Dear Joe,
How can I get more seating in my livingroom? The space is small to begin with, and the walls are broken up with doors and doorways. — Cindy
Dear Cindy,
It's hard for me to tell you the best solution without seeing the room, but I can give some suggestions. One way to maximize the seating would be to buy a sectional sofa. The pieces can be bought separately and fit together to form an L-shape ( or even a U-shape ) . It may be possible to fit the pieces into a corner to maximize the seating.
Another suggestion would be to buy a large ottoman instead of a coffeetable. If large enough, the ottoman could provide seating for two or maybe even three people. When not used for seating, a tray on top will convert it into a coffeetable.
If you have a console table, it may be possible to store a couple of benches or pods under the table. These are never in the way and can be easily brought out when needed. If at the right height, consider using trunks, storage chests or heating unit covers for additional seating by having cushions made for them. And don't forget about using dining chairs. They can be placed in the livingroom as part of the arrangement ( for example, on either side of a chest or table ) , or brought into the room as needed.
Dear Joe,
I bought a condo in a modern high rise. Most of the outside walls are windows. These go from floor to ceiling, which is about 8'. I've been trying to find a way to cover them with shades of some sort, but everything is so expensive. I don't want to put a lot of money into this because I don't know how long I will be here. Is there some inexpensive solution using shades? The summer sun is killing me!
— Made in the Shade
Dear Made,
I've seen these types of windows over and over again, and there is no 'inexpensive' solution. There are so many different options that I cannot even begin to go into them in this column. But one option is not buying ready made. When you need shades that are this big and in odd sizes, you have to have them custom made.
Obviously there are many different types out on the market, so you have to give some thought to your lifestyle and what you need before you commit to anything.
Is it privacy that you want? Not all shades will give complete privacy. Are you trying to block out the sun? If you block out the sun, do you still expect to maintain the view? The more options that you want from the shades, the higher the cost.
Another point in choosing shades of any type, is that they are only available up to certain sizes. All manufacturers have a limit as to how long and how wide they will make the shade.
A different option altogether would be to use draperies hung on a ceiling-mounted track. The tracks for this are usually not very expensive. The drapery cost would depend on your choice of custom or ready made, and the type of fabric that you choose.
To paraphrase the old Chinese saying, if you buy right, you only cry once. You can buy right by doing some homework on the different types of shades on the market and giving careful consideration on what it is that you want the shades to do for you. Buy right and it could actually help the sale of the condo at a later date.
Please email your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . Joseph Rice is an interior decorator who offers full decorating services. With 23 years of experience, he specializes in 'hard to treat' windows. You can contact him at Joseph Rice Interiors, Inc., ( 773 ) 271-2361 or email him at jos.riceinteriors@att.net .