Do-it-Yourself Bathroom Shower Repairs

So the shower in your bathroom isn’t working the way it should, and your kids think the world is coming to an end. Now is not the time to panic. It’s time for a cool head, a keen mind, and a little bit of shower repair know-how in order to get this necessary feature within your home up and running again. Many of the repairs can be done without calling in a professional plumber, and all it will cost you is the price of the parts you may need and a little bit of your time.

If your shower head is leaking, that’s a sign that the gaskets and seals need replacing. While you’re at it, it’s best to do them all at the same time, because if one goes bad, it won’t be long until others are showing their age, too. You won’t have a lot of expensive equipment to buy for this project, either. You will need the different gaskets and seals. If you take the faucet apart prior to heading to the home improvement store for replacements, you’ll know exactly what you need. Other than that you will need caulking, a screwdriver, and a crescent wrench. Before you reassemble the faucet, clean everything out so that it’s as good as new.

Another simple shower repair comes when one of your glass doors gets out of alignment. Most glass door systems have two doors sliding on separate tracks. Once in awhile, however, one of the doors may slip out of it’s own track and into the one being used by the other door. This will mean that you won’t be able to open the doors. If this happens in your shower, try taking a block of wood and gently tapping the door back into place. It also may be possible to just lift the door and slide it back into its own track.

As a swinging shower door ages, it’s possible for the door sweep that keeps water from escaping at the bottom of the door to get dry, crack, and spring leaks.. Replacing the sweep isn’t a difficult project at all.  Prop the door open and remove the old sweep. It may just pull out, or you may have to remove some screws. Take the old sweep with you when you go to buy a new one so that you can get one just like it. When you take the new one home, reinstall it by using the opposite procedure you used when you took it apart.…

Saving Bathroom Space With Bathroom Shower Enclosures

When a person builds a house, special importance is usually given to the bedrooms, the kitchen, the living room, the dining room as well as the house’s exterior. It is understandable too since these are the areas where visitors are usually led to (maybe except the bedroom for some). Generally, these are also the places where home owners would take pride in. But what about the lowly yet decent bathroom?

For me, bathrooms are as important as the rest of the rooms inside a house. This is the place where we would go so we could take our well-deserved rest, so why would we take this place for granted? It just presses us to design this place as beautifully as the rest of the house.

Sometimes, people think so less of the bathrooms that they only put in the basic stuff one would need when taking a bath. I’m not saying that it is wrong to put in only the basic stuff, but wouldn’t it be occupying a lot of space too? And what if you only have limited space, what are you going to do by then? That’s when bathroom shower enclosures came into mind.

Bathroom shower enclosures were used in the past as an added design to make the bathrooms appear classier than it already is. And I have to agree with that because it really brings out the beauty of a bathroom, whether it be a huge room or not.

These shower enclosures are very ideal for bathrooms that have less space as they can only occupy an average sized person. Therefore, you do not need to have a wide space for your bathroom. Plus, these shower enclosures provide the basic necessities a person would need in a bathroom. You’ve got the shower, the faucet and the bathroom space.

The good thing about these bathroom shower enclosures too, is that they prevent water from spilling out while you are taking a bath. It practically gives you two main purposes: saving space and saving time for cleaning. If you used to clean the bathroom floor after you took a bath for an hour or so, you can now use this time for relaxation, perhaps. Now that’s saving time and energy!

Also, companies selling bathroom shower enclosures may be customized depending on the customer. Thus, saving more space for your bathroom. It’s just amazing how many benefits one can get from installing these home improvement equipment to your homes.…

Small Bathroom Tips

These days our bathrooms are getting smaller and smaller so we have to make the absolute most of the space we have. Often we have three or four people using the same bathroom. Here are some tips to help you make the most of a small bathroom.

One with the most important things to have in the bathroom is great storage, however in a small bathroom you have to be very careful with space. Try to use floating glass shelves on the walls as this will give the room a feeling of space. Other storage cupboards need to be subtle and hidden.

Many people these days are using wall hung vanities and toilets as they take up less space in the bathroom. They will also create a more contemporary look to the bathroom.

Make sure you have plenty of glass and mirrors in the bathroom as they will also make your bathroom look better. Mirrors also bring lots of light and reflection into the room.

When choosing your color scheme it is best to stay away from patterns and busy wallpaper. If possible choose plain colors and try to keep them neutral, as you can always change the look of the bathroom with new bright colored towels and other accessories. Choosing the color White for your bathroom will go a long long way in helping it look more spacious.

Large Tiles can help make the room look bigger, however you do need to be careful with large tiles on the floor, as they may have to be cut to fit. Large tiles on the walls of the shower and above the bath can be very useful in helping the room look larger.…

4 Tips For Decorating Any Room in Your Home on a Tight Budget

Believe it or not, it is possible to decorate any room in your home on a budget and a small budget at that. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to add some style to a room and give it a whole new look. Here are some great ways that you decorate any room in your home and stick to your budget.

Paint is probably the best way to decorate a room on a tight budget. You can buy a couple gallons of paint for under $50 and have your room look entirely different. You can add bright or bold colors to add drama to a room, or use more neutral colors for a more natural appearance. You can get really creative with paint. Paint one wall an accent color to make that wall the focal point of the room. Or you can paint stripes or try a textured painting technique to add some real interest to the walls.

Another place that you can have a big impact on a room without spending a lot of money is the windows in the room. There are plenty of different window coverings that you can choose from for every type of room. Even if you have simple vertical blinds and don’t want to get rid of them, you can add a valance to the top of the window to add more drama to the area. Try some creative ways that you can dress windows. Simply taking sheer material and draping it over a decorative curtain rod is a simple and inexpensive decorating idea. Long curtain panels tied back with thick ribbon or velvet is another idea.

Adding simple accessories that tie the room together can have a big impact on the room. Sometimes it’s the little things that count when it comes to decorating a room.Accessories such as candles, photos, flowers, and baskets can add a lot to a room when done in the correct way. Adding a row of candles to a coffee table gives a more intimate feeling. A vase of flowers can make a kitchen look more inviting. Even simple things like new towels in a bathroom can make the difference. If you really want to get the most from your tight budget, then shop flea markets and consignment stores for these items. Although it may take a little more shopping it can save you a ton of money it you have your whole house to decorate.

Rearrange the furniture or pull items from one room and using them in another. If you really have a small budget, then you have to work with what you have. Look for pieces that you can add your own style to and refurbish or recycle. This could mean that the old vase that you used to have flowers in the family room can be spray painted with a metallic finish to act as a centerpiece for your dining room table. …

Changing Your Dining Room Curtains – Easy Interior Design Changes

You can find dining room curtains in quite a range of different materials and styles. By visualizing the end result, you can pretty much assure yourself that you’re going to choose the right curtain for your home. You can really achieve some different looks just by changing your dining room curtains, and after doing so the first time you might make up your mind to do it on a regular basis.

Having a little bit of change in your life every once in a while is a good thing and that applies to interior decorating as well. As homeowners, lots of times we have a tendency to get things set up once and then forget about it and never change it again. This is fine for a while, but in order to change up the atmosphere a little bit it is important to do something a bit different. You can effectively change the entire look of your dining room just by changing the curtains.

It’s really nice to experience formal occasions, as they often provide some exciting times in our life. It is really a true honor when you get to host an event, and it deserves your full attention to the details. You can really add some richness to your room in an affordable way just by adding some deep and rich fabrics. You could even say the dining room curtains are the foundation for the aura of your room.

If you select the dining room curtain that is a nice deep burgundy with some golden details stuck in, you are offering your guests a really nice rich design with some warmth as well. Red is a really great tone for dining room curtain because the color has a tendency to stimulate the appetite. The gold added in is just a nice choice because it adds somewhat of a formal touch to the room.

While having a nice rich look like this is quite nice during the holiday season or on special occasions, it can really grow old quick. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really want to have my dining room feeling like a formal room on a daily basis. By opting to get a second set of curtains for the space you can easily change things up. Different materials and colors can make it look and feel like a different room entirely.

As a nice contrast to the gold and deep burgundy curtains, you might think about choosing a neutral or light color with some burgundy detailing in it. Just for an example, you might think about some white or off white shear curtains with maybe some little roses or apples in a sewn pattern. This would allow you to change your curtain color scheme without having to switch around the rest of the scheme of your dining room.

Change is really nice. I change my clothes on a daily basis, and I like some …

Antique Dining Tables Add a Touch of Elegance

There’s nothing more grandiose than period furniture that displays the caring artistry of long ago. Dining room tables that are empowered with multiple leaves, stretching their length up to ten feet. This was a gathering place of friends, family, and frolic on those occasions when a well-prepared meal, talk and laughter, dominated most households. Antique dining room tables have a way of holding those memories, crying out for festive days once again.

The Age of Walnut

From 1600 through 1730, walnut trees were in ample supply and craftsmen labored over the hard wood in creating dining room tables that showed off the grain of the beautiful wood. Almost impossible to thin down, the dining room table was made very thick. The legs were cradled with beautiful ornate designs because walnut was easy to carve. You may be surprised to find that it is still possible to run across a genuine walnut table of this time period, as walnut will last forever.

Period Furniture of the 18th Century

An abundance of new and exciting furniture moved into the 18th century with the different eras of time. Queen Anne, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Federal, Georgian, Louis, and Empire styles all shared their own unique designs with a new wood that seemed to offer more that walnut. Mahogany was easier to cut and sculpture and the grain left a magnificent glow to a room when treated with a hard clear finish. Dining room tables became masterpieces along with matching chairs and buffets. Sometimes other exotic woods like rosewood, tulipwood, and ebony were used to bring out the grain even further. Brass legs showed off a rich, stylish family life.

Knowing an Original Antique Solid Wood Table

The word ‘antique’ merely refers to an item that is over fifty years old. An original means that your table is not a reproduction. There are many fine reproductions today and may be solid wood but not an original. It is very hard to determine if you have a table that is the original that was handmade in 1780 or a very close copy that was produced in 1890. Only an expert in the field of antiques can make a professional determination but nonetheless, they are both antiques and both possess history that makes each unique.

Twentieth Century Contemporary Furniture

Industrialism started in the 19th century and along with this came furniture manufacturers. This furniture is easily distinguished from handmade period furniture of the past with precise cuts and nails that bind the pieces together. Many dining room sets made during this period are still considered antiques as we move further into the 21st century but the heritage is quite different. Smaller and lighter to fit the changing era, veneer became popular instead of using real wood.

It is still possible to find antique dining tables that bring back the days of fine dining and large family get-togethers. From old plantations of the south, you may find a Georgian Mahogany …

Console Tables for the Home

Console tables don’t seem to get the respect they deserve. They are one of the specialty tables you’ll find in homes everywhere, but few people really know what they are or what their purpose is. Often they simply mistake them for another tall table in the home, the sofa table.

This isn’t too surprising, since most console tables are rectangular in shape, though half-oval and semicircle console tables are also popular. Basically, it’s any table that is long and narrow and which can easily fit in the living room, but also works equally well in a narrow room, hallway or entryway.

That’s really where these tables found their niche – in a hallway or foyer. They are a great place to establish the tone of the home. For example, you can use the table to show off the latest family photos, showing visitors how much family means to you. Or you can have a few pieces from your collection of fine antiques. They also allow you to keep certain items handy, such as your pair of leather gloves, at the ready on a cold winter day and easy to find. Console tables can also be used to keep your glasses, mail, dog’s leash or any other regularly used items handy.

Originally, you’d find console tables that were actually mounted to the walls. There were no back legs. They were often paired with sconces and even a mirror. Today, they’re more mobile than their ancestors, gaining rear legs so they can be used virtually anywhere in the home, no installation required.

While console tables are more mobile, many homeowners still add a mirror on the wall behind it, keeping their hairbrush and other last minute touches at the ready in a table drawer so they can do a brief check before heading out to work or a date.

Because these console tables can be used virtually anywhere in the home, their versatility is one of their most prized features. For instance, you can place one at the end of a hallway or at the bottom of a staircase (a very handy addition for getting things from one floor to another).

But don’t think for a moment that these tables are only designed to shuttle stuff from one place to another. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as holding some of your favorite first edition books, your Wii or wifi boombox. You can also use them to display a spray of flowers or cards from your birthday or anniversary.

When the holidays roll around, you can press your console tables into service as a place to hold your china, service pieces, utensils and napkins. Or you can set up a wonderful wine and cocktail bar on the table, freeing up space on your main dining room table or buffet.

When selecting the perfect table, you want to make sure that it fits the space you have in mind. Start by taking measurements of …

The Best Kids Bathroom Accessories

Most of us have experienced shopping with kids and know it can be frustrating. But give it a try if you are looking to update or decorate their bathroom. Parents may be surprised at what kids may pick out and their taste. Stores provide so much to look at and consider.

Designer bath towels and accessories cost a little more and are sometimes better quality than cheaper ones. They may last longer too, but if your kids are very young and active you may be better off settling for less expensive products and change the theme more frequently.

Most kids like to play in the bath and can make a mess and your bath mats may not last a year or a very long time, so why not buy cheaper ones. Discount stores and sales usually can save money on these items also. Online shopping is also a good option to find everything you need. Before ordering, make sure you know the shipping cost, when it will be shipped and delivered, and the reputation of the store.

There are many sales and reasonable prices today because of the economy. You can find many designs of cute towels, bath mats, shower curtains, cups and toothbrush holders in different themes. Some kids may prefer an animal theme, Disney theme or cartoon characters. Or, another idea is sets with balloon, hearts, bright colors, etc.

An organized and kids friendly bathroom will help kids to look forward to their bath. Some themes will work for both boys and girls, or why not mix and match the different Disney characters, superheroes or cartoon characters. To personalize the bathroom for your kids you may want to consider nature scenes, clouds, or plants and trees for older children and these designs will work for both sexes.

Decorating a kid’s bathroom can be fun for both parents and the kids and if they are “helping” to choose items for their own bathroom, they probably won’t get bored and will enjoy spending time with you while you spend your money.…

Curtain Ideas for Bathroom Showers

Matching curtains and drapery are designed with utmost care to enhance the interior d?�cor of the bathroom or living room. When it comes to bathroom, curtains are only thought to be functional, either to dress up windows or to form shower enclosures. However, there are plenty of design ideas for shower curtains, which can bring a spectacular difference to the appearance of the bathroom. Discussed below are a few interesting shower curtain ideas.

While choosing a shower curtain, you will have to decide on the cost, type of fabric and extent of maintenance required by the material and its construction. When it comes to patterns, you can choose from simple, bold, floral, geometric and striped patterns. Light colors are predominantly used, as they give a bright and spacious appearance to the space. Curtains accentuated with sparkling paint can reflect on the water, rendering a lively effect. Some people like to customize the patterns with artworks or favorite snapshots. The common types of curtain fabrics for shower enclosures are vinyl, terry and plastic. Vinyl and plastic are cost-effective and work well in retaining water inside the enclosure. Further, they can be cleaned easily by just tossing and machine-washing. If a heavy fabric is used, it may give a pleasant look, but it can get dirty easily and also accumulate moisture. However, you can use a plastic liner that resists moisture, keeping the curtain dry. Anti-bacterial curtains are also available to prevent accumulation of bacteria due to moisture. They are treated with suitable materials to resist the growth of microbes.

There are several ways to add to the d?�cor of shower curtains. When it comes to children’s bathroom, there are an endless variety of patterns, including cartoons, flowers, ducks, fish, and bugs, that can form a theme for the bathroom. Master bathroom suites can be decorated with curtains that emphasize the color scheme of the walls and also match with other fixtures. Striped curtains are attractive for bigger bathrooms. When it comes to curtain rods, there are a few shapes, including the common ‘D’ shape and ‘L’ shape. The right selection of rods definitely adds to the ambiance of the bathroom, just as with any other room in the home. Curtains are hung with hooks inserted on the rail that is fit into the brackets. The rod must not be bulky, as it may give a cluttered appearance. You can select from a broad variety or rods, with regard to material, color, finish and shape. Hooks also serve to augment the d?�cor of showers, as their type and appearance can render an artistic look. They come in different textures, materials and finishes, including glazed finishes. The shapes vary from round to floral and star-shaped hooks that match the pattern on the curtains.

Shower curtains must be cleaned regularly and maintained dry, in order to prevent mildew growth and microbial buildup. Proper maintenance will ensure durability of the shower enclosures formed by shower curtains. Showers look great with …

5 Additions to Your Dining Room That’ll Make a Luxurious Difference

The dining space in your home is typically reserved to family dinners and the occasional get-together on holidays and birthdays. Although you may not use your dining space as much as your living room or family room, it’s still important to keep it looking its best. The dining room is typically the one place in the home that you don’t have to worry about suffering from extra wear and tear, having toys left lying around it, or paying it extra attention when it comes to spring cleaning. Therefore, this room is the perfect place to add elegant and unique additions without having to constantly worry about their well being. If you’re looking to give your space a bit of an upgrade – turn to some of the following tips:

o A great overhead lighting fixture is something that will add beauty and illumination to your dining space. Having the proper lighting is extremely important. Whether it’s just a routine dinner or a large family gathering, these events can be greatly compromised by poor or insufficient lighting. By choosing a piece that compliments your room’s theme, as well as adds beauty to the space, you’ll be adding aesthetic function.

o If your chairs have seen better days, you’re certainly not alone. Many homeowners deal with hand-me-down furniture and after years and years of continued use, your chairs may have started to show some signs of wear. Don’t run out and buy new chairs just yet. You may have been able to cover the table with a tablecloth, so apply the same idea to your chairs. Slip covers for all sizes and shapes of seating are available and can often be customized to fit your theme. The slipcovers will be easy to remove to wash and if you have children – you know what a luxury that is.

o Your dining room doesn’t have to be a table, some chairs, and a light. Making your dining area personal is always a great idea since you and your family probably spend a lot of time there together. If you’re looking to get a family photo taken – this room makes a perfect place to display your new portrait. Can’t find a place in the living room for the kids’ school pictures or your wedding photos? Hanging them in the dining room in frames that coordinate with your room’s theme can put the perfect personalized touch on things.

o If you’re looking to invest in a large piece for the home like a statue, a grandfather clock, or a china cabinet this room makes a perfect place for elegant pieces like these. Unlike the living room or family room, kids typically aren’t running through quite as frequently and it’s a perfect, safe place for expensive additions like these.

o Although they’re not always in there – a new set of china can certainly make an impact on your dining space when it’s in …