Monday, November 26, 2012

Things to Consider When Buying an Amish TV Console

While most people spend considerable time — and money — selecting a new TV, many don't make the same effort when it comes to the TV console. A new TV, with all the bells and whistles, looks even more impressive when it's housed in a beautiful Amish TV console.

When shopping for a TV console from Snyder's, the leader of Amish furniture stores in Lancaster, PA, consider the following:

Size

How big is your TV? How big is your room? How much room do you have for a TV console?

Ideally, your TV console should be large enough to support your TV and all your entertainment gear but not be so large it overpowers your room. The key is to find a happy medium.

Placement

Placement can play a critical role in the decision of how big your console should be. Before you decide on the size, think about your options for placement.

First, check if any natural light will be hitting the screen and avoid those areas. Also consider rearranging your furniture to create new space for a console. By rearranging some furniture in a group, you might open a wall you didn't think was an option.

A TV doesn't need to be the focal point of the room. If you have a large, open space, you could put the TV console on one wall and position some of the furniture around it in a semi-circle. Then, by placing a couch in the middle of the room, you could break it into sections: one side for TV-watching, the other for socializing.

Storage

Ideally, your TV console should be a space dedicated to entertainment. It should house all your DVDs, your DVD player and game systems in an organized way.

How do you want to store your collection? If you’d like to display your DVD library, consider getting a console with glass doors that keep all your titles in view. If you prefer a more streamlined look, you'll want to opt for solid doors and drawers that keep all your electronics neatly hidden.

Look for a console that not only has enough room for what you have now, but can also easily accommodate your collection as it grows. Keep in mind as technology evolves, the need for space decreases. Many families now house their movies on a computer server, accessing them from their new TV. While you might need physical storage space now, you may not need as much in a couple of years.

Décor

One of the great things about Amish furniture from PA is its classic design; it’s easy to match with your current décor. With our custom-made Amish furniture from Lancaster, you can even choose the stain or finish that integrates seamlessly with the other pieces in your room.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Arranging Custom Furniture Like a Pro

The design experts at our Amish furniture outlet say you don’t need to be an interior designer to arrange your Pennsylvania furniture like a pro. You just need to know a few tricks!

Consider Function & Purpose

First, take a look around the room you’re working on and consider the space. If there are doors, it’s crucial to note if they open in or out. When doors open into a room, you need to plan for this. When the door is closed, be careful not to leave an out-of-place gap. Consider hanging a piece of art on that high-traffic wall to best utilize the blank canvas.

It’s equally important to think about what the room is used for. Hallways are usually travel rooms, while living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms are destinations. When working with a space that isn’t a destination, easy travel is key. Ensure a clear path to a destination room is achieved. Also, if it’s a destination room, consider if the room is going to be used for dining, entertaining or relaxing; this will help you decide how to arrange the furniture.

When arranging a room, think about what kind of atmosphere you prefer. An open floor plan creates more space and can make a room feel bigger. However, you might want to create a space that encourages socialization. You can do this with your custom furniture. Our Pennsylvania furniture design experts suggest placing couches and chairs in a semi-circle — people will be more apt to chat while still allowing movement from one room to the next.

Promote Comfort

When entertaining for friends and family, you’ll want to have extra seats available. If your style runs a little bohemian, consider stacks of comfortable floor pillows against the wall that complement any decor and can easily be grabbed for additional seating.

Identify the focal point of the room — it could be a fireplace, TV or even a beautiful, handcrafted piece of furniture from Lancaster PA — and work around it. Position furniture around the focal point to ensure everyone has a good view of it.

Create Breathing Room

You don’t need to — and shouldn’t — cover every square inch of available space. Your walls are a blank canvas and a fantastic wallpaper or gorgeous paint can go a long way.

Also, don’t push your couches right up against your walls. Whenever possible, leave at least a few inches between wall and couch. It will actually make the space appear larger. If that isn’t possible, move side tables or chairs away from the wall to help open the room a bit.

Pay Close Attention to Lighting

Many people overlook one of the most important elements of a room: the lighting. Carefully place your lamps to maximize the light in the room. This means making sure each corner has equal lighting as good balance is critical. There should be several light sources, and they should be spread around the room.

Play with your Options

A person’s arrangement of their custom furniture is reflective of their personality. Be playful or more streamlined if that’s your style. Don’t be afraid to try new things like arranging furniture in the center of the room instead of solely against the walls. The best part about furniture arrangement is you can completely change the look of a room just by moving the furniture around.