2 Furniture Rules for Keeping Your Couch Clean

Your furniture is an investment, and spending a little time taking good care of it can go a long way! The couch is usually the most frequented spot in the house, and sometimes spills and stains happen. By taking action immediately, you can keep your couch clean and fresh. Follow these two simple rules to keep your couch looking as new as the day you got it!

1. Vacuum your couch once every two weeks

• Using the attachment pieces of your vacuum on your couch allows you to get any dust or small particles out of cracks and crevices. Occasional gentle vacuuming keeps upholstered couches looking new and helps to prevent discoloration and set in stains. 
• Don't just vacuum the tops, make sure you pull off the cushions and get between the sides and back of the couch!

2. Remove stains as soon as they happen

When spills happen it is best to clean them immediately to keep them from setting in.

•  For upholstered couches, a mix of equal parts vinegar and water will suffice for couch cleaner in a pinch. Simply soak a paper towel in the mix and gently blot the stained area (do this only after you have removed any solids.) After blotting with the mix, blot with cold water to remove any extra vinegar! Allow to dry completely before sitting on that area of the couch.
• For leather couches is it best to use commercial leather cleaner rather than run the risk of damaging the leather. Contact your couch manufacturer to get the best directions on how to clean your leather couch.

For other tips and tricks around the house visit our Pinterest tips page:  http://pinterest.com/hudsonsfurn/helpful-tips/ 

Five Ways to Decorate Your Bookcase

If you have a bookcase or multiple bookshelves that are filled with books, and they aren't your favorite focal point in the room, fear not! There are ways to revive your book shelves to make them into organized works of art that showcase your interests, photos and prized possessions. Follow these simple steps to organize and beautify your bookcases.

1.  First, remove all books, and sort them by size and subject. Take off any ripped dust jackets and dust all books, this helps to simplify and keep your shelves looking clean. Replace the books by lining some up horizontally and leaving breaks.
2.  Find decorative boxes and place any awkward books or manuals inside. Keeping them out of sight helps give shelves an organized, clean and artful look.
3. Add photo frames, and small decorations to your shelves. Think family heirlooms, and fun collectibles. Consider rotating each item slightly to give it interesting placement.
4.  If you’re truly daring- try painting the inside of the bookcase a fun color. Choose one with a contrast or pick up a color from one of your other pieces. This gives your belongings a background to stand out against.
5.  If you’re not up for crafty tie-ins, opt for fun bookends! Bookends can be found at any decorating store and are often made in the shapes of animals and other objects. Go for whatever suits your style. Whether you like loud bookends like pink elephants or elegant peacocks, you should be able to find something to give your room a new focal point.

Give our decorating tips a try or find inspiration at one of our showrooms; sometimes a bookshelf needs an update and occasionally it just needs replacing.  Either way, Hudson’s can help you make your bookcase an attractive showcase for your favorite objects! 

Check out our selection of bookcases at Hudson's Furniture.

Updating your bedroom, decoration tips for a new feel

Your bedroom should be your place to relax, wind down and prepare for a healthy nights rest. When we find ourselves restless, many of us end up feeling the need to update our bedrooms just for fun! When you find yourself itching for a change of space it’s easy to make small changes in your bedroom to give it a more comforting atmosphere. Try any of the 4 ideas below to help you achieve a comfy space. 

 

1. Try moving your furniture:

A small change in furniture positioning can give your room a new feel! Try to keep the room flowing, position your bed on the furthest wall from the entrance way. Also try to be aware of windows; try not to block them so you can utilize natural light in daytime hours!

2. Lighting can make a big difference:

Nighttime lighting should be soft and subdued. Keep light fixtures near the bed to make your space appear larger and more open. Try different lamps; a simple change of a lampshade can give a bedside lamp a whole new appearance. If you can, match shades to throw pillows and blankets, this ties in the style of the room.

3. Get creative with wall décor:

Change out family photos for different ones, play up seasons; Hang photos according to season. Other ideas include using older photos, like parents baby pictures, or grandmothers wedding shots to give a more family feel. Rearrange photos on one wall, clustering and grouping are popular! Don’t be afraid to mix and match frames and colors to give a modern feel.

4. Update your bedding:

When all else fails, consider a new mattress. The difference in a good nights sleep and a great nights sleep is what you’re sleeping on. Whether it’s a pillow top or memory foam, a new mattress can give you that level of comfort you’re seeking.  Head to Hudson’s to find the best mattress fit for you and maximize your sleep comfort.

http://hudsonsfurniture.com/mattress.aspx

Decorating Tips for Tight Spaces

Tired of feeling like you are living in a cramped space? Try these simple ideas to maximize your space.

1. Go Curvy

    - Avoid rectangle and square furniture. Try to use round tables and chairs to enhance the living space.

2. Lighten Up with a Rug

    - Using a light colored rug brightens up the room and makes it appear larger.

3. See Clearly

    - Clear tables and chairs help create openness in the room.

4. Top Priorities

    - Do not try and cramp all types of furniture into a tight space. Pick the key essentials that will get the most use in your day-to-day activity. 

5. Layer It

    - Adding a different mix of colors and fabrics gives the room more depth. 

To find the perfect furniture for your tight space, visit www.hudsonsfurniture.com.

Hudson's Furniture's Biggest Tax Sale

It's our biggest Tax Sale in our 30-year history! Save 40-70% on our furniture, plus get an additional discount equal to the amount of your sales tax. Come and see us today, this sale ends Monday, April 16th. Visithttp://hudsonsfurniture.com/ for more details.

Get Organized! Essentials to help you get through the Holidays

This time of year can be stressful for all of us, especially when you begin to feel guilty about skipping on your not-so-necessary traditions (the gingerbread house became a hassle more than an hobby when your kids hit 16, admit it.) But here it is, a few tips to help you through and to let you know that it’s ok to ditch some habits for the sake of your stress level.

Organization

Food Storage Containers are key, so remember to stock up on all sizes so you can give some leftovers to family or store and freeze for a quick meal later on in the week.

Collapsable Tarp Bins are great for storing christmas blankets and stuffed animals. Regular bins can also store ornaments and decorations to pack away for next year.

Cut Down

Decide whats most important on your To-Do list. Ask yourself what you would be sorry if you missed. This way, you don’t feel like you’re running around wasting precious time during the holiday craze.

Differentiate between obligations and choices. Keeping up with the Jones’ lighting display, for instance, is one thing you can cut out. Going to that miserable company party every year isn’t necessary either. Cut yourself a break once in a while — odds are you’re doing enough already.

Schedule & Simplify

Scheduling prep time is one of the most important steps that people overlook. Schedule time to shop, cook, bake, clean, decorate and wrap. With these items on your agenda, you won’t have to stress by looking for gaps in your busy schedule to squeeze them in.

Simplify Gift Giving. Who doesn’t like getting gift cards? And e-cards are just as thoughtful as pricey, time-consuming Christmas cards mailed from the post office. Remember, setting a budget before getting elaborate will help to give you an idea of whether you’re doing too much or just enough.