How to style a small balcony

When it comes to creating a great outdoor area this summer, even the smallest space can be important. If you only have a small balcony, then you still have plenty of outdoor space to work with.

With a bit of careful planning and some great design inspiration, it is possible to style a small balcony to create a great space in which you can enjoy the simple pleasures of lounging, dining or even entertaining. Read on and explore some of the clever design solutions that can help you to create maximum utility with the minimum of space.

Think about your seating options

When space is at a premium, being able to move some of your garden furniture out of the way can be incredibly helpful. Stackable or folding chairs make it very easy for you to do this with a minimum of fuss and allow you to create a seating area for just one person, two or maybe even three. Stacking garden chairs do not need to be the cheaper plastic ones, so shop around to look for something more in keeping with your overall design.

Eating al-fresco

Depending on the size of your balcony, it is entirely possible with a little clever planning and arranging to put a small garden table and chairs on a balcony. Small bistro sets are a great option and can often be purchased with tables that can be folded away when not in use. As an alternative to this more traditional table and chair arrangement, a bar table complete with bar stools may provide you with a very good alternative. However, the positioning of taller bar stools will be key on any balcony as you want to ensure the safety of anyone using them.

Design a relaxing space

Of course, not everyone wants to create an outside space where they can dine. If you would prefer to create an oasis on your balcony where you can relax in the fresh air, forget the idea of a patio table and chairs and instead invest in a sun lounger, or loungers if you have the space. If you have enough room, consider an outdoor lounge set with a small coffee table, perfect for relaxed dining. The Portsmouth outdoor lounge set with its nautical feel would be perfect for a balcony with a coastal view.

If you have a very small balcony but would like to add seating that would work for a couple of people whilst still leaving space to move around with ease then something like the Swansea Love Seat.

Add some greenery

The one thing that a balcony can often be lacking as an outside space is foliage. However, a live wall with vertical planting is a great way to change this. Because the planting is done vertically you won’t be taking up some of that all-important floor space which can be all too lacking on a balcony. You might not have room for a garden dining table and chairs on your balcony but with a little imagination, there is always room for some clever planting to create the perfect space to relax.

Check out our luxury garden furniture collection and refresh your outdoor space, no matter how big or small. Or for some outdoor inspiration, take a peek at our blogs for styling tips and ideas.

How to design an outdoor living space like a pro

With the weather in the UK changing and our summers predicted to get hotter and last longer, the desire to have an outdoor living space with all the comforts you enjoy indoors is an interior trend that is becoming increasingly popular. Whether you have a large garden, a tiny courtyard or somewhere in between, read on for tips on how to design a welcoming and comfortable outdoor living space.

Think about function

Before you can design your outside space, you need to consider what function it will have. Ask yourself if you plan to use the space for simply relaxing in, or would you like an area where you can entertain with a space for alfresco dining? Perhaps you want a space that will offer you both options – one for outdoor dining furniture and also some more casual seating?

Style matters

A great design tip that works well for your outdoor space is to take a look at the style you already use inside your home. If one of your rooms open into the garden, then consider carrying the same style from one area to the other. This could help to provide a more cohesive look that will help you extend your indoor living space as well. Think about colours and textures as well as styles of furniture.

Clearly define each area

Having said that, you should also clearly demarcate all of the different areas in your outdoor living space to help establish each area in their own right. This may mean picking a rattan garden corner sofa as part of your seating area and opting for a completely different type of garden dining furniture for the space you have chosen for alfresco dining. Bold coloured planters and different textured foliage offer a great way to clearly separate and zone different areas, giving them each their own individual character.

Consider adding a wall or ceiling

Unfortunately, as we well know, the weather here in the UK doesn’t always play nice so you may want to consider adding some form of canopy or ceiling to your outdoor living space. This will help to protect you against winds and light rains and make your space even more usable, not to mention cosy and inviting. A pergola or canopy is a great way to offer some overhead protection and can add a really visual contrast to your garden. You can also create more natural walls or a “ceiling” with clever use of planting, using small trees, bamboo planting or even some shrubs.

Pick similar furniture to inside your home

Just as you did when you thought about the style of your outdoor area, when it comes to picking the type of garden furniture, pick the same type of furniture you like the most indoors and use this as a base for your outside space. An ideal choice could be a garden dining table that echoes the same style you have chosen for your dining room. For example, if you have an industrial dining table, pick an outdoor dining table or outdoor chairs with dark metal detailing, such as our Poole Outdoor Dining Table and Poole Outdoor Dining Chair. You could also use outdoor lounge chairs and add bright coloured cushions that bring the same colour scheme of your living room into the garden.

Lighting and heating

One final thing to consider to complete your outside space is the addition of some lighting and heating. These will make it easier to use your outside space for longer on warm evenings when the natural light fades and of course on lighter evenings when it gets cooler. Whilst candles might seem like a good option it only takes a light breeze to be constantly relighting them – it is much better to go for something like solar lighting which will be safe and more effective beside your rattan garden set.

Enjoyed this?

If you’ve enjoyed reading this, check out more ideas and tips in our blog and create the home you love inside and out. Or follow us @modishliving!

5 questions and answers about reclaimed dining tables

reclaimed wood dining table top with grey fabric dining chairs

The popularity of reclaimed wood furniture, and in particular the reclaimed wood dining table is on the increase. If you are considering purchasing a reclaimed dining table, then you may have some questions. Let’s take a look at the answers to 5 of the most commonly asked questions about reclaimed wood furniture, to save you time deciding on what to go for.

1. What does reclaimed wood mean?

To put it simply, reclaimed wood is the term that is used to refer to wood that has previously been used for another purpose and has been repurposed and given a new lease of life in another guise. The wood may have been used as part of a structure like a building, ship or railway sleepers. As such, the wood will have some of the original markings that are associated with age, such as nail holes that add to its uniqueness and character.

2. Is a reclaimed wood dining table safe?

The reclaimed wood items that can be purchased from reputable furniture shops are safe for use, for example, pieces such as a reclaimed stool or reclaimed dining table. It is very important to purchase reclaimed wood items from a trusted source who will have put all of the appropriate measures in place to ensure the quality and history of the wood used in the reclaimed furniture that they offer. The type of reclaimed wood that is not safe to use is if there is evidence of fire damage.

3. Is reclaimed wood sustainable?

Recycling is beneficial for the environment which means that when we use reclaimed wood new life is being given to an existing source of wood rather than requiring the harvesting and replanting, of new trees. The alternative for reclaimed wood is landfill or burning it, neither of which are good for the environment. It is a much more sustainable source of wood, particularly when it comes to more expensive older woods and those that take longer to come to maturity.

4. Can you repair a reclaimed wood dining table?

When it comes to repairing a reclaimed dining table, there is little difference between these types of repairs and those that you would make to a table made of new wood. Some damage can be repaired, and some cannot, it will depend entirely on the problem. However, the nature of reclaimed wood does lend itself very well to repair work, as this can often be made to look like a part of the original product itself and will therefore be less obvious. A rustic dining table crafted from reclaimed wood, for example, will already feature nail holes, knots and splits, so a minor dent or scratch will simply and easily blend in with the existing unique imperfections.

5. Is a reclaimed wood dining table more expensive?

At first impression, a reclaimed wood table may be more expensive than a table made of newer wood. However, there are a couple of factors that you may want to take into consideration. This type of product is usually hand-finished, which can make it more expensive than a more mass-produced new wood table. Further to this, aged wood, the type used for reclaimed furniture, is incredibly strong. The older it is the stronger it will be. Therefore, if you look after it carefully it will last you a lifetime which will actually make it a great investment in the long term.

Bring character, warmth and style to your dining space with our collection of wooden dining tables or for more information about reclaimed wood, take a look at our inspiring blog collection.

How to care for your reclaimed wood dining furniture

Reclaimed wood furniture has been growing in popularity for some years now, not only because it boasts authentic character, but because it is an easy, and stylish, eco choice. Reclaimed furniture is wood that is reused – generally from old beams found in buildings and barns that are being demolished, old railway sleepers, floorboards, scaffold boards, and even old boat timbers. It is an planet-friendly way to give old timbers a new lease of life and stories to tell, rather than the alternative, which is either burning or rendering it to landfill.

The rustic furniture pieces created from reclaimed wood are not designed to look new – rather they should proudly show tone variations, knots and holes from where the nails have been hand removed, all of which give the furniture tonnes of genuinely unique character and history that you can only achieve with new timber. It is homely, warm and comforting, yet stylish and current at the same time. With the right care a reclaimed dining table, sideboard or chest of drawers will be a part of your home for many years to come.

How do you care for reclaimed wood?

Reclaimed wood is a natural product that will react to its environment, therefore, when you first welcome a piece into your home it will take some time to “settle in”. During this time it is a good idea to wax it regularly using a lint-free cloth – say once a month for the first three months – especially on surfaces that will be frequently used. After this time, you can give it just a thin layer of wax around four times a year to keep it looking its absolute best.

A reclaimed wood dining table is very forgiving, making it the ideal choice for a busy family home, especially if you have young children. Small scratches and dents can be easily blended by simply using clear wax and because a rustic table already has natural splits and nail holes, any small new scratches will be indecipherable. There are many waxes on the market and some rustic wood dining tables will have a slight tint to the wax. If this is the case, take a quick photo on your phone and ask your local hardware store for advice on colour and the best type of products to use.

Some tables are finished with oil, again this is something you can easily find in hardware stores and apply as necessary to protect your wood dining table and keep it looking as good as new.

Daily care and maintenance

As you would with any type of wood furniture, we recommend using placemats and coasters to avoid heat and water ring marks. You should also pop something underneath a piece of paper if you are writing to avoid marking the table through the paper – if you have chosen an especially rustic finish, this will be essential to provide a smoother writing surface. When it comes to spillages, don’t panic! Excess water should be wiped up as soon as possible, but as long as you don’t leave puddles of water, your stylish dining table will be just fine. We do not recommend using wood polishes as they contain silicone that build-up over time – a dry lint-free cloth is fine or a damp cloth with a little mild detergent on a regularly waxed table is all you need to do!

Reclaimed wood tables, such as the stunning Luxe Kensington Reclaimed Wood Dining Table above, can be incredibly heavy so when you move your furniture please don’t drag it, as this will weaken the joints. It is always best for a couple of you, or more if your table is particularly solid and heavy, to lift the table and gently set it down in its new position. In addition, if possible, avoid putting your dining furniture in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

Bring in the professionals

If your treasured piece of reclaimed wood furniture gets particularly damaged and you don’t feel confident to mend it yourself then this is when you should get the professionals in. There are plenty of companies that can send a fully qualified furniture technician to your home to carry out a repair quickly and easily. And because reclaimed wood is so forgiving, these experts can do amazing things and treat a whole range of issues. Phew!

Peace of mind

No matter how careful and cautious you are with your reclaimed dining table, life’s little accidents are unavoidable. We understand this, so when you buy any of our luxury furniture from us you can also purchase a 5-year protection policy with a convenient one-off payment. This will cover your furniture for accidental stain damage, including food, drinks, ink, make-up and candle wax, as well as accidental scratches, chips and more. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

No matter what type of interior scheme you’re coveting, whether that’s a classic farmhouse table or an uber-cool industrial dining table, reclaimed wood is the magic ingredient that will pull your look together. Not only is it the eco-friendly choice, but the timbers are strong, durable and overflowing with character, bringing bundles of style to your dining space.

Do you have a reclaimed wood dining table in your home? Did you choose a wooden dining bench or some faux leather dining chairs to go with it? We’re a nosy bunch and would love to see how you style it. Follow us @modishliving to see how our customers style our furniture and get ideas and inspirations for your own home.

What’s the difference between recycled and reclaimed wood?

If you thought that recycled and reclaimed wood furniture were terms used to refer to the same thing, then you wouldn’t be alone. Recycled and reclaimed are two buzz words that are bounded around frequently, but the two things are, however, really quite different. Here we clear up some of the confusion between the two and explore what makes them different.

To put it simply, recycled wood is something that has been broken down from its original form and used in an entirely different way, whilst reclaimed refers to something that is either reused in its same form for either a new purpose or exactly what it was originally intended for. Still confused? Let’s look at this deeper…

Recycled wood

When wood is recycled, an original wooden item is taken and broken down completely before being made into something completely new. It does not retain any of its original form or features and in essence, is a material that is altered back to more of its original state in order for it to be completely reused for any other purpose. This is different from upcycled, which is when piece is renovated, either by painting, varnishing or replacing hardware, and given a different look or style.

Reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood refers to items or pieces of wood that are still in its original form but have been restored, treated and crafted by experts in to something different. A great example of this is our Derby Reclaimed Wood collection of reclaimed wood dining tables.

Which is better for the environment?

Both recycled and reclaimed have significant benefits for the environment when compared to new, however, reclaimed is the better of the two because it has less of an impact on the environment. The recycling process involves breaking the wood down and making it into something different and this process needs a significant amount of energy. Reclaiming on the other hand involves minimal manufacturing with many pieces crafted and finished by hand and therefore using less energy.

Other benefits of buying reclaimed wood furniture

Reclaimed wood can be used to make a wide range of furniture that is the perfect choice for anyone looking to create a more rustic style in the home.

Furniture that is created using reclaimed wood has a character and warmth that simply cannot be found in other items of furniture. The natural ageing process gives wood authentic patinas and depth of colour that can only really be achieved over time. Small dents, knots and even minor imperfections can also add to this character and offer every piece of reclaimed wood furniture a truly individual, one-of-a-kind look.

The joy of purchasing items made of reclaimed wood is that each piece will be unique, even those pieces that are made in the same style. The popularity of reclaimed furniture is on the rise as people look for more sustainable ways in which they can align their lives with a desire to help the planet. Pieces of furniture that are particularly popular include the reclaimed wood dining table. The size of this type of furniture really does lend itself very well to showcasing the glory of reclaimed wood, whilst a rustic sideboard and reclaimed wood coffee table are also very popular choices for stylish and eco-conscious homes.

Do you have any reclaimed furniture in your home? We’d love to see how you style it. Follow us @modishliving to see how our customers style our furniture and get ideas and inspirations for your own home.

Easy reading corner ideas your child will love

Reading is the cornerstone of learning for every child, and something that you can give them a head start with even from a very early age. It is never too early to start reading to your child, whether that’s in a solid wood bed in their bedroom at the end of the day or a quiet downtime moment on the sofa in the living room and as they grow, hopefully, you will have instilled a love of reading and a desire to explore what excitement lies between the covers of a good book. A reading corner in your home is a great and easy way to do this.

With this in mind, here are our tips for pulling together an inspiring reading corner to help encourage your child to discover a love of reading.

Turn a bed into a reading corner

If your child’s bedroom is limited in space, then consider making their bed into a reading corner. Some extra cushions will help to create a really comfortable “nest” for curling up in. Of course, you will want to remove these extra cushions at bedtime and store than away, so a wooden bed with storage is a good option. This can be a great place to put some of their teddies as well if there isn’t enough room on the bed.

Keep books accessible

When encouraging your child to read it is important to make sure that their books are easy to see and close to hand. Consider open shelving or a wooden bookcase – and place the books so the front covers are visible rather than just the spine. You could also consider adding some reclaimed wood shelves on your child’s bedroom wall at child level.

Keep favourite books close by

A bedside table with drawers can be incredibly useful when it comes to keeping your child’s favourite read close at hand. There are plenty of different options out there when it comes to selecting a bed table but one with drawers will give you a little bit of extra storage space to help keep your child’s room nice and tidy.

And whilst we are on the subject of keeping things tidy….

A tidy room is a much more welcoming environment and one where your child will be inclined to read. It isn’t always easy to keep a child’s room clean and tidy, but you can make life a little easier with the right storage, and plenty of it. A wooden blanket box is a great piece of furniture that can be used to hide all manner of toys and games out of sight. A solid wood chest of drawers and a rustic wardrobe are also good choices for rustic furniture that will offer you plenty of additional storage space.

Lighting

Don’t forget the lighting for your reading corner. Proper lighting will not only create an easier environment to read, but will protect your child’s eyes. A floor lamp or table lamp on a bedside table are ideal, but fairy lights are a great alternative to a more traditional reading lamp if you want to create a more magical area for your child to read in.

Create a reading den on the floor

If you are limited when it comes to space in your home or your child’s room, then you can create a reading den on the floor. Get creative with plenty of cushions, or a big bean bag, blankets and maybe even a teepee to help really make a reading corner that is ready for all of the adventures your child will find in the pages of a good book.

We hope these ideas have given you some tips on how to create a great reading space for your child. After all, making reading accessible, enjoyable and magical in childhood may help to instill a love of the written word that will bring your child joy throughout the rest of their life. For more children’s bedroom ideas, see our Ideas and Inspirations.

5 tips to make a successful study space at home

girl in yellow t-shirt writing at a desk

When the family is working, studying and revising from home, creating a quiet zone where your children can focus and study without distractions may seem like an impossible task. But, with a few clever interior and decor tips, you can make a creative and conducive study area that will encourage your child to study, read, write and work.

Regardless of the size of the space you have, when it comes to planning a home study space, it pays to remember these five key elements:

Colour
Furniture
Lighting
Organisation
Personalisation

1. COLOUR

When it comes to colour schemes you want to promote a feeling of calm and peacefulness to aid concentration and this is best achieved with a predominantly neutral scheme in the main study area. That’s not to say it has to be boring and uninspiring. Colour can also ignite creativity, so consider adding pops of colour in your choice of accessories and furniture or even paint an accent wall behind the desk with a favourite colour. For less permanent options, a colourful photograph, print, pin-board or wall-mounted clipboards will also help create interest and colour.

2. FURNITURE

The right home office desk is essential for the perfect home study area. Whether your child’s study zone is in their bedroom, an unused nook, a corner in the living room or a spot under the stairs, it’s worth investing in a quality desk.

A reclaimed wood desk or industrial desk feels grown-up and industrious, encouraging kids to knuckle down. Make sure the desk comes with drawers for keeping pens and stationery close to hand. As well as a dedicated desk, a comfy desk chair is vital to keep your young person motivated. As we well know, there’s nothing more distracting than being uncomfortable, so a modern desk chair is a must.

3. LIGHTING

Lighting is especially important, not just for study, but for the health of their eyes, so if possible, try to create a study space that benefits from plenty of natural light. Make sure their set-up isn’t in direct sunlight though as you don’t want the sun streaming into their eyes or obliterating a screen. For the evening, or areas without much natural light, good task lighting is more effective than a single ceiling light. You want the light to shine directly on the office table or desk without creating obstructive shadows.

4. ORGANISATION

The key to any effective study area is to keep it neat and tidy, especially if you’re sharing the space. Having an organised and clear area is vital, but being ordered doesn’t always come naturally to a child. Help them gain top marks by providing reclaimed wood shelves, drawers or a wood bookcase to ensure visible mess does not creep into the area. Even if the beautiful white drawers end up stuffed full of rubbish, if your child (or you!) can’t see the mess, they are more likely to be able to fully focus on the work in hand.

5. PERSONALISATION

Adding some personal touches to your child’s study area will encourage them to want to hang around in the space longer. It’s a fine balance though. You don’t want it to distract from their learning, but small additions, such as a favourite toy, object, monogrammed items, photo or personal wall art on or behind their industrial style desk will make it feel like their space. This is especially true if the study area is located in a shared space.

Complete your study space with our home office collection of rustic and reclaimed wood furniture or for more styling tips, take a look at our Ideas and Inspiration and follow us @modishliving.

Tips to create a revision-friendly study space

After the upheaval of the last two years, the moment that students and parents across the country have been dreading has arrived. With two years of disrupted study under their belts, students are sitting their GCSE and A-Level examinations – the first classes to do so since the summer of 2019.

There has never been a more important time to help your child with their studies and you can do this by creating the right learning space for them to revise in. From giving them their own space with desk and storage to encouraging meal times all around the dinner table, here are some tips to help you help your young person through their studies this summer.

Create a dedicated study space

Peace, quiet and a space where they can leave all of their study materials just how they want them is essential when it comes to creating a revision-friendly zone. This means creating a dedicated space. The right desk is really important, consider something like a reclaimed wood desk with a good space for working and office drawers are handy for keeping the area tidy. A comfortable chair is also essential to creating a calming study environment, invest in a good office desk chair that can be set to the right height for comfortable studying.

Sleep matters

Cramming as much revision as possible into a short space of time is counterproductive. Make sure your teens get enough sleep. A good quality wooden double bed with storage will provide them with plenty of space to get a good night’s sleep and a clear bedroom floor….maybe! Remind your young person of the importance rest and sleep can have on their studies.

A healthy balanced diet

A healthy diet, including healthy drinks and snacks, can also play an important role in revision. Encourage your child to take time away from their desk in order to have a snack and a drink; studies have shown just how beneficial this can actually be to concentration and memory.

Breaks and exercise

Fresh air is also a really important consideration when studying, and this doesn’t mean simply opening a window. Remind your child that getting away from their bedroom or study space can be really good for their mental health and can help them to return to their studies feeling refreshed.

Limit interruptions

Whilst breaks are great for study, interruptions can be a problem. It can be a good idea to suggest limiting tech interruptions during study time by turning off notifications on laptops and mobiles. Whilst the temptation to pop your head around the door and ask how things are going is natural, help your child arrange a schedule for their study with blocks of revision and stick it somewhere in the house where everyone can see it, that way they won’t be interrupted.

Spend quality family time together

It is really important to not become too isolated when revising, so encourage your young person to spend some time with the family. Sitting around a rustic dining table as a family can be a relaxing way to spend quality time together. It also offers a good opportunity to talk about how the revision is going and any worries that might have arisen. An informal family dinner can provide a relaxed atmosphere that will really provide them with an opportunity to open up about things, allowing them to relieve some stress and feel supported.

What study tips do you have? Check out more Ideas & Inspiration and home office tips or to buy the look, visit us at Modish Living.

A guide to painting and decorating your home in a weekend

The coming long bank holiday weekend could be the perfect time to tackle those home decorating jobs you’ve been putting off all year. With this in mind, we have put together a handy guide to help you to get started, with tips on preparation, colours, furniture and trends.

What you need before you start decorating

The key to being efficient when it comes to decorating is to spend time preparing beforehand. If you are simply looking to refresh your rooms, be it your living room, dining room or bedroom then painting is the easiest way to do this.

Make sure that you have all the right equipment; paint trays, rollers, brushes masking tape, decorator’s caulk (in case you need to fill in any small cracks), sugar soap and cloths, dust sheets – either plastic or fabric, and ladders.

If you are planning to put up any wallpaper, then you will need paste, a pasting table, a small roller (for air bubbles), a ruler, scissors and a knife.

Prepare your space

To make your decorating go as smoothly as possible, you can do much of the preparation in advance. First, check your walls and fill in any small cracks. Wash your walls down with sugar soap to remove any dust, debris and grease – this will make it easier to paint.

Don’t forget to move your rustic dining table and any other reclaimed wood furniture away from the walls and cover them where necessary to avoid the damage caused by stray drips of paint.

Consider your colours

Picking the right colours for your home is, for many, one of the best parts of giving a room a makeover. If you are just refreshing your current colour, then this can be a very easy task, however if you are thinking about really changing things up with a completely different look then there are a couple of things to consider.

If you have an industrial coffee table, for example, then think about what colours will work well – neutral colours fit the industrial look well, but so do bold and dark colours. For a pretty industrial look consider pastels, for a more bohemian industrial look then consider a monochrome palette. Why not check out our blogs from Little Green and Earthborne Paints for more colour ideas.

Make sure you get enough paint

There really is nothing worse than seeing the finish line with your decorating only to find you don’t have enough paint. Some brands of paint recommend more coats than others so once you have chosen your shade you will need to measure your room to work out how much you should purchase. As long as you haven’t purchased a specially mixed shade, you can return unopened cans to most good DIY stores.

Painting trends

The last thing to think about when painting and decorating your home is the other areas you might want to paint. Painting the ceiling is very on-trend, but can be tricky. Do this first so you don’t get splashes on your newly painted walls and remember to cover furniture that can’t easily be moved like a solid wood bed or a wooden sideboard. You may also want to think about picking the same colour for your skirting and coving – this decorating trick will make your rooms appear taller.

If you liked this, see more ideas and inspiration, including styling tips.