Get ready to entertain guests this Thanksgiving with modern dining room furniture.

Planning on updating the look of your home before you host this year’s Thanksgiving feast? Now is the time to shop for modern dining room furniture. Many people don’t realize that you need to factor in order and delivery time when purchasing new furniture. If you want to make sure your guests gush about your new table and chairs in time for Thanksgiving, you need to act fast.

Formal Dining Room: If you’re looking for a more formal look for your modern dining room furniture, you will want to go with something like this set named Key Town by Ashley Millennium. The intricate detailing on the table and chairs give the set a fancy look without being too traditional. Also getting your dining room furniture in a darker color gives it a more formal look.

Casual Dining Room: If you want to create a more casual atmosphere in your dining room, go for a table and chair set like La Salle by Ashley Furniture. This modern dining room furniture is a lighter color, giving it a more casual appearance. The sleek lines and circular design on the chairs are eye-catching yet simple enough to appear effortlessly chic.

Now that you have your new dining room furniture ready for the holiday season, all you have to worry about is what you’re going to make for the big Thanksgiving dinner.

An electric wall fireplace is very easy to maintain.

An electric fireplace is a cost-effective alternative to a natural gas or wood burning fireplace. They are perfect for apartments and condos because they don’t take up too much space and are portable. If you home does not already have a fireplace, an electric fireplace is an easy way to create the ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace without the hassle of the construction. Also you don’t have to chop wood and lug it into the house to use it. If you have recently purchased an electric fireplace, here are 5 tips for maintaining it and making sure it has a long life.

1. Make sure the wires and electric components are in safe working order at all times.

2. If you do see any frayed wires, make sure to replace them immediately. Never use your electric fireplace if the wires are damaged in any way, it’s a dangerous safety hazard.

3. Never use abrasive cleaners on your fireplace, they could scratch the surfaces. Use non-toxic cleaning solutions to keep the parts of the fireplace looking new. Brass cleaner is best to shine the brass work on the fireplace. When you are cleaning the back of the glass, use soap and water, not glass cleaner.

4. Don’t forget to clean the firebox and control compartment with a vacuum and brush.

5. Remember to replace the light bulbs when the ember bed is dark on one side.

Following these tips will make sure you are able to enjoy your electric fireplace for many years to come.

Find the wholesale bedroom furniture that's right for you at Northeast Factory Direct.

Ten Steps to Choosing a Mattress

For most of us, buying wholesale bedroom furniture such as a new mattress can be a major investment, both monetarily and in terms of either improving our health or causing detriment to our sleeping patterns and spinal problems. For the sake of our bank accounts and for the sake of a good night’s rest, picking the right mattress is absolutely essential. Unfortunately, anyone who has spent any amount of time in a furniture store or other furniture outlet knows that buying a mattress can cause a lot of confusion, particularly if you are looking to score a deal.

In choosing the right kind of mattress, try to keep the following details in mind.

1.) Remember, different furniture outlets will call the same mattress by entirely different names. So if you are inclined to show a preference to a certain mattress because it has an impressive name on the display…don’t.

2.) Consider whether or not you actually need a new mattress. Signs that point towards needing a new mattress include a general lack of firmness, sagging in the middle, and in more severe cases, being able to feel the springs poking through the mattress. Another reason to buy a new mattress may be because you are currently experiencing back pain and believe that your mattress may be a culprit in that problem.

On the other hand, if you are getting a good night’s sleep, and the mattress you have is still firm and shows no sign of wear, tear, or other true need to be replaced, then resist the urge to be tempted by the infomercials detailing all the problems with your mattress that may not even exist.

3.) Decide what size you need before going into the store. Different people have different mattress needs based on their size, weight, and whether or not they toss or turn. You know your sleeping habits best, as well as those of your partner, if you have one. Don’t skimp on size, because while a larger mattress will likely cost you more, trying to cram yourself into a too small bed is going to cause more hassle than it is worth to save a few bucks.

General mattress sizes include:

Twin: 39 x 75 inches
Extra Long Twin: 39 x 80 inches
Full – 54 x 75 inches
Queen – 60 x 80 inches
King – 76x 80 inches
California King – 72 x 84 inches.

4.) Remember that the information on back pain isn’t conclusive. Many people believe that a bad mattress is a contributor or solitary cause of any number of back problems. This is thanks to the continuing infomercials trying to sell us a “Sleep Number” or other custom mattress.

However, there is very little clinical data to suggest what mattress type is actually best for different types of back pain. Some research suggests that mattresses of a medium firmness are best, which goes contrary to much of the hype.

A bad mattress will definitely make back problems worse, but there is not a magic formula that will allow you to pick a mattress that will make your back problems go away.

5.) Compare prices. Shop around. While you should never purchase a used mattress – people get rid of their mattresses for the same reasons you are shopping for a new one – you may be able to find a good deal by simply employing simple comparative shopping skills.

6.) Pay close attention to your warranty. Most mattresses come with a ten year warranty, though you can lose that warranty if only a solitary stain is on the mattress anywhere. If you are truly going to want your mattress to last ten years, make sure you get a waterproof covering to go over the mattress.

The part of the warranty that you’ll be most concerned with is whether or not you can exchange the mattress in 30 days or less if you get it home and realize it just doesn’t work and isn’t as comfortable long term as it was in the showroom.

7.) Keep in mind what you are going to use the bed for. This may sound silly, but two young and active people in a relationship are going to have different needs out of their bed than two elderly people in a relationship.

8.) Consider different types of materials that mattresses can be made out of. Most people sleep on an innerspring mattress, but you can also choose a foam, air, or water mattress. The type you choose should primarily be based on your sense of comfort level. A person who could never sleep well on a water mattress may love a foam mattress, or vice versa.

One of the tricks that mattress salesmen will try to use if you are buying an innerspring mattress is to convince you that the greater number of coils represents a greater quality. What is actually true is that the greater number of coils represents a higher price. While firmness is determined by coil number, and the average queen sized bed can have anywhere from 500-800 coils in order to be considered “firm,” you can also feel quite comfortable in a queen sized bed that has a mere 400 coils.

Common sense and your own comfort should be what you use to determine whether a bed is right for you, not the marketing ploy of coil numbers.

9.) If it doesn’t feel comfortable in the store, don’t buy it. On the other hand, know that just because it does feel comfortable in the store doesn’t guarantee that it will feel comfortable at home.

10.) Ignore your mattress salesmen as much as you would ignore a used car salesman – if not more so. It is in their best interest to try to get you to pay an outrageous price, particularly if they sense that you are ignorant about the process.

Always feel free to try to negotiate the price down. If you have a smart salesmen, they will be wiling to deal with you. Otherwise, go somewhere that has a salesperson who is willing to negotiate the price down.

Original article written by Carrie Glossmanz for AssociatedContent.com.

These guys are enjoying the game in their man cave. Photo courtesy of PCWBuilds.com.

Fall football season is here! If you and your guy friends find yourselves without a proper man cave to view your beloved football games in, why not build your own? Using home theater seats and wholesale bar furnishings you can create the perfect atmosphere in which to view games as well as enjoy the company of your buddies.

If you have a finished basement, it is the perfect place to arrange your home theater seats and bar. First figure out which theater seats will be best for you. Would you like suede seats or leather? Would you like a set of 3, 4 or 6 theater seats? What color would best match your current basement decor? These are all things to keep in mind when shopping for theater seating. Don’t forget to top off your seating area with a large high definition flat screen TV for you and your buddies to watch the game on.

The other essential element of the man cave is the home bar. Choosing your bar can be difficult, but it’s important to keep in mind two things: how much space you have, and how much you want to spend. If you find yourself with limited funds and space, you’ll want to go with a wooden bar like the Classic style or Cottage style. You could also get a folding bar like the Preston or the Lexington if you are short on space. If you are looking for a more extravagant bar the beautiful Deluxe Canopy set up is for you. Once you have your bar all set up, it’s time to stock it with all the essential liquors and mixers.

Now that your bar and seating is installed and arranged, it’s time to have the guys over for the big game. Enjoy!

Infrared sauna installation is easy with this guide.

If you just bought a new infrared sauna and you’re dreading the installation, read this guide to make the set up quick and painless. And just think, after 10 easy steps from EHow.com, you’ll be relaxing in your new sauna and reaping all the health benefits it has to offer.

1. First you need to purchase an infrared sauna kit. Make sure you have the right model. Then unpack the kit and take some time to read over the installation directions.

2. Make any site preparations if needed. Most saunas are meant to be used outside and can be installed on a deck or porch. However, if you want to install your sauna on the grass or ground, you’ll need to prepare the area for the sauna first.

3. Find the bottom panel of the sauna and put it on the surface the sauna will be sitting on. Make sure the front part is facing where the front will be and the back is where the back will be. The panels should be marked clearly to make this easy.

4. Next, fit the front panel into the grooves on the bottom panel. Have a friend hold the front panel upright while you’re doing this, it’s too difficult to do alone.

5. Connect the left panel to the front panel with the brackets provided. Do the same thing for the right panel. Then connect the back panel to the sides of the left and right panels and to the bottom panel and fasten it down.

6. Now it’s time to install the bench heater. Follow the kit’s directions and make sure the top of the heater is at the top and the bottom is at the bottom. Then plug it in.

7. Install the bench panel, making sure the sitting surface is facing up.

8. Install the top panel by lowering it onto the other panels and fastening it.

Congratulations on your first infrared sauna installation! Now it’s time to kick back and enjoy some relaxation time.

The Lotus Bay jacuzzi is the perfect size for the whole family to enjoy.

Shopping around for your first jacuzzi? Any time you’re thinking of making a large purchase, you should do a lot of research beforehand to know what you’re getting into. Ask yourself these 3 key questions before you buy a jacuzzi and you’re sure to love the one you pick out.

How do you plan to use your jacuzzi? Make sure you consider the primary purpose of your new jacuzzi. Are you getting it for entertaining, relaxation, family fun or all of the above? Depending on what you will be using it for, choose a size that will fit your life. If you plan on entertaining, you’ll want a larger jacuzzi, perhaps one that fits 8-10 people. If you’re getting it just for the family to enjoy, the most popular size sits four people comfortably. If you’re getting it for relaxation purposes, you may only need to buy a 2-person jacuzzi.

What are the features of this jacuzzi? Make sure to quiz your salesperson until you hear about every feature the jacuzzi you’re looking at has to offer. Is it quiet? Consider where you will be putting it in your home, will it be too loud to have near a sleeping area? Smell the water. If you smell chlorine the sanitizing system may be outdated. You’re going to want to make sure the water in your hot tub is clear without much effort, otherwise this could end up costing you more on a new sanitizing system or chemicals to treat the water. Are the controls easy enough to understand? You’ll want the water hot and ready when you want to get in, however if you don’t know how to work your jacuzzi, this can be a hard task. Does this jacuzzi have a locking cover and control panel? You’ll want one to keep small children out of danger.

How much will this jacuzzi cost to operate? Figure out an estimation of how much your jacuzzi will cost to operate each month. Is this in your budget? Make sure your jacuzzi is properly insulated, this will save you money and energy. Keep in mind that sometimes heating costs for a cheaper jacuzzi can be up to four times more a month than a well-insulated model that may cost more initially. Ask the salesperson for a cost estimate and as other jacuzzi owners what they’re costs have been to help you come up with an accurate estimate.

Now you’re ready to buy your first jacuzzi. Check out the great selection of hot tubs and spas at Northeast Factory Direct. Happy shopping!

So what are you waiting for? Watch this video to learn how to build an amazing outdoor kitchen in just 5 days. You’ll be entertaining in style in no time.

An electric fireplace makes a nice addition to any apartment or condo.

Fall is coming, which means chilly weather, especially at night. Electric fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular, and we can see why. Whether you live in an apartment or home, an electric fireplace can be easily “installed” and can create a cozy atmosphere in any room this fall. Aren’t sure if an electric fireplace is for you? Read on to see why we love electric fireplaces.

An electric fireplace is the best option if you live in an apartment, condo or a home where there is no existing fireplace because they don’t require chimneys or gas lines. There’s virtually no installation, or big home improvement project, you just plug it in an enjoy.

You just won’t have to chop or lug heavy wood to get the ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace. The electric fireplaces have ceramic logs, but they look surprisingly real and give the same effect as real wood.

Electric fireplaces are portable, so they can be moved from room to room or easily taken with you if you decide to relocate.

If you only want to create a mood but don’t need any heat, simply turn off the heat. This is a great feature if you live in a warm climate but still want to create a certain cozy ambiance in your home or apartment.

They produce zero emissions, so you can put them anywhere in your home.

An electric fireplace is a great addition to any home or apartment and at Northeast Factory Direct, you can pick one up for a low wholesale price. So what are you waiting for? Browse our selection of electric stoves and fireplaces now.

This Home Elegance chest with hutch will inspire your kids to study this back to school season.

Fall is upon us and with all the kids going back to school, it’s time to get their rooms prepared for homework and studying. What better way to encourage straight A’s than to provide your child with a nice place to keep their books organized. Here are the top 3 bookcases from Home Elegance and Alexander Julian that will surely help your kid do his or her best in class this year.

Home Elegance Casual Maple Bookcase: Add to your child’s bedroom with the 827 collection bookcase which has a transitional style, allowing it to appeal to both children and adults. There is a lot of drawer and shelf space for your child to keep his or her school books, papers and homework organized. The bookcase has clean straight lines which add to the casual design. This bookcase will definitely withstand years of use and stay in style for generations.

Home Elegance Chest with Hutch: This versatile chest with hutch is great for organizing your child’s books and other school work. There are three large drawers as well as two wood shelves that offer plenty of space. The transitional design features bracket feet, reeded detail and rounded square knob hardware. Built from sturdy maple, this piece is sure to last for many years to come.

Alexander Julian Casual Pine Bookcase & Desk: This piece is perfect for any youth bedroom because it has plenty of storage space as well as work space. All drawers are constructed with French dovetail fronts and an all-wood Russian birch interior. There is a cork board on the inside of the bookshelf to allow your child to hang notes and other important papers and reminders. The simple design and coloring of this piece allows it to match with a variety of other home decor items.

Any one of these great bookcases would be an amazing addition to your child’s room. Giving them a space to keep their school work and books organized will encourage good study habits and ensure that they never lose a school book again. Having their own bookcase can also inspire them to start their own book collection, and who doesn’t want their kids to read more?

Learn how to cover your above ground swimming pool for the winter correctly. Photo courtesy of Pool Supplies.

Labor Day is just around the corner which means fall is on its way. Many people choose Labor Day weekend to close their above ground swimming pools because it is a universal symbol that the end of summer is here and it’s time to prepare for fall and winter. If you close your swimming pool yourself, you’ll save about $200 and all it really requires is some time and effort.

Here are the proper steps to follow when closing your pool, provided by EHow.com.

Before you begin make sure you have these items: a closing chemical kit, a winter cover with tie down line, a plug for the return line and a skimmer plug.

The first step in preparing your above ground swimming pool for winter is to do a thorough vacuuming of the pool. Also make sure the chemical levels are in an acceptable range. This will make it easier when you open the pool again next spring.

Next, remove any objects in the pool that will get in the way of the winter cover. These items could be a ladder, solar cover holder, pool alarm or any other pool attachment. Then add the closing chemicals and circulate them according to the directions that come with the kit. Some directions have you add the chemicals before you drain and some after you drain so pay attention to what yours say.

Drain the pool until the water level is about 2-3 inches below the skimmer opening. The best way to do this is by back-washing through your filter for as long as you can then using a pump in the pool. Once you’ve reached the winter water level, install your return line plug and skimmer plug. After the plugs have been installed, disconnect your outlet and inlet lines from the pool, filter and pump.

To prepare your filter for winter, place the filter control in winter mode, remove the bottom drain valve and remove any sight glasses and pressure gauges. Also remove your backwash hose. Do the same for your pump by removing the drain plug and the connector hose between the pump and the filter. Stow away your pump and filter in the garage or shed for the winter or cover them tightly with a tarp.

Now it’s time to install the winter cover. Pull the cover over the entire pool. Then walk around the edge of the pool to make sure it’s evenly distributed. There should be about 4 inches of cover hanging over the pool on all sides.

Thread the long wire that came with the cover through the eyelets in and over/under pattern then tie it down using the small winch tool. Thread the wire into the opposite ends of the tool, then turn the handle until the cover tightens down. Do a lap around the pool to make sure the wire is not caught on anything.

Lastly, add weight to the above ground swimming pool cover. Many people use bleach bottles or old milk jugs filled with water and put them along the cover. Other people put cinder blocks on the ground and tie the cover to those.

Now that you’ve winterized your above ground swimming pool correctly, you should have an easier time opening it again in the spring.