how to decorate a bathroom

How to Decorate a Bathroom.

The bathroom is often one of the most overlooked and neglected rooms when it comes to decorating. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy ways to give your bathroom a fresh look. It can be as simple as change out the towels and adding a plant, to as fancy as adding wallpaper or painting the wall behind a set of shelves.



Method 1 Changing the Patterns and Colors.

1. Choose a theme and color scheme for your bathroom. Most people prefer refreshing themes and colors, such as cool blues, Zen, pale green, or nautical. You can choose something more unique, however, such as vintage, romantic, or ornate.

Pastel colors are great for a vintage look, while deep reds and golds are perfect for an ornate look.

You can also use neutral colors, such as white and black, or white and silver.

Your theme can be specific, such as rustic farmhouse, or general, such as traditional or classic.

2. Repaint your bathroom or bathroom furniture. You can repaint the entire bathroom, or you can paint just 1 wall an accent color. For example, if your bathroom’s walls are all white, consider painting 1 wall a different color, like light blue or pale gray.

Make sure that you use a paint suitable for humid, bathroom environments.

The best paint finish for a bathroom will be satin or semi-gloss.

3. Add some wallpaper as an alternative. You can apply the wallpaper over all of the bathroom’s walls, or you can choose just 1 accent wall. You can also use a narrow strip of wallpaper trim along the top or middle of the wall instead.

Make sure that the wallpaper matches the color and theme of your bathroom.

4. Apply a wall treatment for an upscale design. Great options for your bathroom include tile, faux shiplap, stone, or glass. Although they're a more expensive decorative option, wall treatments last a long time and elevate your design.

Make sure the wall treatment you pick is appropriate for a bathroom, since it will get humid. When in doubt, talk to a product representative.

5. Use wall decals or framed artwork as a temporary option. If you live in a rental unit, you may not be able to repaint the walls or use wall paper. You can still use removable wall decals. You can also hang some framed artwork above the toilet or towel rack instead.

Simple silhouettes work the best when it comes to wall decals. Try scrolls or filigree for a fancy look, or trees and greenery for a serene look.

If your bathroom doesn't have good ventilation, the frames must contain glass.

If you're wanting a temporary upscale look, you can install peel-and-stick tiles behind your sink to create a backsplash. You can find these at home improvement stores or online.

6. Paint the back walls inside open shelving units. If you have shelves in your bathroom, consider painting the walls behind them a different color. This works best on shelves without cabinet doors, but you can do this on cabinets too.

For example, if your bathroom has white walls, paint the walls behind the shelves a light gray for a subtle pop of color.

If you want to add a designer touch to your shelves, you can install wallpaper or contact paper along the back wall instead of paint. As another option, you could apply the contact paper just on the shelves.



Method 2 Adding Textiles and Furniture.

1. Add a small, decorative stand or side table. Choose a small stand or a side table that is 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) across and tuck it into a niche or corner. Not only will this look cute, but it can double-up as extra storage.

For example, you could keep candles or bowls filled with pretty soaps on top of the table.

If your table has shelves, roll up your towels and place them inside the shelves. Not only is this a great decorative touch, it's also practical!

Consider placing a nice tray atop the table for your toiletries or perfumes.

2. Consider an upholstered bench for comfort and luxury. Choose a bench that matches the style and colors of your bathroom, then set it against the wall. If you have a small bathroom but still want a hint of luxury, consider an upholstered stool instead.

Don't be afraid to take a bench apart and re-paint or re-upholster it. If you decide to re-upholster the bench, make sure you choose a water-resistant fabric. This is especially important if you plan to sit on the bench while wet or place wet items on the bench. Otherwise, it may develop mold or mildew.

3. Get a shelving unit if you have space for it. Not only can this add a decorative element to your bathroom, but it will also allow you to store other items, such as towels, toilet paper, and so forth.

Make the shelf more decorative by adding a plant or a vessel filled with pretty soaps or bath bombs.

If you have a small bathroom, consider adding a single, narrow shelf just above the bathroom vanity. Store your perfumes, cosmetics, and toothbrushes on it.

If you have a small bathroom, consider getting a mini metal shelving unit that you can place on your bathroom counter or hang above the toilet.

Another option for shelving is floating shelves, which are great if you don't have the space for a unit. You can hang your floating shelves over your toilet or, if there's no shower, above the bathtub. Use your shelves for extra towels, rolls of toilet paper, personal care items, or decorations.

4. Brighten up a dull bathroom with colorful towels or a bathmat. One of the quickest ways to change the look of your bathroom is by swapping out the towels and bathmat for something new.

Consider the season. Warm colors work well for fall, while cool colors work better for winter. Pastels are great for spring, and bright colors are ideal for summer.

Play around with different shades and layering. For example, try a light green hand towel over a dark green bath towel.

Bathmats don’t always have to be made from towel material. You can get wooden or bamboo ones too!

5. Change out the shower curtain for something more exciting. If you have a plain white or frosted shower curtain, consider switching it out for a different one. Pick out a bright color that matches your towels. If solid colors aren't your thing, try a pattern instead.

If you are going with a pattern, make sure that it matches the other colors in your bathroom.

If you have a window in your bathroom, consider getting some mini curtains or blinds for it. Keep them open so that you have lots of daylight.

If you have any curtains you aren't using, you can hang these over your plastic shower curtain to create a fancy look.



Method 3 Updating Fixtures and Lighting.

1. Take advantage of natural lighting if your bathroom has it. Some bathrooms have windows in them. These are great of bringing in natural daylight and giving your bathroom a fresher look. Clear the area in front of the window, wipe the window clean, and repaint the sill, if needed.

Decorate your window with opened curtains or plants, but keep it minimal so that the light can pass through.

On the other hand, if your bathroom has a grand, luxurious theme, hanging heavy curtains in front of the window may work better.

2. Trade out the light bulbs for something new. If you have lights above your bathroom mirror, consider switching them out for different ones. This can be as simple as changing the old, bright bulbs for frosted ones. It can be as fancy as getting actual lights with fancy covers or fixtures around them.

If your lights have fixtures or covers, make sure that they match the other metallic elements in your bathroom.

If you like to do makeup in your bathroom, choose lights with a bright, white glow. Avoid lights that give you a hazy, golden glow; it’s not good lighting for makeup.

If your bathroom is too dark, high-efficiency LED lights can give your bathroom a bright, white glow.

3. Switch out the towel racks for something new. Make sure that the new towel racks match the other metal fixtures in your bathroom, however. For example, if you have gold faucets, you should get gold towel racks--not silver ones.

Towel racks don’t always have to look like horizontal rods or bars. You can get ones shaped like hooks or loops instead.

If you can't afford to replace your towel racks, you can paint them instead! Simply take them off the wall and bring them outside. Use a metal spray paint to coat them in a new color. You could choose something metallic or mix it up with a fun shade that matches your bathroom, like a blue.

4. Change your mirror, or put a frame around it. If your mirror looks plain, see if you can find a fancier mirror. Oval mirrors or mirrors with beveled edges are a great option. If you can't change your mirror, consider framing it instead. You can use an actual frame, or you can use glass mosaic tiles instead.

If you are framing the mirror, use colors that match the other colors in your bathroom.

5/ Change the fixtures in your bathroom for a more adventurous project. This can be difficult for someone who has not done it before, so if the task is too intimidating for you, hire a handyman. Make sure that the colors go well with the overall theme of your bathroom.

For example, if your bathroom is ornate with lots of burgundy and gold, consider gold fixtures.

If your bathroom has a modern or Zen theme, try matte silver fixtures instead.



Method 4 Adding Accessories and Storage.

1. Bring some character with candles or decorative items. Things like pillar candles, figurines, and vases all make great bathroom accents. Find some items that match the color and theme of your bathroom, then display them in an out-of-the-way area, such as a side table, a shelf, or the corner of the counter.

If you are getting pillar candles, consider getting 3 candles that are the same color, but different heights and thicknesses. This will create some interesting variation.

Make sure that the items you choose can withstand humid conditions.

Avoid using breakable items, such as glass, if you have curious children or pets.

2. Bring in some greenery with a plant or 2. Choose a plant that requires low levels of sunlight. Even if your bathroom has a window in it, it likely won't provide enough sunlight for your plant.

Match the pots to your bathroom's tiles, towels, mat, or shower curtain.

Every so often, move your plant into a bright window for a day or 2 so that it can absorb sunlight.

Air plants are a great option for your bathroom! They'll thrive in the humid bathroom environment and require little care.

Hang some fake, green floral garlands along the ceiling. Ivy is a classic choice, but you can also try ferns or wisteria.

3. Store extra towels and toilet paper in baskets. Instead of keeping towels and toilet paper stacks on a shelf, put them into decorative storage baskets instead. Measure the depth of your shelf or cabinet first, then purchase some square or rectangular baskets that match those dimensions.

You can also use wire or canvas baskets. Container stores, fabric stores, and craft stores generally have a vast selection.

If you have space next to your sink or toilet, you can keep the baskets there as well.

You are not just limited to towels and toilet paper; you can store other items that you want to keep out of sight too, such as hair styling tools.

4. Keep cotton balls, Q-tips, and other toiletries in glass jars or vessels. Instead of leaving these items in the cabinet, transfer them into glass or clear acrylic containers, then keep the containers on your bathroom counter. Use 1 container for each type of item.

For example, keep your cotton balls in a tall jar and your Q-tips in a squat container.

Consider a vase or apothecary-style jar for extra bath bombs, mini lotion bottles, or hand soaps.

Tiered cupcake stands and cake stands make cute displays for perfumes, nail polish, and other cosmetics.

Old Mason jars are a great, low cost option for storing your items! If you don't like the look of them plain, add a ribbon or piece of fabric to make them match your decor. As another option, you could paint the jars, though you wouldn't be able to see into them anymore.

5. Make use of soap dispensers and toothbrush holders. Instead of keeping your liquid hand soap in the plastic bottle it came in, pour it into a glass or ceramic soap dispenser. If you prefer to use solid soap, keep it in a little dish or tray instead.

Keep your toothbrushes in a toothbrush holder. Make sure that it matches your soap dish or soap dispenser.

If you like to use mouthwash, consider pouring it into a glass vessel or bottle instead. Have some paper cups nearby, so that you have something to pour the mouthwash into.



Question : How can I decorate a small bathroom for cheap?

Answer : You can get a new shower curtain, add artwork (original or print free art from online), add a few plants, and your bathroom will look refreshed. Painting can also nicely update it if that is in your budget.

Question : How can I make my bathroom look brighter?

Answer : If you have a window, open the blinds (when it's okay to do so), add brighter LED bulbs to your light fixture, and paint your walls a bright or lighter color that will reflect light.

Question : What pictures should I put in my bathroom?

Answer : You can put up some rules to be followed inside the bathroom, and you can decorate the paper containing the rules.



Tips.

Don't be afraid to change your decorations with the seasons. Warm colors are great for cold weather, while cool colors are better for warm weather.

If you don't know how to do something, or aren't comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional, such as a painter or plumber.

Find inspiration online if you are stuck. There are lots of websites, such as Pinterest and Polyvore, that allow people to share ideas for projects.

Don't feel like you have to change out everything at once. You can update your style a little at a time.

Things You'll Need : Towels, Bathmat, Shower curtain, Storage baskets, Jars and vases.

Februari 12, 2020

how to decorate for a birthday party

How to Decorate for a Birthday Party.

Decorating for a birthday party can be a little daunting, especially if you've never done it before! Start by choosing a theme, since that will help you narrow down your décor options and create a cohesive look for the party. If you're holding the party at a restaurant or party room, be sure to ask the management what their policies are on decorations before buying your supplies. If you're holding the party at an outdoor venue, don't forget to bring tables and chairs!



Method 1 Choosing a Theme.

1. Focus on the person’s age when choosing decorations. You can use this theme for any birthday, but it works especially well for first birthdays and other milestone birthdays like turning 16, 30, or 40. Go with banners, balloons, and party favors that announce the person’s age and make sure that the age number appears prominently throughout the décor.

For example, for a first birthday, the décor and party favors can feature the number “1” or say “Happy 1st Birthday!” on them. The cake and Mylar balloons can be shaped like the number “1,” as well.

You can also base color choices on the age. For example, a Sweet 16 party can be decorated in shades of pink. Black and gold decorations are popular for 40th birthday parties with an “Over The Hill” theme.

2. Base the theme around the season for an easy option. Seasonal themes are great options that never go out of style. They're also extremely customizable and you should be able to find decorations at your local craft store or online quickly and easily. If you aren't sure what kind of theme to go with or if you don't have much time for planning, consider a seasonal theme!

For example, a summer birthday party can have a tropical color scheme and feature beach themed decorations.

If the party is in the fall, you could have a burgundy, brown, and orange color scheme and use autumn-themed decorations featuring leaves, pumpkins, cornucopias, and pinecones.

The season can also dictate activities for the party. For example, you can have pumpkin carving or pumpkin painting activities at a kids’ autumn-themed party. Bobbing for apples is another fun idea for fall!

3. Feature a favorite animal, sports team, or other interest in the décor. You probably know the person well enough to pinpoint one of their favorite hobbies or interests, but if you aren't that close to them, don't be afraid to ask someone who would know! Finding decorations that match a very specific or obscure interest may not be feasible at your local craft store, so try looking online instead.

For example, a child who loves unicorns might love a unicorn-themed party with unicorn imagery and pastel decorations. If the person loves Harry Potter or Star Wars, you could go with decorations that reflect those interests.

A football or hockey themed party would work great for a sports lover, and you can even zero in on a specific team and use the team colors for your color scheme.

Create a Disney-themed party with decorations featuring their favorite Disney characters and settings.

4. Go all out with a location-based theme for a creative solution. Transform the party space by creating an atmosphere based on a location. Depending on what you choose, this may be the most work-intensive choice, but if you have plenty of time for planning and have a creative streak, consider making a big splash with this approach. Go with a location or atmosphere that you know the person really loves!

For example, create a carnival-themed party with brightly colored or striped décor, carousel imagery, tents, clowns, and lollipops.

You could also consider a garden theme, a castle theme, or a zoo theme. Jungle, safari, and outer space themes are also very popular.



Method 2 Decorating a Restaurant or Party Room.

1. Ask the venue about their policy on decorations. Some spaces may provide decorations for birthday parties, so if you're on a budget, definitely inquire about that. If you want to bring your own decorations, find out what they allow before purchasing anything. Balloons, banners, and other easy-to-hang wall decorations are usually totally fine with most venues.

Don't forget to bring tape to hang up your wall decorations!

2. Write birthday messages on large banners for an easy solution. Birthday banners can be as elaborate or simple as you like. A simple banner might exclaim “Happy Sweet 16, Tara!” in purple and silver lettering, for example. You can also try something more on-theme; for instance, for a royal-themed party, create a scroll-shaped banner with a message like, “Hear ye, hear ye! It’s The Queen’s birthday!”

For a disco-themed party, you could have a banner with an iconic disco quote like, “Let’s get down tonight!”, “Stayin’ Alive”, or “Shake your groove thang!”

Hang the banner somewhere prominent so that everyone can see it!

3. Use garlands to emphasize the party theme or spell out messages. For something simple, string together cardboard letters to spell out a simple birthday message or the person's name. You could also create themed garlands using paper or cardboard cutouts. For example, use flower-shaped cutouts for a garden party, a string of cardboard crown cutouts for a royal-themed party, or T-rex cutouts for a dinosaur-themed party.

String together photos to create a very personal garland.

For an 80s themed dance party, string together paper cutouts of boomboxes and stereo speakers.

4. Liven up the space with colorful balloons for a classic look. You can find balloons in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and materials at most party stores and they're a classic go-to for creating a festive atmosphere. Balloon solutions can be simple or elaborate, depending on what you want to do and how much time you have.

For example, for an easy option, blow the balloons up yourself with an air pump and scatter them around the room or tape them to objects.

You can also rent a helium tank, fill the balloons, and either tie them to objects in the room or simply let them float along the ceiling.

For a quick option, go with Mylar balloons in different shapes and colors and have the party store fill them with helium for you.

Go all out by creating a balloon arch.

5. Create and hang a photo-collage for a personalized solution. Go with images of the birthday person at different ages and doing a variety of things to create a sentimental vibe. Images that include their friends and family members are also a great idea, especially those that you know will be in attendance at the party. You may want to print the images from digital files to prevent original photographs from getting damaged, though.

For example, you could include pictures from their very first birthday party, a summer vacation, and dancing at prom.

You can also create the collage as a keepsake and include blank space for the party goers to write birthday messages and well-wishes.

6. Spread out tablecloths in eye-catching colors or prints for a quick solution. You don't have to cover your tables, but it's usually a good idea if you're renting a space. You can keep things simple and go with plastic, solid-colored table coverings that match the party’s color scheme. You can also use on-theme printed tablecloths, like galaxy prints for an outer space theme or colorful stripes for a carnival theme.

You can buy printed tablecloths for almost any theme you can imagine, or you can make them yourself using butcher paper, printed images, and glue.

For a ruffled look, buy several tablecloths in a few different sizes and layer them on each table.

Collage printed photographs on craft paper to make a customized, personal print!

7. Scatter confetti in fun shapes on the tabletops for a quick solution. If you need to create a festive look in a hurry, scatter colorful confetti across the tables. You can use plain confetti, or go with an on-theme solution like star-shaped confetti for an outer space theme.

Scattering glitter or sequins on the tables can create a similar effect and may even work better if you’re doing a disco or carnival theme.



Method 3 Using Decorations at Outdoor Venues.

1. Bring or rent your own tables and chairs. Most outdoor places like playgrounds and parks won't have enough seating to comfortably accommodate the number of guests you're expecting. Make sure you provide enough table space to accommodate everyone!

You may want to have a small, separate table for the gifts and larger tables where guests can eat or chat with one another.

Simple folding chairs are a great option for outdoor seating. They can be purchased fairly cheaply, but you may want to rent if you're expecting a crowd.

2. Use balloons to guide guests to the party area. Fill colorful balloons with helium, then tie the balloons to objects along the way to create a path from the parking area to the outdoor party area. Helium balloons are very light, so you can safely tie them to almost anything! If the party is in a backyard, a balloon path eliminates the need to answer the front door—guests can just walk right up to the party area!

You can also post colorful signs that have arrows and messages like, "Party this way!"

Emphasize the party color scheme when choosing balloons.

3. Drape string lights between and around trees to illuminate the area. If the party is in your backyard or at another location where electricity is accessible, this is a great solution—especially if you expect the party to continue into the night. If you have trees that are fairly close together, drape the lights between them. You can also wrap the lights around tree trunks and thread them through the foliage.

Buy colored lights to match the party's theme or go with white lights for a classic look.

You can also find delicate fairy lights that come with battery packs if you don't have access to electricity.

Attach lightweight Chinese paper lanterns to the string in between the lights to create even more ambiance.

4. Cover the tables with craft paper for a homemade vibe. Tape a large piece of white craft paper or construction paper onto the tabletops and scatter crayons and markers across the surfaces so that party goers can write messages and draw pictures. This works great for children’s parties and the covers can be easily saved as a keepsake.

Taping the paper down will prevent it from being blown away by the wind.

5. Hang up a piñata for a simple, fun solution. A big, colorful piñata feels festive and is a great decoration for outdoor parties. You can buy piñatas already filled with goodies, or you get an empty one that you can fill with customized treats. Choose a shape that matches your party theme or go with whatever catches your eye!

Find a sturdy tree branch to hang the piñata from and make sure there's plenty of space for the guests to swing at it safely!



Question : What if I'm celebrating with my 15-year-old cousin that's a boy and I'm a girl and I'm 10?

Answer : Do you have anything you can agree on for a theme? Do you both like Harry Potter, or music, or dogs, or anything like that? If you can't agree, you could just decorate one side of the room the way you want to, and have him decorate the other side the way he wants to, and put the cake and other mutual stuff in the middle.

Februari 08, 2020

how to redecorate your home affordably

How to Redecorate Your Home Affordably.

A well designed and decorated home has its effects on our mood, personality and even how other people perceive us. It is true that our home is a reflection of our personalities, our preferences, and of course how organized and chic we are. Decorating your place, especially if you are trying to redecorate your entire home or even a single room, can be a daunting task and a big expense. If you tackle it with the right mindset and a concerted approach, you can redecorate your home without breaking the bank.

Steps.

1. Start with small objects. The first and foremost task is to give magnitude to small objects. The greatest changes occur through the presence of small objects. In order to make the home colorful, jovial, complete and spacious, people hang curtains, blinds or paintings. Such things are not time consuming, and by shopping at outlets, thrift stores, and relatively inexpensive home stores, you can make small changes without going out of budget.

2. Use colors that compliment each other. No room requires everything to match, but having colors that go well together can really help the overall impression of the décor.

It doesn't have to be very expensive or laborious to choose color coordinate items. The trick here is to purchase neutral furniture which goes with different color schemes.

If a piece of furniture has an odd color, paint it and swathe with sealant. It does not only save the paint, but makes the furniture look new as well. In several cases you will have to spend as little as $30 to make an old piece of furniture look new.

3. Change the bedding. It seems like a small feature, but it is true that bedding makes a room more tidy, perfect and organized. You spend almost one third of your precious time in the bedroom. On a tight budget, the new wall paint and eye-catching bedding make a great difference. If your budget allows, purchase your desired bed which can fit in the bedroom properly.

4. Manage the chaos. One of the easy-to-manage and budget-oriented tips is to control the mess. If you have purchased the best products and decoration pieces, but they aren't arranged well, they'll be less impressive. Avoid clutter. The unnecessary things can be sold online.

De-clutter your space to give a smart look. Organize your mail, deal with dirty clothes and organize anything that's lying around. Plan to spare 10 minutes after dinner for this task.

5. Maximize free space. More floor area can give a broad view of the room. The room seems larger and can become more luxurious as well. On the other hand, a reduced amount of floor space can make a room seem unappealing, smaller and cheaper.

6. Paint your walls. Consider having a creative accent wall, too, with a different color or decorative elements. A lick of paint can make a room seem like new. Excessive use of pictures can make a wall (and room) seem cluttered; however arranging a wall painting, a small beautiful shelf or a family photograph gives a personal touch.

7. Align picture frames in a systematic order. Whenever you add a wall hanging, position it at the center of the wall. It should not be too high up or too far down. The middle of the wall and the center area is the best area for hanging striking frames.

8. Use lighting to your advantage. One of the cost effective ways to "redecorate" is to light your house better. Try to avoid incandescent and overhead lights as these are harsh and give an uncomfortable appearance to a room. Room lamps have a diffuse light which gets balanced if lamps are placed on the two sides of the bed. Lamp shades help make a room warm, attractive and pleasant.

9. Add individuality. There is a great difference between a hotel room and your personal room. Your room is personal as it gives a sense of individuality. For example, in your own room, you may have arranged photographs of memorable moments with family members. Moreover, the use of candles, flowers and favorite wall color gives your own rooms a more personal touch. Add the things you like the most in your room. It will give you comfy feeling and sense of individualism.

10. Bring an outdoor touch inside. The natural beauty of spring is a joy. Bring something fresh and natural into your home. Add some plants to your home. House plants make the surrounding fresh and change the mood.

In order to capitalize the outdoor view, hang a mirror diagonally across from your windows. If you are living in a busy or municipal area, add some photographs or paintings of landscapes/nature to your décor.

Question : What is the best way to utilize leftover carpet cleaners other than on carpet?
Answer : Carpet cleaners may be used on other fabrics.

Januari 22, 2020

how to revamp a sofa on a budget

How to Revamp a Sofa on a Budget.

A comfortable sofa is an essential item in any home. Unfortunately, a sofa may become shabby on the outside before it is it truly worn out. New sofas are quite expensive, and professional reupholstering costs almost just as much. Instead, you can revamp your sofa on a budget by purchasing a slipcover, creating a slipcover from a bed sheet, and/or giving your sofa a deep cleaning. Slipcovers are a great option as they can be washed as well as well as changed out when you’re ready for a new look! With a little work and only a little money, you can improve the look and feel of your home.

Method 1 Purchasing a Slipcover.

1. Measure your sofa. A “slipcover” is a commercially-made cover for your sofa. In order to purchase the right one, you will need to measure your sofa. Using a tape measure, record the width and length of your couch, as well as the length of the arms. Additionally, you should look for any labels on your sofa. If you can determine the manufacturer and/or specific style of your sofa, you may be able to find a slipcover made especially for it.

It can also be helpful to take a photo on your cell phone. You can show this image to a retail employee, and they may be able to help you select the right product.

2. Find a slipcover that fits your sofa. Look for your new slipcover at big box, home supply, fabric, or upholstery stores. Additionally, if you know the manufacturer of your sofa (such as Ikea), you can visit that manufacturer directly (in person or online). Search for a slipcover that fits the size and style of your sofa, as well as the look and feel of your home.

If you have an oddly-shaped or vintage sofa, you may need to order a custom-made slipcover from an upholsterer or designer.

Slipcovers vary widely in terms of cost. You may find them for as little as $60 (from some big box stores), or as much as $600 (from some furniture retailers).

3. Affix your slipcover. Slipcovers are extremely appealing because they are easy to use. Simply open your new slipcover, remove any pillows or loose items from your sofa, and drape your slipcover over. Often times, there will be ties, Velcro, or other fasteners that will help you to tighten and secure your slipcover. Be sure to read any instructions that come included with your new slipcover.

It’s best to wash or steam the slipcover (depending on the instructions on the care tag) before putting it on your sofa to ensure it is soft and wrinkle-free.

4. Add throw pillows and a throw blanket. To easily revamp the look of your sofa cheaply, you can use throw pillows and/or a throw blanket to finish the look. You can find these items at big box or furniture stores, or look at thrift stores or resale shops to stick to your budget.

Method 2 Using a Bed Sheet as a Slipcover.

1. Drape a sheet over your sofa. When covering your sofa with a bed sheet, you basically have two options. First, if you have a large enough flat sheet, you can drape it over your entire sofa and tuck it in all over. You second option is to use an entire set of sheets to cover different parts of your couch. You may need to experiment with different sheet sizes to get the right fit.

Choose a sheet with a color or print that the original sofa fabric does not show through. Opt for sheets made of durable fabric. For instance, though silk may look nice, it will slip around.

Remove all of the cushions and lay your flat sheet over the base of the sofa. Tuck it in as best as you can. Take your fitted bed sheet and secure it over the cushions of your sofa. Use pillowcases to cover the arms of your sofa.

2. Add a few stitches if desired. If you are comfortable with a little hand sewing, adding a few stitches on either side of your sofa can help secure the bed sheets and keep them in place. Using a needle and thread, add a few basic stitches wherever the bed sheets end (on the arms and on the edges of cushions).

If you would like to remove this bed sheet later, these stitches can easily be removed.

3. Add throw pillows and a throw blanket for a nice touch. Pick up a nice throw blanket and a few colorful throw pillows that fit with the theme of your living room. Look at thrift stores and resale stores for budget options! Add these cute items to your newly re-covered couch to complete the look.

Method 3 Cleaning Your Sofa.

1. Gather the necessary materials. Sometimes your sofa may simply need a good cleaning! Additionally, you should always clean your sofa before covering it. You can purchase commercial upholstery cleaning products at most stores, however, you may already have some great products at home. You will also need a vacuum cleaner, and a steam-cleaning vacuum is optional.

Baby wipes are ideal for both spot cleaning and wiping down hard surfaces. White vinegar can help to lift out stains.

Laundry detergent can be mixed with warm water to make an effective cleansing solution. If you don’t have laundry detergent, you can substitute a mild dish soap.

2. Vacuum your sofa. Use a vacuum to remove dirt, large particles, pet fur, and lint from your sofa. Be sure to remove all pillows and cushions and vacuum underneath. You may want to do several passes to get the couch as clean as possible.

You may want to use a bristle brush to help loosen any stuck on particles. Use a lint roller to remove pet hair.

3. Spot-clean your sofa and wipe down any hard surfaces. Using a baby wipe, try to remove any surface stains or dried on substances. Also, be sure to wipe down any hard surfaces, such as legs or wooden frames.

4. Execute a deep, overall clean. Mix 4-6 cups of warm water with ¼ cup laundry detergent and 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of white vinegar. Then, using a coarse washcloth or soft-bristle brush, apply small amounts of this detergent mix and scrub your sofa clean. Use the detergent as sparingly as you can, as not to over-saturate the sofa.

If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to suck up dirt and water to create an even deeper clean. It is always a good idea to do a small “spot test” before applying detergent to your sofa. If your sofa is leather, avoid using water. Instead, opt for a commercial leather cleaner.

5. Allow your sofa to dry. The final step in cleaning your sofa is simply to allow it to dry. You can use a hair-dryer to accelerate this process, but the best method is really just to leave your sofa alone for 4-6 hours until it is completely dry.

If you have a steam cleaner, this will help remove excess moisture and speed up the drying process.

Question : How much does it cost to cover a couch?
Answer : This all depends on a lot of factors. The size and age of the sofa, the condition it's in, the fabric you chose, and where you get it redone. If you pay someone, it can be expensive. If you do it yourself it's more affordable, but can be difficult if you've never done it before. You can also find a slipcover to fit your couch which is an economical solution.

Question : How can I cover my sofa?
Answer : You can cover your sofa with a store-bought slipcover, get a custom slipcover made, or get the sofa completely reupholstered.

Tips.

If your sofa has lost some of its thickness over the years, you can stuff 2-3 bed pillows into the bottom of your sofa (under the sofa cushions).

Januari 18, 2020

how to bake with protein powder

How to Bake with Protein Powder.

Protein powder can increase your daily protein intake and make your baked goods more filling. Whey protein powder is a great addition to blueberry muffins, which are mixed with a combination of oat and almond flours. If you'd like quick brownies that are flavorful and filling, combine cocoa with protein powder, melted nut butter, and mashed bananas. For a simple breakfast, combine oats with protein powder and your favorite toppings. Bake the oatmeal cups in a muffin tin for simple, protein-packed breakfasts.

Ingredients.
Whey Protein Powder Blueberry Muffins.
1 cup (90 g) oat flour, 1/4 cup (24 g) almond flour, 3 egg whites, 1/2 cup (142 g) Greek yogurt, 1 cup (255 g) unsweetened applesauce.
2 tablespoons (21 g) honey, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract, 1 medium banana, peeled and mashed, 3 scoops (about 3/4 cup or 75 g) whey protein powder (plain or vanilla).
1 teaspoon (2 g) cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) baking soda, 1 teaspoon (2 g) orange zest or lemon zest.
1 cup (150 g) blueberries (fresh or frozen).
Makes 12 muffins

Protein-Powder Brownies.
3 medium, overripe bananas, 1/2 cup (125 g) smooth nut or seed butter (such as peanut, almond, soy, or sunflower).
1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder, 1 to 2 scoops (1/4 to 1/2 cup or 25 to 50 g) protein powder (paleo, vegan, or casein).
Makes about 9 brownies.

Protein Powder Oatmeal Cups.
3 cups (270 g) rolled oats, 3 scoops (75 g) protein powder, 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) sea salt, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract, 1/2 cup (128 g) unsweetened applesauce.
1/2 cup (142 g) plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil, melted, 1/4 cup (85 g) honey, 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk.
2 tablespoons (20 g) hemp seeds, 6 tablespoons (63 g) chocolate chips, optional, 3/4 cup (192 g) blueberries, optional, 1 tablespoon (16 g) peanut butter, optional.
Makes 12 cups

Method 1 Using Protein Powder in Baked Goods.

1. Decide what protein powder to use. Buy protein powder online, from the grocery store, from a vitamin and supplement store, or from your local natural grocers. Since protein powders are derived from different sources, choose one based on your own health needs. Consider using: Whey or casein protein powders, which are easy to digest and include all of the essential amino acids.

Soy protein powder, which can boost bone density and reduce cholesterol.

Plant-based proteins, which can be made from hemp, rice or peas are good gluten-free and vegan choices.

2. Include moisture and fat in the recipe. Recipes that include protein powder usually have more moisture and fat because these are absorbed by the protein powder. Don't cut back on the moisture or fat because your baked goods won't have as much flavor and they'll be tough or rubbery.

Foods that add moisture include bananas, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, cooked sweet potatoes and beets, pumpkin puree, and applesauce.

Fats used in baked goods include coconut butter, nut and seed butters, butter, and lard.

3. Avoid using too much protein powder. Don't be tempted to substitute most or all of the flour in a recipe with protein powder or the recipe won't turn out. Ensure that the batter for your baked goods isn't more than 50% protein powder or the food will be tough and dry.

4. Use the powder in recipes for breads, muffins, and cupcakes. Protein powder is great for baking because it's easy to add without changing the flavor of the food, especially if you use an unflavored protein powder. Protein powder works well in quick breads, muffins, pancakes, granola bars, and cupcakes.

Some recipes may specify which protein powder to use. If the recipe doesn't specify, use the protein powder that you're the most comfortable with using.

5. Make smart substitutions. If you'd like to use a different protein powder than the one that's recommended in your recipe, you can make a few swaps. You can substitute the same type of protein powder, but avoid substituting a completely different type of protein. Specifically, don't use a whey or casein-based protein powder in a recipe that calls for a plant-based protein powder.

If you're substituting a plant-based protein powder such as pea protein powder for another plant-based protein powder such as hemp powder, you can safely make substitutions.

Method 2 Baking Whey Protein Powder Blueberry Muffins.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and prepare a muffin tin. Spray a 12-hole muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners. Set the tin aside.

2. Mix together the egg whites, yogurt, applesauce, honey, vanilla extract and mashed banana. Get out a large mixing bowl and place 3 egg whites into it. Add 1 peeled banana and mash it a little. Mix in 1/2 cup (142 g) of Greek yogurt, 1 cup (255 g) of unsweetened applesauce, 2 tablespoons (21 g) of honey, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract.

You can discard or save the egg yolks for another recipe.

3. Stir the oat flour, almond meal, vanilla whey protein powder, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and orange zest. Get out another mixing bowl and measure 1 cup (90 g) of oat flour into it. Stir in 1/4 cup (24 g) of almond flour, 3 scoops (about 3/4 cup or 75 g) of plain or vanilla whey protein powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of orange or lemon zest.

4. Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir them until they're incorporated. The muffin batter should be smooth.

5. Fill the muffin tin and spread the blueberries on top. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to fill each hole in the muffin tin 3/4 full with batter. Get out 1 cup (150 g) of blueberries (fresh or frozen) and put about 8 berries on top of each muffin.

Avoid pushing the blueberries into the muffin batter or they may sink to the bottom.

6. Bake the blueberry muffins for 20 minutes. Put the muffin tin into the preheated oven and cook the muffins until they're golden brown and firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of a muffin, it should come out clean.

7. Serve or store the blueberry muffins. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before you serve them. Store the cooled blueberry muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Things You'll Need.

Whey Protein Powder Blueberry Muffins : Measuring cups and spoons, 12-hole muffin tin, 2 mixing bowls, Spoon or spatula, Toothpick or cake tester.

Method 3 Making Protein-Powder Brownies.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and prepare a baking dish. Get out an 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20-cm) baking dish or a small loaf pan. Spray it with cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking.

2. Melt the nut or seed butter. Put 1/2 cup (125 g) of smooth nut or seed butter into a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan on the stove. Microwave the nut or seed butter for 20 to 30 seconds or heat it over medium-heat on the stove. Heat the nut or seed butter for a few minutes, so it melts.

3. Put the bananas, cocoa powder, protein powder, and melted nut butter into a blender. Peel 3 medium, overripe bananas and put them into a blender. Add 1/4 cup (25 g) of cocoa powder, 1 to 2 scoops (1/4 to 1/2 cup or 25 to 50 g) of protein powder, and the melted nut or seed butter.

Avoid using whey protein powder for this recipe, because it will make the brownies gummy. Instead, use plant-based, soy, or vegan protein powder.

4. Blend the ingredients for 30 seconds. Put the lid on your blender and turn it on for about 30 seconds, so the brownie ingredients are completely combined and smooth.

5. Spread the batter in the pan and bake the brownies for 20 minutes. Scoop the batter into the greased baking dish. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter evenly. Put the dish into the preheated oven and bake the brownies for 20 minutes.

6. Check the brownies and remove them from the oven. Insert a toothpick or cake tester to see if the brownies have finished cooking. The tester or toothpick should come out clean. If it doesn't, return the brownies to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the cooked brownies and let them cool completely in the pan.

7. Slice and serve the protein powder brownies. Cut the brownies into as many pieces as you like. You should be able to get around 9 standard sized brownies. Refrigerate any leftover brownies in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

You can also freeze the brownies for 4 to 6 months.

Things You'll Need.

Protein-Powder Brownies : 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20-cm) baking dish or a small loaf pan, Measuring cups, Spoon, Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, Blender, Toothpick or cake tester, Knife.

Method 4 Baking Protein Powder Oatmeal Cups

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and grease a muffin tin. Spray a 12-hole muffin tin with cooking spray or brush it with melted coconut oil. Set the pan aside.

2. Mix the oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Get out a large mixing bowl and place 3 cups (270 g) of rolled oats into it. Add 3 scoops (75 g) of protein powder, 1 teaspoon (4 g) of baking powder, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of sea salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are combined.

3. Whisk the eggs, vanilla, applesauce, Greek yogurt, coconut oil, honey, and almond milk. Get out another mixing bowl and crack in 2 eggs. Whisk in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup (128 g) of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup (142 g) of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup (85 g) of honey, and 1 cup (240 ml) of unsweetened almond milk until they're combined.

4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until they're just combined.

5. Spoon the batter into the tin. Divide the batter evenly between the 12 holes of the greased muffin tin.

6. Sprinkle the hemp seeds and optional toppings over the batter. Measure 2 tablespoons (20 g) of hemp seeds and scatter them evenly over the batter in the muffin tins. Decide if you'd like to top the oatmeal cups with chocolate chips, blueberries, or peanut butter. If so, sprinkle 6 tablespoons (63 g) of chocolate chips or 3/4 cup (192 g) of blueberries over the batter.

For a peanut butter drizzle, melt 1 tablespoon (16 g) of peanut butter in a microwave-safe container for 10 seconds and drizzle it over the batter.

7. Bake the oatmeal cups for 15 to 20 minutes. Put the tin into the preheated oven and cook the cups until they become golden and completely cooked throughout.

8. Cool the oatmeal cups for 20 minutes. Remove the tin from the oven and let the oatmeal cups cool completely in the tin before you take them out. Serve the cold oatmeal cups or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

To freeze the oatmeal cups, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 months. To reheat them, remove 1 to 2 cups and heat them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds.

Things You'll Need.

Protein Powder Oatmeal Cups : Measuring cups and spoons, 12-hole muffin tin, 2 mixing bowls, Spoon or spatula.

Januari 13, 2020

how to decorate your home with a fall theme

How to Decorate Your Home With a Fall Theme.

The iconic colors and smells of fall evoke feelings of coziness and warmth. Whether you live in a location that goes through the four seasons or not, preparing your home for the fall means incorporating the crisp scents, warm colors and all-around comfort of shorter days and longer nights. Create an oasis of the season with a few simple touches both inside your home and out.

Method 1 Incorporating Fall Colors.

1. Gather leaves and pine cones. Collect leaves, branches and pine cones from your backyard or a nearby park. Individual leaves and branches surrounding battery-powered candles on a tray or charger plate is a subtle but beautiful accent. You can also press dried leaves flat and arrange one or two in a picture frame. For a more dramatic centerpiece, cut medium- to large-sized branches with changing leaves and place them in a large vase.

As fall progresses, the leaves that change color vary so you can continue to collect different hues and patterns throughout the season.

If you don’t live in an area that experiences fall, purchase fake pine cones, branches and leaves to reuse each year.

There are endless ideas to decorate with dried leaves and branches. Use your creativity!

2. Buy decorative pumpkins, gourds and squash. Decorate your dinner table, sideboards and coffee tables with pumpkins and squash of all sizes. Add some dried wheat, dried Indian corn and fall-themed ribbons to create an entire centerpiece or focal point. Place the pumpkins, gourds or squash on a fall table runner or in cylindrical vases with vines or branches. Accent these festive centerpieces with votive candles.

Buy carving pumpkins early in the season to use as decoration for the fall, and then carve them when it comes time for Halloween.

Yellow, green and purple squash can double as decoration before you prepare it for a meal.

3. Add baskets to hold seasonal items. Place kindling or pine cones to throw in the fire in a basket near the fireplace. Baskets can hold seasonal soaps, lotions and tissue in the bathroom. Use a large bushel basket to hold extra blankets near the sofa. A basket by the front door can be a holder for umbrellas.

4. Add throw pillows and blankets. Find accents in colors like gold, crimson, red, orange, vermilion, tan, beige and maroon. Arrange seasonal pillows and throws by layering colors and adding in a few patterns and textures. Pick patterns and textures with similar shades to keep the arrangement cohesive.

Work from the outside of the sofa and move inwards as you arrange.

To save some money, buy pillow covers that you can put on the pillows you already have.

Don’t be afraid to add in extra large pillows or odd shapes to mix up the look.

5. Drape fabric in fall colors over your window covers. Don’t worry about purchasing new curtains or drapes for the season, but instead purchase a large piece of fabric that you can drape across the curtain rod for a cozy touch.

Make sure that the fabric lays evenly on both sides.

6. Put up fall wallpaper. Before installing, wipe down the wall you are planning to cover and let it fully dry. Unroll the wallpaper and place a few heavy books on the corners to help flatten the curled edges. Cut the panels of paper according to the space you have and lightly mark the wall with a pencil where the edges of the panel should go. Stick the paper to the wall and smooth out any creases and bubbles.

Temporary wallpaper makes it easy to switch out your look for each season.

Peel and stick wallpaper typically runs for less than $50 a panel.

Be sure to measure the space you plan to cover carefully before purchasing the wallpaper panels. Consider purchasing more than you need to be sure you have enough.

Ask a friend to help. The process is much easier with two sets of hands.

7. Add new rugs near your doors. Large rugs can change the look of a room but are pricey, so you can just focus on switching out rugs near your home’s entryways, in the bathrooms and under the kitchen sink.

Instead of purchasing Halloween or Thanksgiving rugs, consider purchasing fall themed rugs to keep all season.

Method 2 Making Your Home Smell Like Fall.

1. Buy fall candles. Look for spicy, sweet and harvest-oriented scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice and apple. Light a candle to spread the scent throughout a room, and the natural light of the flame can help add to the coziness of your home.

Avoid lighting too many candles at once so that the scent doesn’t become too overpowering.

Always blow out candles before leaving the room in which they are located.

2. Boil cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stove. To make a simmer pot, fill a medium sized pot with water and turn the stove on high. After bringing the water to a boil, let it simmer and add in the cinnamon sticks. Add in orange rinds, apple peels, vanilla, anise or nutmeg as well. Keep the water simmering for hours.

You may need to add extra water every 30 minutes or so. Keep an eye on the water level.

Use a crockpot to simmer the water all day long without much hassle.

These simmer pots are primarily for scent and shouldn’t be consumed.

3. Light a fire. Add kindling and a couple of logs near the back of your fireplace and use a large lighter to get it started. Use a fire poker to keep the flame going evenly. Cover it with a metal grate.

Make sure you clean your fireplace before each season.

Be sure to crack a window or door so your home doesn’t get too smoky.

Never leave a fire unattended.

4. Cook a hearty meal. Dishes centered around root vegetables and squash are warm, filling and nourishing and can make your home smell like heaven. Chili, stews, casseroles and other baked one-pan dishes are comforting and can be modified to fit your specific tastes and diet. Cook with fall spices like cinnamon, turmeric, rosemary, ginger or paprika.

Method 3 Decorating Your Home’s Exterior.

1. Buy a fall wreath for your door. Purchase a wreath with wheat, squash, nuts in shells, apples, etc. – any fruit or vegetable harvested in your area at this time. Weave in fall-colored ribbons, braid, lace, etc. to spice up the wreath.

2. Plant fall mums. Purchase fall mums at a local grocer or garden center already potted or plant them in your own pot. Colors of burnt orange, deep red and warm yellow are ideal.[8]

If you live in a hotter climate, look for mums with a higher heat tolerance.

Mums can also be planted in the ground.

These flowers bloom for weeks and add eye-catching pops of color.

Mums can be planted as annuals and live for more than one season. Consider planting them in the spring or summer.

3. Add hay bales and corn stalks. Few things scream fall more than hay bales and corn stalks. Adore your home’s front door or front porch with these items. Put an equal amount on each side of the door.

Consider adding fall ribbon or using these piece together with other decorative items, like flowers, rustic wood or an outdoor rug.

Corn stalks are narrow making them ideal for small front porches.

4. Incorporate rustic elements. Reclaimed wood screams fall, so think old ladders, rocking chairs, pallets and more to your porch, front yard or backyard. Old pallets can be used as planters for herbs or flowers.

Tips.

You don’t have to change out your entire home’s decor, adding accents to a neutral palette can make a big difference.

Use fall as an opportunity to clean your entire home. While spring cleaning might be more commonly known, fall is a great time to start with a clean slate as the time spent inside your home grows longer during this season.

Fall is a great time to experiment with baking and cooking and will make your home smell like heaven.

Desember 27, 2019

how to make a small space divider

How to Make a Small Space Divider.

Room dividers can be a stylish and effective way of making the best use of a room, office, hall or other area in need of division. Small, impermanent dividers can be made easily by the novice DIYer, using objects that are easily obtainable. Choose one of the suggested methods below for an easy and very cheap way to create a unique space divider for your home, made by you.

Method 1 Trellis divider.

This project is very simple and only needs about 30 minutes to complete.

1. Purchase a section of wooden trellis. It should be of a decent height (tall enough for it to make a break in vision, and if possible, higher than the average person).

2. Cut the wooden wall trellis into three equal pieces, vertically. These pieces will be joined together again in a way that allows them to be bent or folded.

3. Reattach the pieces to form the divider. Tie the first piece with the second piece, then tie the second piece with the third, using wire or rope.

4. Weave dried plant parts, one beside other, through the frame squares. Add more of this material until the plants completely cover the trellis.

The dried plant parts are best when they are of the same height (or longer) as the divider you are going to make.

Live plant vines could also be used but they're trickier and you will need to place the container growing the plant down in its final place before weaving. Moreover, moving the divider is much harder when you do this, so it's best for a more "permanent" divider, such as for an office.

Instead of dried plant parts, you can use artificial floral items, such as long leaves, etc.

5. Put the divider up where you need it. Angle the three partitions so that the divider stands in place unaided. Plant containers or similar weighted objects can be used to prevent the divider from falling over if accidentally knocked.

Things You'll Need.

A square wooden wall trellis, Saw or Jigsaw, Binding wire or rope, Wire cutter or scissors, Various dried plant parts,

Method 2 Shower curtain divider.

This easy divider has the benefit of easy pulling back when you need to space to be opened up again quickly.

1. Choose a shower curtain with a design you think is perfect for the space to be divided. If the area to be divided is longer than one curtain, choose another one or two in the same design.

If the design is stripes, spots or some other pattern, you might consider varying the colors, as long as they match nicely.

2. Hang up a line of strong wire across the area to be divided. Hang this either at ceiling height or above the area of a tall person walking through.

You may also like to attach a curtain tieback hook on a wall or area for ease of pulling the curtain back to one side if needed. This step is optional.

4. Hang the shower curtain across the wire. Pull the hung curtain across to create the divider.

Things You'll Need.

Shower curtain(s), Shower curtain hooks, Strong, thin wire, Hanging fittings, Screwdriver, hammer, Curtain tieback hook (optional).

Method 3 Vinyl records divider.

This is a rather funky room or space divider, perfect for a longer-term decorative space divider in a more modern style of home.

1. Find a bundle of old, unwanted vinyl records. The "unwanted" is an important part! Each record should be the same size, unless you're planning on deliberately using a big-small-big, etc. pattern. That's up to you.

The amount of records you'll need depends on how much space you are trying to cover. If you are hanging them from the ceiling to say, sofa level, count on about eight records of large size for the vertical drop, then as many of these rows of eight as you need to cover the space to be divided. This could be a lot of records, so visit the local thrift store if you haven't got that many stashed away.

2. Select a color of contact paper that suits your room or area. Contact paper is the best way to cover the records and make them all the same color.

Prints are also possible but bear in mind that your room decor must be matched nicely.

3. Measure a round section of contact paper over a record. This forms your template piece for records of that size. Use this to make as many circles as needed for the amount of records (one piece each side).

4. Carefully peel off the backing of the contact paper and apply to each side of the first record. Smooth out all bubbles and wrinkles so that the contact paper sits perfectly flat. Meet the edges of each side of each circle with care. Repeat for all records.

5. Use a long piece of thick wire, such as from a wire coat hanger, to make holes. Mark four holes at even quarter spaces around the edges of the record circle. Heat the wire at one end over a stovetop and use the hot end to piece holes through the marked spots.

Hold the wire with strong gloves, such as gardening gloves, in case it heats too much.

Repeat for each record.

6. Join the divider together. Use medium gauge wire to make ring joins between the holes, closing the wire with pliers. Cut the same lengths of wire for the entire project, although you may wish to make large rings for the top level rings, depending on the hook requirements from the hanging points.

Make rows first, according to the measurement needed for your space.

Then join the rows to form the entire hanging divider.

Ensure that the top row has rings too, so that it can be hung from the ceiling, beam or other area, with ease.

7. Hang the divider. Use planter hooks from the ceiling over the area in need of the divider, either with a piece of chain to add length or directly hang the divider straight from the hooks. It is important to have at least one helper to do this part, as hanging can be tricky.

8. Done. You now have an amazing, funky divider for your room or area.

Things You'll Need.

Vinyl records, in sizes preferred, as many as needed for length and width of area.

Pencil or other marker for measuring the record size onto the contact paper.

Scissors for contact paper circles, Medium gauge wire for making rings.

Tin snips or similar for cutting ring lengths, Contact paper in color of choice.

Pliers, Wire for making holes, or a coat hanger, A helper for hanging the divider.

Tips.

For the first method project, choose any size of wall trellis you think is appropriate for your project, as long as it covers what you want covered.

Warnings.

In method 1, instead of binding the pieces with wire or rope, you might consider trying to nail or screw hinges; however if the quality of the wood is poor, these will not work well, if at all.

Take care when burning holes into the vinyl records; wear gloves to protect your hands and keep your distance from the heat. Keep children and pets out of the way while working with the stove top in this project.

November 29, 2019

how to remove a wall mirror

How to Remove a Wall Mirror.

Many rooms feature large mirrors that are simply glued directly to the wall without a frame or nails. These wall mirrors are great because they are cheap, easy to install, and pose little risk of falling and breaking. Unfortunately, removing a glued-on mirror can be a challenging task. There are two basic methods for removing the mirror, both of which will leave the mirror intact for later use. For larger mirrors, use a wire saw to cut the adhesive behind the mirror. Smaller mirrors can simply be heated with a blow dryer or heat gun, which will melt the adhesive on the back and make them easy to remove. Keep in mind, if you remove a wall mirror, you’ll have to patch the drywall behind it.

Method 1 Using a Wire Saw for Larger Mirrors.

1. Set a drop cloth out and get a wire saw. Lay down a drop cloth under the mirror that you want to remove, just in case it shatters or cracks when you’re removing it. To cut through the adhesive on the back, get a wire saw, which is a length of sharp wire with two handles on the ends. You can purchase a wire saw at your local construction or auto parts store.

Wire saws are sometimes referred to as cutout wire or razor wire. They’re used to cut through tough angles and rely on friction to slice through thicker materials.

This method is preferable for mirrors larger than 2 by 2 ft (0.61 by 0.61 m).

The wire saw must be at least 1 ft (30 cm) longer than the width of the mirror.

Warning: Removing a glass mirror is dangerous. If the glass cracks, you run the risk of cutting yourself. The cleanup process will also be a nightmare, since glass shards are going to get everywhere. Remove a wall mirror at your own discretion.

2. Put on your protective gear and place packing tape over the glass. Put on long sleeves, thick gloves, and protective eyewear to protect yourself from cuts in the event that the glass breaks. Take a roll of packing tape and apply lengths of tape to the glass of your mirror. Place two strips running from opposite corner to opposite corner, then place another strip horizontally in the middle, parallel to the floor. Place vertical strips of tape spaced 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) apart over the other tape on your mirror to be safe.

If your glass cracks, the packing tape will hold it in place, at least for a little bit. This will keep the glass from shattering on the floor and give you a little time to remove the glass.

3. Enlist a friend to help steady the mirror. When you start cutting through the adhesive, it may be hard to tell when the mirror is ready to be removed. To keep it from randomly falling to the floor and shattering, enlist the help of a friend or family member. Have them wear the same protective gear that you’re wearing. Ask them to place one hand on the bottom of the mirror and one hand against the face to catch the glass if it pops off.

It’s highly recommended that you have someone help you when doing this. If you don’t, the mirror may fall to the floor and shatter. You can put a set of pillows or cloths down under the pillow to catch it if it falls, but it’ll still be risky.

4. Slide the wire saw behind the top of the mirror at the corner. It doesn’t matter if you start on the upper-right or upper-left. Take your wire saw and hold it by both handles. Hold the wire against the wall and slide it between the mirror and the drywall. You may need to slide the wire back and forth a little to cut into the corner.

Getting between the wall and the mirror kind be kind of tough. Take your time to carefully cut into the corner.

You’re going to have to patch the drywall under the mirror anyway, so it’s not worth being delicate.

Depending on how much adhesive was used to install the mirror, all of the adhesive may need to be pried off. If there wasn’t that much adhesive used, it may pop off once you’ve got most of it off, though.

5. Work the wire saw back and forth to cut through the adhesive. With your wire fit snuggly between the wall and the mirror, move your handles back and forth rapidly while pulling the wire down. As you move the wire back and forth, the friction will cut through the adhesive and allow you to pull the wire down even further.

Don’t pull down too hard or you’ll end up cracking the glass in the mirror. Depending on the type of mirror you have, if the mirror’s glass starts bending more than 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) in the center, it may shatter. Ease off and work a little slower.

If you get tired, you can always take a break. You can let go of the handles and the mirror will keep your wire saw in place.

6. Leave the bottom of the mirror attached so it doesn't fall and break. Use your wire saw to slice almost all the way through the adhesive, leaving a length of adhesive once you get near the bottom. For a mirror smaller that 3–4 ft (0.91–1.22 m) on both sides, leave the bottom 1 ft (0.30 m) uncut. For mirrors larger than that, leave at least 1.5–2 ft (0.46–0.61 m) of adhesive on the bottom. Once you’ve cut through most of the adhesive, grip the mirror lightly by the sides and try to move it back and forth to pull it off of the wall. If it doesn’t move, continue sawing through the adhesive.

You don’t want to cut all the way through the adhesive if you don’t have to. It’s easier to keep the mirror from cracking if you can remove it by hand without sawing through it completely.

7. Lift the mirror by carefully pulling it off of the wall. Once the mirror is able to be moved back and forth, continue moving it side to side until the last bit of adhesive cracks. With help from your friend, carefully pull the mirror off of the wall and set it aside. If your mirror is smaller than 4 by 4 ft (1.2 by 1.2 m), you may be able to remove it without assistance.

If it still won’t budge, cut through all of the adhesive and have your friend brace it to catch it once it’s off of the wall.

Method 2 Heating the Adhesive on Smaller Mirrors.

1. Put on your protective gear and set out a drop cloth. In the event that the mirror cracks or breaks, you’ll want to ensure that you’re well protected. Wear long sleeves, thick boots, and a pair of thick gloves. Put on protective eyewear and set a drop cloth out under your mirror.

This method is better for wall mirrors that are 2 by 2 ft (0.61 by 0.61 m) or smaller.

The drop cloth will catch any shards of glass that fall if you break your mirror.

Warning: This is a dangerous process. If the mirror breaks or cracks while you’re trying to remove it, you could cut yourself. If it falls to the floor, you will end up with shards of glass everywhere that will be very hard to clean up. Work carefully and slowly to ensure that you don’t break the mirror.

2. Apply packing tape to your mirror to keep it from shattering. When you’re prying your mirror off of the wall, you may accidentally break the glass. To keep it from falling everywhere, lay strips of packing tape from each corner to the opposite corner. Place a horizontal strip bisecting the 2 pieces, and add rows of vertical strips, spaced 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) apart, over the 3 original pieces to provide an additional layer of protection.

If you’re removing tile mirrors, tape each individual tile separately.

3. Use a heat gun or blow dryer to heat the center of the mirror for 15-30 minutes. Plug in a heat gun and set it on the lowest setting. You can use a blow dryer on the highest setting if you don’t have a heat gun. Hold the blow dryer or heat gun 6–12 in (15–30 cm) away from the center of your mirror. Leave it pointed at the mirror for at least 15 minutes to melt the adhesive in the back of the mirror.

If the mirror is bigger than 1 foot (30 cm), you can move your blow dryer or heat gun back and forth to heat the entire mirror, but you should consider using a wire saw if the mirror is big enough that you need to move the heat source.

The blow dryer will take longer to heat the adhesive than the heat gun, so wait at least 30 minutes if you’re using a hair dryer instead.

If you see the mirror move or slide down the wall a little, the glue is already melted. Simply turn the heat off and wait 1 minute for the glue to cool a little. Then, pull the mirror right off of the wall. For these weaker adhesives, you won’t need a putty knife to remove the mirror.

4. Use a putty knife to pry a corner up and pull the mirror off. After at least 15 minutes of heat, take a putty knife and place your nondominant hand under the mirror. Slide the putty knife’s blade in between your mirror and the drywall at one of the corners at the bottom. Once the blade is in between the wall and the mirror, pull the handle lightly towards you to pressure the mirror off of the wall. Catch it from falling with your nondominant hand.

If the mirror isn’t sliding off of the wall, the adhesive is likely pretty strong. You’ll need to use a putty knife to pry these mirrors off.

You shouldn’t need to pull very hard to get the mirror to lift up. If you feel a lot of resistance, put the putty knife away and keep heating the mirror until the adhesive melts. If the mirror doesn’t move when you try prying it, do not apply more force. You’ll just end up cracking the mirror in half. Either grab or a wire saw or heat it for an additional 15 minutes before trying again.

Warnings.

Removing a wall mirror is dangerous. If you’re not comfortable removing it yourself, call a glass repair company to remove it for you.

Some people prefer to simply break the mirror with a hammer and clean up the pieces from the floor. This method is not recommended, since it can be near-impossible to get that many shards of glass off of the floor.

You can try cutting the mirror out of the wall if you want, but you’re highly likely to damage a joist. If there’s a light above the mirror, you may sever the wires in the wall as well. This is extremely dangerous to do.

Things You’ll Need.

Using a Wire Saw for Larger Mirrors.

Drop cloth.

Wire saw.

Protective eyewear.

Gloves.

Packing tape.

Putty knife.

Heating and Pulling Smaller Mirrors.

Drop cloth.

Heat gun or blow dryer.

Protective eyewear.

Gloves.

Packing tape.

Putty knife.

November 24, 2019

how to keep mirrors from fogging up with steam

How to Keep Mirrors from Fogging up With Steam.

One of the most annoying things about taking a shower is coming out to find that your bathroom mirror is completely covered in fog. Fog forming on your mirror is completely normal and expected, but there are easy ways to prevent it, some of which can be carried out using materials you already have in your home.







Method 1 Preventing Fogging Using Household Items.



1. Rub soap on your mirror. Before showering, run a bar of soap over the mirror lightly, making sure to cover the whole surface. Take care not to rub the soap too hard, or the soap scum will obscure the mirror completely.

You can do this exact same experiment with liquid soap or Vaseline.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your mirror after rubbing soap on it, use window cleaner to clean away any excess soap. This should leave your mirror looking clear, even after being subjected to steam.

If you don’t want to do the whole mirror or can’t reach parts, just cover the parts that you need (like the area where your face will be.)



2. Use shampoo on your mirror. Pour a small amount of whatever shampoo you have available onto a folded paper towel. Use your paper towel to wipe the shampoo over whatever part of your mirror you want to keep clear. Then, take a clean paper towel and use that to wipe the mirror dry.

Use twice the amount of shampoo you would normally use to wash your hair.

Make sure to wipe the mirror completely dry, otherwise you will end up with a blurry looking mirror.

This same trick can be done using shaving cream, toothpaste and laundry detergent. Use whichever one you have handy.



3. Make a vinegar solution. To create your mixture, combine one cup of vinegar and one cup of water. Stir the solution until you are satisfied it has been sufficiently mixed. Pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle and spray the mixture directly onto your mirror. Use a paper towel to wipe the mirror down.

For a little more defogging power, add a few drops of dish soap to your mixture.

This method should last a couple of days, so continue to re-spray your mirror as necessary.







Method 2 Preventing Fogging When You’re in a Rush.



1. Run cold water. Your mirror becomes foggy when the water vapors from your hot shower condense and touch a colder surface (like your mirror.) To prevent your mirror from fogging, run your shower water on cold for 30 seconds before switching over to hot. This will keep your shower and the surrounding areas cool, so that when you switch over to hot water, the fog will not form as quickly.

Keep in mind that the fog will form eventually, so if you are taking an exceptionally long shower, you may still see some fog on your mirror when you emerge.

Also keep in mind that the success of this strategy relies on the length of the shower and the size of your bathroom. A bigger bathroom will take longer to form fog, while a smaller bathroom will fog up faster. If you have a smaller bathroom, run the cold water for a longer period of time.



2. Cover your mirrors. If you’re looking for a very quick and very easy way to keep your mirrors from fogging, simply drape a towel over the mirror to protect it from moisture.

If you can’t drape the towel because of the way your mirror is hung, try sticking it to the wall using putty or thumb tacks. Just watch out for holes in your wall!



3. Open your doors and windows. If your mirror is fogging up, the easiest way to counteract it is to cool down the room. To do this, open any available windows or doors to allow in a cross-breeze. This will prevent the water vapors from forming on your mirrors, causing the fog to appear.

This method is generally more unpleasant in the winter and should be reserved for warmer months so you don’t get sick.



4. Use a hairdryer. If you forgot to defog your mirror before climbing into your shower, don’t fear. There is an easy way to defog it after the fact. Take out a hair dryer and aim it at your mirror (keep the dryer close to the mirror, but not close enough that it touches the mirror.) Continue blasting the mirror until the fog clears up.

You can set the hair dryer to either hot or cool, it should work either way.







Method 3 Preventing Fogging Using Specialty Products.



1. Purchase Rain-X Interior Glass Anti-fog. This product, which can be purchased in stores or online, is specifically designed to prevent your mirrors from fogging. To use it, either wipe it or spray it directly onto your mirror and then pat your mirror down to dry.

This is the most successful method of keeping your mirror from fogging and can last for up to 27 days at a time.

Keep a bottle under the sink in your bathroom and do a quick spray every month.



2. Try adding glycerine when you wash your mirrors. Glycerine can be purchased at pharmacies or online. To use it, pour a splash of glycerine into a bucket of water and mix the mixture thoroughly. Dip a rag into the mixture and use your rag to wipe down and clean off your mirror. The glycerine will keep the mirror from fogging up next time you use the shower.

Glycerine is non-toxic, so it’s fine to get it on your hands.



3. Have a defogging pad installed for your mirror. The pad is electrical and adheres to the back of your mirror and is guaranteed to clear fog from even the steamiest of bathrooms. This method is both expensive and time consuming and is therefore not recommended if you are renting your home.

Because the pad utilizes electricity and because you will have to remove your mirror to install it, you should hire a professional to take care of it.

Depending on the size of your mirror, the pad will cost at minimum, upwards of 100 dollars.





Tips.

To help keep condensation at bay, make sure to turn on your bathroom’s fan during all showers.

November 22, 2019

how to easy display books

How to Easy Display Books.

Books are a great way to brighten up a room, display your interests, and change the style of your home. To display books, start by choosing the right bookshelf for your space. Vertical bookshelves can save you space, while smaller bookshelves are good if you want to save your wall space for art. Arrange your books based on how often you read them, or by color for a more aesthetically-pleasing look. You can also use books decoratively throughout your home by stacking them in window sills or under lamps and candles. Make sure that you set out a good coffee table book as well that accurately represents your space!







Method 1. Displaying Books Creatively



1. Use an architectural feature of your home to shelve your books. If you have unused cabinet space in your kitchen, remove the doors and stack books there. If you have a fireplace you don’t use, it can make a unique space to store your reading materials. Alcoves that are designed for vases or paintings can be a great space to stack books vertically. This will make unique features feel consciously used and make your home feel lived-in.

A good method for displaying books is to use bookshelves to store most of your books, then use architectural features to display a few smaller sets of books.



2. Set out some coffee table books that represent your personality. Coffee table books refer to books that sit on top of tables in common spaces. They’re the first thing that someone will pick up when they start poking around your home, so pick a book or two that represents who you are and what your home is like. If you have a sleek, modern home, a book about abstract art or design will work. If you have an older home, a book about medieval history or fine wine will match your home’s vibe.

Coffee table books are typically bigger. Smaller books will look like they’ve just been left at the table unintentionally.

Pick colors that don’t clash with, or match, your table. If you have a black table, a white or red book will work. Avoid brown if you’ve got a wood table.



3. Use books as a stand for a lamp or candle. To give your home some character, stack 4-5 books on an end table and use it as a stand for a lamp, candle, plant, or statue. Select books with covers that won’t clash, and place your biggest book on the bottom. Stack your smaller books on top of one another to create a gradual incline.

If you’re short on shelf space, this is a good way to use the leftover books. Especially since you’ll use up some of your bigger books creating a stable stand.

You can also stack the books and leave nothing on top of them. This will turn your books into a kind of decorative touch, and it’s a good way to give an area some color. Wrap your books in twine to give them a chic look.



4. Treat your window sills like bookshelves and stack books there. Window sills that are wider than 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) can easily be used as bookshelves. Stack books horizontally along your window pane using the frame of the window as your bookends. This is a simple look that will easily give your room a unique look and attitude.

One variation that you could choose is to stack your books vertically in one corner of your window sill. This will allow you to access the window while still storing your books.



5. Use your books to create mosaic patterns or cubes of color. Grab a group of books and stack them by color to create a gradient on top of a piece of furniture or your window sill. You can also use a combination of vertical and horizontal stacks composed of different colors to create a sequence of color cubes. If you have a bunch of books, you can use them to create a simple mosaic on your shelves.



6. Store older books in prominent locations, like mantles and tops of furniture. If you have any older collections or texts, store them in locations of admiration where guests will notice them. The top of your TV stand, above your fireplace, on your window sill, or on top of an armoire. Get some decorative bookends to compliment the vintage vibe of your older books.

You can even frame some iconic covers and use them as pieces of art throughout your home.







Method 2. Arranging Books on Shelves



1.Sort your books based on genre or category. Set non-fiction texts on one set of shelves, fiction on another set of shelves, and poetry or expository books on a different set of shelves. Another option is to arrange your books by genre. Set science fiction, romance, and adventure books on separate shelves to create a theme for each individual shelf.

Place your most interesting books at eye level to give guests something interesting to look at.

Another way to sort books by category is to set unique collections aside and multiple editions together in different parts of a room. This will give them the prominence and space that they deserve.



2. Order your books alphabetically or based on unread material for quick access. An easy way to arrange your books is to put the texts that you’ve read at the bottom of your shelves and the books that you haven’t read near the top or at eye-level. With this order, you’ll have an easier time finding something to read. You can also simply arrange your books alphabetically to make it easier to find specific books.

This is a good default option if you don’t have strong feelings about the order of your books.



3. Arrange your books based on their color for a sleek, modern look. Arranging books based on the colors of the covers has become a popular trend in recent years. Start at the top left of your shelves with your red books, then start adding orange and yellow. Add your green books followed by the teal, blue, and purple. You can also reverse this order to start with your cooler colors for a more modern look.

Stick your black books on the very bottom or use them to separate your colors.

If you have floating shelves, put one color on each shelf.

A common variation on this arrangement is to put single colors on individual shelves and fill in any empty space with boxes, plants, or other trinkets.



4.Use trinkets, trophies, and plants to create variation on your shelves. If you can fill your shelves out with books, go for it. However, if you don’t have enough books to fill a bookshelf entirely, fill in the empty spaces with lamps, trinkets, statues, and plants. Place your items asymmetrically all over your shelves to avoid any unwanted patterns.



5. Break up your shelves by stacking some of your books vertically. This will create some visual variation among your books. For every vertical row of 10-20 books, stack 4-5 books with the covers facing up. You can use these stacks to create a symmetrical pattern on your shelves, or to create an asymmetrical pattern that will break up the monotony of your shelves.



6. Put contact paper on top of or behind your shelves to give them texture. Contact paper is an adhesive paper, similar to wallpaper, that can beautify your dull bookshelves. Get 1-3 rolls of contact paper with patterns that match your room. Use a utility knife to cut each length to size and peel off the paper on the back before laying the contact paper down on each shelf. Stack your books on top of the contact paper to give them an interesting background!

You can use drawer liners instead of contact paper if you don’t want to glue anything.

You can also use contact paper to cover the back of your bookshelves to give them a unique background!







Method 3. Choosing Shelves for Your Space



1. Choose vertical bookshelves to fill a wall or if space is tight. Tall bookshelves create the impression that your books are towering over you, but they can also save space by occupying less square footage than wider shelves. Get some tall bookshelves if you’re trying to fill a small wall or have a smaller space. This will keep you from taking up a ton of space with shorter bookshelves.

If you have any recessed walls, consider getting bookshelves that fit into the recessed areas perfectly so that the wall becomes flush with your shelves. This will make your room feel bigger, even when you’re actually taking up space.

If you’re trying to make a room feel bigger, get white bookshelves instead of black. White makes a room feel open, while black absorbs light and will make your shelves look bigger than they are.



2. Get smaller bookshelves if you want storage space above them. The benefit of smaller bookshelves is that you can store things on top of the bookshelves. Smaller bookshelves are also a good choice if you have a wall with molding in the middle that sticks out of your wall. You may also want shorter bookshelves if you have a ton of art and need as much wall space as possible.

The space above a set of smaller bookshelves is an excellent choice for a gallery wall.



3. Choose stackable cubes to customize how your books are displayed. Stackable cubes are 12 by 12 in (30 by 30 cm) storage boxes that can be arranged in any way that you want. If you are the type of person that enjoys changing their interior space and rearranging furniture, stackable cubes are a great choice. You can stack them into a square, rectangle, or create a graduating staircase of cubes.

Stackable cubes are often marketed as storage cubes. You can use milk crates instead of stackable cubes if you want a more DIY or upcycled look.

There are cloth boxes you can by to convert individual cubes into drawers. Get a few cloth drawers to create some variation in your cube bookshelves.

Another option is to arrange them in a symmetrical pyramid. This is a bold design that can really make a room feel unique.

If you have vinyl records, these stackable cubes are the perfect size for them. This makes stackable cubes a good choice if you want to display your records alongside your books.



4. Get floating shelves to stack smaller reading collections. Floating shelves are shelves that are installed into the drywall without any supporting fixture underneath them. Floating shelves are neat and modern-looking, but they typically have a lower threshold when it comes to how much weight they can hold. Get floating shelves if you have a smaller collection of books and want to achieve a contemporary look.

Floating bookshelves are kind of tricky to install if you don’t have a level. Consider enlisting a friend that’s good at building things to help you if you aren’t good at home repair or furniture installation.

You shouldn’t install floating bookshelves if you live in a rental unit. If they ever break, you’ll end up ripping a huge chunk of drywall out.

If you get longer floating shelves, pick up some decorative bookends that match the overall aesthetic of your room. If your home is older, large bookends made out of brass or metal will look good. If you’ve got contemporary furniture choose some simple, geometric bookends.



Tips.

There are no hard rules for displaying books. As long as you’re happy with the way your room looks, you’ve done a good job displaying your books!

November 21, 2019

how to decorate a kitchen island

How to Decorate a Kitchen Island.

If you don't want to damage your walls or are renting a place where modifications aren't allowed, it might seem like hanging up curtains isn't an option. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to hang curtains without having to drill holes in your walls. You can use adhesive hooks or a tension rod to hang up curtains without a drill.





Using Adhesive Hooks.



Purchase adhesive hooks that can hold the weight of your curtains. Adhesive hooks come in different weight capacities, and you'll want to make sure the hooks you get are strong enough to hold up your curtains and curtain rod so they don't fall. Generally, adhesive hooks that can hold up to 16 pounds (7.3 kg) should work.

You'll need 2 adhesive hooks per pair of curtains you want to hang up.

You can find adhesive hooks online or at your local hardware store.

Since you'll be using 2 adhesive hooks, each hook only needs to hold half of the weight of your curtains. For example, if your curtains and curtain rod weigh 32 pounds (15 kg) in total, you would need 2 adhesive hooks that can hold up to 16 pounds (7.3 kg) each.

Many adhesive hook brands have stylized versions, made with steel or wood rather than plastic. Opt for these varieties if the aesthetic of your curtains is important to you.



Cut a right angle out of a piece of cardboard. Draw a square at least 2 in (5.1 cm) wide in the corner of the piece of cardboard. Then, cut it out with scissors to create a right angle.

You'll use the piece of cardboard with the right angle in the corner to mark where you want to hang up your adhesive hooks so they're level with each other.



Align the cardboard with the window corner and mark the bottom of a hook on it. The corner of the window should be aligned with the right angle you cut out of the cardboard. Hold one of the adhesive hooks over the cardboard where you want to hang it, and mark the bottom of it on the cardboard with a pencil.



Push a pencil through the mark on the cardboard to mark the wall. Keep the cardboard aligned with the corner of the window while you puncture it with the pencil. You want the mark on the wall to be directly behind the mark on the cardboard.

Try twisting and pressing on the pencil simultaneously to puncture the cardboard.



Turn the cardboard over and mark the same spot on the other window corner. Align the right angle on the cardboard with the other side of the window, and use the pencil to make a mark through the hole you punctured in it.

Now you should have a mark on each side of the window to show you where to hang your adhesive hooks. The marks should be level.



Align the hooks with the marks and press them in for 30 seconds. Take the adhesive strip off of the back of your hooks and press them firmly on the wall so the marks you made are lined up with the bottoms of the hooks.

Make sure you press on the hooks for 30 seconds so the adhesive sticks.



Let the adhesive on the hooks dry for at least 30 minutes. The adhesive on the hooks needs time to dry before it's secure. If you try to hang your curtains on the hooks too soon, they might fall down.

The exact amount of time you should wait may vary depending on the kind of adhesive hooks you're using. Refer to the packaging for specific instructions.



Place your curtain rod on the hooks and test how well it holds. Your curtain rod should balance perfectly on the hooks. If it slides or tilts in one direction, the hooks might not be level. Try removing one of the hooks and checking to see that the marks are level.



String your curtain on the curtain rod and hang it up. Run the curtain rod through the hoops at the top of your curtains and then hang it up again. Draw the curtains and let them sit for 1 hour to make sure the adhesive hooks can hold the weight.

If your curtain falls, either the adhesive didn't fully stick to the wall or your curtain may be too heavy for the hooks. Consider buying higher-weight capacity hooks, or use 2 adjacent hooks on each side to balance the weight a little better.







Setting Up a Tension Rod.



Measure from one side of the window to the other. Start at the inner edge of the window frame and measure to the opposite inner edge to get the window's width. You'll use the width to purchase to the right size tension rod for your curtains.



Buy a tension rod that will fit inside your window. Tension rods have a spring mechanism inside of them that creates tension when the ends of the rod are pressed against a window frame. If the rod is too short, there won't be enough tension, and if the rod is too long, there will be too much tension. Tension rods generally list a window size range on the packaging, so look for one that will work based on the width of your window.

You can find tension rods online or at your local hardware store.

If you have particularly heavy curtains, you may want to try adhesive strips instead of a tension rod. A tension rod is best for small, lightweight curtains.



Adjust the tension rod so it's slightly longer than the width of your window. The right way to adjust the length of your tension rod will depend on the model you're using, but generally, you'll pull or twist on the rod. You want the tension rod to be slightly longer than the width of your window so there's enough tension to hold it in place.

If you're not sure how to adjust the length of your tension rod, refer to the instructions that came with it.



Insert the rod into the window frame and mark where each end is. Use a pencil to draw a circle around each end of the tension rod where it pushes into the frame. Use a level to make sure the rod is even before you make your marks.



Take down the rod and hang your curtains on it. Slide the hoops or fasteners on your curtains onto the rod. Make sure all of the panels you want to use are on and facing the right direction since you'll need to take the tension rod down if you want to adjust them.

If your curtains have clips instead of hoops, you don't need to take the tension rod down to hang them up.



Hang up the tension rod and curtains. Insert the tension rod into the frame so the ends are aligned with the marks you made earlier. If the rod doesn't feel secure, you may need to take it down and adjust it so it's longer and there's more tension.





Tips.

You can also use glue to attach hooks to the wall instead of buying specialty hooks, but be aware that you will have to dissolve the glue later on or use a razor to chip it away from the wall. Don't use superglue or regular school glue, opt for crafting glue, as it holds things together well and can be dissolved or chipped away easily.



Warnings.

Be careful hanging your curtain rod in case it falls.

November 12, 2019