Choosing luxury bedding is not a simply task. Customers must understand the factors which contribute to its value and quality like the types of cotton, types of weave (sateen, damask,chenille), thread count and ply and embroidery. Some of these factors will be summarized below. To get the most for your money, these factors must be considered and questioned.

What are the Types of Cotton?

Consumers should always be looking for the best quality cotton products made from an extra-long staple cotton ( ELS cotton). The long fibers of ELS cotton make a stronger and more softer yarn, and, in turn, weave into a much stronger and softer fabric. Most high thread count sheets are made from ELS cotton because a long fiber is needed to make a very thin, yet strong, yarn. Among the ELS cottons is Pima, Supima and Egyptian cotton . Pima cotton is a generic label given to any ELS cotton grown in any country from a particular type of long-staple cotton. Supima cotton is Pima cotton grown in the U.S. Egyptian cotton is a fine, lustrous, long staple cotton grown in Egypt. Long staple cottons are more expensive than the commonly available cottons, because they are synonymous with quality and have a higher thread count. The quality and feel of a sheet depends on the fibre the fabric is made from and the number of threads woven per inch. The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable the sheet. Also, if it doesn’t say 100%, don’t assume 100% Cotton.

What is Mercerized Sateen?

Sateen is usually a cotton fabric that has a satin-like feel. It’s often found in bed sheets and other textiles throughout the world. Sateen is usually 100% woven cotton, although it is occasionally formed from rayon. Like percale, sateen method in which the sheet was woven. The weave is what gives the sateen sheet its soft, satin-like feel. The material is lustrious and smooth to the touch. Only carded or combed yarns are used. Combed cotton is screened from impurities. The best quality sateen is mercerized to give it a higher sheen. Mercerized cotton has been treated with sodium hydroxide to shrink it and increase its luster and affinity for dye. It is also makes it more mildew resistant and stronger. Some sateen sheets are only calendared to produce the sheen. This is when the fabric is pressed between two rolling pins to give it a glossier appearance. This is lower-grade sateen. The sheen will eventually fade away with a few washings. This is not considered genuine sateen. Genuine sateen can be bleached, dyed, or printered.

What do You Need to know about Thread Count?

Thread count (TC) refers to the number of fibers woven together in one-square-inch of fabric. It can range from 80 to 1200. The higher the thread count, which requires finer threads, the desirable smoother and softer the fabric. However finer threads mean the threads a slightly more delicate, so one must use proper care when washing. An other important criteria is ply. Ply refers to the number of single fibers twisted together before it is woven into a fabric. By twisting two fibers together, the thread count can be doubled. Some 1000TC sets of sheets are actually 330TC 3-ply or 250TC 4-ply. The higher the ply, the heavier and thicker the sheet and the greater chance of the fabric pilling (little balls). The highest thread count that can be woven into a single ply is 500TC. All 1000TC sheets are at least 2-ply. In summary, if softness is desired, a high thread count and low ply is required but at a higher cost. If one prefers a heavier sheets, a high thread count with a high ply (3-4) is required. They will also keep one warmer. If one chooses a higher thread count, proper care must be done to prevent pilling. Anything above 300TC is usually soft enough for most people. If one prefers a lighter sheet, select 250 to 500TC range with a single ply.

Zafer Aktas retailer and writer of luxurybedsets.com Luxury Bed in a Bag, luxurybedsets.com Luxury Bedding and luxurybedsets.com/down_comforters down comforters

A wood deck is a home improvement that not only adds to the value of your home, but provides a communal area in which you and your family can commune for eating and other activities. There are some things to consider when deciding on deck designs that may be appropriate for your yard and needs.

Your deck design should include features that match your family’s lifestyle as well as compliment the design of your house. Being that you will probably live with the deck design you choose for many years, the planning portion of adding a wood deck to your home is the most important part of such a project.

There are three main ways to view the building of a wood deck that can help you decide which deck designs are most appropriate for your needs. These perspectives include 1) How you plan to use your wood deck, 2) Legal considerations, and 3) Size and location.

One of the most important considerations in designing a wood deck for your home is figuring out what all activities you plan to have take place on the deck area. If you entertain regularly, then an important consideration would be the number of people that usually are involved in these types of get-togethers.

Would your dinner guests be more comfortable on built-in benches, or comfy patio chairs? Do you want the deck layout to facilitate several small conversations, or one large communal area where a presentation or one group activity can be enjoyed? Will you require lighting for night time gatherings? These are the types of question you must ask yourself when deciding on which functions the deck area is being built to accommodate.

Try to imagine each and every activity or type of gathering that you’d like to accommodate in your backyard wood deck area. Most decisions on appliances and other deck accoutrements depend heavily on these kinds of considerations.

Before deciding on deck designs, you should first check your local zoning codes and ordinances. These rules may limit the height or overall size of your wood deck area. Local ordinances may also have regulations about privacy screens or the minimum distance that your deck can be from your neighbors’ yards. Also, neighborhood or subdivision committees may need to approve your deck design before construction begins.

Check with the local building department to see if you’re required to attain a building permit. Also, don’t forget to check with the utility companies to ensure that you will not disrupt underground water or power lines.

Size and location are important considerations as well. Just as tiny decks look out of place next to large houses, huge decks can look rather odd next to tiny houses. If your deck designs add up to too large of a deck for your house, try to break up the decks into smaller, individual deck areas.

As far as location is concerned, this mostly relates to sun and which side(s) of the house your deck will reside. North side decks will most likely be the coolest in the summer. Southern or western facing deck locations may prove to be too warm in the summer months.

There are a number of valuable resources for finding deck building guides and whatnot on the internet. The important thing is to consider what all your deck needs to accomplish in terms of activity and comfort; the rest will work itself out. Have fun!

Nicky is a do-it-yourself landscape enthusiast who has written numerous articles for various landscaping books on helping individuals plan their home design projects. He has created loneoak.net loneoak.net which consolidates all of his knowledge into colorful illustrations with free installation tips for various loneoak.net deck ideas.

Dust is a term used for all that pertains to the minute residue sloughed off by a certain house and its various occupants. It usually comes from the fireplace, skin and pet dander, cigarette and cooking smoke, molds, mildew and fungi, plant and pollen spores, and other sorts of sources, some of which you would not have even thought of.

Of course, dust is most obvious to the naked eye where it settles and collects on furniture, or worse, inside secret crannies and top shelves that you can’t reach nor clean. These are the usual sites that germs gather and have their group planning about when and where to attack.

You certainly would not want to have you, or your kids, suffer from the different illnesses you can obtain from inhaling dust particles. Therefore, you must do some dust-removing intervention right away, in the form of an indoor air purifier.

Installing indoor air purifiers can be so easy, if you only walk through the instruction guides and manuals. And if you hire a professional indoor air purifier installer, then all you need to do is sit down and drink juice while the expert does his or her wonders. The actual installing is very easy to go through, it is the choosing the right indoor air purifier that is the hard part.

You have to choose an indoor air purifier that has more air purification technologies installed in it. The more scientific it is, the better. You certainly would not want an air purifier that works with the simple broom and dustpan method would you?

Indoor air purifiers are supposed to collect and remove particles, so you have to make sure that it does exactly that. Purchasing a quite expensive air purifier when it does nothing to eradicate dust in your household is very exhausting and frustrating, at least.

Dust particles are not the only substances it is ought to collect. Indoor air purifiers must also remove gases, smoke and chemicals in the air. These substances are more dangerous to the lungs because of the sudden outburst of illness they might cause, therefore, buying one that removes the said substances are indeed, very helpful. You would know if it were successful because these chemicals are usually odorous, smelling no odor would mean a thumbs-up.

The one you will buy must also have a thorough coverage of your house. A certain air purifier might work well in the kitchen…but in the kitchen ONLY. That is a bad trait. If it cleans the kitchen, it must also clean the air in the living room. Air purifiers that do not clean the whole house are not buy-worthy.

Whatever you decide to get you should make sure you know what areas it can cover, and what are the pros and cons of the product, air purifiers systems are made in all sizes and shapes today and there is a very good chance that you will find what you are looking for.

Air purification systems are becoming very popular. You can get many different kinds of air purifiers, the variety on the market is very big, learn about

Ladders come in handy in all sorts of situations, from doing home improvements and decorating, to simply accessing your attic storage space. It’s important to use the right ladder for the job you’re doing, both in the interests of safety and from the point of view of making your task easier. For instance, trying to reach up too high from a step ladder when painting a wall isn’t just uncomfortable, it could be dangerous too. In this case it would make more sense to use an adjustable extension ladder to safely reach those high points without stretching or straining. Here is an overview of the most common types of ladders that can be used around the home and garden.

Attic Ladders
Installing a folding attic ladder makes it much easier and quicker for you to access the storage space in your roof. Attic ladders are designed to fold up into the loft when not in use and can be simply pulled down with a special pole when needed. Using an attic ladder is a convenient alternative to trying to struggle into the roof from the top of a step ladder or bringing a long extension ladder into the house each time you want to get into your attic.

Extension Ladders
An adjustable extension ladder comes in useful for all kinds of exterior jobs, from cleaning upstairs windows or painting the outside of a building to cleaning out gutters or replacing roof tiles. A real advantage of an extension ladder is that you can adjust the height rung by rung to reach different heights. These types of ladders are made from either aluminum, which is durable and lightweight and so is easy to maneuver, or fiberglass, which is much heavier to move but also safer for electrical work.

Step Ladders
A step ladder has a multitude of uses inside and out, from changing a light bulb to cutting a hedge. Step ladders have an A-frame design for stability, and a useful flat platform at the top for holding tools, paint tins etc.

Library Ladders
A rolling library ladder can easily be installed in a home library or study and makes it easy to reach high bookshelves. Library ladders come with wheels attached to their feet and work by gliding along a bar. They are usually made from wood for aesthetics, and you can choose from a variety of wood types and finishes to match your décor.

Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to GetLadders.com – an online resource offering a range of

Vacuuming and dusting should be top priorities at every house. This is because household dust produces a broad spectrum of harmful microorganisms. These contaminants create significant health risks by harboring bacteria, causing allergic reactions, and aggravating those who suffer from asthma.

Household dust, and the problems associated with it, is caused by a number of factors affecting the home environment. One of these factors is dust mites. Dust mites are considered to be the most common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. In fact, together with their partially digested food and fecal matter, dust mites are considered significant sources of allergens, involved in allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis. Their bodies, made of chitin, are likewise allergens. Dust mites flourish in the controlled environment provided to them by buildings – such as our homes. They survive in all climates, except at high altitudes where reproduction is halted. Sufficient absolute humidity is a necessary condition for their growth (digestion and reproduction). They can be transported airborne by the minor air currents generated by normal household activities. They are minute to be seen without the air of a magnifying glass.

Male dust mites can live for up to 30 days, while a mated female dust mite can live for 10 weeks, laying 60 to 100 eggs in the last 5 weeks of her existence. In that 10-week life span, a dust mite will produce approximately 2,000 fecal particles and an even larger number of partially-digested enzyme-infected dust particles.

Dust mites reproduce quickly enough that their effect on human health can be significant. If someone in your household is affected by dust, take steps to control your home environment. If the problem is caused by dust mites, take these measures to keep them at safe levels:

- Wash sheets, blankets, and bed covers weekly in hot (at least 54 degrees celsius/130 degrees fahrenheit) water. Or to kill mites while lengthening the life of your linens, place bedclothes in the dryer for 20 minutes on medium and then wash in warm water.

- Use comforters and pillows made of synthetic fiber, such as Dacron or Orlon – instead of down, feathers, or cotton – and wash these in hot water regularly. Replace your synthetic pillows every two years. For people with severe allergies, their mattress, box spring, and pillows should also be enclosed in airtight or allergen-proof covers.

- Remove carpeting wherever possible, especially in the bedroom.

- Keep your home uncluttered to minimize dust buildup. Store knickknacks, books, and compact discs in drawers or closed cabinets.

- Keep an allergic child’s stuffed animals in a cabinet, and clean them regularly. Don’t let the child sleep with the toys, especially if they are placed near the face.

- Vacuum weekly and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth (a dry cloth will just release the dust back into the air). Wear a dust mask, if you’re allergic.

- Buy leather or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered, if possible.

- Install a humidistat to measure indoor humidity; dust mites thrive in moist conditions. Use central air conditioning and, if necessary, a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50 percent.

- Clean and ventilate your kitchen, bathrooms, and basement frequently.

- Install high-efficiency particulate air filters in your vacuum cleaner, air purifier, and heating system. They remove dust particles from circulating air.

Remember that dust mites cannot be totally eradicated. But with your health on the line, you’ve got to take measures to check their growth in your home.

Major advancements can be seen in the shower filters as now they have become more powerful and beneficial. Nowadays, majority of the people are in the hunt to have best shower filter in their house so that they can safeguard the health of their family. But it is handheld shower filter which is ruling the roost as they are more convenient to use and far better in comparison to others. Handheld shower filter is said to be the most flexible shower filter which comes with array of features.

They are very popular among the women as they love to bath with it and same goes with the children too. Despite being small and portable still they are very powerful and very easy to use. Handheld shower filter is strong enough to remove chlorine from the water along with the bad whiff. They are very powerful and also remove almost 98.9% of chlorine and rust from the water. Maximum handheld shower filters can be increased to the height of 10 inches.

The main USP of theirs is that they are very versatile in stationary handheld positions. Being handy and portable they are highly adjustable and can be used in any position. They are said to be very popular as they do the complete cleaning of the body and that too with clean water. They are equipped with very powerful filter which not only removes the chlorine but also eliminates the bad whiff from the water. What makes them stand tall among the group is that they are highly light weighed and that too with very fine finishing.

Handheld shower filter is also very easy to install and its cartridge usually works from 6 to nine months depending upon the water quality and company. They also have inbuilt sensors which let you know when to change the cartridge.

Nowadays, many handheld shower filters are equipped with pH balancers which take them to the next level and prove to be very beneficial. They have become the necessity of every household as now everyone is growing health conscious day by day. This has led to the increase in the production of handheld shower filters and simultaneously the boost in sales can also be noticed.

‘Technology changes with time’ this quote perfectly goes with handheld cleansewater.com shower filters as they take less energy of yours and provide you with chlorine and odor free water to bath with. So, for enjoying the clean and safe shower bath and that too without much hassle then simply go in for handheld shower filter. As it will only ensure clean water used for bathing and that too without any bad smell and odor.

The author is creative in writing articles. You can contact him at mailto:vivekbjmc@gmail.com vivekbjmc@gmail.com

Several years ago, one could find that the fireplace was the primary source of heat in most American homes. For many who could not afford this luxury, a word-burning stove, served as the primary cooking and heating. Today the fireplace is not celebrated with the same glory as yester year. Electric or gas powered stoves and sophisticated heating systems have replaced the fireplace in the home, making it more of a luxury rather than a necessity.

Although contemporary fireplaces serve more of a decorative purpose, the comforting warmth on cold winter nights which it allows is undeniable. Adding to the decorative element of the modern hearth is the fireplace screen. Now fashioned in an endless variety of styles, materials, and sizes, fireplace screens provide more than just a wonderful accent. Fireplace screens also serve to make the entire experience more pleasurable for those huddling around the flames in a variety of ways.

In comparison to the history of the fireplace itself, fireplace screens have not been so long in existence. Invented in the 18th century, fireplace screens soon became an indispensable accessory. Before this time, homes would be filled with smoke and ash making the fireplace more of a nuisance than any kind of decorative focal point. Perhaps the best advantage fireplace screens offer is that it separates the fireplace from the rest of the house so that the smoke and the ashes don’t dance around the air and lie on the floors.

Fireplace screens also shield people from the full intensity of the heat and make those romantic fireside chats possible. For those people with adventurous pets that just love to make a mess, a fireplace screen becomes an indispensable asset in the quest to keep your home clean and your furry friends safe. Finally, a fireplace screen is a safety essential as they help to contain sparks.

Basically fireplace screens come in two basic varieties: folding and single screen. Folding screens are sold as 3, 4, or 5 panel units. Most people opt for the folding fireplace screens because they are adjustable. The 3 panel units are generally preferred as they do not block the view of the fire with any hinges. Of course, some fireplaces are simply too large and require a 4 or 5-panel screen.

Some people refer to the single screens as “spark arresters” because they afford better protection against runaway sparks. They also come in quite handy in preventing the family cat from having a romp in the fireplace. One of the only disadvantages to this design is that a person must remove the entire screen in order to make adjustments to the fire.

Find more great tips and ideas on fireplace screens at

With school supplies, textbooks, food, and entertainment to pay for, not to mention tuition, college students have a lot of stress on their wallet. Furniture can get expensive, as beds, desks, dressers, lighting, and storage do not come cheap. Fortunately, however, by planning ahead and selecting the right furniture, college students can get by just fine! A few fundamental concepts should be kept in mind when selecting furniture for a college dorm room: the furniture should be strong, versatile, and as space efficient as possible, plus inexpensive.

Let’s start with the bed. One good option for a college dorm bed is a platform bed. These can often be purchased for a very low price, sometimes even under $200, and make solid beds for a student. The beds save money in that they do not require a box spring. Additionally, the beds feature under-bed storage that saves floor space and reduces clutter.

For maximum space economy, however, students should consider purchasing a bed that is a bit more versatile than the traditional platform bed. If you have a roommate, consider purchasing a bunk bed, which saves quite a bit of floor space. Another great solution is a loft bed. These beds feature a bed raised up on long legs, which is accessible by a ladder. Underneath the bed is a complete desk, adding versatility while saving space and money. For the student that intends to entertain, futon bunk beds are a great option. The top bed is a standard bed, usually Twin, and is accessible by ladder. The bottom bed, however, is a futon bed, which can be used for seating or sleeping, depending on the student’s needs.

Futons make great additions to any dorm room. Their sheer versatility and functionality sets them apart. Whether you need a bed or a couch, the economical futon has it covered. Speaking of covers, futon covers are another great reason to purchase a futon, and they add to the futon’s value. With futon covers, you can completely change the look of a room without having to move or replace any furniture. It sure beats buying a new sofa!

Other seating options are available, too, however. Bean bags and other foam furniture make for great, cheap, versatile seating. Bean bags can be comfortable places to study, while video rockers are awesome for just lounging around, watching television, and relaxing. Last but not least, foam chair sleepers are incredibly versatile ways to add additional seating and sleeping space to any room.

No matter what furniture you are looking for, remember three simple rules: cheap, versatile, and space efficient.

totalbedroom.com Total Bedroom Furniture is the recognized leader in providing top quality bedroom furniture and accessories for your home at great prices. We offer FREE SHIPPING and a PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE. Check out our extensive selection of beds, armoires, mattresses, dressers, rugs, and more!

The idea of filtering shower water seems strange to most people that first hear about shower filters.

Most first time shower filter users are amazed at the immediate benefits of showering in soft water that’s chlorine-free.

Read on to compare shower filter benefits with your needs and desires.

The first benefit of a shower filter is relief from dry itchy skin.

Chlorine is added to water systems to kill disease causing micro-organisms. Unfortunately,
chlorine also binds with proteins in your skin and kills skin cells.

This leads to dry, itchy skin and aggravates existing skin conditions such as eczema.

Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits when it evaporates and combines with soap to form
soap scum.

These residues form on your skin and dry out the natural oils. They also flake off
as your skin moves, but damage the skin in the process.

Filtered shower water also give you silky hair that’s easy to manage.

Chlorine and hard water also damage your hair. Hard water and soap scum deposits are even
worse for fine hair.

Your hair becomes stiff and dry from these deposits. Also, your hair is damaged when the hard water deposits flake off.

Chlorine-free showers make your hair color or highlights last longer.

Chlorine is the active ingredient in household bleach. Just like bleach can turn a pair of blue
jeans white, chlorine in shower water fades your hair color.

The chlorine in your shower is a lower concentration, so you don’t notice it right away, but
chlorine does remove hair color.

Shower filters also reduce your exposure to chemicals.

Your body absorbs many times more chemicals in the shower that it ever could by drinking the same
water.

Warm shower water opens your skin’s pores so your skin readily absorbs whatever is in the
shower water.

Chemicals like chlorine evaporate quickly in a hot shower and enter your lungs as
you breathe the shower steam.

Your home’s indoor air quality will be improved by a shower filter.

The chlorine that evaporates from your shower water is often combines with other chemicals in
the air of your home.

Modern homes are “tight” so they retain heated or cooled air for energy efficiency. This means
all the chemicals released inside your home are also retained in the indoor air.

Thus everyone in your home can be affected by breathing the chlorine derivatives found in the
typical modern home.

Shower filtration also eliminates a trigger for asthma attacks.

If someone in your home suffers from asthma or other breathing problems, eliminating every source
of irritation to the lungs can help avoid an asthma attack.

It’s certainly worth a try to eliminate a major source of indoor air pollution, especially when
the shower is typically near a bedroom, where we spend many hours sleeping (and breathing).

Filtration of shower water protects your children’s health.

All the above benefits apply to adults and children, however because children have immature immune
systems they are most susceptible to many of these problems.

Children can be impacted by chlorine in shower water even if they don’t take a shower themselves.

So how many of those benefits align with a problem you or someone in your home experiences on a
daily basis?

Any one of these benefits can easily lead to an improvement that would make the small investment
in a shower filter seem insignificant.

Ready to get that mrwaterfilter.com/shower/ shower filter you’ve been
thinking about? Perhaps you’ve seen too many options and need some help
mrwaterfilter.com/shower/choose.php choosing a shower filter
that meets your needs?
If you would like to read more about the
mrwaterfilter.com/shower/whyfilteryourshower.php benefits of shower filters
please visit Mr. Water Filter.

Richard Mouser provides water filtration information and products online as Mr. Water Filter.

When planning home design projects, in addition to curtains and other window coverings, blinds should also be a consideration for window treatments. Blinds are a versatile choice for any window. They’ve grown in popularity over the years due to their affordability and utility. They’re durable, easy to care for and they’re easy to adjust for light filtering purposes.

Blinds come in a wide variety of materials, sizes and colors. Here is a primer on the types of blinds available.

1) Venetian blinds are made from aluminum, vinyl or plastic. The slats vary in width, from one to three inches, and they’re each slightly curved to compactly fit together. Slats are generally connected by nylon cord. In some cases, twill tape hides this cord and pulley mechanism, and makes for a nice, clean finish on the window blinds. They can be raised and lowered for complete access to the window, or they can be adjusted in the down position to let in light. They come in decorator colors, for a custom look. Also, the twill tape can be color-matched to provide an accent to your room décor.

2) Wood slat blinds feature thicker slats made of wood. They’re generally stained or painted, and operate like all other slats. They add richness to any room.

3) Mini blinds have become overwhelmingly popular in recent years. They are reasonably priced, and they come in a wide variety of slat sizes, widths and colors for the perfect fit. A new place to find blinds is between the glass on double hung or casement windows, thus eliminating maintenance of blinds while still having all the benefits of them. Another benefit to this type of in-window blind is unobstructed access to the windows they’re hung in.

4) Vertical blinds are popular on wide, sweeping windows and doors. They can be opened and closed for letting in and keeping out light, and can be pulled entirely to one side to admit maximum light or to access a window or door. The slats are generally PVC or metal, and hang from a track above the window or door. Sometimes the slats are connected at the bottom by a cord, but you can also find them without this feature. Some are electric, and operated by remote control.

5) Woven blinds don’t have slats that you can open and close. Instead, they feature very narrow slats that are woven together. Sunlight comes through the narrow spaces between the slats. They can be operated by a draw string, or by rolling them up to allow light in.

With all the choices of blinds in the marketplace, it makes sense to know the features and benefits of each type, so you can choose the blind that’s best for you.

Being specifically interested in home design and curtains, Kenneth Morris is editing a variety of long articles in this particular area. You can learn about his publications on