How to Choose an Area Rug

A number of considerations surround area rug selection including design, comfort, construction, size, materials and price. AMC Liquidators can help you with finding a variety of area rugs within our inventory to fit any decor and personal taste.

Area Rug Selection Tips

Design:
An empty room may be designed around an area rug, or a rug may put the final touches on an existing room. When designing a room around an area rug, use the rug colors to decide upon furniture, paint or paper color. A well-chosen area rug can coordinate patterns, furniture, and wall prints to complete a room design.

Color:
Furniture may be selected around rug colors and design. Area rugs are an effective method to mix patterns that have the same color palette. Deep colored area rugs provide warmth and intimacy, while lights colored rugs can open a room and provide a more spacious feeling. When selecting an area rug around existing furniture, bring a swatch of the predominant pattern in the room.

Size:
Evaluate the size of the space and the area to cover. Larger area rugs provide comfort and benefit acoustics in a large space. Area rugs also enhance areas in bedrooms, kitchens and other smaller areas that may require a splash of color or warmth.

Material:
There are a variety of area rugs made from synthetic and natural yarns. The highest quality rugs are made from wool or silk.

Construction:
Machine-made area rugs are less expensive, yet similar in appearance to handmade area rugs.

Shape:
Circular and other uniquely shaped rugs can present a design alternative to rectangular or square shapes.

The Space:
The type of light and amount of traffic in a room will affect choices of area rug material. Some man-made fibers resist fading better than natural fibers, so consider the amount of direct sunlight an area rug will receive.

Durability:
An area rug with the right combination of pile density (closer stitches or tufts) and fiber will resist wear.

Area rug pads will reduce wear on the area rug and provide additional noise absorption.
Design Considerations
When considering a room-sized area rug for a hardwood or tile floor, allow at least eight inches of floor material to be exposed around the area rug perimeter.

In dining rooms, measure the top of the table and add four feet to the width and length. Use this measurement to determine the size of the dining room area rug. The extra footage provides a comfortable area around the table for pulling out chairs.

• Do not extend area rugs into high traffic areas.

• Divide a large space into more intimate sitting areas by placing furniture around 4'X6' or 6'X8' area rugs.

• Floral patterns can accentuate and blend with more contemporary geometric designs if the color palettes are similar.

• Pair less complicated designs with more intricate patterns.

• Small and large patterns pair well.

Check out the latest arrivals at AMC Liquidators to see a nice variety of quality pre-owned area rugs!

How to Choose the Right Work Desk

Will that desk you’re thinking of purchasing suit your work style and meet your job needs? Will its size fit well within the parameters and constraints of your office or work space? Can the desk surface withstand the daily-use demands of your particular job and work environment?

These are just a few of the things you need to consider when choosing a work desk. And that’s because the right desk can aide immeasurably in accomplishing work tasks in a comfortable, ergonomic and productive manner.

Identify Just How You Will Use Your Desk

Mostly computer work:
Select a desk or workstation specifically designed for computer use. If using a PC, be sure the desk offers space or a compartment to hold the CPU underneath. Look for built-in wiring holes or channels for electrical connections; this allows for a safe way to keep cords out of your way.

Paperwork-generating:
Choose a desk or workstation that will have the roomiest surface possible so you can accommodate those spreadsheets, bulky books, or piles of important papers. You may also want to consider a desk with shelving or overhead cabinet space.

Combination of computer work, paperwork, meetings:
Consider an “L”-shaped desk setup to allow for both work and meeting space. If finances or space allow, a “U”-shaped model will provide even more space and makes an impressive presentation for clients or guests.

For a home work desk:
Consider a computer armoire if you want to hide work clutter in your home. “L”-shaped desks are often a good solution and fit when your work desk needs to share space in another room like a bedroom or family room.

Tight on space:
Choose a compact computer desk or mobile computer cart.

Consider Your Work Habits and Tools:

Do you consider yourself the creative-genius-messy-work type? If so, you’ll need more desk/workstation space than the neat-and-frugal type. Neat freaks may find a smaller desk sufficient for their work needs. The amount and size of tools needed within easy reach on your desk should also be a consideration when selecting a work desk.

Ergonomics and Space:

Your desk should provide clearance for your legs; standard desk heights of 29 to 30 inches from the floor are sufficient for most users. Sitting behind the desk, there should optimally be at least three-and-a half feet of space. A minimum of three feet of space should also be available in-between the desk and another piece of office furniture, and in front of the desk if you use a guest/client chair.

For computer-users, keyboards need to be placed at a comfortable height. Keyboards placed on traditional desks may be at too high a height and may result in significant discomfort or muscle strain for the user. Computer desks should either be equipped with a keyboard platform, or legs that can be adjusted. Be sure that any keyboard platform is large enough to hold a mouse.

Desktop equipment and materials should be within easy and comfortable reach, and should have sufficient space so as not to overload the desktop. If the desk has a sharp edge, consider placing a wrist pad along the edge to help prevent unnecessary pressure and pinching on the inner surface of the wrists.

Desk Surface:

Laminate is the most popular choice. A plastic finish that is applied to a wood core, laminate is affordable, durable, and withstands more than pure wood or veneer. It also comes in a wide array of colors and wood grain patterns. For a quality laminate that will better withstand daily use and abuse, look for a desk with a thick, high pressure laminate.

Metal or Steel is the most durable choice. Although not the most professional in appearance, metal or steel desks are reasonably priced and good for desks subject to long-term heavy use or for high- traffic areas. Better quality desks of this type can be assessed in part by checking and feeling the desks overall weight.

Wood or Veneer is the most elegant choice. Veneer is a thin surface layer of wood glued to a more inferior base. Wood and veneer desks generally look more attractive than other types of desk, but they are typically more expensive and considerably more delicate; they nick more easily and are not suited for rough or heavy use.

Quality and Durability:

The quality of a desk is often most evident in the construction of the drawers.
Metal suspension rollers show a sturdy suspension. Drawers should open and close easily while bearing weight. Optimally, you want the drawers to slide out to their full length to allow full and easy utilization of space.

High quality wood drawers are assembled with an interlocking (dovetail) construction; this is stronger than drawers put together with just staples or glue. With a steel or metal desk, take a look at the drawers when they’re closed. If you see a gap where the drawer meets the desk, the desk is not set right. Examine the corners and edges of a desk. You don’t want to see any fraying.


Give Your Back a Break

The Stand-up desk:
Thomas Jefferson invented it and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld swears by it. As we’ve all been told, sitting for hours at a time can wreak havoc on a person’s back, especially for individuals with existing back problems. Consider giving your back a break by using a stand-up desk, where you quite literally “stand up” while working. Many users claim this work method also makes them feel more alert and productive on-the-job. Desk stools are also available to be used in conjunction with these desks.

Today’s desk is no longer the simple table with drawers of years gone by. Take advantage of the myriad of desk choices out there; many now available at relatively reasonable prices at places like AMC Liquidators. Give some thought to the considerations listed above when selecting your next work desk. It will serve as a valuable tool in establishing a comfortable, ergonomic and productive workspace.

How to Re-Cover a Lampshade

If you want to update a lamp or just match it to your specific décor, it is very easy to quickly recover a lampshade with fabric. Doing this requires no sewing at all and as long as your lamp base is in good condition, you can have your lamp looking brand new in under 30 minutes. With the following steps and a few materials, your lamp will be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

Materials Needed:

Fabric
Trim (ribbon works well for this purpose)
Fabric Glue
Scissors
Pencil
Brown Paper
Chalk

To make a pattern to recover your lamp shade, simply lay a large piece of brown paper on a flat surface like your kitchen table. Set the lampshade down on the paper on its side with the seam side facing down. Next, roll the lamp shade along the paper as you draw a line that follows the top edge. Keep the point of your pencil on the paper as you roll the lamp shade to make a continuous line which starts from the seam and continues full circle. You will find that the lamp shade will easily curve on its own as it is rolled.

The next step is to set the lamp shade back at your original starting point, remembering to again place the seam down. You will roll the shade along the brown paper again, however, this time you will trace your pencil along the bottom edge of the shade. When you have finished making the top and the bottom lines, use a ruler to draw a straight connecting line to the ending points from the top line to the bottom line.

Cut out your paper pattern and place it on your fabric (on the wrong side/inside). Trace your pattern with your chalk. You can then cut out the pattern, being sure to add about 1/4 inch around the edges for a seam allowance. Remove the lampshade pattern from your fabric. It is important to let the adhesive dry on the fabric, then turn over the seam allowance on one side only and iron. Don’t worry about the raw edges of the top and bottom as they will be covered with trim or ribbon.

Spray the inside of your fabric with regular spray adhesive and then you can attach it to the old lampshade you are covering. Be careful as you line up the raw edge of the fabric with the seam on the shade to attach it. Work all the way around, smoothing out wrinkles as you go. A credit card works well as a smoothing tool. The adhesive will be tacky for a few minutes, to allow time for adjustments. You will finish by overlapping the raw edge with the ironed edge to give it a finished look.

Measure both the top and bottom edges of the lampshade and then add 1/2 inch to your measurements. Cut your trim piece or ribbon and attach with a hot glue gun to secure it in place. Remember to turn under the ends for a finished look and to avoid fraying in the future.

For inexpensive lighting and lamps, check out the selection at AMC Liquidators. There are many lamps and lampshades to choose from!

Time for Spring Cleaning! - 3 Tips for a “Green” Spring Cleaning This Season

We like the idea of spring cleaning for several reasons. First of all, it is a time to get organized – and who doesn’t need to do that, right? Second of all, spring cleaning can be a great time to “go green” in a wide variety of ways. With so much focus being put on the idea of being earth friendly and “going green” right now, especially because it is Earth Week, we are providing our favorite tips for a green spring cleaning this season.

Tip # 1 – Paper Recycling

If you have accumulated stacks of bills (those which you have already paid of course), receipts, outdated magazines, old newspapers, etc., now is the perfect time to get rid of them. Don’t just throw them away, though. Recycle them! Find out information about paper recycling by checking with your local county public works department. They can help you with information about local curbside recycling programs as well as community drop-off centers. Additionally, you can look under "Recycling" in your local yellow pages.

Tip # 2 – Use Green Cleaning Products

Once you have made it past the de-cluttering stage, it is time to get down & dirty and start cleaning. In terms of being green and not producing even more waste, be sure to steer clear of using paper towels. Instead, you can use old worn-out t-shirts or rags to wipe down windows and other surfaces. Using natural cleaning products is your best option, many of which you can make very inexpensively with things you already have in your pantry such as vinegar and baking soda. If you do not want to make your own products, look for biodegradable and plant-based products on the market such as Clorox's new line of “Green Works” items.

Tip # 3 – Spruce Up Your Room with Pre-Owned Furniture from AMC Liquidators

If you want to give your living space a new, fresh look to go along with your spring cleaning, why not get a few new pieces of furniture? First, if you will be getting rid of old furniture, make sure to donate it or give it away rather than putting it in the trash. Donating your furniture keeps it out of a landfill and also creates a tax deduction for you! When you are looking for new furniture pieces to replace the ones you are leaving behind, try furniture liquidators like AMC Liquidators. You can get quality pre-owned furniture at deeply discounted prices for any room in your home. While you are organizing and de-cluttering your home, check out the filing cabinets, book shelves, and other organization solutions offered at AMC Furniture Outlet!

Be sure to check out our new arrivals which are updated frequently on AMC Liquidators official website!