Category: Home Improvements

Home Improvements

Covering Your Bases: 9 Things You Need to Do to Prepare for a Possible Power Outage

Homeowners get weather alerts on their TVs and smartphones when a storm is coming. Most severe storms increase power outages and define how long the outage will last. Steps for preparing for a power outage helps the property owner avoid dangerous circumstances and helps them keep their families safer in terrible weather.

  1. Purchase and Install a Generator

A generator provides adequate power for the home during a power outage. However, the homeowner has two options with generators, and they must choose either a gas-powered model or a product that uses solar power to light the home. Comparing the costs of each and the duration they operate helps the homeowner find the best product for their home.

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  1. Buy Plenty of Batteries

Batteries are a necessity during a power outage and provide power for flashlights, weather radios, and even battery-powered lamps. Homeowners need an ample supply of batteries on-hand when a storm is rolling in.

  1. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Foods and Water

Non-perishable foods and bottled water are the best choices for a storm or power outage. It is best to choose foods that are pre-cooked and don’t require the homeowner to heat the food before eating. An ice-filled cooler keeps the water cold during the outage.

  1. Fill Up Your Vehicles

Homeowners need to fill up their gas tank just in case of an evacuation. Strong storm systems are often a cause for mandatory evacuations, and the property owner needs to leave as directed.

  1. Purchase a Backup Phone

A corded phone gives the property owner a backup option for contacting emergency services and staying in touch with family. Cordless phones are useless in a power outage, and the owner can use the corded phone even if the power is off.

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  1. Lower the Temperature in the Fridge and Freezer

Reducing the temperature in the fridge or freezer keeps it colder until they restore the power. It lowers the chances of a complete loss of all the food stored in the appliances. It will also cause the freezer to generate more ice that won’t melt for several days.

  1. Make Your First-Aid Kits are Stocked

First-aid kits must be stocked with vital medical supplies. Experts recommended that homeowners replenish their medical supplies as needed. This ensures access to the supplies if someone is injured in the home during the outage or a severe storm.

  1. Buy Plenty of Flashlights

Flashlights are necessary for lighting the homeowner’s way through their home once the power is out. The size of the home defines how many flashlights they should have on-site. At least three flashlights provide emergency lighting during a storm and could prevent avoidable injuries.

  1. Keep Your Cell Phone Charged

Cell phones should stay charged before the outage. Once they are fully charged, the homeowner can use the phone to contact emergency services or family members. A car charger is an invaluable investment, too.

Homeowners must act quickly when a severe storm is approaching. Preparatory steps for a power outage prevent the homeowner from remaining in the door throughout the outage. If the storm lasts longer than expected, the owner could be without power for several days. Buying non-perishable foods and water helps the homeowner feed their family during the outage. Families that follow tips for preparing for an outage prevent injuries and keep everyone safer.

Home Improvements

5 Dos and Don’ts of Proper Wooden Patio Maintenance

Wooden patios and decks add value to homes and increase usable living space. However, owners need to care for outdoor wood surfaces to extend their lives, keep them safe, and ensure they remain attractive. The steps involved in maintaining decks and patios are not complicated, but it is easy to make mistakes that create more problems than they solve. With that in mind, savvy property owners learn the dos and don’ts of power washing, repairing, tidying, and sealing wood surfaces.

1) Power Wash Surfaces Correctly

The simplest way to give outdoor wood a facelift is to power wash it. However, the process has to be done correctly and on a schedule that optimizes the life of the wood.

Owners should hire professionals for the task since experts have the necessary equipment and experience to ensure a thorough job. Technicians can use methods that are gentle on surfaces. For example, property owners who browse the Internet will be able to get more information about soft washing techniques that are safe for all types of woods.

It is best to avoid DIY power cleaning that can destroy patio materials. It can be challenging to gauge the pressure needed for various materials. Homeowners should also avoid power washing too often since overusing the process can take a toll on materials.

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2) Remove Debris Regularly

Something as simple as sweeping a patio or deck has a significant impact on its condition. When debris is left too long, it can get trapped and create the perfect home for mold and rot. Decaying foliage may stain surfaces.

However, it is essential to use tools that will not harm surfaces. For instance, scrubbing stains with a wire brush is abrasive and may damage the wood.

3) Routine Cleaning Is Essential for Good Looks

Washing a wooden patio helps keep it looking good between power-cleaning sessions. According to experts writing for Savvy Remodeler, plain water may be all that is needed, but a mild cleanser will also work.

Avoid using bleach that can change the wood’s color and damage nearby plants.

4) Repair Damage As Soon as Possible

Homeowners who want safe, durable wood patios and decks must stay vigilant and routinely examine surfaces for damages. Nails can come loose, and boards might crack or warp. Per home improvement publication Today’s Homeowner, it is also critical to inspect surfaces for dry rot.

As owners examine patios, they need to be careful not to ignore areas like railings and stairs. Damages often weaken these areas, turning them into safety hazards.

5) Seal Wooden Surfaces Instead of Painting

Even carefully maintained outdoor wood surfaces eventually need to be resealed to preserve them. Experts recommend using one-step products that seal and stain and are ideal for DIY projects.

Tempting as it might be to paint outdoor wood structures, building specialists advise against the idea. It is easy for moisture to get trapped during priming and painting. Painted surfaces also need much more care to look good than stains.

Wood patios and decks can last for decades with the proper care. Routine maintenance includes removing debris, washing surfaces, and scheduling regular power washing. It is critical to fix damaged areas quickly and ensure surfaces are sealed. However, owners should avoid harsh cleaning products and techniques. It is equally vital to seal rather than paint surfaces and ensure that wood is not power washed too often.

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Home Improvements

Beyond Appearances: 4 Reasons to Clean Your Windows Regularly

Windows give us a view of the world when we are indoors, protect us from the elements, and allow us to let in air and sunshine during the day. When the windows are dirty, it prevents the sunlight from coming in and makes the place look poorly maintained. Going beyond appearances, there are four more compelling reasons to clean your windows regularly.

A Window to the World

Besides looking good, clean windows provide a priceless view of the world outdoors. If you stand at the kitchen sink washing dishes, the time goes much faster when you are watching the scenery outside. Anyone who works in an office recognizes the value of having a desk near a window to get mental breaks throughout the day. Looking away from the computer screen to watch the sunshine and trees helps people to relax and refocus on the tasks at hand. Plus, letting in the natural light helps to reduce electrical costs. Turning off the lights and opening the windows floods an area with light at no additional cost. The professional window cleaning Montreal homeowners want is just a phone call away, helping people save time and enjoy clean windows all year round.

Keep Mold Out

Condensation forms on windows, which can lead to the formation of mold. Known as a silent killer, mold is damaging to both structures and people. Plus, the formation of mold is unattractive and difficult to remove once it takes over the frame and surrounding areas. Rather than trying to get rid of persistent mold, it makes sense to take steps to avoid it. Regular window cleaning is the easiest way to keep mold at bay and stay healthier.

Improve Curb Appeal

When the windows are dirty, people wonder if anyone is taking care of the premises. Clouded windows make a place look neglected and old. Washing the windows regularly instantly improves the overall look of a house or building. Clean windows boost curb appeal and make passersby look twice. If the property owner is looking to sell faster, hiring a professional window cleaning service to wash the interior and exterior of all the windows makes sense. Potential buyers will instantly notice the windows and view the property as well-maintained. If the windows are dirty, it could deter buyers from looking at the place.

Reduce Maintenance Costs

When windows are neglected, it becomes problematic over time. The formation of mold and buildup of dirt and water can compromise the window frames and structures. The more damage that occurs, the costlier it becomes to remedy it. Years of neglect can leave windows looking dingy, chipped, and shoddy. In many instances, the windows and surrounding structures must be replaced. Instead of facing that expense in the future, hire professional window cleaners today. Keeping the windows clean and properly maintained reduces the risk of costly damages that require fixing or replacement in the years to come.

Windows are an investment in a home or building. Functional and attractive windows are a major asset and can be a selling point when the owner is ready to market the property. Neglecting your windows leads to problems that can become expensive to fix. Cleaning the windows regularly, or hiring a professional to do it for you, ensures this investment is in great shape for a long time to come.

Home Improvements

In Nature’s Embrace: 6 Simple Tips for Making Your Backyard More Private

Lucky homeowners who live in rural areas or on large plots far from neighbors have a measure of built-in privacy. However, those with homes in cities or neighborhoods with houses built close together often feel that anyone can peer into their backyards. Living close to another home can also mean having a clear view of a poorly tended yard or one littered with unsightly materials. Fortunately, landscaping and fencing professionals offer a variety of ways to make yards more private, block unwanted views, and create beauty.

1) Enhance a Professionally Installed Fence

Many homeowners create a more private space by arranging to have contractors install wood, metal, or vinyl fences. Contractors help clients select the best styles and materials for their goals. For example, when customers get services from Illinois Fence Company, experts can show them wood fencing that increases curb appeal as well as vinyl styles that mimic the look of wood. Once fences are installed, owners can use their creativity to enhance them. Some people plant flowers at the base of fences, paint them an eye-catching color or hang planters on boards.

Image Credit: Pexels

2) Grow a Living Fence

While most people associate fencing with wood or metal, it is possible to enclose a yard using plants. Bob Villa points out that hedges have been used to create privacy for centuries, and they offer attractive benefits. Homeowners can choose the plants they want to grow into hedges. It is effortless to reach the ideal height. If hedges are too short, just let them grow. If plants get too tall, they are easy to trim.

Image Credit: Pexels

3) Create a Personal Enclave

When it is not possible to fence off a yard, building a private outdoor space can be a terrific compromise. Homeowners may choose to create an elegant walled-in enclosure or use a slatted design that obstructs the view without creating a feeling of being closed in outdoors. Experts writing for The Spruce suggest designing a nook with open-pattern walls and plants that increase privacy.

4) Design a Multi-Purpose Wall

When the object is to block the view of an eyesore, an attractive wall does the job and can serve other purposes. For example, when space is at a minimum, a lovely cedar wall with sockets for plants creates privacy and becomes an architectural element. Build it next to a backyard patio to form a serene outdoor dining space. One or two bamboo walls can be the perfect beginnings of a tropical retreat.

5) Add a Pergola

Build a pergola to add some privacy without obstructing stunning views. A basic pergola doesn’t block views as well as walls or hedges but will make it harder to see what’s going on. Adding plants can also increase the sense of seclusion.

6) Build a Trellis and Add Climbing Plants

A favorite trick of landscape designers is to use climbing plants to create walls of color. Combined with a trellis, a climbing plant can also add privacy. Most climbing plants grow quickly and fill in trellis spaces, creating a fresh, lovely natural wall that blocks prying eyes. Trellises have the benefit of interrupting sightlines without preventing breezes from circulating in outdoor areas.

Image Credit: Pexels

There are dozens of ways to make backyards more private using both traditional fencing and more creative options. They include adding hedges, trellises, and climbing plants. A wall with room for plants can provide privacy, as can a pergola.

Home Improvements

Leaving No Stone Unturned: 3 Risks and Consequences of Failing to Remove a Tree Stump

On occasion, a tree grows in the wrong place or gets old and diseased. Trees can also be destroyed by bad storms. Whatever the cause, some trees become a danger and must be removed. Tree removal involves more than cutting down a tree and hauling it away. Once the tree is gone, the tree stump must be dealt with. If this stump is left in place, it can cause hazards and inconvenience.

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Stump Removal Importance and Methods

Good tree removal companies such as Tucker Enterprise cut down the tree and haul away all the debris and then use special stump grinding machinery to get rid of the stump. This step costs a little extra but is well worth the investment. The tree they removed was probably hazardous and needed to be removed. The stump presents another hazard. When the stump is removed, healthier grass can grow, and tripping hazards are removed. Stumps are not easy to remove, and older methods could cause damage to the landscape that then needed to be fixed.

Older methods of stump removal included using explosives or wrapping a chain around the stump and pulling it out with a truck or other heavy equipment. Some people attempted to dig the stump out. All of these methods were time- and labor-intensive and had risks. The new stump grinding equipment makes short work of stumps as they are ground down to four to six inches below ground level. The resulting stump grindings can be used as garden mulch or the homeowner can pay to have it hauled away.

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3 Risks of Failing to Remove Stumps

It is tempting to save money and live with the stump, hoping it will rot away over time. But there are three main risks to leaving stumps in place.

  1. That stump left in place can sprout new growth with small unwanted trees growing around the stump. These trees can be cut off but will keep growing back unless permanent steps are taken to get rid of their roots.
  2. The stump is going to be an eyesore and take up space the homeowner might want for other purposes, such as flower beds or yard furniture. The tree stump will be inconvenient to maneuver around when lawn mowing.
  3. That tree stump can present a tripping hazard or damage the lawnmower. In addition, the tree stump can attract insects as it decays. These include beetles, termites, ants, and other wood-boring pests. It would be very expensive if the termites migrated from the tree stump to the house.
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The Advantages of Removing Tree Stumps

The advantages of removing tree stumps outweighs the costs of the removal. When that unsightly stump is ground down and away, there will be additional space in the yard for other purposes. The yard will be safer and more attractive with no stumps. And, most importantly, the yard will be safer to use with the tripping hazard gone. Avoiding the invasion of pests and insects that feed on decaying tree stumps is also important. If there is no money to grind the stump of a tree being cut down now, the stump grinder can always come back when there is money in the budget for the job. If you’ve got questions or need a stump removed, contact the experts today.

Home Improvements, Tips

7 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Attempted Burglary

No one wants or plans to be the victim of a burglary. However, the FBI has reported there are more than one million burglaries across the country, every year. One of the best ways to protect a home is by installing an alarm system from a reputable company.

There is an array of other products to use as well, such as Security Film for Office, access systems, and smart technology. Additional actionable tips to provide protection against burglars are listed here.

  1. Be Sure the Home Appears Lived In

Burglars are trying to find an easy target. They are going to search for homes that appear to be vacant. If a homeowner is going to be away from home for a week or more, make sure something is looking after the property. Be sure the snow is shoveled, and grass mowed. Don’t let the mailbox get full or newspapers to pile up. It’s also smart to put lights on a timer or invest in automatic window treatments. These are the steps that will help ensure it looks like someone is home.

  1. Lock Windows and Doors

If a homeowner isn’t locking their doors or windows when they leave, or even when they are at home, they are inviting a burglar to come in. It’s easy for a burglar to locate an open house. Approximately 40 percent of burglaries don’t happen because of forced entries. Additionally, don’t put a hide-a-key in an obvious place. Burglars are going to know where to look.

  1. Keep Entry Ways Open

There are some burglaries that occur in a hidden entryway where a person can break a window or pick a lock. If there are shrubs or trees that block the view of the door, now is the time to have them trimmed. Another step is to install motion sensor lights to deter a burglar.

  1. Hide Valuable Items

Some robberies occur because valuable items are left out in the open or in plain sight. If a person has a fancy television or expensive entertainment system, be sure it isn’t close to the windows. Don’t leave jewelry or cash on the dresser either.

  1. Avoid Opening the Door for Strangers

Some home invasions occur just because someone opened the door. In fact, 27.6 percent of all burglaries occur while someone is home. If someone comes to the door, they may have a reason to try to get inside. Have a peephole in the door to ensure that anyone answering the door knows who is there before opening it.

  1. Consider Getting a Dog

Dogs, particularly a bigger dog, will be a great deterrent for a burglar. There are many people who are afraid of dogs and even if they aren’t, a big dog barking will scare them off.

  1. Don’t Advertise Going on a Vacation

There are some burglars that are going to stake out a house before they try to rob it. They will watch a person’s routine to find out when no one is going to be there. They will also look at social media to see when people are going to be away. Avoid doing this.

When it comes to protecting a home or business, there are several steps that a person can take to protect themselves and their home. Being informed is the best way to ensure that a home is well-protected from nefarious individuals.

Home Improvements

Rocklin CA Plumbing Companies

Dealing with plumbing disasters is never fun. There is never a convenient time to have malfunctioning plumbing. What’s worse, usually these issues occur at the worst possible time.

If you are dealing with a plumbing emergency or not, you will want to does your due diligence to identify the right plumbing company to hire. Below, we shall talk about some of the key tips that you should be using when you are looking to hire one.

 

Finding The Right Rocklin CA Plumbing Companies:

 

1. Factor In Plumbing Company’s Experience

By identifying a company with a lot of experience within the plumbing industry, you should be able to find the right one. One such experienced plumbing company you can consider is RocklinPlumbingCompany.com. Experience is everything when it comes to plumbing because a lot of it involves trial and error. Therefore, you want to be sure you are choosing a company that has already made their fair share of mistakes working with other customers, so they are more likely to offer you the best service. By identifying a plumber that has been there and done it, you should be able to find one that is going to provide you with excellent results.

2. Look At Reviews

One of the best things you can do to identify the best plumbers in your immediate area quickly has to be looking at their reputation online. Nowadays, there is so much information available to us. Because of this, you should be leveraging this information to make a better decision about the plumbing company you should hire. By identifying a company with a lot of positive reviews, you should be able to minimize the chances of making a poor hiring decision. While you shouldn’t place all of your trust in online reviews, it can be an easy and effective way to limit the total number of companies you have to choose from. You want to look at various review websites to ensure you are getting an accurate snapshot of their reputation within the marketplace.

3. Do They Offer Emergency Services

Not all plumbing companies are going to be there when you need them the most. You need to figure out whether or not they offer the kind of services you need. If you are dealing with a plumbing emergency, finding a company that is willing and able to help is key.

4. Do They Have Insurance?

You need to be sure that you are choosing a plumbing company that offers you the kind of protection you need. Hiring a plumbing company without adequate insurance is going to put you in a bad situation. You need to identify one that has the necessary plumbing insurance to give you protection and peace of mind. After all, the plumbing company is going to be working on your property. If they are not adequately insured, and if they don’t have a license to offer plumbing services in the state of California, you might be held liable for any potential damages or injuries on your property.

5. Do They Communicate Well?

A plumbing company that communicates quickly and effectively with you can make your life easier. Because of this, you should attempt to find a company that is going to be very responsive with their communication to identify one that is going to give you the best chance of solving your plumbing issue as efficiently and as effectively as possible.

6. What Is Their Quote?

Finding a plumber that is going to be willing and able to offer you the plumbing services that you require at a fair price is another major thing that you want to be considering when you are shopping for one in your area. After all, no one wants to have to pay more for their plumbing services than they have to. There are several plumbers to choose from, so you should be able to do a good amount of comparison shopping by getting quotes from various plumbers. By doing this, you will have a good list that you can choose from that are offering excellent value for their plumbing services for all your plumbing issues.

7. Do They Offer A Guarantee?

Another thing that you should always be looking for when you are hiring a Rocklin plumbing company is whether or not they offer any guarantee. You want to try to find a service that offers a reasonable guarantee on their servicing, including parts and labour. That way, if something goes off, they will be obligated to fix it for you.

 

You want to try to find a plumbing company that is going to give you the best service for the money. By doing your due-diligence and finding a plumbing company that offers a reasonable quote with good experience, you should be able to find one that you will be satisfied with. The key is doing your due diligence to ensure that the company you are hiring has the insurance and licensing needed to protect yourself. There are plenty of experienced plumbing companies on the market. Therefore, you shouldn’t be forced into paying extreme prices for plumbing services if you are willing to do the right amount of comparison shopping to identify one that offers a reasonable quote. By choosing the wrong plumber, you might end up putting yourself in an even worse situation than you started with. That is why it is so crucial to pick and choose carefully.

Home Improvements

Common Gate Repairs to Look Out For

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The main gates to your property are obviously very important, and not just for security reasons, as the gating is a major aesthetic feature of the front elevation. Like anything else, gates do require maintenance, and with that in mind, here are some of the common gating repairs you might encounter, along with effective solutions.

  • Lack of Lubrication – All gates need regular lubrication to ensure smooth operation, especially the tracking and bearings, which, if not greased regularly, will soon break down. If your front gates have seen better days, you might want to look into the cost of electric gates residential properties have, and this can be done by carrying out an online search to find a local gate supplier. Once you have made contact, they will send an expert to view your property and make some design suggestions.

 

  • Cold Weather Issues – The freezing weather can cause gating problems, as freezing can cause electric motor issues, which can render the gates inoperable, at least until the ice thaws out. Sprays can be used to make the tracking usable by thawing out the ice and should be used prior to opening or closing the gates. There are informative articles that reviews motorised gating options, which might help you with your selection.

 

  • Metal Tracking Issues – If dirt or grime builds up along the main metal tracking rail, this could cause the gate to stop, and the tracking should be regularly cleaned, thus ensuring there are no obstructions. This is something you can do, checking that the tracking is clean and free of any debris.

 

  • Remote Control Issues – These can be frequent, with batteries running out of power, and should a remote control become wet, this could render it useless. However, the gate supplier would be able to supply you with a replacement remote control unit. It is easy to lose a remote unit and a replacement can be ordered.

 

  • Motor Failure – This is very rare, as the motors that power electric gates are guaranteed for 5 years. However, should there be any issues, the supplier would arrange for a replacement to be fitted, which would usually be free of charge.

 

If the gates to your property are old, it might be wiser to replace rather than repair, and a quick online search will help you find a local electric gate supplier who would be happy to quote for the project. There are several designs that might suit your property, with many extras like an intercom and remote-control access, and it is only by calling out an expert that you can examine all your options.

Image Source: Pexels

If your gates are in need of repair, the first people to call are those who installed the gates, as they know the system well and should be able to pinpoint the fault. If your gates are designed and installed by experts, there’s very little that can go wrong if they are serviced at regular intervals.

Home Improvements

What to Consider Before Renovating

It is a New Year, a New Decade! So let’s start the New Year right with a piece on renovating which brings my experience working in the Construction field into my blogging world!

For the last three years, I have been working for Sherhill Construction and it has been such an eye opening experience. The Construction world isn’t just a hammer and nails. It is much more complex than that and this is why I thought it would be great to share some tips for home owners looking to renovate.

Renovating can be extremely rewarding as it can add value to both your property and lifestyle. However, no matter if you’re undertaking a big or small project, there are a few factors to consider before beginning the renovation work.

Urgency of the Issue

Renovations cost money and if you have a lengthy “to-renovate list” start slow. Look at what items may need urgent action first such as a leaking shower for example. These items could cause bigger problems down the line and should be dealt with first.

Doing one project at a time is ideal financially and if you are living in the home while the renovation is being done, it will be a little less chaotic. It truly is up to you and your needs.

Financial Budgeting

Before doing any renovation, it is best to find out the costs involved in every detail of the renovation. You can speak with a contractor or you can do your own in-depth research to see how much you should be budgeting. The more detailed the budget, the better it is for you in the long-run.

Always set a realistic budget with at least 10% to 20% as a buffer for any unexpected expenses that may arise. When homes are a bit older, you may never truly know what is behind the walls or under the floors.

There are a few financial options that you can undertake if you don’t have the funds at the present time to carry out the projects. I recommend to speak with a financial advisor to see what options are available to you.

Many people would want to save on cost by doing much of the work themselves. A word of advice is to hire professionals, especially in specific trades such as plumbing and electrical. It is the safest route and can save you a lot down the road.

The Return on Investment

A good first impression of your property can dramatically increase its price.

There are many renovations that can increase the value of your home and this is something to consider before renovating. For example, upgrading kitchens and bathrooms are areas that add much more value to a home. There are also other upgrades such as painting and landscaping that can add value but not as much as a kitchen upgrade.

Therefore, look at your home goals and see which project will give you the best return on your investment. If you are planning to sell then this would be ideal to look at before renovating. Always speak with a professional realtor to see the best route for you to take.

Before any renovation it is best to consider all these factors before starting. It can save you time, money and stress by preparing yourself the best way possible. I know personally how it can be when you catch the “renovation bug” but luckily I was able to prepare ourselves slowly with the experience that I gained through work. These tips above truly helped our family keep in budget and slowly cross off our “home to-do-list.”

If you are looking to renovate and not sure how to get started and live in the Greater Toronto Area, give Sherhill Construction a call at (toll free) 1-833-597-8887. Also if you have someone handy at home but they are taking way too long to complete the simple handy tasks at home, Sherhill can help with that too through their handyman services. Just give them a call to get started! 😉

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

– Momma Braga

*This is not a paid or sponsored post. Momma Braga did not get compensated for advertising companies mentioned.

Home Improvements

Tips and Ideas for Fireplace Mantle Decoration

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When revamping your living room, there are obviously many things to consider, and the fireplace mantle will require some careful thought. Very much a central feature, the fireplace feature offers many opportunities, and with that in mind, here are a few tips and ideas on mantle decoration to give you a little inspiration.

 

  • Make Good Use of Wall Art – This is a great idea, and if you place a couple of prints on either side of the mantle, this will give the fireplace some balance. This is also a chance to add a touch of bright colour into the room, in fact, some people like to make the fireplace wall an art wall, which looks ideal with the right antique overmantle mirror. Wall art also adds texture and depth to the room, and with many online suppliers, you can browse until you find something ideal. A pair of old oil paintings in ornate frames would really add that finishing touch, and with a couple of very small LED spots, you can feature the paintings.

 

  • Antique Mirrors – Regardless of style, an antique overmantle mirror could take pride of place, and with a leading UK antique dealer that has a fine selection of overmantle mirrors for sale, you can browse in the comfort of your own home. Victorian or Edwardian mantle mirrors certainly add style and character to any living room, and you might want to choose something that is wider than your mantle, which will make the room look a little larger than it actually is. It is important to select a mirror that is proportionate to the room, and by taking accurate measurements, you can browse the selection of fine antique mirrors that the online antique dealer has to offer. Make sure that the mirror is placed with an adequate spacing from the mantle, which should never be less than 4 inches.

Image Source: Pexels

  • Consider Candles – A couple of antique candelabras made from wrought iron adds that finishing touch to any mantle, and you can light them in the winter evenings for that added glow. There are established online antique dealers that are based in the UK, and they would have a large selection of antique and vintage candelabras at very affordable prices.

 

  • Unused Fireplaces – In the event you don’t use the fire, there are a number of ways to improve the feature, and that fire hearth could also be a great spot for some art, and even though they aren’t needed, some brass fireplace tools can take pride of place on either side.

Image Source: Pixabay

If your decor is modern or contemporary, an antique overmantle mirror would be an excellent addition, and it will make a room look and feel more spacious. Another thing to consider is lighting, as this will have an effect on how the room looks in the evenings. LED offers you far more choices that the traditional incandescent bulbs, and your lighting should focus on the fireplace, which is, after all, the centrepiece of the room.