Just in time for April Fools – here are our favorite pranks and tricks for this year. All sources from Pinterest.
1 – Blue milk prank – Martha Stewart
2 – Faux chicken nuggets - Taste of Home
3 – Spilled nailpolish trick – Lady Create Lot
4 – Meatloaf layered cake - Taste of Home
5 –Silly cupcakes - Our Best Bites
6 – Fake mashed potatoes - Family Fun
Sonax TV Adjustable Wall Mount 32 to 65 Inches
Hands down, the biggest question after purchasing a new flat screen TV is where to hang it. It’s not surprising. Hanging a flat screen TV wall mount can be quite an intimidating task. A plasma or LCD TV can weigh a lot so it’s important to hang it correctly. A loose TV mount can pose a safety hazard and of course no one wants to damage their new investment with an improper hanging job.
Sanus 28 Full Motion Mount for 37 to 63 TVs in Black Finish
Selecting Your Mount
It used to be the best idea to purchase a mount for your TV that is from the same manufacturer as the TV. However those mounts can be expensive. Fortunately, today there are many aftermarket mounts that are both safe and budget friendly.
Always make sure you check the weight limit on whatever type of mount you end up buying. Flat screen TVs can vary widely in weight. In general LCD TVs weigh less than plasma TVs of the same size but no large screen TV is light. You can expect a 42 inch plasma TV to weigh more than 80 pounds while the same sized LCD TV will weigh 45 to 60 pounds.
Mounts are available in a number of different configurations so be sure to choose the appropriate style for you. There are three basic styles of mounts.
- If you just need to mount your TV in a fixed position, a flush TV wall mount could be just what you need. A flush mount or a low profile TV mount is also a more economical and sturdy choice.
- A tilting TV mount will do the trick for most people. These are mostly stationary but can tilt up or down to avoid glare and to make viewing more comfortable. This is the perfect option if you are mounting your TV above a fireplace.
- If you need maximum control, consider a full motion TV wall mount. This is the right choice for you if you need to swivel your TV from side to side or if you need to pull your TV away from the wall. Some high-end models can even be controlled by remote control. Keep in mind however that an articulating TV wall mount will put a lot of pressure on its supports, so proper installation is critical especially if you have a large plasma TV.
With a little thought, finding the best TV wall mount for you is easy.
Sonax TV Motion Wall Mount 32 to 61 Inches
Where to Place Your TV
Most times it’s very obvious where your TV should be placed in your room. Sometimes you are dictated by the cable or electrical outlets or sometimes your furniture can only be arranged in a certain way. A central location will always be the most desirable but it’s not always possible.
It’s also important to take into account other factors. Look around for possible sources of glare. Will your TV catch glare from a window or light? Usually the higher the TV is mounted, the more likely glare issues are to arise. If your mount can tilt this problem can usually be alleviated but if you’ve purchased a stationary TV mount you will want to consider this carefully. Also take into consideration whether you will want to view the TV from an adjacent area like the kitchen or dining room.
Keep in mind that the best position for viewing is at eye level while seated, which is usually much lower than most people think. Try hanging a piece of cardboard or newspaper on the wall where you want to hang your TV. Sit on the couch and look at it for a few minutes to determine if it’s at a comfortable height. If you like to watch TV while lying down, be sure to lie down and evaluate that position as well. Tilting your head even slightly for extended periods of TV viewing can cause neck strain over time.
Sanus 20 Full Motion Mount for 26 to 42 LCD TVs
Wire Management
No matter where you are placing your wall mount TV, you will want to consider where your cables are going to go. Many TV stands come with integrated wire management systems. But mounting your TV on the wall will pose a few challenges. An average TV will require at least one power cable, plus video and audio out cables. You will also need a component tower or TV stand located nearby in which to place your receiver, DVD player or gaming consoles. While the answer to the question “can I run power here” is almost always “yes”, the way to accomplish that will vary widely in complexity and cost.
A hidden wire installation is the most preferable solution but it can also be quite expensive. If you want to go this route, it’s best to hire a professional unless you are very comfortable with all the tasks necessary for installation (drywall, painting, electrical etc). Keep in mind that it can also be difficult to install wiring on an exterior wall due to the extra insulation and bracing. Try to locate your TV on an inside wall whenever possible.
It’s also good to note that power cables are not designed or rated for in-wall use. If you plan to install your electrical cable inside the wall, it’s best to hire a licensed professional. Get him/her to install a recessed AC receptacle in the wall in a location that will be covered by your TV by not obscured by your mount. You also might want to consider installing an in-wall power protection unit at the same time to offer built-in surge protection for your electronics. If you don’t want to hire a professional, consider routing the A/V cable through the wall and use a wire raceway on the outside of the wall for the power cord.
Always keep your power and your A/V cords separate wherever possible. Avoid bundling them together and try to keep a few inches distance between them wherever possible. If you are installing your cables inside the wall, make sure your A/V cables are rated CL2 or CL3 for fire safety.
Wire management poses a bigger challenge if you are mounting your flat screen TV mount over a fireplace. It might be possible to recess them if you have a modern fireplace with a drywall surround (you will want to check to make sure there is adequate insulation first). A brick or stone fireplace will most likely prevent the installation of hidden wires. In that case, you will have to use decorative exposed conduit or another wire management system to disguise them.
If a recessed cable installation is not feasible for you, not to worry! There are many other options on the market. A cable raceway is one such possibility. Some types of raceways are even paintable to help them blend into your wall or baseboards. This is a great solution for TVs that are mounted above a TV Stand or a TV cabinet. Wire tacks are a great solution for handling speaker wire but they are not suitable for larger cables.
There are also a number of other ways to disguise cable. Consider hiding your cables behind your baseboards, door or crown moldings or even the carpet. Any method that doesn’t require opening up the wall will be somewhat economical. With a little effort and ingenuity, your guests will be admiring your new TV and not looking at the cabling behind it.
If you have a full motion TV mount, it’s a good idea to anchor the cables to the mount’s arm to prevent any blockages or tangles. Some models will have integrated cable channels or other wire management systems and some will not. If your mount doesn’t have a system built in, a cost-effective way to achieve this is to use zip ties or electrical tape to secure any cords or cables out of the way. Wrap the cables around the arm of the mount to keep the cabling out of sight.
If the whole idea of messing around with wires is overwhelming, consider purchasing an all-in-one TV Stand with mount or corner TV stands instead of a separate wall mount and TV stand.
Sonax TV Wall Mount 10 to 42 Inch
TV Wall Mount Installation
It’s also important to investigate what you are anchoring the TV to. If your wall is sheetrock, regular hollow-wall anchors will simply not do the job. You must make sure that you are attaching your TV mount to a stud or to a concrete wall. If your TV is under 80 pounds or 40 inches you can attach your mount to a single stud. But if your TV is larger or heavier, it’s important to attach it to two studs for the extra support. Most TV mounts will let you adjust the center of the TV mount slightly but you will be somewhat limited by the structure of your house. Sometimes this will mean that your TV is not perfectly centered on the wall.
To safely attach your TV wall mount bracket, you’ll need to drill the bracket into the wood studs. Use a stud finder to find the stud and mark off the centers where you want to hang your TV. Be sure that you are mounting to the center of the stud for maximum support. A high quality stud finder will tell you where the centers are. If your stud finder can’t locate them, you’ll need to find them manually.
(Note: This applies to wood studs only. Most metal studs do not provide enough support for a flat tv wall mount.)
Use the wall bracket as a template to mark the position of your holes. Usually a mount will require some heavy-duty lag screws or bolts that will require a socket wrench to install.
TV mounts are usually made up of two parts. One piece attaches to the wall and one attaches to the TV. Usually the two will snap or slot together. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Make sure to double check that your mount is level before completely securing it to the wall. It’s better to check now than after your TV is hung!
Once your mount is installed, turn your attention to the TV itself. Place your TV face down on a towel or other soft surface to prevent damages. Make sure to remove the TV stand before you mount it. Usually these are held in place by four screws in the back. Most flat panel TVs don’t have exposed mounting holes. You will have to pry off a plastic cap to reveal them. If you have purchased a mount specifically made for your TV, then installation should be straightforward. An aftermarket plasma TV wall mount or LCD TV wall mount will usually include a number of bolts and washers. It will take a little trial and error to figure out which are the right ones for you.
If you are mounting into brick, solid concrete or concrete block you will probably need to order additional parts from the manufacturer or purchase some extra supplies from your hardware store (like concrete wall anchors). Always be sure to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Now that your mount is attached to the wall, it’s a great idea to get a second person to help you mount your TV to the wall. It can be a tricky thing to do and can pose a safety hazard. If your TV is very large, three people might be an even better idea. Check again to ensure that everything is securely attached. Give your TV mount a few gentle tugs to see if it’s secure. Then stand back and admire your handiwork.
Sanus Full Motion Wall Mount for up to 27 Inch Flat Panel
Installing a wall mount for your TV can definitely pose a few challenges. But with a little knowledge and planning, hanging your flat screen TV can be a straightforward process. You’ll be sitting back and watching your TV in comfort in no time at all.
This week’s Olioboard is a mid-century inspired dining room. This looks feature pieces that were inspired by true design classics: the Tulip table, Bertoia chair and Arco lamp. The black shelving unit features a similar aesthetic with simple lines. This type of furniture is totally modern but has also proven that it can stand the test of time. This set would look equally as fantastic in an urban loft as in a spacious bungalow. Pair this look with a bright rug and some abstract art.
Follow us on Olioboard here.
Get The Look:
ELK Lighting Penbrook Arc Lamp in Silver Plated and White Marble
Italmodern Madrid 5 Frame in Graphite Black
Zuo Wilco Round Dining Table in Black
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There are only six days left in the Cymax Living Room Pin To Win Contest! Are you a Pinterest addict yet? We are sorry for turning you into one but at least now you are in the know! Pinterest is a virtual pinboard where you can store all your inspirations in the form of pictures. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but really, isn’t it better than a thousand words?
The contest runs until 03/31/2012 at 11:59 pm PST. We will use Random.org to draw for a winner and will notify the winner by email.
Any questions? Please send any inquiries to: socialmedia@cymax.com.
Popular this Week:
Sitcom Sedona Lift Top Coffee Table and Ottoman Set in Java Finish
Homelegance Redell Rectangle Glass Top Cocktail Table with 2 Ottomans
Hammary Nuance Lift Top Square Cocktail Table w/ Ottoman in Cherry
Pin your finds from Cymax and you could win $150 to splurge on something new for the living room. Only six days remaining, have you entered yet?
We found this beautiful dining room in the photo galleries at House Beautiful. The aqua blue and celery green color scheme make the room seem youthful and fresh. The cool colors are tempered by lots of white and the espresso brown in the floor and dining table anchor the palette. But the sparky chandelier is the star of the show. It’s an elegant and sophisticated look that would look incredible in any grand house – the perfect look for this first week of spring!
Love this look as much as we do? Here’s how to bring it home:
Get The Look:
Stanley Coastal Living Sea Watch Side Chair with Ticking Marine Fabric
Stanley Furniture Continuum Wood Double Pedestal Table in Amaretto Cherry
Riverside Furniture Splash of Color Server in Shores
Babyletto Modo 3 Drawer Wood Changer in Two Tone Espresso
New parents are always very excited to decorate the nursery for their newest family member. A new crib, new soft toys and a cute mobile are often at the top of the shopping list. But let’s face it – no one gets excited thinking about dirty diapers! The changing table is often an afterthought but there are a variety of reasons why it should be considered an important part of your nursery.
DaVinci Emily Pine Changing Table with Drawer in Ebony
Why Purchase A Changing Table?
When the time comes to change your baby, some parents simply opt for using the floor or other hard surface. But consider this purchase carefully. You will be changing your baby’s diaper 10 to 15 times a day for one to two years. The crouching and stooping while performing this task on the floor can wreak havoc on your back. It’s best to choose a baby changing table that is the correct height for you for the comfort and safety of both you and your baby. Plus a changing table adds convenient storage for everything you need to make your baby dry and comfortable again.
Stork Craft Lily Cognac 2 Drawer Baby Changer
Safety Considerations
The first and foremost consideration when choosing a baby changing station is safety. Guard rails are featured on many changing tables. Usually these are used on three sides of the table but some versions feature them on all four sides. Many changing tables include a changing table pad with attached safety straps. Safety straps can also be purchased separately if your table or changing table topper does not include them. These are designed to hold your baby securely in place to help prevent your baby rolling away from you or falling. Both safety straps and guard rails are designed to prevent any accidental falls. However it is still important to never leave your baby unattended. While a newborn baby will tend to stay put, older babies can roll easily. It’s good to start creating a safe habit early on by securing your baby each and every time you use the changing table.
When changing the baby, always keep one hand on your child for additional support. If you need to leave the room, take your baby with you. It’s always worth it to be safe even if your child is wet and crying.
It’s also a great idea to choose a trusted manufacturer for your changing table. A Babyletto, Stork Craft or DaVinci changing table will offer peace of mind. Sturdy construction is not only safer but will also stand the test of time. After purchasing your changing table, be sure to register it with the manufacturer. That way you will be informed of any potential product recalls.
Stop using your changing table when your baby reaches the manufacturer’s age or weight limit which is typically 30 pounds or 2 years.
DaVinci Parker 2 Door Wood Changer in Coffee
Comfort
A changing table is not only more comfortable for baby but it’s more comfortable for parents too. It’s important to choose one that is the right height for the caregiver. Your changing table should be at waist height so that you can move comfortably without straining or bending. 36 inches is the most common changing table height but they are available in heights from 36 to 44 inches high. If you are taller, then be sure to purchase one at the higher end of the scale.
South Shore Cotton Candy Three Drawer Changing Table
Cost
Cost considerations are always a consideration when it comes to baby furniture. Some people hesitate at purchasing a baby changing table because they think it will become redundant within a few years. While that might be true, many baby changing table dressers can be repurposed as normal dressers later on.
If budget is still a concern, many of the open shelf types of changing tables offer a significant cost savings compared to closed types of changing tables. But depending on your other existing furniture pieces, sometimes a simple changing table is all you need. Whatever style you end up choosing, try to look for one that includes a changing pad with straps to get the most value possible and the best changing table for your money.
South Shore Changing Table in Royal Cherry Finish
Storage & Organization
Changing tables are available in a number of stylish and functional configurations. Some parents prefer the convenience of open shelves. Open storage provides quick and easy access to your talcum powder and wipes, but on the other hand it won’t disguise any mess.
Other parents prefer closed storage. A changing table dresser will keep your items out of sight and are useful for storing small baby clothes or other items. A changing table with cabinet doors is also an option. Some consider cabinet doors easier to maneuver open than drawers. However a changing table with drawers is also easier to repurpose as a dresser down the road.
For the best of both worlds, consider a changing table with a mixture of open and closed storage. These changing tables offer both convenient access to your most used items and still have plenty of space to store away extra bedding or clothing. Some changing tables also feature a hutch for even more added storage.
DaVinci Jenny Lind Wood Changing Table in Cherry
Choosing The Right Style
Most new parents plan to repurpose their changing station as a dresser down the road so take that into consideration when making a purchase. Other parents will want to reuse the same furniture for any more potential children. Carefully consider the future use of your changing table before making a purchase. However if you have your heart set on a pink changing table for your new little girl, repurposing it as a dresser is a great way to make sure you get your money’s worth.
If you are starting from scratch, consider purchasing a crib set which includes a matching crib with changing table and a nightstand. This makes it easy to get a cohesive look for your space. If you have parts of your nursery furniture already, pick a changing table that blends in with your existing scheme. Fortunately, there is a huge variety available today which makes it easy to find one that will work for you.
Traditional changing tables feature the same classic details as other furnishings: scrollwork, bun feet, rich finishes and embossed paneling. Graceful curved lines and intricate details that recall past eras are the hallmarks of this design style.
Country style is a bit more casual than traditional style which makes it a great fit for many nurseries. Chunky knobs and feet and beadboard detailing are hallmarks of this diaper changing station style. Milk-painted finishes or stencilled details are often seen in this design style.
A contemporary look for a nursery is increasingly popular among new parents. A modern changing table is often sleek and spare. They often feature square or rectangular lines and simple but sturdy hardware. The clean pared-down look provides a restful element to a room that can often be a bit chaotic. A Mission-style changing table with simple spindles is a classic and timeless look. Consider a deep espresso changing table for some sophistication or a crisp white changing table for a lighter look.
Stork Craft Heather Natural Baby Dressing Table with Drawer
Cleaning & Maintenance
Most changing tables of wood or plastic are designed for easy maintenance. Just give your diaper changing table a quick wipe-down after every use. That way it will stay fresh and clean for the next time. If you have a fabric changing table pad cover, don’t forget to launder it on a regular basis.
DaVinci Porter 3 Drawer Changer in Cherry
A changing table or a dresser changing table is an integral part of any nursery. Welcome home your new baby in comfort and style.
Traditional style is classic for a reason. Tufted details, carved moldings and elegant tapered legs add an air of refinement and elegance to any space. But classics don’t have to be fussy. As you can see, these traditional pieces look fantastic even in a loft environment. It’s just a little inspiration to think outside of the box.
Get The Look:
Coaster Floor Lamps Contemporary Metal Floor Lamp
Powell Furniture Round Accent Table in Espresso
Hooker Furniture Casa Antica Rectangular Wood Top Cocktail Table
Follow with us on Olioboard here.
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Here are 5 simple reasons why you should enter our Living Room Pin To Win Contest:
1 – You are already on Pinterest (If not, let us send you an invite!)
2 – You like finding new home décor and interior design ideas
3 – Pinning is easy
4 – Pinning is fun
5 – You can make multiple entries for a chance to win $150!
The Pinterest Contest runs until 03/31/2012 at 11:59 pm PST. We will use Random.org to draw for a winner. Winner will be notified by email.
Questions? Please send any inquiries to: socialmedia@cymax.com.
Popular this Week:
Here are some popular picks being pinned in the giveaway, a lot of recliners
Catnapper Magnum Chaise Oversized Rocker Recliner Chair
Coaster Casual Glider Recliner with Ottoman in Beige Leatherette
Klaussner Furniture Legacy Recliner Sectional Set
The Pin To Win Contest is running until the end of the month! By simply keeping track of what you like, you may be the lucky winner who gets to put the $150 prize towards your purchases at Cymax!
It’s that time again – St. Patrick’s Day! It’s the one day of the year that everyone is a little bit Irish. As you can tell, the Cymax head office has certainly caught the spirit!
Did you know that St Patrick’s Day is the largest celebrated saint day in the world? Ireland has the largest number of celebrations of course but there are parades and celebrations held around the world. Some of the largest celebrations are in Montreal, Argentina, Japan and South Korea.
To get into the spirit of things, here are some great green furniture picks that will look great year round:
1 – Riverside Furniture Splash of Color 8 Drawer Double Dresser
2 – ZUO S Chair set of Green
3 – Home Styles Riviera Five Seat L-Sofa in Green Apple
4 – Spruce Tree Bookcase in Green
5 – Avenue Six Curves Tufted Round Ottoman in Spring Green Velvet
Click here to see even more fabulous green things for your home.
We are also pleased to announce that until March 19th, you can save 10% on a purchase of $599 or more by using the coupon code MAR10 (some exceptions apply).
We hope your day is filled with pots of gold!
Daylight Savings Time is almost here! The clocks go forward one hour at 2 am on every second Sunday in March. We will lose an hour sleep this weekend but we will gain extra daylight hours for the duration of summer.
Howard Miller Ty Pennington Castille Wall Clock
However, losing just that one hour of sleep can be a safety hazard. It’s a good idea to be aware of the kind of toll Daylight Savings can take. Statistically there are more injuries on the Monday following the switch to daylight Savings Time. Two separate studies have found that the March switch to Daylight Savings Time resulted in 40 minutes less sleep for American workers, a 5.7 percent increase in workplace injuries and nearly 68 percent more work days lost to injury. It’s a smart idea to exercise a bit of extra caution for a few days following the time change. Just take a moment to slow down and thoroughly evaluate your tasks before doing them.
But despite the potential safety issues, there are still some distinct advantages to Daylight Saving Time:
Howard Miller Propeller Alarm Clock
Daylight savings is also a great semi-annual reminder to do some important maintenance around your house. Here is a great checklist to refer back to:
Crosley Radio Tempo Table Top Radio
It is a great idea to take care of a few essential household chores before the spring season begins. Put your mind at ease and spring forward with the knowledge that your home is safe and secure.