Choosing Your Perfect Set of Pillows and Using Them Correctly

With all the different types of pillows available including synthetic or natural, and box or orthopaedic, choosing the right one for you can seem like a daunting task. It’s important to consider a number of different, but central elements that affect the kind of pillow that’s best for you.

1.     Filling

Many people have personal preferences when it comes to pillow fillings; some prefer the squishy sinking of a natural filling, while others prefer a firm synthetic inner that provides support. Although natural fillings such as goose down and duck down have always been seen as luxury pillows, synthetic pillows have been catching up in the luxury department and really aren’t far behind anymore. Osteopaths recommend that the younger you are, the firmer your pillows need to be, and they can soften up as you get older when your spine is fully formed.

2.     Allergies

Although feather pillows may seem like the height of luxury, with their soft squishy and light-weight feel, those who suffer from hay fever, and other respiratory allergies often find that natural pillows make their breathing harder, and opting for a synthetic alternative is likely a good idea.

3.     Amount

It is advised by back experts to lay as flat as possible, to keep vertebrae and neck bones straight. However, this is dependent upon the firmness of your mattress, and the breadth of your shoulders, the curve of your upper back, and finally the position in which you sleep. This makes deciding on the appropriate amount of pillows particularly tricky!

4.     Where

This seems like an obvious point, but where you have your pillow makes a big difference! While most people sleep with their head and neck on the pillow (the correct way) some people sleep with their shoulders on it too, which will force the neck into an uncomfortable position and leave you with an ache in the morning. The aim of your pillow is to fill the space between your shoulders and your neck, whilst raising your head, so remember to adjust your pillow up and down the bed accordingly.

5.     Position

Many people sleep on their front or back, twisted around into positions that, outside of sleeping, would be really uncomfortable! The best way (where your back is concerned) to sleep is on either side, with your head and neck on pillows that are tall enough to keep your spine straight and level when lying down. It is important to not only keep up to your pillows, but also make sure that your mattress doesn’t get too old and saggy as no matter how many pillows you use, your spine will still not be straight.

Pillows are available in all shapes and sizes for your comfort nowadays and even come orthopaedically, designed to complement your sleeping position, so take these five tips into account as well as looking for specifically designed pillows and you’ll find sleeping just got that little bit easier!

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You may have seen the previous post regarding popular color trends for the spring.  Now, let’s take a look at some of the patterns that are cropping up.

•  Polka dots are an old classic that never goes out of style.  When done properly, they can be classy or fun, enough to spice up a room.
• Florals are in style right now, and they’re perfect for spring redecorating!  My bedspread right now is floral-themed with bright (but not overpowering) colors, and it’s fun and simple.  Try big flowers for a bold feel or tiny floral print that creates a pattern that looks understated and demure.
• I mentioned white space in the previous article, but when it comes to patterns, this can be a great tool.  Try using a white base with a simple, colorful pattern that matches your walls or other accent items.
• Attention to detail is key.  Ornate, looping patterns that are almost Oriental in style are cropping up everywhere now, and they’re gorgeous and exciting.
• Finally, pay attention to the texture of the bedding itself! Whether it’s quilted and bumpy, fringed, scalloped, or woven, an interesting texture can make all the difference between plain and uniquely interesting.

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As the weather warms up and spring begins to take over for another few months, the colors begin to shift as well.  Looking to redecorate for spring with colors that are popular now but will look just as good later? Here are some ideas.

• Bold, deep colors.  Not neon, but jeweled tones that will make a room look regal and beautiful.  Ocean blues, emerald greens, golden yellows, and royal purples are classy, standout, and beautiful.  Blues and other cool colors have a calming effect.  These spring colors are more  soothing than the warmer equivalents of red and orange, but you can pair them together.
  

  This uses bold colors, a pattern with white space, and gray mixed with blue and gold, a good example of all of the above.

• Don’t forget about white space, though! You don’t want to be visually assaulted with so many deep colors.  If your room is light, try a more solid, deep bedding.  If your room is darker, try a pattern that will pick up on the color cues without overwhelming you.

• Gray and… Several people that I know have gotten married or engaged recently, and of those, two have had the colors of silver and dark blue for their wedding.  Gray, as a more neutral color, balances out another color like blue, purple, or red.

Most of all, though, pick a color that makes you happy, since you’ll be seeing it every day.

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How often should you clean your comforters or blankets, and do you have to give them the special treatment with dry cleaning?  Since dry cleaning can get so expensive, you probably want to clean them only when you really have to.  Here are some tips or quick fixes on dealing with quilts and comforters.

• Sometimes, even bedding that claims to be dry clean only will turn out alright on special settings.  Down, however, can be ruined by water.  If you want to be careful, keep away from the washing machine.
• If dust is your issue, a bout in the dryer should do the trick.  You won’t have to wash the comforter, especially if it’s dry clean only, and it will be warm and allergen-free.
• How often is really up to you.  If it’s the guest bedroom in the corner of your house that’s only used once in a blue moon, it’s probably fine to keep the comforter on the bed for as long as possible.  If it’s your bed, you probably only have to clean it once every few months, or however often you feel comfortable with.  Since there’s probably a sheet between you and the comforter, you don’t have to worry about cleaning it very often.

When in doubt, check the tags and talk to someone who knows their down!

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“Made in the USA” is currently one of the hottest topics in the country!  Seventy-four percent of the Americans in a Consumer Reports National Research survey had tried to buy a U.S.-made product in the past year!  Recent headlines about potential safety of imported goods and national pride are two forces driving this expanding awareness to buy American made.  Our nation needs more jobs and there is no better way to create jobs in the United States than to manufacture products here.  Supporting job growth is an issue resonating with consumers.

Quality and safety are also big concerns prompting shoppers to seek American made products.  This is especially true in the home décor and furniture industry where imported products are often made in unregulated processes with possible toxic materials.  Children’s furniture is even a greater safety issue since most youngsters are not particularly gentle on the furniture.  American made furniture is the best option to deliver the craftsmanship and sturdy style to ensure years of play.  Buying “made in the USA” is also a consumer’s best defense against inferior finishes and paints which can release toxic fumes which are inhaled every time you are using the furniture or simply if you are in a room with the furniture. Imported furniture is often made of particleboard and will likely need to be replaced regularly.  Poor foreign manufacturing practices combined with toxic materials can quickly turn into an injury when a bed or chair fails.

Sustainability is another reason more shoppers are demanding American made furnishings. While furniture made in the USA is manufactured from sustainable forests with ecologically sound methods, imported furniture is often made from illegally harvested lumber.  These dangerous environmental practices contribute to the rate of rainforest destruction and also leave local populations without sources of income and hope for the future.  American made Artistic Sensations furniture can last for generations while the imported furniture over-runs our land-fills.

Another American-made advantage allows Artistic Sensations to offer high quality, customizable furniture and décor with the fastest possible delivery times.  Since we do not have to wait many weeks for import containers of foreign furniture to arrive, your orders typically get made much faster than imports.

Made in America is not just a marketing slogan.  It is important to your family and your future.  Did you know these important facts about manufacturing in America?

The United States is the world’s largest manufacturing economy, producing 18.2 percent of global manufactured products, according to the World Bank. China is second with 17.6 percent.

U.S. manufacturing produces $1.8 trillion of value each year, or 12.2 percent of U.S. GDP. For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.48 is added to the economy.

Manufacturing supports an estimated 17.2 million jobs in the U.S.—about one in six private sector jobs. Nearly 12 million Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in manufacturing.

These facts reveal America’s greatest strength has always been rooted in the ingenuity of our businesses, the imagination of our entrepreneurs and the productivity of the American worker.  It’s this powerful combination that has built the greatest economy in the world.  Artistic Sensations sells furniture made to last and buying “made in the USA” will help support a nation that’s built to last.

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