What do the walls in your garage look like? If yours is anything like the average American home, they are painted concrete blocks. It is clod and boring. There could even be some shelving or cabinets in front of the wall, but it does not change the fact that your garage walls tend to like style and panache. What you need are some garage wall ideas to help you take your garage from ho-hum to wow!
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1. Artistic Garage Wall Transformations
If you are the creative type, your garage is the perfect place to express your inner Picasso or Andy Warhol. Grab some paint and use your garage wall as a large canvas primed for a mural or abstract expression.
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If painting is not your thing, you could build a wood trim design that you mount on the wall. Maybe your preferred medium is tile, and you could add a custom tiled mosaic to your garage wall. This idea has additional benefits because tile is durable and impervious to water.
2. Brick Veneer Makeover for Garage Walls
The concrete blocks can be the culprit for why your garage walls look so ugly. Cover the walls with bricks, and you can transform the look of your garage. Do not waste your time and money with full-sized bricks, though. Instead, you can buy thin veneer bricks that are specifically designed for mounting on an established wall.
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There are also faux brick petals that are made from foam material. The panels interlock to create a continuous brick design. This option might be better for your garage because the foam can give your garage walls an extra insulation layer.
3. Clever Workarounds for Cinder Block Walls in Garages
Sometimes you do not have a lot of options when it comes to improving the cinder block walls. In this situation, you can improve your garage walls by focusing on the other areas of your garage. Start by hiding the walls by putting freestanding garage organizational units in front of the walls. This takes up more garage floor space but can give you more storage capacity than wall-mounted shelves.
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Another option is to hang shelving from the garage ceiling. You can then place storage bins on the suspended platform. Ceiling storage lets you make use of space that often goes ignored.
4. Personalizing Garage Walls with Themed Decor
Just because it is the garage space does not mean you can’t add wall decor. Stick with decor that features things you are passionate about or are themed for your garage. For example, perhaps you hang decor that features your favorite car manufacturer brand or motorcycle company.
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Maybe you are a fan of a particular sports team and have some memorabilia that you can hang on the walls. You could choose a color theme that matches the team’s colors. If TV shows or movies are your passion, then you could hang posters from your favorite productions on the walls.
5. Outdoor Garage Wall Makeover: Paint and Secure Storage Ideas
Do not focus on just the interior walls of your garage. The first step to improving the garage walls is to apply exterior paint. This gives you a clean and fresh base to build off from. Similar to the inside, you can add a garage storage space.
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Mount cabinets on the exterior walls that you can close up and secure with a lock. There are also plenty of garage storage ideas for specific items, such as a bicycle, canoe, kayak, or garden equipment.
6. Incorporating Metal Features into Garage Walls
Adding metal garage cabinets is one way to add metal to your garage walls. But it is not the only way to add metal to your wall space. Metal panels can give your garage a rustic or industrial feel. Corrugated metal will have a uniform wave to the shape, adding depth and texture to your garage wall.
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Diamond plate metal sheets will give your garage an automotive enthusiast style. You could cover the entire wall, but this might be a bit much. Instead, use the metal sheeting in a similar manner as wainscotting on your interior walls. This is when you attach the metal to the bottom half of the walls.
7. Transforming Garage Walls with Drywall and Insulation
Use drywall to create a finished garage interior that looks similar to the interior walls of your home. This garage renovation is more extensive than some of the other ideas on this list. You will need to add wall studs to the concrete block first. This creates the framework that the drywall gets mounted on.
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Before you add the drywall, you can add insulation between the studs. This helps to regulate the temperature in the living space. The drywall then acts as a wall covering, with the finished wall completely hiding the cinder blocks behind it.
8. Revitalizing Garage Walls with the Right Paint
The simplest solution for improving the look of your garage walls is to paint them. Many new homes either have bare concrete or are painted a bland white. Choosing a color can give your garage a different feel and change the energy in the space.
However, be careful with the type of paint that you choose. You can’t use just any interior paint as it is not designed for the harsh environment of the garage. Instead, choose a latex paint color designed for use on concrete and is resistant to moisture and extreme temperatures.
9. Crafting a Professional-Looking Slat Wall in Your Garage
Adding a slat wall to one of the walls in your garage is one of those DIY projects that require experience and tools. First, you will buy wood trim or beams in a particular width and length. You will then decide the pattern that you want to create. Many people choose a simple vertical, horizontal, or diagonal design.
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You now have a wood base that you can hang tools or shelving. However, you probably won’t find wood pieces that are long enough to extend the entire length of the wall. To give your garage wall a professional finish, pay extra attention to where the wood pieces connect.
Adding a shelving unit or pegboard to your garage walls is one of the best methods for adding more tool storage. Instead of adding item-specific storage solutions, look for a flexible system that lets you customize and adapt the storage solution to your changing needs.
It is also helpful to have a storage solution that can keep several different types of items organized. For example, there could be a shelf for boxes, hooks for yard tools, a bicycle, ladder, or bins for sporting gear. This is why pegboard is such a good solution. You can buy large sheets of pegboard and a wide variety of hooks to hold anything you can think of.
11. Transforming Garage Walls with Stylish Wood Panels
Trying to hang or mount anything on concrete is a nightmare. You need special drill bits and anchors. This makes hanging even a simple picture more work than it is worth.
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A great solution is to cover the concrete walls in wood. This makes hanging smaller items simpler. While you could use simple plywood, this probably won’t be thick enough or add any style to your garage. Instead, consider something thicker, like wood panels or planks. You could use broken-down pallets or reclaimed wood pieces for a rustic look.
Some plants simply cannot support themselves. They love to prolifically grow but need a structure to support them. While many of these plants are vines, they aren’t always. So, whether you’re looking to grow ivy or tomatoes, you need a trellis. These decorative structures provide a supportive structure for your plant to grow to its full potential. These DIY garden trellis ideas will give you nicer solutions than the basic metal frame options.
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1. Arbor Trellis for Walkway Elegance
If you have a walkway in outdoor space, you could build an arbor trellis. This is a freestanding trellis that arches over the walkway so that you can walk underneath it. They are large structures but perfect for giving you plenty of growing space for a flowering vine.
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Your arbor trellis could be made of wood or metal. It could be simplistic with a simple mesh arch or elaborate with a pergola style top and ornate trellis design. You’ll need two of your chosen plants, such as climbing roses, at the base of your arch. They will then grow up on either side and meet in the middle at the top of the arch.
2. Elevate Your Outdoor Spaces with Arch Trellis Ideas
An arched trellis can be used in more places than just over a walkway. Add an arch just outside of an exterior door on your home and have a more elegant entrance space. An arch trellis could be large and act as a covering for your entire deck or patio.
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Instead of having a flower garden off to the side, you could spend your time surrounded by blooms. The leafy vines will provide plenty of shade as they filter the sun’s rays.
3. Improve Your Garden Aesthetics with Stylish Trellis Choices
The trellis you use for your plants will be visible until your plant grows enough to cover it completely. Because of this, you’ll want to choose an attractive trellis. The trellis adds just as much decor and style to your outdoor space as the flowering vine. This could be a metal trellis that looks similar to a privacy screen with an intricate design.
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There could be colored glass accents in the trellis design. You could build your trellis out of wood to create geometric shapes. Incorporate the trellis as a part of your outdoor space to turn it and your growing plant into a living wall.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money buying your new trellis. Instead, you could build your own custom trellis that fits perfectly into your available space and the architectural design of your home.
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Check out DIY trellis ideas to get inspired and use them as a guide for your project. The easiest building material to work with is wood. It’s readily available and easy to work with. Your next step is to decide on a design. There are flat trellis designs that need support to stand up. There are also freestanding designs, such as an arch or teepee trellis design.
An espalier is not the same as a trellis. This ancient horticultural practice could be the perfect solution if you have limited garden space. The practice takes traditional plants and trains the branches to turn them into a vertical garden. You’ll use a wireframe to train tree branches to grow similarly to a vining plant.
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You’ll direct the branches to grow in horizontal lines on a flat plane against the wire as the tree grows. Trim any branches that try to grow outward and away from the wall. This practice is perfect for growing fruit trees in limited space while maximizing your fruit production.
6. Creating a Dual-Purpose Fence and Trellis
Instead of building a traditional fence around your property, you could build a fence that also acts as a trellis. There are two methods for accomplishing this. The first is to build a trellis fence that your vines will grow directly on.
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The other option is to build a fence and then mount your trellis to the inside of the fence. Both options require you to add additional support to the fence to ensure it can withstand the additional weight of the vines growing on the fence.
7. Lattice Trellis for Stylish Privacy Fences
Lattice is a popular accent on the top of privacy fences. You can use this material to build a matching trellis. It comes in large sheets at your local home improvement store. Buy a sheet in natural wood and then paint it to match the color of your home. Or you can buy lattice made from PVC for a bright white accent that’s low maintenance.
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To keep your lattice from looking cheap, add a decorative frame to the lattice to give the edges a finished look. You can mount your lattice frame to the exterior wall of your home, mount it on a freestanding frame, or sink the bottom into the ground.
8. Matching Trellis Size to Plant Growth
Scale the size of your trellis to the size of the plant that you grow on it. For example, a large plant with thick vines will need a larger trellis with bigger openings. A smaller plant with more delicate vines will need a scaled-down trellis.
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Look at both the overall size of the trellis and the size of the gaps in the supports. For example, there is fine chicken wire with small holes or wire with large square or rectangle holes. Mesh wire is a more delicate support system, perfect for smaller plants or those with many offshoots that need close together support. Choose a design that has mesh supported by a strong fame.
9. Go with the Metal Garden Trellis for Durability
If you prefer to have a trellis made of something other than wood, then a natural choice would be to consider metal. However, not all metal is a good option. The metal you choose needs to be strong enough to withstand harsh weather and be corrosion-resistant.
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You don’t want the trellis to rust from underneath the plant or get blown away in the wind. You could build a steel or copper trellis. Aluminum is also a good option, but you’ll want to securely anchor it so that it doesn’t blow away.
10. Optimize Vegetable Garden with Trellis Support
If you have a vegetable garden, you may need to add a small trellis to support the plants growing in your garden bed. You would add a single trellis for peas, pole beans, and cucumber plants.
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You could use a tomato trellis for all of them. These small supports are flat and rectangular in shape or round and shaped like a cone. Don’t buy a trellis for the size of the plant you currently have. Instead, size up to give the plant plenty of room to grow on the trellis.
11. Maximize Plant Growth with Trellises
Some climbing plants will naturally cling to a trellis without your help. For example, you have a cucumber trellis on which you train your plant to grow. The plant won’t naturally hold onto the trellis, so you’ll need to tie the plant to the trellis. This becomes even more crucial once the plant starts producing cucumbers because the produce is heavy and will pull on the vine.
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Garden twine is a popular option for securing climbing vines, but it isn’t always the best option. The twine can cut into the plant, inuring it. Instead, you can use specialty plant ties to secure your vines to the garden trellises.
12. Transform Your Outdoor Space with Trellis Walls
Living walls are a popular trend in turning an outdoor living space into a green and comfortable space. However, this can be challenging because you may not have the property to plant around your patio or deck. If you only have space for potted plants, you’ll want to build a trellis wall.
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You can follow DIY trellis ideas to build a lattice wall that perfectly fits your available space. You’ll then encourage your potted plants to grow throughout the trellis to fill in gaps and become a living wall. Unlike succulent walls, this design is lighter weight and easier to maintain.
13. Durable Wood Choices for Long-Lasting Trellises
While you could build a simple trellis out of treated 2×4 beams, this isn’t your only wood option. Teak and acacia wood are durable options that hold up well in high moisture environments. This makes the wood durable enough to be left in moist soil without rotting.
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An environmentally sustainable option is to use bamboo poles. You could use the bamboo for just the stakes or make an entire bamboo trellis. Bamboo is a sustainable plant, but it is also durable and strong, helping your trellis to last a long time.
Few things in home decor can be as intimidating as a large empty wall. In fact, figuring out how to decorate a large wall can stump even a professional interior designer!
But really, an empty wall is open decor space, a blank canvas upon which you can manifest your best wall decor ideas. If you’re wondering how to decorate a large wall, the following ideas will make it easy to turn your biggest wall decor challenge into your favorite home feature.
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Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a collection of artwork, photos, mirrors, and other decorative elements that coordinate to fill a blank wall space. A gallery wall might have one large mirror or painting in the center and several smaller satellite pieces. It could also be a collection of artwork in matching sizes and frames, neatly placed in a grid.
Gallery walls are equally wonderful in a large living room, dining room, or hallway. They’re also a great wall decor idea for a big blank wall behind your headboard. Go with a monochromatic color scheme for a more formal approach.
For a casual, bohemian gallery wall, hang a collection of flat baskets in an organic shape, or display a collection of whimsical plates. Intersperse them with macrame wall hanging pieces.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is back in style and comes in a dizzying array of cool prints and patterns. A boldly printed wallpaper can be a dramatic statement on a large wall, turning it into the room’s focal point.
If a full large wall of wallpaper feels a bit too busy, put wainscoting on the bottom half of the wall and paint it the same color as the room’s other walls. Or choose a subtle wallpaper, one with a faux brick finish or a simple organic texture.
Renters—and homeowners who don’t want to commit to one look long-term—should shop for peel-and-stick wallpaper. Easy to remove when you tire of it or move out, it makes decorating large walls easy and temporary.
Paint
Paint is one of the most economical ways to create an accent wall in a living room, bedroom, or any large or small space. A common decor idea is to paint one wall a darker color than the rest of the room. This can be a great way to draw attention to the art and objects displayed on your wall.
You can also use paint to create a simple wall mural, perfect for creatively filling up an entire wall. If you aren’t particularly artsy, you can purchase a peel and stick wall mural instead.
Upcycling is all the rage, and salvaging beautiful architectural pieces is one of the best ways to repurpose items that have seen better days. Look online to find builder supply surplus stores and vintage dealers who sell pieces saved from old house renovations.
Old house trim, window frames, doors, and mantels are all examples of architectural pieces that make excellent wall decor ideas. Either keep the unique patina of its natural finish, or refinish to coordinate with the rest of your large wall decor.
Furniture
Furniture is another good way to fill a huge expanse of wall space. Buy an oversized living room console table and arrange your gallery wall above it. Top it with tall lamps and other pieces that suit the space.
Tall cabinets or shelving units can help balance the composition of your of large wall decor ideas. Having bigger pieces as part of your large wall decor also increases your living room storage and functionality.
Plants
Green plants bring the outdoors in. A tall green tree is an excellent way of filling up part of a large living room wall. If you have a green thumb and plenty of natural light, choose a real tree. If not, today’s faux plants are hard to differentiate from the real deal and are a suitable alternative to living plants.
Trailing plants are also good choices for large wall decor, placed on top of a cabinet or floating shelf. Hanging baskets and wall-mounted planters are also great large wall decor ideas, especially in boho decor. A large wall garden made of succulents is a colorful living large wall art display.
Trim and Molding
Decorative trim and molding turn the wall itself into a piece of art. Wainscoting, picture frame molding, wide crown molding and tall baseboards are all equally valid ways of adding detail to a blank space. For cottage or farmhouse style, look at shiplap or board and batten options.
This type of “wall sculpture” helps showcase the wall art on display and draws the eye to certain design elements. You can frame a large living room or kitchen opening with faux columns or hang a vintage mantel high above a door and use it as a shelf.
Mirrors
A big statement mirror is a fantastic centerpiece on a large blank wall. Hang a big round mirror in the middle of your other large wall decor, or lean an oversized framed mirror against the bedroom or living room wall.
Mirrors are one wall art idea where scale really matters, so go big—perhaps much bigger than you originally intended. Especially in a living room or small space, a big mirror not only fills up the wall, its reflection helps make the entire space look bigger.
Curtains and Textiles
Wide curtains can help fill the space between your large wall art ideas. Hang a long curtain rod over the window and add curtains on either side of the window opening. Not only does this occupy blank wall space, it makes it look like your windows are much larger than they actually are.
Whether in the living room or bedroom, choose curtains wide enough to draw closed over the window for privacy and light control.
Shelves
Built in shelves are an excellent way to fill up a long empty wall and add valuable storage and display space at the same time. Whether they frame a window or a fireplace, or simply surround a wall gallery, built-ins are a classic feature in many homes.
Floating shelves are a different type of shelf that looks great in a living room or kitchen. Their open, casual design provides a base for framed photos, potted plants, travel knick-knacks, and other items you want to display.
After you settle on how to decorate a large wall in your home, keep the following concepts in mind:
Scale: A large wall needs big enough pieces to fill the space, so choose a large piece of art, or a substantial collection of smaller pieces.
Decor: Make sure your choices go with the room’s overall decor. This is especially important with an open floor plan where your large wall space may extend through two or more designated living areas.
Layering: Layering pieces gives your decor a three-dimensional effect. Place a large antique window frame on a mantel, then stack a smaller painting, an urn, a box, and perhaps some books in front of it.
Personality: Incorporate your own special memories into your wall decor ideas. Include pictures from a vacation, or favorite vintage family photos. Ideally, your wall will tell your guests a little more about yourself and your personality.
Budget: Ah, the dreaded “b” word! Oversized artwork can be pricey, but there are budget-friendly alternatives. Visit thrift stores to find architectural decor pieces and artwork that can be repainted to suit your decor. If you simply have to have that signature art piece in a large size, save up for it or try to find a retailer that offers interest-free payments.
You don’t know what you’re missing until you try out a shower bench for yourself. It may seem like a luxury item or a medical device, but it’s so much more than that. These handy little pieces of furniture can give you a place to sit, rest your foot while shaving, or act as an extra shelf in your shower.
We’ve curated a list of the best shower benches to give you a taste of the good life.
This Asian-inspired shower bench is the perfect small accent to your bathroom. It features two legs that are angled to support the gently curved seat. You’ll appreciate the unique shape of the seat because it creates more gentle support that cradles your body when you sit. The slim slits in the seat prevent water from collecting on the seat while also keeping the seat comfortable for your bare bottom.
The teak is re-stained and sealed with oil so that it’s ready for use at purchase. All you have to do is occasionally oil it to maintain the beauty and durability of the wood. Don’t be afraid to put this stool in your modern or contemporary styled bathroom.
Despite the stool having an Asian flair, its simplicity helps the design to feel fresh and modern. The small footprint of this stool makes it perfect for smaller spaces.
However, its drawback is that the curved design means it’ll be difficult to place items on the seat. There’s also no additional lower shelf to place items.
This simple and affordable bench is perfect for someone on a budget who still wants to add a touch of style and luxury to their bathroom. It’s made from bamboo, helping it to be durable and strong. The bamboo coloring gives the stool a light shade that blends well with Scandinavian-designed bathrooms.
What’s nice about this bench is that you also get an additional shelf where you can hold toiletries, towels, or anything else. Another nice feature of this stool is the rubber feet, which protect your tile and floors while also making the stool more stable.
It also has rolled edges, making it safer for use in your bathroom by helping to prevent accidental injury. You’ll need to put your bench together, but it will come with everything you need. The hardware used to assemble your stool is durable and corrosion-resistant.
The drawback of this stool is that bamboo isn’t the most durable. You’ll want to air out your bench to ensure it doesn’t develop mold or mildew.
This elegant bench is long, making it ideal for use in larger showers and bathrooms. At 30 inches, it’s big enough for two to sit at the same time. It’s constructed of teak but stained to a deep brown color, perfect for giving your bathroom a feeling of sophistication.
The unique square cutout design helps with water drainage while also being more comfortable to sit on. You can also place items on the lower shelf more easily. What’s really nice about this bench are the flared legs that give you more stability and the adjustable feet. If your shower or bathroom tile isn’t perfect, you can compensate by adjusting the feet to make the bench stable.
You’ll want to be careful about where you leave your bench; the dark coloring can fade over time with exposure to water, soap, and sunlight. You’ll want to clean and oil it monthly to maintain the color longer.
Elevate the look of your shower with this slim and modern bamboo shower bench. What makes this bench stand out is its height. At 20 inches, it stands taller than the average wooden shower bench. It also has quality construction, making it capable of supporting 250 pounds.
The natural bamboo finish helps it to blend in with a variety of interior design styles. Another nice feature is a large amount of space between the seat and the shelf, making it possible to place larger bottles and more towels on the lower shelf. Because of this, you can easily place this in the bathroom outside of the shower. Its small footprint will help it to fit into almost any sized bathroom.
The only drawback is to be careful of the bamboo. You will want to put it in a well-ventilated place to ensure it does not harbor mildew growth.
Best Wall Mount Pick: Natural Teak Wood Folding Shower Seat
Courtesy of Home Depot
Specs:
Dimensions: 15-3/8 x 20 inches
Material: Teak
Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
If you have a tiny shower, then you’ll want to consider a wall-mounted design like this bench. Instead of taking up valuable floor space, you’ll mount it on the wall. Then fold it out when you need it and tuck it neatly against the wall when you don’t.
The seat is made from natural teak wood, giving it a warm-to-the-touch feel and durability. The frame and hardware are made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel. That way, you never have to worry about it rusting or corroding. The fact that it’s ADA compliant means it will be durable and reliable.
The fold-away design gives this bench a modern and innovative feel, making it perfect for minimalist and Scandinavian bathrooms.
The downside of this bench is that you’ll want a professional to install it. Because it’s installed on the tile wall, it will need a special reinforced installation procedure to ensure that it is secure.
Best Corner Pick: Bathroom Shower Bench in Natural Teak
Courtesy of Home Depot
Specs:
Dimensions: 17.75 x 17.75 x 14.5
Material: Teak
Weight Capacity: 150 pounds
Instead of the typical square or rectangle bench, this triangle-shaped option will fit perfectly into a corner. This makes it ideal for someone who doesn’t want a bench taking up a ton of the floor space in the shower.
The teak construction helps this stool to look light and fresh, giving it a contemporary design. A standout feature of this stool is that it is made from natural grade A plantation teak, which is high-quality teak. The better quality the teak, the more natural oils it has, and the more durable and water-resistant it will be.
The drawback of this stool is that it’s a triangle shape, so it will have less space for your rear end to sit on. It can feel awkward to be crammed into the corner. Because of this, the stool is better for use as storage or a place to rest your foot while shaving.
Best Polypropylene Pick: DesignByIntent Indestructible Shower Stool
Courtesy of overstock
Specs:
Dimensions: 15.0 X 11.5 X 11.5 Inches
Material: Plastic
Weight Capacity: Unknown
A teak or bamboo shower bench doesn’t work in all design styles. If this is your bathroom, then you need to consider this polypropylene bench. Its dark gray coloring and simplistic design help it look and feel modern.
The smooth edges and indestructible construction help it to be safe for use in the bathroom or shower. The perfectly flat top makes it perfect for use as storage for your extra shower toiletries. The simple design of the stool means you aren’t limited to using this bench in the shower or bench.
While some may find the gray coloring dull or boring, it’s actually a perfect neutral for blending into a wide variety of color schemes and interior design styles. The fact that it’s less than a foot wide and deep means it will work in small spaces.
The price point for this bench is low, making it affordable for almost anyone.
Best Pick With Arms: Solid Teak Shower Bench With Shelf And LiftAide Arms
Courtesy of overstock
Specs:
Dimensions: 29.0 X 14.5 X 14.0 Inches
Material: Teak
Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Choose a statement shower bench with this option that features large armrests. The arms flare out in an arch to give the bench the look of traditional furniture. You can also use them to help you sit and stand if you have mobility issues. The extra storage shelf underneath gives you more storage space in your bathroom.
There are adjustable footpads on the legs to give you more stability when placing this bench on uneven tiling. If the design wasn’t enough to make this bench stand out, the manufacturing process will.
The teak wood is already impervious to water, but then it goes through a sealant process that protects it even more. This unique treatment also brings out the natural beauty of the teak wood, helping the graining to shine and become the focal point in your bathroom. This bench is perfect for a traditional, farmhouse, or classically designed bathroom.
Best Medical Pick: Drive Medical Gray Plastic Freestanding Transfer Bench
Courtesy of Lowe’s
Specs:
Dimensions: 26 x 17.5-22.5 inches
Material: Aluminum and Plastic
Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds
Sometimes you need function over form. If you aren’t looking to add a decorative piece to your shower, but need a functional bench, then this freestanding plastic bench is the way to go. You can adjust the height of the seat, the back, and the arms.
The entire bench is reversible, making it compatible with any shower or bathroom. Thanks to the plastic construction, you never have to worry about it developing mold or mildew because it is easy to keep clean. You never have to worry about injuring a finger while adjusting the bench, thanks to the pinch-free levers.
This bench also stands out for having a great amount of stability, thanks to the large foot pads and A-frame design that makes the base have a wider stance than the seat size. The biggest problem with this bench is that it lacks design and style. It could be nicer and more elegant looking.
Best Modern Pick: Orren Ellis Acrylic Shower Bench
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Dimensions: 13.4 x 20.9 x 17.7 inches
Material: Acrylic
Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
This clear acrylic bench is perfect for a modern, minimalist, or just plain small bathroom or shower. Because it’s completely clear, you can easily see through it, so it takes up a minimal amount of visual space. The smooth and clear construction makes this the perfect addition to your shower. T
he seat has gentle contouring that will fit the shape of your body for a cradled and more comfortable seat. It’s also stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your new bench turning weird colors. Because the stool is an all-in-one design, there’s no required assembly.
The only thing that might frustrate you with this stool is that it will collect water spots and hard water buildup. This means you’ll need to wipe the bench down every time you shower to prevent this. Another drawback is that it can be difficult to use this bench as a storage place because the seat isn’t flat, and there’s no lower bench.
Buy a bench that fits in your shower. Some are small squares that are just large enough for a single person to sit on. Others are large enough for two or three people. For very small spaces, you could consider a corner stool that fits into the corner of your shower in a semi-circle shape. You want to choose a bench that’s large enough to be functional but not so large that it takes too much away from your available floor space. If you’re concerned about the bench being in the way when not in use, you could have one that mounts on the wall and folds out of the way.
Construction
Teak and Acacia wood are the two most popular types of wood used in shower bench construction. This is because both are naturally water-resistant, making them ideal for use in a shower, where there is a ton of water. Bamboo is another popular material, but not as durable in wet environments. Be careful with all of these materials, as low-quality versions won’t perform as well as higher-quality ones. Also, consider the hardware and fasteners that are used to build the stool. Metal should be rust-proof to make it durable and not corrode.
Style
The majority of shower benches have a similar spa-like feel. They will have solid legs and a slat benchtop. The simple and contemporary design blends well into the majority of homes. If you’re looking for something more elegant, consider one with curved lines or decorative carvings. You’ll also see a few shower benches that have an Asian-inspired design. These have thick and solid legs that have an arched design.
Purpose
What do you plan to use your shower bench for? If you plan to primarily use it for storage, then you’ll want one with a solid top. If you plan to use it for medical purposes, then you’ll want a bench that has sturdy legs and is slightly taller in height. This will make it easier to sit down and stand up from the bench.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best shower bench is the Teak Shower Bench with its Asian-inspired design that is an elegant combination of traditional designs that look modern. Its curved shape is naturally ergonomic. If you’re looking for a more affordable option you can’t go wrong with the Bamboo Spa Bench won’t let you down. It’s a nice size for sitting and has an additional shelf for storage.
When you’re working with a limited amount of space, you need to make the most of what you have. This means choosing furniture that does double duty. A storage ottoman is a perfect example of this.
Use it to kick your feet up, set drinks or plates down, and as a convenient storage place. It’s the place for keeping extra blankets, pillows, magazines, or even games.
Our list of the best storage ottomans will help you make the most of your home.
Best Overall: Alcott Hill Wide Tufted Rectangle Storage Ottoman
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Dimensions: 18” H x 30” W x 24” D
Material: Manufactured wood and polyester
Style: Contemporary
This simple yet contemporary ottoman may not look like much but will provide you with plenty of storage. Its rectangle shape will help it fit into most living rooms. The lid is on hinges, so you can fit the lid to access the storage compartment.
The top has plenty of cushioning to give you a place to sit or rest your feet. Evenly spaced buttons secure the upholstered fabric and give it subtle detailing. A nice touch is the wood base that can pair beautifully with your home’s other wood furniture pieces. Lift the lid, and you’ll appreciate the high-quality hardware.
There are three small basic hinges and two larger hinges to help the lid close slowly. Choose from dark blue or gray colors, both of which are perfect for use in trending home color schemes that use both blue and gray.
Best Budget Pick: Nicehill 30-inches Storage Ottoman
Specs:
Dimensions: 15″D x 30″W x 15″H
Material: Manufactured wood and linen
Style: Traditional
Just because you have a small budget doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a beautifully styled home or extra storage. This affordable storage ottoman looks just as elegant as others on this list but for a fraction of the price.
It has wooden legs, button-tufted upholstery on the lid, and a soft light gray fabric that wraps around the entire ottoman. Overly thick and stiff sponge padding on the lid will give you plenty of support. The premium linen fabric used to upholster this ottoman helps elevate the ottoman’s look and adds visual texture to the room.
An impressive feature of this ottoman is that it can support up to 350 pounds. Add this ottoman in more places than just the living room. Use it in the kid’s room as a toy storage bin or the entryway for shoe storage.
Best Contemporary Pick: Copper Grove Upholstery Cylindrical Storage Ottoman
Courtesy of overstock
Specs:
Dimensions: 15.7” H x 14.1” W x 29.53” D
Material: Plywood and fabric
Style: Vintage
Sometimes, all you need is a small and simple additional storage solution. This cute and round ottoman has a small footprint that enables it to fit anywhere. You can also choose from five colors, gray, black, brown, pink, and yellow.
The soft fabric upholstery has the texture look of linen that’s wrapped around an embedded solid wood supports. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to clean and care for this ottoman, making it perfect for homes with pets and children.
The biggest drawback of this ottoman is that it is very small, which means you won’t be able to put very much inside it. The lid is just large enough with a single button tuft on the top. The lid also isn’t reversible, so there’s no tray on the underside like you would find with other ottomans.
Best Premium Pick: West Elm Upholstered Square Storage Ottoman
Courtesy of west elm
Specs:
Dimensions: 19.3″sq. x 19.3″h, 25″sq. x 17.7″h, and 30.3″sq. x 16″h
Material: Walnut and fabric
Style: Contemporary
If you have a large living room or other space where you need more hidden storage, then a large and low ottoman is the perfect solution. This one comes in three sizes, so you can choose the perfect size for the available floor space.
This ottoman stands out because it has fabric upholstery for the body and a rich walnut wood lid. While you probably won’t want to sit on this ottoman, it’s perfect for using it as a place to set drinks, plates, or decor arrangements.
There are also countless fabric weave and color options, so you can style this ottoman to match your color scheme and decor style.
The underside of the lid has a notch carved out that allows the lid to sink into place and stay secure on the base. A nice touch is the vents in the base of the ottoman, which help prevent moisture buildup in the ottoman. This helps whatever you store in the ottoman to stay fresh.
Best Art Deco Pick: Cerra Velvet Round Storage Ottoman
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Dimensions: 17.3” H x 14.2” W x 14.2” D and 15” H x 12.4” W x 12.4” D
Material: Manufactured wood and velvet
Style: Art Deco
Add a touch of the roaring twenties to your home with these art deco inspired ottomans. They come as a set of two, with one slightly larger than the other. This is perfect for creating an asymmetrical look.
You can choose from two colors, cream or gray; both colors have a gold metallic accent band around the base of the ottoman.
The sides and top are upholstered in luxurious velvet fabric with rows of pleating and a smooth top. The lid double as a seat with plenty of thick, dense foam cushioning.
The potential drawback of this ottoman is that they aren’t a great solution for long-term sitting. The small size and lack of back support can make it uncomfortable. You’ll also need to be careful with the cream color, as it can get dirty quickly.
Best Modern Pick: George Oliver Wide Velvet Round Storage Ottoman
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Dimensions: 18” H x 15” W x 15” D
Material: Manufactured wood and velvet
Style: Minimalist
Place this storage ottoman in your living room for a touch of modern minimalism. The long gold legs elevate this ottoman off the ground to give it an open and airy feeling. This is perfect for the minimalist aesthetic and for small spaces.
There are nine richly saturated colors to choose from, making it easy to find a color that perfectly complements your room’s color scheme. The top of the ottoman lifts off to reveal the storage compartment underneath. The lid has thick and supportive foam cushioning, making it the perfect spot to kick your feet up. Flip the lid over, and there’s a serving tray, making it the perfect spot for resting a small plate or drink glass.
You can use this ottoman in more places than just a minimalist design. It can work well in a glam, bohemian, or maximalist room. The rich velvet adds a sense of elegant coziness.
Best Children’s Pick: Gray Elephant Animal Shape Storage Ottoman
Courtesy of Home Depot
Specs:
Dimensions: 14″L x 26″W x 16″H
Material: Rubberwood and fabric
Style: Whimsical
Storage ottomans aren’t just for your bedroom or living room. You can also add them to your baby or children’s room. You can never have enough storage in these rooms, so a fun storage solution can get your children involved in keeping their room clean.
This fun ottoman looks like a friendly gray elephant, but lift its back lid off, and you have a handy storage compartment. The small stature of this ottoman makes it easy for children to open and access the ottoman on their own.
This whimsical elephant is perfect for animals, zoos, or wildlife-themed rooms. The lid is attached to the base with a single hinge and velcro closure, making it easy for small hands to operate. You’ll appreciate the high-quality fabric that you can spot clean to keep it looking like new.
Best Coastal Pick: Highland Dunes Weathered Storage Ottoman
Courtesy of overstock
Specs:
Dimensions: 15.75 In. X 15.75 In. X 15.75 In.
Material: Foam, MDF, Wood
Style: Coastal
Complete the look of your coastal living room with this nautical-inspired ottoman. The ottoman is a small square with open space inside. You’ll lift the top off to access the storage compartment.
The lid has a serving tray on one side and a cushion on the other. The fabric used to upholster the cushion has an ocean theme with shells and starfish. The wood has a weathered finish, creating the effect of the ottoman getting left outside and the sand and salt air slowly wearing away at the paint.
Use more than one of these ottomans in your living room to create portable hidden storage. For example, you can use them to frame your sofa, coffee table, or TV. Unfortunately, this ottoman is very small, which can mean that it’s too small to be an effective storage solution. You may also find that the weathering doesn’t look authentic. However, this is ok if you pair it with authentic coastal pieces.
Best Rustic Pick: Highland Dunes Wide Square Storage Ottoman
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Dimensions: 15.75” H x 15.75” W x 15.75” D
Material: Manufactured wood and polyester blend
Style: Rustic
This rustic storage ottoman is perfect for your farmhouse, country, or rustic interior design. Unlike a vintage rustic ottoman, this one has faux aging. As a result, you’ll have the look of rustic design without giving up modern functionality and durability.
It comes in three shades, whitewashed, tan, and honey nut. Each has a cushion on the top to create a cushioned sitting spot, or you can flip it over and have additional entertaining space. When you lift off the seat cushion, you’ll also have access to the storage space inside of the ottoman.
Place your ottoman next to a coffee table or at the end of your sofa. Its small size will help it to fit anywhere.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this ottoman is that it’s made from manufactured wood and then given a faux finish, which will never be a convincing replication of vintage and worn rustic wood.
Best Glam Pick: Kaylee Navy Blue Storage Ottoman Bench
Courtesy of Home Depot
Specs:
Dimensions: 18.7” H x 41.73” W x 16.73” D
Material: Rubberwood and velvet polyester fabric
Style: Glam
Add glamour and elegance to your home with this highly saturated blue velvet storage ottoman. Its long length makes it perfect for use at the foot of a bed, in our living room, or in a long hallway. If the jewel-toned blue isn’t to your taste, there are two other color options, gray, and light teal.
Around the bottom of the ottoman are bright silver nail heads, and the top has a traditional tufted design with plenty of plush padding to turn it into a comfortable seating option. You’ll love the plentiful storage that this ottoman gives you, making it perfect for housing extra blankets, towels, or linens.
The lid lifts up on three hinges, giving you plenty of space for loading the ottoman and getting what you need out.
Unlike lower-quality ottomans with only two hinges, this one has three hinges that support the lid. The solid rubberwood construction gives this ottoman a sturdy feel while also helping it to be durable.
Balance functionality and available space when choosing the size of your storage ottoman. It needs to be large enough to have plenty of storage space inside the ottoman. It also shouldn’t be too large because you need to be able to walk around it in your living room. Measure the available space and purchase an ottoman that leaves enough room for you to walk around it. You may find that buying a taller ottoman gives you more internal storage when you don’t have a lot of floor space.
Construction Material
The material you choose for the construction of your ottoman will depend on your budget and interior design style. Common materials are wood, metal, plastic, and concrete. While most of these materials are durable, plastic will not stand up to the same level of use as the others. Upholstered fabric-covered ottomans are beautiful but require more care because they can get stained.
Style and Design
What is the design style of your living room? Your storage ottoman should match so that it blends in and helps to create a cohesive design theme. If you have a traditional or American craftsman design, an upholstered ottoman will make the most sense. For a modern or minimalist design, consider a metal or concrete ottoman with a simplistic and sleek design. You could have an aged wooden trunk for a rustic design.
Storage Ability
What do you plan to keep in your storage ottoman? Some ottomans have a drawer, while others have a cabinet or are a bin with a removable lid. The style of storage compartment that you choose will depend on what you plan to put in it. For example, a stack of games may fit perfectly into a cabinet or bin while they wouldn’t fit in a drawer. On the other hand, small items like remotes will fit in a drawer but get lost in a bin.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best storage ottoman is the Wide Tufted Rectangle Storage Ottoman. It has a clean and timeless design that will help it look great for years to come. In addition, the large compartment will give you plenty of additional storage space. For a more affordable alternative, the Nicehill Storage Ottoman won’t disappoint with its long and narrow shape and easy-to-work lid on hinges.
Leather is a classic upholstery material that dates back centuries. It’s one of those materials that instantly elevates the look of your home and gives it a sophisticated feel.
What really makes leather stand out, though, is its adaptability. It blends beautifully with a wide range of interior design styles, helping it to blend in and look at home in any home.
We’ve done the research for you to curate a list of the best leather sofas you can buy for your home.
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Top Picks
Best Overall: Natasa’ Faux Leather Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Dimensions: 31” H x 91” W x 40” D
Seating Capacity: 4
Seat Fill Material: Foam and feather
Frame Material: Solid wood
This elegant dark brown faux leather sofa has a traditional look with large rolled armrests and tufting throughout. The design of this sofa will never truly go out of style, but it does look best in certain types of homes and design styles.
This isn’t the type of sofa you’ll choose for a contemporary or modern home. However, a vintage, sophisticated, or American craftsman home would look perfect with this style of sofa.
The large, deep seating is comfortable and inviting as you sink back on the foam and feather-filled cushions. Supporting the sofa is a solid wood frame that gives the sofa strength and durability.
The high-quality faux leather looks and feels like real leather. It’s also easier to maintain and clean than real leather. Just spot clean with a damp rag. The drawback of this sofa is that you cannot remove the cushions, and they aren’t reversible. This can limit the useful life of the cushions.
Best Budget Pick: Vonanda Faux Leather 3 Seater Sofa
Specs:
Dimensions: 27.95 x 73.23 x 26.38 inches
Seating Capacity: 3
Seat Fill Material: High resilience sponge
Frame Material: Steel
If you’re on a tight budget, this mid-century modern leather sofa is the perfect piece for your living room. Its slim legs elevate the sofa and help your small space feel more open and airy. The tufting on the back cushions gives the sofa a finished look. There are bold rivets on the ends of the sofa that give the nod to traditional styling and help to give the sofa an air of sophistication.
This sofa’s smaller scale helps it fit comfortably into smaller spaces, such as apartment living rooms. A nice additional touch is the two bolster pillows that should be placed at either end of the sofa to finish its look and make it more comfortable. The back cushion’s cover has a zipper to make it removable, making it easier to clean.
Unfortunately, this sofa may fall short with the cushion fill that’s made from a high resilience sponge. It isn’t as durable or resilient as other fill materials.
Best Rustic Pick: Mercana Cochrane Country Brown Genuine Leather Sofa
Courtesy of Lowe’s
Specs:
Dimensions: 82″W x 33″D x 32.25″H
Seating Capacity: 3
Seat Fill Material:
Frame Material: solid iron
The relaxed styling of this sofa makes it the perfect piece for a farmhouse, country, or rustic living room. The leather has a lived-in feel that looks as though this sofa has seen many years of service before arriving in your living room. Touch the leather, and you will quickly appreciate its quality.
The premium top-grain leather adds a touch of quality to the sofa. After all, you want rustic, not cheap. The legs add to this look of quality as they are solid iron with a matte silver-tone finish.
Place this sofa in your living room and pair it with other rustic and high-quality built pieces. The smooth leather can feel cold, so add one or two throw pillows made from a cozy textile in addition to the leather accent pillows. Then style the sofa with a cozy throw blanket that you can wrap around you while sitting on the sofa.
Best Premium Pick: Axel Motion Leather 5-Piece Sectional
Courtesy of west elm
Specs:
Dimensions: 119″W x 119″ D x 33″H
Seating Capacity: 4–5
Seat Fill Material: fiber-wrapped and polyurethane foam cores
Frame Material: Solid pine and engineered wood frame
If you are ready to invest in a high-quality sofa, then this five-piece sectional is worth a look. What makes this sofa stand out is the number of color options for the leather. There are 18 colors and five leather finishes to choose from to help you create a custom look for your living room.
The quality of this sofa starts with the frame, a kiln-dried sustainably sourced wood. This gives the wood strength and durability.
Sit back into the sofa, and you’ll appreciate the leaned-back design that equates to a relaxed comfort. Sitting on the sofa becomes even more comfortable with small comfort touches like the adjustable headrest and foot recliner.
When adding it to your home, the sofa’s sharp lines and slightly industrial feel give this sofa an edgier design. This is perfect for someone who doesn’t want a rustic or overly traditional leather sofa. It’s also ideal for someone who doesn’t want their sofa to be the focal point in the room. The clean design allows it to fade back so that other elements in the room draw attention.
Best Modern Pick: Zuo Modern Claremont Modern Brown Faux Leather Sofa
Courtesy of Lowe’s
Specs:
Dimensions: 30.3” H x 51.2” W x 24.4” D
Seating Capacity: 3
Seat Fill Material: Unknown
Frame Material: Powder-coated steel frame
The ultra-sleek styling of this sofa gives it a minimalist and modern design. Its small size and slim frame make it perfect for small spaces, such as an apartment living room.
The metal frame is powder-coated black, which improves the look of the metal and protects it from corrosion and damage. The frame acts as the support for the cushions and as the armrests. Placed on the frame are seat and back cushions that are upholstered in faux leather.
Unlike other sofas on this list, the seat is a single cushion, and the back is a second single cushion, with both extending the length of the sofa.
One potential drawback of this sofa is the faux leather that doesn’t feel as real as other sofas on this list. It’s also a specific color that may not blend well with the rest of your living room due to its orange undertones.
This crazy-looking sofa may have a unique look, but give it a chance, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. All of the plush cushions are filled with a supportive yet soft foam that will give you one of the most comfortable sitting experiences of your life.
Additionally, this isn’t just a sofa; it can also turn into a bed, giving you increased functionality out of your sofa. The coil springs in the cushion foam step up to give your body the support it needs for a comfortable night’s sleep.
The modern design of this sofa is perfect for an urban apartment, loft, or funky style of living room. The beautiful leather sofa rests on large chrome tube pipes that extend the length of the sofa and to the floor as legs.
Despite this sofa making a big visual impact, it won’t take up a ton of space, making it versatile enough for a teen’s bedroom or a college dorm room. One problem with this sofa is that the chrome legs lack the stability that you would really want from a sleeper. You also can’t place this sofa up against a wall because the rear leg supports extend out beyond the sofa, requiring the sofa back to be several inches from the wall.
Best Recliner Pick: Medora’ Pillow Top Arm Reclining Sofa
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Dimensions: 38” H x 83” W x 39” D
Seating Capacity: 3
Seat Fill Material: Foam and pocket springs
Frame Material: Metal and engineered wood
Enjoy the ultimate in relaxation with this reclining leather sofa. It’s the classic sofa that you see in a modern American family home. It has dark brown leather that’s rich in color and a slightly rustic appeal without looking worn and used. The cushions are filled with foam and pocket springs for a plush design that begs you to sink back and relax.
On either end of the sofa, there are manual levers that you can pull to release the footrest and have it rise up as the seat back leans back. Thanks to the metal and engineered wood frame, this sofa can safely accommodate and support up to 1,000 pounds.
The armrests have a pillow top design, making them soft and supportive for your arm to lean on while sitting. If you are styling your living room, you’ll appreciate that the sofa is a part of a set. You can buy what you need and what will fit in your home. Other pieces include a loveseat and armchair.
Best Chaise Pick: Ovios Mid-Century Top-Grain Suede Leather Chaise Sofa
Courtesy of overstock
Specs:
Dimensions: 100.39″ L×51.18″ W×33.07″ H
Seating Capacity: 4
Seat Fill Material: High-density foam and spring coils
Frame Material: Metal
Have the best of both worlds with this L-shaped sofa that has a chaise feature on one side. A two-sided sofa like this one is perfect for defining a space and creating a more intimate area for entertaining family and friends. It comes in several colors, including ones that you don’t typically see in leather, such as gray and blue.
The high-density sponge fill in the cushions gives this sofa a firm feel, making it a better option for a more formal room. It’s not the ideal sofa for lounging back and watching a movie. However, there are spring coils to give you plenty of support. Even the pillow upholstery on the armrests has a crisp look.
The legs complete the look with a slim, round design that elevates the sofa several inches. Despite the slim styling, this sofa is best in a larger room because of its long length. You’ll also want to soften its look with a throw blanket in a cozy material.
Best Traditional Pick: Brandon Distressed Italian Leather Sofa and Loveseat
Courtesy of overstock
Specs:
Dimensions: 40” H x 95” W x 36” D and 40’’ H x 72” W x 36” D
Seating Capacity: 5
Seat Fill Material: Foam fill
Frame Material: Corner-blocked hardwood
If you love the look of a vintage leather sofa, then you will love this sofa and loveseat set. They come as a pair, which is perfect for styling your large living room. They feature top grain leather and Italian leather upholstery techniques. The dark walnut-stained wood legs, whiskey-colored leather, and traditional styling give this sofa a heavy and imposing look.
The two pieces take up a lot of visual space, so they aren’t ideal for small rooms. The armrests are rolled with brass metal nailhead riveting. The back is slightly scalloped to mimic the look of old-world European furniture styling.
The cushions have foam fill to give them a semi-firm feel. As with any true leather sofa, you’ll want to keep these furniture pieces away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Exposure to UV rays will cause the leather to fade. You’ll want to routinely clean and moisturize the leather to keep it soft and supple.
Best Curved Pick: Adylene Genuine Leather Flared Arm Curved Sofa
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Dimensions: 34.5” H x 95” W x 35.5” D
Seating Capacity: 3
Seat Fill Material: Foam; Synthetic Fiber
Frame Material: Solid + Manufactured Wood
This unique sofa proves that not all leather sofas look the same. This one features a bold curved design that’s popular in home interior design trends. The top grain aniline leather feels soft and supple. The sofa features two contrasting colors that give the sofa style and dimension. The back and pillows have diamond tufted stitching in a contrasting thread color for a bold pattern.
Paired with the back is smooth cream-colored leather for the cushions. The mix of foam fill and synthetic fibers for the cushion fill give them firm support that won’t allow you to sink too far back into the sofa. Try styling your sofa in a contemporary, minimalist, or coastal living room.
While this sofa has a unique shape and design, it isn’t always practical. The thin armrests that are also curved are not meant for actually resting your arm on. They are too tall for this to be comfortable. The curved shape may not fit comfortably into all living rooms. Placed incorrectly, you could lose the effect completely by not showcasing the shape.
There are several grades of leather, and choosing a top-quality leather means you’ll have a sofa that will last for decades. Top grain is high quality, while genuine is lower quality. However, your budget may only let you buy genuine. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy the sofa; it just means you should take more care of it to ensure it lasts. Additionally, some sofas use multiple leather qualities for different sofa parts. This gives you the durability where you need it but saves where you don’t.
Frame Construction
The frame is like the bones of your sofa. You won’t see the frame, but it does the heavy lifting for supporting the sofa and whoever sits on it. For the greatest durability, choose a frame made from high-quality wood. If you have a tighter budget, then consider a metal frame. Additionally, look for strong meal hardware that holds the frame together.
Design Style
The style of your sofa will set the tone for your entire living room. A tufted Chesterfield with rolled arms will give your living room a traditional feel. A simple pillow design will give your sofa a contemporary feel. Crisp square cushions with sharp 90-degree corners will give your living room a modern feel. Additionally, consider the finish and color of the leather. Black looks more sophisticated and modern, while a caramel saddle color can look more rustic. Smooth leather is easy to care for, while suede has a soft and cozy feel.
Scale
Always scale the size of your sofa to the size of your living room. Leather sofas come in a wide range of sizes, so you can find the perfect sofa or your space. First, measure the available space in your living room, and then choose a sofa that fits that space. Sofas on legs and have a low back help make the room feel more open. Slim features and long straight lines help the sofa feel and look smaller. Conversely, an overstuffed sofa with a solid feel can have an imposing stance that fills a space.
Seat Depth and Back Slant
Sofas with a deep seat and leaned back seat are considered the most comfortable. They allow someone to sink back into the sofa to lean back and relax. If you want to create a more casual seating option, this is a smart choice. If you want to create a more formal seating space, choose a sofa with a level seat and a more upright seat back. However, you’ll want to be careful about not choosing a sofa that’s too shallow. This can be uncomfortable for tall individuals.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best leather sofa is the Natasa’ Faux Leather Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa. Its traditional styling will give your home a timeless interior design that will look beautiful and welcoming for decades to come. In addition, the solid wood construction and foam with feather fill mean your sofa will be durable enough to last.
If you’re looking for a more affordable sofa, then the Vonanda Faux Leather 3 Seater Sofa is ideal because its mid-century design doesn’t sacrifice styling. In addition, its small size will help the room to feel larger and more spacious.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could add a bit of color and style to your kitchen? What you need is a rug. Runner rugs are perfect because they give you the benefit of the style without the expense or care difficulty of a large square area rug.
Place one in front of your work countertop and stove area or in front of the sink. They can also fill your entire floor area in a galley kitchen that matches a runner rug’s narrow and long shape.
We’ve found the best runner rugs to help you pick the perfect accent for the kitchen.
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Top Picks
Best Overall: Modern Moroccan Kitchen Runner Rug Set
Courtesy of Home Depot
Specs:
Material: Polyester
Color: Gray
Stain Resistant: Yes
This contemporary gray rug features a large Moroccan trellis design that can give your kitchen a touch of pattern. This rug is actually designed to absorb water, helping to keep your kitchen floors cleaner. The polyester material is stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the spills creating lasting stains.
You’ll appreciate that the rug is eco-friendly and recyclable, making it perfect for those who want to make smarter environmental choices. It’s also non-toxic, making it safe for use around your pets and children.
You’ll love that the rug is machine washable, making it incredibly easy to care for. Because this rug comes as a set of two, you can arrange them in your kitchen to create a custom design. Place one in front of the countertop and the other in front of the sink or stove.
One drawback of this rug is that the long piece is only 3.9 feet, making it really short compared to other runner rugs. This can be limited to where you place it. This rug set won’t work well in a galley kitchen.
Best Budget Pick: Color G Non-Skid Kitchen Runner Rug
Courtesy of amazon
Specs:
Material: Polypropylene
Color: Gray, yellow, blue, brown, and red
Stain Resistant: Yes
Increase the color and safety of your kitchen with this vibrantly colored rug. There are five bold colors to choose from: gray, beige, blue, brown, and red. Each has a design etched into it to give the rug a bit of style and design.
The high-quality polypropylene ensures this rug won’t decompress or break down with use. You can vacuum this rug weekly and throw it into the washer and dryer when it needs some serious cleaning. The backing of this rug is a durable TPR non-slip material that covers the entire rug to keep it securely in place. This rug is ideal for the kitchen because of its strong ability to absorb water to keep your flooring clean.
One thing to note about this mat, you shouldn’t use fluorine cleaners or soak the rug in boiling water. Both will damage the rug. You should also not dry clean the rug or use bleach on it.
This modern rug comes in several lengths, ranging from six to 22 feet in length. This makes it easier to find the perfect length for your kitchen. There are also six colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect accent to your kitchen color scheme.
The handwoven design of this rug gives it an organic feel, while the pattern has a modern geometric design. Accenting the rug is a decorative fringe that gives the rug an extra bit of style. The thin flat weave design may lack cushioning, but it makes the rug safer for moving about your kitchen. This rug is ideal for homes that don’t have pets or children where the kitchen experiences a lower level of traffic.
Unfortunately, this rug is 100 percent cotton, making the rug susceptible to stains and showing dirt. In addition, the rug doesn’t have a stain-resistant treatment. You may also see some variations and imperfections in the rug due to it being handmade.
Make a bold statement with your kitchen rug. This long rug measures 2.25 x 7.5 feet, making it the perfect size for placing in front of your kitchen counters. It comes in seven colors, making it possible to find the perfect color for your kitchen. The lemon color is bright and cheery, making it the perfect pop of color for your kitchen.
Each rug features a line of large circles that extend down the center of the rug. This handwoven rug is made in Sweden of PVC yarn, making it durable and stain-resistant. When your rug gets dirty, throw it in the washing machine for easy cleaning. This rug is nice because it’s shed, water, and UV resistant. One drawback of this rug is that it’s not safe for the dryer. You’ll need to hang it out to dry.
Best Rustic Pick: Williston Forge Dutta Oriental Area Rug
Courtesy of wayfair
Specs:
Material: Polypropylene
Color: Spruce, light blue, beige
Stain Resistant: Yes
Give your kitchen a vintage and rustic touch with this soft rug that features an oriental design that has faux aging. The construction is a blend of cotton, polyester, and viscose for a soft yet durable rug that will feel comfortable under your feet while resisting stains. The rug is power-loomed, so it will have consistency in its design. The low pile helps the rug feel plush and easy to keep clean.
Unlike similar rugs, this one stands out because it’s shed-resistant. This makes upkeep easier, and you’ll never have to worry about fabric fibers getting in your food. The thin feeling of this rug could be negative in other rooms, but for a kitchen, it’s perfect.
One potential issue with the rug is that spills or wet spots become obvious and can change its coloring. However, you can embrace this and how it gives the rug an authentic rustic and aged feel.
Best Bohemian Pick: Safavieh Flatweave Montauk Shamira Casual Cotton Rug
Courtesy of overstock
Specs:
Material: Cotton
Color: Black, red, gray, and navy
Stain Resistant: No
Don’t choose a plain colored rug when you could have this patterned rug that features this intricate design. It has a light beige color as the primary color, and then you can choose the woven accent color. You have four options, black, red, gray, and navy.
What’s really nice about this rug are the multiple runner sizes, from 2.3 x 6 feet to 2.3 x 18 feet. While the longest rug might be too long for your kitchen, the many sizes make it possible to find the perfect size for your kitchen. Despite this rug being handcrafted in India, it has a contemporary coastal feel with its chic geometric pattern.
One drawback of this rug is that it doesn’t have a protective binding around the outside edge. This can make it vulnerable to wear and tear, which will eventually lead to fraying. You’ll also need to add a non-slip underlayer to prevent the rug from slipping or moving.
This natural 100 percent jute rug gives your kitchen an earthy feel with plenty of texture. It’s meticulously handwoven by artisans to be both high quality and one of a kind. Measuring 2 x 8 feet, this rug is plenty large enough for a galley kitchen or to stretch the entire length of a long kitchen counter.
The natural fibers of this rug create plenty of texture, while the knotted design of the rug can give your feel a subtle massage feeling. This rug is perfect for a bohemian, farmhouse, rustic, or coastal kitchen. The natural fibers and neutral color help it to blend into your design style without being distracting.
Unfortunately, jute is not stain resistant, so the light honey color can begin to look worn and stained over time. You can easily spot clean the fibers, but deep cleaning the rug can be challenging. This rug also doesn’t have a non-slip backing, so you’ll want to lay down a rug pad underneath it to help hold the rug in place.
Best Anti-Fatigue Pick: Marni Anti-Fatigue Gelness Runner Kitchen Mat
Courtesy of Home Depot
Specs:
Material: Vinyl
Color: Red, beige, dark gray, light gray
Stain Resistant: Yes
If you spend long hours in the kitchen, you’ll want a rug with more support and cushion than a regular woven mat. This anti-fatigue mat is perfect for reducing the stress on your feet, legs, and back. It’s made from durable PVC with a non-skid backing to hold the mat in place. There are four rich colors to choose from: red, beige, dark gray, and light gray.
The smooth surface construction of this mat makes it easy to clean and sanitize. It’s also stain, fade, and water-resistant. You don’t need to vacuum this rug, just a simple wipe down with a damp cloth or mop. The firm yet cushioning material will encourage you to have better posture while promoting better circulation. It isn’t just a functional mat, though. It also has a decorative stamped design that features elegant scrollwork.
Unfortunately, this mat has a slight chemical smell when you open the package. However, you can easily get rid of it by letting the mat air out before putting it in your kitchen.
Best Non-Slip Pick: Comfort Soft Solid Color Non-slip Runner Rug
Courtesy of overstock
Specs:
Material: Nylon, Polypropylene
Color: Brown, gray
Stain Resistant: Yes
Never worry about your rug shifting or sliding with this machine-woven rug. The nylon and polypropylene construction helps the rug to be more durable. The rug’s backside has a non-slip rubber backing that securely holds the rug in place. This rug is perfect for busy homes with children and pets who will be giving the rug heavy traffic and use.
The polypropylene construction helps the rug to be durable against stains. You can choose from two colors, brown and gray. There are also two colors and two lengths to choose from, 2.2 x 6 and 1.6 x 4.9 feet. These two sizes make it possible to fit any kitchen. The small size works well for small kitchens or to provide extra cushioning in front of a workstation.
One drawback of this rug is that it feels extremely thin. This can mean the rug feels lower quality than it really is.
Best Coastal Pick: Allen + Roth Reyna Tropical Runner Rug
Courtesy of Lowe’s
Specs:
Material: Polypropylene
Color: Aqua, blue, gray
Stain Resistant: Yes
Give your kitchen a tropical feel with this runner rug with a bold leaf design. There are three color combinations to choose from, each with a leaf design. The color is the primary background color behind the leaves. Measuring 2 x 8 feet, it’s plenty long for any galley kitchen or large kitchen with a long countertop space.
The synthetic yarn has a low pile that’s deep enough to give it a plush feel. Polypropylene is resistant to fading, staining, and soiling. The backing on the rugs helps to hold the rug in place with a latex coating. What makes this rug stand out is that this particular blend of yarn is resistant to matting and crushing from constant everyday walking on. Recycled materials were used in the construction of this rug, making it environmentally friendly.
The drawback of this rug is that the more plush pile can make it more susceptible to harboring bacteria. Thankfully, it’s easy to clean with a vacuum and mild detergent.
All runner rugs have the same shape, a long and narrow rectangle. However, this doesn’t mean they are the same size. You need to measure the size of the space where you plan to place your rug. Typically, these rugs come in standard sizes, so you’ll like to be limited to these when choosing your rug. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a rug that’s too small. This will make your kitchen look and feel awkward. If you have a galley kitchen, you’ll want to leave a few inches of bare floor on either side of the rug.
Weave and Pile
Always choose a low pile rug for your kitchen. These are easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria, making them more sanitary. Tighter weaves are also best because they are more impervious to liquids soaking in. Finally, look for a rug with a finished edge. The kitchen is one of the highest-trafficked rooms in your home, so the edging gets a lot of abuse. A rug with a solid webbing edge will be the most durable to prevent the rug from getting worn, which causes unraveling.
Color and Pattern
The color and pattern you choose for your rug is a purely personal preference. However, it’s best to choose a color and pattern that coordinates with the rest of your kitchen. Darker colors are ideal because they bring the visual weight of the room down, helping the rest of your kitchen look and feel bigger. Patterns are also good because they bring life and movement into your kitchen. Finally, consider the scale of the pattern, as it shouldn’t be too big or too small for the size of your kitchen.
Backing
The backing of your kitchen rug is crucial. Look for one with a non-slip treatment that prevents the rug from moving around. Otherwise, you risk the rug sliding or shifting while walking on it. This can create a dangerous situation when you are cooking. Some rugs are made entirely of rubber, making them cushioned, easy to clean, and non-slip. If your chosen rug doesn’t have a non-slip backing, you’ll want to add an additional layer in the form of a rug pad to prevent slippage.
Care Requirements
Your kitchen is a messy place. You need a rug that’s easy to clean. Stay away from natural materials like wool and cotton that absorb liquids quickly and be difficult to clean. Instead, stick with easy-to-clean materials, like polypropylene. These materials naturally repel water and are easy to spot clean with a damp rag. You’ll also want to choose a rug that you can run a vacuum over every week.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best kitchen runner rug is the Modern Moroccan Kitchen Runner Rug Set. The contemporary trellis design, two rug set, and dark gray color make this set versatile. Its durable construction ensures the rug will last.
For a more affordable option, the Non-Skid Kitchen Runner Rug won’t let you down with its durable and solid construction that will provide you with a cushioned surface to stand on. It comes in several colors and is easy to clean.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you never had to worry when heading out to your vehicle? Snow, rain, ice, UV rays, and plant debris are no match for a carport. These simple structures create a protective overhead barrier over your vehicle to keep your vehicle clean and undamaged. Doesn’t this sound amazing? All you need is a carport plan to get started. These carport ideas will help you figure out what to do with the extra space on your property.
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1. Transform Your Space with a Breezeway Carport
Instead of building a separate carport structure, you could build a breezeway. This is a roof that you build to extend off the living space in your house. This is an easy way of building a double carport.
Source: @ourhomewex via Instagram
Build your breezeway roof on the side of your home, where you have an exterior door. Then extend it out to cover a large enough area to create a protected parking space. Build a driveway that connects your driveway to the breezeway to complete the setup. Then you can drive under the breezeway roof and never have to walk out into the rain.
2. Illuminate Your Vehicle with a Clear Roof Carport
The biggest problem with a carport is that it can feel dark and cave-like when standing underneath them. That’s the exact opposite of what you want to feel when you’re in an outdoor space.
You can solve this problem with a clear roof. That way, plenty of natural light comes in, but you still have the roof’s protection. This is a perfect DIY project because you can buy clear panels made from polycarbonate. The panels are limited in size, so they tend to look better on a single carport than on a double.
3. Explore Freedom with a Detached Carport
Not every property and home is the same, so some homeowners may find it difficult to find a suitable place to build their attached carport. In this situation, consider building a detached carport instead. This is similar to a detached garage but without walls.
Source: @customsunroom via Instagram
You can buy carport kits and easily put them wherever you want. Measure the size of the space on your property where you want to put your carport. Then measure your vehicles to ensure the carport will be big enough.
4. Secure Your Car in an Enclosed Carport
If you live in a place where the weather can be extreme, then consider building a carport that is a bit more solid. Add walls to your carport design to protect not only the roof but also the sides of your vehicle.
Source: @jr_nybyg via Instagram
If you are adding walls to your carport, you should also upgrade the roof you’re building. Instead of a plain metal roof, consider a shingle roof with tar paper and asphalt shingles. Now you have a secure storage space for your vehicle that you can lock away and protect from all sides.
5. Embrace Durability with a Metal Carport
If you are looking for a sleek and modern solution, consider a steel carport. They typically have a solid support frame and then a roof that is also made of metal. If you like modern design, then stick with a flat roof carport. The roof should have a slant to it. This will prevent water from sitting or landscaping debris from getting stuck on it.
Source: @juliawalter.pro via InstagramSource: @lacheredup via InstagramSource: @valvecovergasket via Instagram
You may also see metal carports that are made from aluminum. Be careful with these, as aluminum is lightweight and easily damaged. Steel is stronger and more durable, but it needs to be powder coated or treated to prevent corrosion.
6. Step into the Future with a Modern Design
When building a modern carport, you’ll want to use multiple materials. Common materials you could combine are concrete, wood, and metal. Modern designs can also be custom carports, as they consider the specific design and plan of the home and property when creating a solution for additional space to park vehicles.
Modern carports also embrace the idea of sustainability and being environmentally friendly. You can use recycled materials, such as wood lumber that’s made from recycled plastics. Bamboo is another sustainable material that you could use instead of wood lumber.
7. Innovate Your Parking with a Shed Carport
When people think of sheds, they typically think of a man cave or adding additional storage space to their property. However, you can also turn a shed into a carport. You’ll need to build a large enough shed to accommodate your vehicle.
Instead of choosing a shed with a low roof, you can create more space with a gable carport. Then the roof peaks in the center to create more vertical space, which is helpful for larger vehicles where you might have items on the roof or in the bed of the truck. Even if you have a low vehicle, you could use the space in the gable as storage.
8. Choose Elegance with a Wood Carport
The simple and most affordable building material is wood, so it should be no surprise that you can find DIY carport kits that use wood. You can hire someone to build it or just do it yourself.
A wooden carport will add a natural building structure to your property. You’ll also have plenty of customization options for your garage plan, such as a gable roof, garage door, or even walls with windows. Keep in mind that you’ll need to choose a finish for your wood carport. You could apply a stain and bring out the natural beauty of the wood or paint it a color to match your house.
Two words for outdoor living spaces are frequently interchanged: deck and patio. Both are homeowner favorites and add value to the home. Decks and patios provide excellent space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining.
What exactly is involved in making a deck vs patio decision? First, you need to understand the differences between the two, as your property may be better suited for one over the other. Second, you should consider the full pros and cons of each option before settling on an answer to the deck or patio debate.
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Deck Basics
A deck is a raised platform that’s supported by structural materials, such as beams, posts, and joists. They’re usually made of wood or a composite material that looks like wood.
A deck may be one level or multi-leveled, with stairs between each platform. Decking is usually open to the sky above. Decks are a great choice if your backyard has sloped or uneven terrain.
Patio Basics
A patio is an outdoor living space that rests directly on the ground. It may be attached to the back of your house or built further out in the yard. Patios are usually made of concrete, pavers, or natural stone. Patios can have a roof or other patio cover, or may be uncovered.
Because it is a paved area on the ground, a patio is best for a homeowner with a level lot. However, it’s possible to build a retaining wall and add fill dirt to create an even outdoor space for your patio.
Deck Pros and Cons
Pros
A new deck is a great choice if your yard has uneven surfaces. Because decking is supported by columns or posts, it’s the best way to create a level outdoor living space over jagged terrain. However, you can also build a wooden deck on flat, even terrain. A ground level deck is just as beautiful and functional as an elevated wood deck.
Because wood or composite deck surfaces are usually elevated, their height can help you enjoy a beautiful view. Just make sure that your contractor has a valid building permit and adheres to all building codes.
An elevated deck has storage space beneath it, usually hidden by an attractive deck skirting material. It can also be a good place to store weatherproof items such as kayaks, plastic snow toys, garden hoses and sprinklers. You can also store lumber or firewood under raised decks, stacked on an elevated rack and covered with a tarp.
A composite deck can last as long as a concrete patio, but provides the similar beauty of an authentic hardwood deck. Although you will pay more per square foot at installation, it will add strong resale value to your home.
Cons
Even though wood decks are built from pressure-treated lumber, it’s still an organic material prone to weathering and moisture damage. If you have a natural wood deck, it will fade over time and need to be sanded, stained, and sealed every few years.
Wood is also prone to staining from spilled liquids or accumulated leaves. It can crack, splinter, or warp from extreme weather exposure. Additionally, moisture damage can result in mold, mildew, and rot.
Because most wood decks include stairs, they can be challenging for a mobility-impaired homeowner or guest to navigate. They can also pose a fall risk for small children.
Composite decking is far more durable than natural wood, but can still be prone to damage from temperature-related expansion and contraction. Composite decks can also become unbearably hot from sun exposure, especially if they are dark-colored.
Patio Pros and Cons
Pros
A well-made paver patio or concrete patio can last for several decades with proper maintenance. It can support heavy outdoor furniture. If you want a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, concrete slab patios and paver patios are durable and fireproof foundations.
Patios offer more privacy than decks because they’re at ground level. Add trees or shrubs to enhance a patio’s cozy privacy.
A patio may not require a building permit because it doesn’t affect the home’s structure—but check with your city before you start to build one. Because it’s not elevated, you don’t have to worry as much about weight limits or inspections as you would with a deck.
Patios are usually much more cost effective than decks. You might even be able to DIY a simple patio and save on labor costs.
Cons
A smooth concrete or stamped concrete patio can be prone to cracking if the foundation is uneven. This is especially true if it’s a raised patio and you live in a climate that experiences extreme weather conditions.
Concrete pavers and other porous materials can stain easily—although sealing the surface can help prevent stains. They are also prone to hold in moisture, resulting in mold and mildew growth.
It can be challenging to keep a backyard patio made from brick pavers or stone weed-free. You’ll need to spray the spaces between pavers with weed control during the spring and summer.
Deck vs. Patio Maintenance
Generally speaking, decking material is more high maintenance than patio material. Whether you have a wood deck, composite deck, concrete or stone patio, they should be swept frequently and sprayed clean with a mild soap and a garden hose.
Deck and patio maintenance includes keeping the decking free from leaves, as they will eventually stain the surface if allowed to pile up. Always clean up spills immediately, especially if they are oily or highly pigmented.
Other Outdoor Living Space Terms
There are other names for outdoor living spaces, including “porch” and “veranda.” Depending on where you live, you might find your neighbors using these terms instead of deck or patio.
A porch is defined as a covered shelter projecting from a building. It’s more often used to describe an open structure along the front of the building, although back porches are also common. A wrap-around porch is one that goes around the entire perimeter of a house.
“Veranda” is a word used mostly in the south. Also spelled “verandah,” it describes a roofed platform on a home’s exterior that’s at ground level. It often has a railing around the perimeter and may extend around more than one side of a home.
You’ve designed the perfect room, and now it’s time for the finishing touches. You know you want a stylish window treatment and have narrowed down your curtain fabric choices.
But one question remains: should curtains touch the floor? Unfortunately, there’s no one easy answer. Even interior design experts are split on the right length for a curtain panel to extend from the rod. Keep reading to find out why, and get help on deciding the right curtain length for your room.
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Different Curtain Lengths
The main reason there’s no one set answer for, “Should curtains touch the floor?” is that there are many length options for ready made curtains. Each curtain length is appropriate with different types of home decor. The most common curtain length options are:
45 inches
54 inches
63 inches
84 inches
90 inches
96 inches
108 inches
120 inches
Some curtain brands offer other length curtain options, and you can always hire someone to custom sew your window treatments. If you have a room with a short window or a room with a higher ceiling, you will obviously need different curtain lengths in each room.
Standard Curtain Style and Length Options
Most standard curtains come in the styles below. They’re listed in order from shorter curtain styles to longer floor length curtains.
Café Curtains
Café curtains are half-length curtains that cover the bottom half of a window. Traditionally found in kitchens and bathrooms, café curtains provide partial privacy and light blocking. They’re often paired with a valance hung on a separate rod above the window frame.
Café curtains allow sunlight to shine through the space between the curtain panels and the valance. Although it’s not common for this curtain length to reach the floor, it is possible to buy longer curtains and hang them a foot or so below the top of the window, if desired.
Sill Length Curtains
Sill length curtains end about ½ an inch above the window sill. Like café curtains, they add a casual and charming vibe to whatever room they’re in. Many designers feel that sill length window curtains are a good place to show off a strong patterned fabric or bright color curtains that might overpower the room if they were longer.
Short curtains that fall just above the window sill are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They’re also a good choice in some bedrooms, breakfast nooks, or anywhere that floor length curtains would block a countertop, heating vent, or piece of furniture.
Apron Short Curtains
A window apron is a piece of decorative trim located just under the window stool or window sill. An apron accents the look of a window, much like how crown moulding accents the ceiling.
An apron length curtain extends from the rod to one inch below the apron window trim. Not as popular as they used to be, this curtain length is still a practical choice when you don’t want to block a window seat, radiator, or other room feature. They’re a good curtain length if you need shorter curtains but feel that sill length curtains are a bit too short.
Floor Length Curtains
Floor length curtains are a favorite curtain length for many interior designers. They are also called hover length curtains because of how they just barely hover above the floor.
Curtain drop is the term used to describe the exact length of a curtain. With hover or floor length curtains, the curtain drop should be ½ inch above the floor surface. If your drapery rod uses curtain rings, measure from the bottom of the curtain rings to the floor, then subtract half an inch.
When you hang curtains at floor length, you make the most of your beautiful drapery fabric but retain the convenience of a shorter curtain drop. Because the fabric doesn’t puddle up on the floor or touch it in any way, you don’t have to worry about collecting dust every time you open or close the drape panels.
Breaking Long Curtains
When you hang curtains at breaking length, they will be long curtains that measure ½ to 1 inch longer than the length between the rod and the floor. This style projects a tailored elegance with just the slightest fold or break where the drapery material makes contact with the floor.
A breaking curtain has a more casual feel than trouser or puddle curtains, but they’re more sophisticated than curtains that don’t touch the floor. Ideal fabric choices for breaking length curtains are cotton or linen.
Trouser Length Curtains
Like a great pair of trousers, this curtain length creates a fold at just the right spot. Trouser length curtains extend about 2 inches longer than the length between the rod and the floor. This makes a fashionable crease that’s a little bolder than breaking length, but lacks the full drama of puddle curtains.
Trouser length curtains are good for heavier, thicker fabrics, including blackout curtain cloth. The extra length helps ensure that your room will be fully dark when you need it. That makes it an ideal bedroom curtain length. Pair your heavy trouser curtains with an inner sheer curtain set so you can still enjoy a bit of light filtering when you open your drapes.
Puddle Curtain Length
A curtain puddle is exactly what it sounds like: a puddle or pile of drapery fabric that rests on the floor beneath each curtain panel. It may not initially seem logical to hang long curtains that are so much taller than the room itself, but puddling curtains creates a luxurious look.
Use puddle curtain length in rooms where an extra dose of drama is desired, such as in a formal living room or dining room. Sheer curtain material is good for puddling, as are thinner cotton or cotton blend fabrics. Stiff or heavy long curtains will not fall into a luxurious puddle and will instead give the impression that you mistakenly ordered the wrong size panels.
When Long Floor Curtain Lengths are a Problem
Excessive floor curtain lengths can sometimes pose a problem. With a high ceiling curtains can be longer than in standard ceiling height rooms, but that doesn’t always mean that long curtains are the best choice.
If you have pets, puddled curtain panels can quickly attract pet hair from the floor. If you have cats, they will likely be drawn to hide behind or nap on top of the puddled fabric. Long curtains always pose a higher cat-climbing risk than short curtains, but puddled curtains give kitty a head start.
If you have small children, the extra material can also gather crumbs and dirt. Since drapery fabric often needs dry cleaning, trying to have puddled—or even breaking—curtains in the wrong environment can be a frustratingly expensive design choice.
The Final Answer
Clearly, the answer to, “Should curtains touch the floor?” is a matter of personal preference. Curtains provide much more than style; they also maintain your privacy and even help your thermostat to not work overtime heating and cooling your home.
Sometimes a shorter curtain is the perfect choice, but a longer curtain will always look more refined than shorter versions. Floor length curtains are a perfectly acceptable long curtain length for those whose lifestyle makes curtain puddles impractical.
Additional Curtain Length Tips
If you hang curtains at puddle or trouser length and decide you don’t like them, you may still be able to use them without paying for expensive alterations. Try moving the curtain rod and brackets higher, just a few inches below the ceiling. Hanging curtain panels higher also makes the room feel taller and bigger.
Ideally, you should choose a curtain rod that allows you to hang curtains wider than the window itself. Position the rod so that no part of the window is hidden when the curtains are open. Not only will this let in the maximum amount of light, it will make your windows seem bigger than they actually are.
If you’re choosing to puddle curtains made of a heavy fabric, make sure your curtain rod, brackets, and rings are sturdy enough to support their weight. Save delicate curtain rods for shorter and lighter window treatments.
If you’re trying to decide on the right length for patio curtains or other outdoor drapes, allow 2 or 3 inches of clearance above the ground. That will keep your outdoor curtain hems from getting dirty or soaking up water puddles after a storm.
Finally, order fabric swatches before committing to a specific curtain style or color. You may very well find that the material that was so pretty online doesn’t work at all with your walls, flooring, or furniture. The amount of natural light in your home can also make fabric look quite different than it appeared in a showroom or catalog.
