Shelterpop

What is Linen? The Cameleon Upholstery Fabric

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2011-03-09T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Furniture, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

You asked: "I've always had a long-distance love affair with linen -- there's a pile of photos featuring this upholstery fabric in my design file. Can you help me get to know it better before I commit to living with it?"

....Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

You've come to the right place. We're long-time linen lovers, too. It was among the first fabrics we chose for our upholstery collection 20 years ago, and it remains a big part of our style.

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

What is Linen? The Versatile Classic.
Linen gives a sophisticated look, yet still conveys that all-important welcoming quality. As a natural fabric, it's also meshes with our green spirit. It drapes and tailors well, making it work for slipcovered and upholstered pieces. In fact, it's hard to find a style linen doesn't suit. It swings traditional or modern with ease, equally at home on a wing chair or a square-arm sofa.

Linen can be a good investment; it's classic and perennially in style. (And we mean it - the fabric dates to ancient Egypt!) And its simplicity makes it easy to update with a change of accessories. It also "reads" as luxury, in a subtle way, without the glitz. If you want to add sparkle, however, linen looks particularly elegant with nailhead trim. And a sofa in linen is a perfect background for a display of decorative pillows.

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

What is Linen? A Color/Texture Pop.
Natural and bleached-white linens are rich neutrals that fit with our serenity-oriented color philosophy:To keep things calm, chose no more than three or four hues for a room, with one or two of those being accents. This is where linen's slubbed texture is a bonus, adding another layer of subtle interest to the scene.

Linen takes dyes beautifully, giving you wonderfully rich color options. (We've fallen in love with some beautiful grays this season.) It also conveys subtleties well - for instance, our Spring 2011 line includes a linen-cotton blend in a bright white, a warm white, and a crème so that you can get the shade you need.

Linen is especially durable and resists pilling. However, like any natural product, it has slight inconsistencies and color variations, which, to us, is part of the charm. For overall care, we recommend professional upholstery cleaning.

What is Linen? Yes, a Fabric with a Few Drawbacks.
However, as in clothing, though generally crisp, wear or use tends to wrinkle it. So, if your linen slipcovered sofa will see a lot of lounging, you'll need to appreciate a more relaxed look. And, as one of our customers once said, linen "isn't ideal for sitting around in your underwear on," though it does soften over time.

As much as we love linen, we have to say there are probably better ways for a busy household with kids, pets, and the occasional sloppy guest to achieve sophistication, especially in the main seating area. Stains are difficult to remove. Spilled red wine will be a permanent addition. A darker color might help somewhat, as might picking a linen-cotton blend, which is slightly easier to clean, wrinkles less, and has a softer hand. But from our make-life-easier viewpoint, family-friendly faux suede in the living room and luxe linen in the master bedroom sounds much more relaxing.

Here's more of Mitchell & Bob's great advice:
Small-Space Living Room Seating
Expert Q&A: Warm-Weather Spruce Ups for the Living Room

Want to know more about linen? Check out this video about the fabric:

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Expert Q&A: Upholstery Cleaning and Maintenance

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2011-01-24T09:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Experts, Furniture, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

You asked: "We're investing in good-quality upholstery, and we want it to last. Maintenance-wise, are there things to consider before we buy? And how should we protect our investment once we get it home?"

....Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

We know it's not the sexiest subject when you're thinking about Style and Design, so we commend you on your foresight. If your goal is to create a beautiful room like the one shown here-and keep it looking good for years-a little planning and minimal maintenance really will makes a difference.

The Comfortable Home, Clarkson Potter

Start at the store
Chose fabrics and leathers based on how you live and how much maintenance you're willing to do. For instance, a family with young children might find life more relaxing with an easy-clean microfiber faux suede, which has a soft feel and comes in many colors. They could complement this with a rich-looking already-broken-in leather with some distressing so there's no worries about making the first mark. A good store sales associate can guide you in identifying options.

Avoid the sun
All upholstery-fabric or leather-must be kept out of direct sun as much as possible or it will fade. Get in the habit of closing curtains or blinds when you go out. Consider sun-filtering window coverings in rooms you want to keep light filled.

Vacuum and fluff
All cushions, poly-filled, down blend, or all down-need regular fluffing. How much is a matter of cushion type and use, with down blend needing more than poly, but not as much as all down. And although "regular" does depend on use, all upholstery benefits from weekly vacuuming and fluffing. In addition, flipping and rotating cushions every few months will even out wear and fading.

Stay on top of spills
Blot immediately with a clean white cloth, and don't rub--it might alter a fabric's texture. When you buy upholstery, ask what the fabric's "spot" cleaning code is so you have the right type of cleaner on hand (for example, water-based or water-free), and test it in an inconspicuous spot before you use it.

The Comfortable Home, Clarkson Potter

Create a smart setup
Have places for people to put down drinks and food conveniently. We plan for a side or cocktail table near every seat, and if we're using an ottoman as a cocktail table, we'll put a tray on it to have a steady spot to set something.

Let a professional do it
Have cloth upholstery professionally cleaned every 12 to 24 months. With slipcovered upholstery, verify when you buy it if slipcovers are machine washable or dry cleanable; improper cleaning can cause them to shrink or lose their shape. And always clean all pieces at once to avoid color variations.

Know when less is more
With leather upholstery, don't use detergents, polishes, preservers, or even saddle soap. They all remove leather's natural oils. Simply dust or vacuum, and blot stains with distilled water if needed.

Want more of Mitchell & Bob's great advice? Check out:
Small-Space Living Room Seating
Expert Q&A: Warm-Weather Spruce Ups for the Living Room

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How to Choose the Right Bed

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2010-08-17T15:28:00 00:00

Filed under: Bedroom, Experts, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

Courtesy of The Comfortable Home (Clarkson Potter 2009)

You asked: "Is it really important to have a bed frame in terms of style? What about just a metal frame with a bed skirt? What's good in a smaller bedroom to save space?"

....Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

To us, it's definitely important -- in terms of style, and of comfort, too. For our sense of style, nothing warms up a bedroom like a fabric- or leather-upholstered bed. It gives a room a finished look and more.

In a room usually dominated by wood, an upholstered bed helps add softness. And not only visually -- it's hard to beat the comfort of leaning against it while watching TV or reading.

It can also add color...though you may prefer to go more neutral and have your bed linens or decorative pillows provide pop. This insures the room will be easy to update.

Getting a finished look doesn't require a full bed frame. An upholstered headboard with a bed skirt is an affordable option with similar benefits.

For an even cleaner look, try an upholstered headboard with upholstered rails at the sides and foot (also called "floating rails"). A foot rail feels lighter and less obtrusive than a footboard and thus is good in smaller rooms where it seems to take up less space.

Another clean modern option: a platform bed. Platforms often have only a mattress on a wood surface or slats instead of a box spring. However, for comfort's sake, we much prefer our platform beds with box springs built into their upholstered bases.

Also consider:

Headboard height. A low one can work well under windows or be right for hanging artwork above. And you still get the comfort without overwhelming a small bedroom. Even in a small room, though, you may prefer to go the other way. A tall headboard makes a bed feel grand and gives a room a dramatic focal point. If space is tight, you can use a small pedestal side table as a nightstand and mount lights on the wall.

Bed shape and style. A simple square Parsons frame is classic and can work with almost any décor. To add pizzazz, choose a "grid-tufted" one (without buttons, so it still feels modern). We also love the sheltering feel of a traditional wing-back, perhaps outlined in nailheads. And we enjoy the curving "garden-gate" types (like the one recently featured in the movie The Kids Are All Right) for the romance they lend a room.

If you like a footboard, be sure it isn't so high that it blocks the screen if you watch TV in bed. Actually, rather than a footboard, we often recommend an end-of-bed bench. It completes the look, adds additional color or texture, and gives you a place to sit when dressing or set pillows at bedtime.

Care is no different from other upholstery. Use hand vac attachments to vacuum regularly. A lint brush can help with quick touchups. A professional upholstery cleaning service can be brought in when time for a thorough cleaning of your other upholstery.

From an easy-care viewpoint, with the added benefit of great style and flexibility, don't forget this choice: a slipcovered headboard in a machine-washable fabric.

And one last benefit we've really come to appreciate about an upholstered bed: It doesn't hurt your legs if you bang up against it getting in and out...

Want more of Mitchell & Bob's great advice? Check our the great entertaining tips we got from the ShelterPop/Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams party this week or more of their columns.

Or if you still have beds on the brain...
10 Bed Styles to Know
Is Your Bedroom Toxic?

And of course check out ShelterPop's past coverage of all things bedroom-related!

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Small-Space Living Room Seating

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2010-07-29T13:58:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Experts, Furniture, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

Seating, seating all around! Photo: Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams

You asked: "I love to entertain but have a small living room. What type of upholstered furniture can help make a room more comfortable for a (small) crowd?"

....Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

How about these options?

Armless sofa: Space-saving footprint, streamlined profile -- and it allows an extra person or two to share it at parties. On nights home alone, add cushy toss pillow for more comfort.

Sofa alternatives: Try a loveseat or what we call a "sofette" (settee size, but with sofa comfort). Rarely do more than two sit on a sofa, so save some inches and maybe fit another chair or allow more room for circulating. In very tight quarters, a chair and a half can do the trick.

Modular sectional: Customize it to your room so you don't waste space. Try two armless chairs and a chaise -- great for lounging or perching. Added benefit: modular pieces are easy to get in and out of a room when you move.

Note: Look for upholstery styles with slim arms, which gives more seating area and appears to take up less space.

Small-scale chairs. One of our favorite styles: the tub chair. It hugs your back, and lends a curve to a room. Armless chairs are great, of course. And be on the lookout for slim-arm versions of styles like leather club chairs.

Pull-up chairs. One of these scaled-down seats can be tucked in a corner and pulled into the conversation area when needed. The best ones look petite but sit as comfortably as a full-sized chair.

Dining chairs. Upholstered or slipcovered chairs can be carried in from the dining room, offering guests great comfort and a good look if you coordinate their fabric with your living room. Or use a space-saving dining chair instead of an occasional chair. And if you use one as a desk chair, it can also be backup living room seating.

Openwork chair: For example, an iconic mid-century Bertoia wire chair lends a lighter feel. It's a great look... though with limited seating in a room, you may prefer to get in as much upholstered-chair comfort as possible.

Bench and cube ottomans: Instead of a cocktail table, use upholstered ottomans to gain a few more spots. If they can be storage ottomans, even better.

Note: Include a few floor cushions and a soft rug for informal seating.

Whichever upholstery you choose, emphasize your room's intimacy:

o. Keep it calm with a simple scheme of two or three soft hues.
o. Put lights on dimmers.
o. Add mirrors to reflect light and give a more expansive feel.
o. Think double duty: a combo floor lamp/tray table beside a sofa, a slim console that can be cleared of accessories and used for serving.
o. Pare down accessories to help guests feel at ease moving about. Create a wall arrangement rather than displaying photos tabletop.

Reminder: Crucial to compact-space decorating is measuring. Be thorough, including things like doorway widths and windowsill heights. Bring measurements to the store, plus a floor plan and snapshot of your space if possible. If you want measuring backup, some stores will send someone to your home to help insure what you like will fit.

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Round vs. Rectangle: The Dining Table Debate

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2010-07-07T14:07:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Design, etc, Experts, Furniture, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams

You asked: "A round dining table or a rectangular one -- which do you recommend?"

...Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

Sometimes a memory draws you to a table shape -- the long rectangle you grew up with, set for the holidays...the big round restaurant table where you shared a great meal with friends. We're lucky enough to have eaten well at both and seen dining rooms brought to life by either shape. The best decision comes from considering your room and lifestyle. Ask yourself:

1. What shape and size is your room?
2. Will the table be your nightly eating spot, mainly for company, or both?
3. How many people do you need to seat?

Note that with any table, plan on having about 24" width per person. And to facilitate getting up and moving around, at least 36" from chair to wall is ideal.

If your room is rectangular, a rectangular table may be the best use of space. A 36"x72" table can seat 6 to 8. It's good if it's at least 36" wide to fit two place settings plus platters and centerpieces in between. With a narrower table, a sideboard or buffet is a great help to hold serving plates. If you don't have space for one long sideboard, consider two small buffets, perhaps flanking a door or window.

Another option: If you want the benefits of a rectangle but crave curves, consider an oval. Its rounded edges make it seem to take up less space. An excellent way to get an oval -- and give yourself flexibility if you move to a new home -- is to choose a round table with an extension leaf.

If your room is square, a square table with leaves that expand it to a rectangle for entertaining is a smart option -- and always a plus if you don't like eating at a large table when it's "just the two of you." However, we both find it hard to resist the intimacy of a round table in a square room...the way it softens straight lines and creates a cozy spot to linger. With no "head of the table," it also has a more egalitarian feel. And we especially love round tables with pedestal bases. Without legs to get in the way, it's easier to fit in another person when needed.

Something else we love about round tables: achieving a high comfort-to-style ratio by mixing a curved high-back upholstered dining bench (like the one seen above) with tall upholstered chairs for seating.

If you have an open-plan layout, a rectangular table can help visually divide a space, while a round table might be better at preserving the open feeling and letting traffic flow a bit more freely. Either shape, of course, will work especially well as a room divider when accompanied by a rug beneath and a hanging light (or multiple lights if the table is long) overhead, thus creating a stronger, more cohesive focal point in the space.

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Expert Q&A: Warm-Weather Spruce Ups for the Living Room

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2010-05-27T10:55:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Design, etc, Experts, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

You asked: "It's spring. How can I give my living room a quick warm-weather makeover?"

....Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams

Now you're talking our language. Our design philosophy is "evolution, not revolution," and your goal fits right in with that. We love updating rooms with the seasons.

We've found that the key to doing so easily and affordably starts with how you decorate the room in the first place. We begin by choosing classic clean-lined furnishings and keeping the number of colors in a room to three or four, with two of those being accent colors. If you decorate that way, you give yourself a lot of chances to create new looks without major cost. For example, here are five quick fixes that offer a lot of impact:

1. Switch your pillows and throws. Spring and summer are perfect for brightening a room with accents in happy colors -- you know, the ones that make you feel good just looking at them. For us, that might be apple green or sky blue or raspberry. We use only one per room and pair them with a mostly neutral beige or white setting. Or, another soothing and sophisticated option is to keep a room tonal but interesting by incorporating different fabric textures and a tonal pattern.

Color, color everywhere! These lamps from MGBW add pops a color to a room without overwhelming it. Nola table lamp in tangerine (left) and raspberry (right) with the Rubix table lamp in Ocean (center. Photo: MGBW

2. Alternate accessories. Take them all out and rearrange them. Or exchange them with items in other rooms or those that are packed away. It's also a good time to try one of Bob's favorite "green" pursuits: repurposing. Think of new uses and locations for favorite objects. And while you're at it, pare down! Keep organized by designating a spot in your house -- from a closet if you're space-rich to boxes under a bed -- to store extra accessories until next season. And definitely consider lamps accessories; Put one in the closet and get one with a happy-colored base for spring (like those seen above). Another option, replace just your lampshades.

3. Welcome nature. Fresh flowers or greenery from your yard placed in a jar make beautiful seasonal focal points. There's something so graceful and serene about one type of flower in one color in a simple container. If you're unsure of what color, white's always a good choice. Another thing we do: Invest in "pretend" flowers. There are some great-quality faux ones today. For instance, we have faux versions of beautiful hard-to-grow orchids. They give us the look without needing the horticultural expertise.

4. Roll up the rug...or put one down...and change the drapes. These warm-weather traditions make such a difference. Maybe you like the look of bare wood floors for part of the year. Or perhaps it's a classic combination of sisal rugs and wicker accessories that say spring to you. Also, reframing windows with a lighter material instantly gives a lift.

5. Change your slipcovers. We're not fans of "one-size-doesn't-fit-all" slipcovers, so this suggestion requires advanced planning. When picking upholstery, consider how much fun slipcovered pieces can be (as well as easy care). A second set for the warmer months really changes the look. What better than crisp white denim slipcovers to signal the start of long, sun-filled summer days?

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Expert Q&A: Can Bookcases Be Used for Both Style & Function?

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2010-05-10T16:39:00 00:00

Filed under: Design, etc, Experts, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams

You asked: "Can bookcases and étagères be used for both function and style?"

...Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

Yes. With these master multi-taskers, getting organized can be a beautiful thing. Among their benefits:

Nice height: Most furnishings are low; so a tall piece can be a great addition to a room. However, remember to balance it so it's not the only piece that size. Similar stature can be achieved with a chest topped by a mirror, for example. And you can further tie tall pieces to lower ones with mid-height elements like a standing lamp.

Amicable separation: "Back-less" bookcases or étagères make good room dividers, visually defining spaces while letting light through. They can divide an open-plan living room and dining room or separate a loft's sleeping and sitting areas.

Traffic control: We like bookshelves behind a sofa -- they add interest like artwork. In addition, they can also help create a new traffic pattern in a room: Move the sofa away from the wall, put a pair of bookshelves behind it, and leave an aisle between the two for people to pass so they don't have to walk through the middle of a conversation area.

Smart storage: Manage your media by hanging your flat-screen TV over a buffet or entertainment center and flanking it with a pair of étagères or bookcases. Then put attractive boxes, bins, or baskets on the shelves so you can stash stuff in style. Bob loves linen or leather-covered boxes for tucking away small necessities -- from reading glasses to pad and pen, to TV remote -- so you can find them quickly. We've also used bookcases as "hidden" storage in a small space. Line several up against a wall and hang a curtain from a ceiling track in front of them -- thus gaining extensive closed storage while giving up an area only about 18" deep.

A chance to curate your life: Guests love to look around when they visit, and we like leaving them clues to who we are: our favorite collectibles, photos of family and friends, what we're reading. Bookcases offer a neat way to do this. Don't forget to change things up from time to time. Make life more interesting for you and your guests by showcasing something new.

A few quick notes on display:
1. To create an easy eye-pleasing arrangement, use a balanced group of three objects in three heights -- tall, medium, and low -- so your eye moves in a comfortable circular movement from one to the other.

2. Keep in mind that shelf style comes from a great mix -- books both standing and piled, unique objects used as bookends, photos in frames, beautiful lacquer boxes that add a few bright spots of color.

And a few bookcase dos and don'ts:
1. Don't let shelves get cluttered. If you can't let go of collectibles (or people keep giving you new ones, as happens to us with bulldog statues), rotate. Pack some away for another time.

2. Do remember your local library. Although we like to appear as well-read as the next guy, we're not big on bulging shelves. Cull your collection periodically.

3. Do dust. Nuff said.

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Expert Q&A: Pet-Friendly Fabrics?

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2010-04-09T09:07:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Storage & Cleaning, Experts, Cleaning, Furniture, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

Lulu, Mitchell and Bob's beloved, late company mascot, relaxing (not dirtying) a lovely white sofa. Photo: Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams

You asked: "We're dog lovers in search of a new sofa. What covering will wear well, minimize stains and odors, and make hair removal easier?"

...Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

We're dog lovers too! Before we suggest covering options, we can't help but add a few other secrets to sofa success.

1. First off, train the dog.
We're often asked by parents which sofa is best for kids who make a habit of jumping on upholstery. Well, sofas aren't made to be pounced on, so it's better to teach kids not to do it in the first place.

It's a similar challenge with dogs and sofas. Something that might help: Provide a comfy place of their own. We have dog beds in our living rooms that were upholstered with fabrics to match our color schemes.

2. Cleaner dog = cleaner sofa.
A dog that spends hours rolling around in the yard only to head straight for the sofa will present a challenge for any furniture covering. Wiping paws and drying coats upon entry helps -- although perhaps the next step is more realistic.
Make sofa maintenance a priority. Vacuum regularly. Have it professionally cleaned annually. Know your fabric's "Spot Cleaning Code" (ask your sales associate) so if an accident happens you can act fast.

3. And, yes, certain coverings are more helpful than others:

Microfibers
We're fans of these highly durable synthetics. Faux suedes, for instance, are soft to the touch, come in many colors and are easy care. Accidents, whether pet- or people-related (red wine and chocolate included), can be wiped up with a sponge, soap and water. Plus, these fabrics don't collect as much pet hair as others.

Washable slipcovers
We know dog owners who love these for their relaxed style and how they soften with each washing. If a fabric is prewashed, a slipcover should be washable, but verify before you buy. Also, a sofa slipcover needs to be washed in a commercial washer, in cold water and dried on Air Dry to avoid shrinking. Even prewashed cotton fabrics can shrink about 2%. So for pet households planning to wash regularly, consider a more relaxed fit. (Note: To get the relaxed but not sloppy look we like, try a muslin base with a slipcover designed to go over it.) If you prefer not to wash, use an in-home upholstery cleaning service or have them dry cleaned.

Distressed leather
It will get more patinaed with use and that's fine with us. Since it starts out distressed, you don't have to worry about making the first mark. It also doesn't collect hair or hold odors like fabric. To clean: Dust and occasionally wipe down with a cloth dampened with distilled water. Choosing a full-aniline-dyed leather rather than one with a painted-on finish will make scratches less noticeable because the dye goes all the way through the leather. Toss pillows will enhance a leather sofa's sink-in factor.

Style note
We prefer to keep larger upholstery pieces in soft solid colors and use pattern as an accent, so we rarely go the patterned-sofa-as-pet-solution route. (However, we do like a good patterned rug for its camouflaging effect.) To add interest, we do also use textured solid-colored fabrics, such as cut velvets, which hide spots better than plain solids-a good option if shedding isn't an issue.

Whichever you pick, you may want to also consider Bob's preferred method: Pick what you like, and put a washable blanket or throw over the sofa that can be removed when company comes and tossed into the wash as needed.

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Expert Q&A: Larger Alternatives to the Bedside Table

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams — 2010-03-23T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Bedroom, Your Home, Experts, Furniture, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

You asked: "Why aren't there any bedside tables taller than 19 inches?"

...Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:

Oh, but there are! We both have nightstands taller than 19" by our beds. We find that unexpected pieces like chests and side tables make great bedside companions -- and not only because of their height. Here are a few of our favorites:

Courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Three-drawer chests: Bob has a pair of these flanking his bed. You'll find a variety of styles in a range of heights, many between 25" and 32". And these pieces offer a big bonus: storage -- from space for your sweaters to a spot to stash personal paraphernalia, leaving surfaces clutter-free. They're especially helpful in a bedroom that's short on closets.

Courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Round pedestal tables: We like to mix it up by putting a round table on one side and a chest on the other. If space allows, choose one with plenty of real estate on top. The table by Mitchell's bed is 30" high and its 40" diameter provides enough room for a lamp, a book, glasses, a drink, the TV remote, plus framed photos and fresh flowers. We also find its roundness adds interest to the room and helps visually soften its straight lines.

For small bedrooms, petite pedestal tables can be space savers. We've used a pair on either side of a bed, and at 26" tall by 18" round, they not only provided good height, but also required minimal space and looked visually lighter in tight quarters. And small doesn't mean not making a statement: The ones we chose had a glamorous gilt finish. With these, think about using wall-mounted bedside lamps to save surface space.

Courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Sofa side tables: Consider what you see next to sofas. Many pieces are made taller to work with sofa arms. One possibility with dual benefits is an end table that has a shelf for display and a drawer for closed storage. Another is a piece with open shelves -- it gives you lots of storage for books and magazines and, by adding an attractive box, you can still keep those little items you need by your bed out of sight but close at hand.

Note that these taller alternatives also make good "green" sense. One of our favorite eco-strategies is repurposing, and these flexible pieces are perfect for it. Move them from one room to another when you redecorate, or when your life circumstances change. That low chest by your bed, for instance, could take a turn in the living room, family room, or even foyer with a mirror hung above it.

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