for a starter home

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For first time homeowners, choosing furniture for a starter home is a difficult task. Lack of experience in furniture shopping coupled with a limited budget often lead homeowners to settle for the cheapest pieces available, regardless of quality. This short guide will help homeowners furnish their starter home with the pieces they need while staying within budget.

Some pieces of furniture are necessary for a home. These include:  

 A bed frame and mattress. The average person will spend about a third of his or her life in bed, so homeowners should take care in choosing one. Bed frames come in different styles, sizes, and material. Platform beds often consist of just a base and a headboard, and are a good choice for a minimalist bedroom. A good mattress should both be comfortable and supportive: not too soft and not too hard. Mattresses should be tested in-store before purchase. Make sure to match the mattress to the size of the bed.

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A dining table and chairs. First time homeowners can't go wrong with classic round and rectangular tables. Round tables are best suited for small families while rectangular tables can accommodate more people. Make sure to bring a measuring tape when shopping for furniture to avoid space issues. For chairs, choose comfortable, well-made pieces that complement the table. Some retailers offer dining room sets, which can be more economical than purchasing the pieces separately. Check the construction: the pieces of quality wooden furniture should be jointed, not nailed or glued together.

A sofa. Those who prefer a firm sofa should choose one with coiled springs, while those who prefer a soft sofa should choose one with zigzag coils. A sofa upholstered in durable fabric, with a sturdy wooden frame, can last a long time with careful use. To save money on starter home furniture shopping, homeowners can check local furniture stores for sales, visit garage sales (but be sure not to buy mattresses and bedding secondhand) and furniture overstock outlets, and regularly visit furniture store websites for ongoing deals. It's best to purchase new furniture from a reputable furniture store like Circus Furniture, as an unscrupulous retailer may try to rip-off less savvy shoppers.  

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For more tips on finding affordable quality furniture for a starter home, like this Facebook page.

Furniture styles: Which one to get?

There are several styles of furniture to choose from. If you’re not familiar with any of them, you may find yourself at a loss when shopping in furniture stores.

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Furniture retailers like Circus Furniture in Tucson, Ariz, advise to have at least some basic knowledge on the different styles of furniture and decors. Having such knowledge will make the purchase of furniture a lot easier. Below are some furniture styles:

• Eclectic – This is when you go from one style to another and find some degree of commonality among the pieces of furniture. Not really a style, but more of a choice.

• Traditional – It is a furniture style that evokes a formal design from the Victorian period. What’s best with this style is its timeless appeal. Traditional furniture are mostly functional and they can easily transition to a different style in case homeowners want to do some changes later.

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• Contemporary – This style is a combination of past and present designs made to stand on its own. Among all styles, it is the most flexible as it takes the best from all designs and it can easily be mixed with the others.

• Modern – Often confuse with contemporary style, modern is a combination of leather, steel, vinyl, molded plywood, and plastics for a stylish furnishing. This style has a modernist appeal.

• Retro – a bit difficult to define, but mostly, this style is achieved when a modern design is no longer trendy, but still look sleek.

• Provincial – A popular choice in Europe and in the U.S., it has both the classic and country feel that was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries in French provinces.

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Whatever style of furniture a homeowner favors, what is important is that the pieces will elevate further the beauty of the home.

Circus Furniture offers a wide selection of home furniture and accessories for the discerning homeowner. Visit its official website for its latest offerings and in-store promotions.