If your bedroom is small you’ll want to arrange and design it to be space efficient as well as comfortable and attractive. If you don’t go overboard with the decorations you’ll be able to use these tips to make your small bedroom into a great living area.

First, you’ll want to toss out any furniture you aren’t really using or just don’t want. There’s no use in making an already small bedroom even smaller, so you want to use your space well. Ask yourself, what are the true bedroom essentials? You need a bed, obviously, a shelf, a wardrobe, a table and chair and a mirror.

You’ll want to use slim furniture that doesn’t have a lot of excess decoration on it. Simple and slim furniture will occupy less space as well as giving the room an attractive, organized feel. A study table that can fold up against the wall is a great choice for smaller bedrooms.

A box bed is another great idea for small bedrooms, it gives you extra storage in an furniture item that’s already vital to the room. A headboard that includes shelving is a great idea for a small bedroom.

Some throw pillows or a decorative rug under the wardrobe will add a lot of character to a small bedroom design without taking up any extra space.

You’ll also want to work in neutral colors for a small bedroom. You can add splashes of dark color in the decor or furniture to brighten the room up, but neutral colors will make the space “breathe”. You’ll want a light colored bedspread and some rug or shelf borders are a great thing to implement into the design.

White laminates with a hint of color on the furniture would also be a great touch. Colors like purple, olive green, silvery gray or chocolate brown can really enhance the room without being overwhelming. If you don’t want to use just plain white you can also try beige, light cream or an almost-white yellow.

It’s also good to have a decorative mirror with a suitable amount of space in front of it in your small bedroom. You’ll also want to make sure that the room is well lit.

Consider these tips and think of ways you could design your small bedroom. Keep the essentials in and kick the excess to the curb and soon you’ll have a comfortable, organized space.

Take your science projects to the next level with this in-depth look at Air Pressure.

There’s air surrounding us everywhere, all at the same pressure of 14.7 psi (pounds per square inch). It’s the same force you feel on your skin whether you’re on the ceiling or the floor, under the bed or in the shower.

An interesting thing happens when you change a pocket of air pressure – things start to move. This difference in pressure that causes movement is what creates winds, tornadoes, airplanes to fly, and some of the experiments we’re about to do right now.

An important thing to remember is that higher pressure always pushes things around. (Meaning lower pressure does not “pull”, but rather that we think of higher pressure as a “push”.)

Another interesting phenomenon occurs with fast-moving air particles. When air moves fast, it doesn’t have time to push on a nearby surface, like an airplane wing. It just zooms by, barely having time to touch the surface. The air particles are really in a rush.

Think of really busy people driving fast in their cars. They are so busy doing other things and driving fast to get somewhere that they don’t have time to just sit and relax.

Air pressure works the same way. When the air zooms by a surface (like an airplane wing) like fast cars, the fast air has no time to push on the surface and just sit there, so not as much air weight gets put on the surface.

Less weight means less force on the area. (Think of “pressure” as force on a given area or surface.)

This causes a less (or lower) pressure region wherever there is faster air movement.

Confused? Great! Let’s try some experiments out to straighten out these concepts so they make sense to you.

Okay, let’s begin.

Air Takes Space

In a big bowl (or sink or tub) full of water, lower a clear cup, mouth downward, into the water. Let some of the air escape slowly into a second submerged cup (as if you were “pouring the air up”). Remove one cup and realign the other mouth-downward, and using a flexible straw, blow into the mouth of the downward-facing cup.

Magic Water Glass Trick

Fill a glass two-thirds with water. Cover the mouth with an index card and invert (holding the card in place) over a sink. Remove your hand from the card. Voila! The card stays in place because air is heavier than water, and the card experiences about 15 pounds of force pushing upward by the air and only about one pound of force pushing downward from the water… hence the card stays in place.

(Try this with two glasses stacked mouth-to-mouth with the index card sandwiched in the middle. Remove the card…)

Plumber Magic

Take two clean old-fashioned, red rubber-and-wood-stick plungers and stick them together (you may need to wet the rims first). Try to separate them. Why is it so hard? When you rammed them together, air was forced out of the cavity that the insides make when pushed together, leaving you with a lower air pressure pocket inside, compared to the surrounding air pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) outside the plungers. Higher pressure always pushes and thus is keeping the plungers together.

Magic Egg Trick

Remove the shell from a hard-boiled egg and use a bottle with a neck large enough that the egg can be squeezed through (without squashing it) – old fashioned milk bottles work great. Light a match and toss it in, quickly setting the egg (small-end down) on the mouth of the bottle. The air inside gets used up by the flame, lowering the air pressure inside the bottle. The higher pressure, now outside the bottle, pushes on the egg and pops it in. (To remove the egg, turn the bottle upside down and get the egg to be small-end down inside the bottle near the mouth. Blow hard into the mouth of the bottle.)

Barometer

Fill a cup two-thirds full of water. Cut the neck off a balloon and stretch over the mouth of the cup, fitting it tightly (like a drum). Tape a straw to the top, making one straw end one-third from the drumhead edge, and the free end hanging off. Place next to a wall covered with paper and mark the free end position. Over the next month, you can track pressure changes amplified by the straw.

Burping Bottle

Tape a lightweight plastic funnel tightly to the top of a strong straw, inserting the other end of the straw into a hole drilled into the top of a water bottle. Use hot glue to seal up any holes. Pour water into the funnel and watch it burp regularly.

Fountain Bottle

Seal a 2-liter soda water bottle (half-full of water) with a lump of clay wrapped around a long straw, sealing the straw to the mouth of the bottle. Blow hard into the straw. As you blow air into the bottle, the air pressure increases. This higher pressure pushes on the water, which gets forced up and out the straw.

Ping Pong Funnel

Insert a ping pong ball into a funnel and blow hard. (You can tilt your head back so that the ball end points to the ceiling. Can you blow hard enough so when you invert the funnel, the ball stays inside? Can you pick up a ball from the table? As you blow into the funnel, the air where the ball sits in the funnel moves faster and generates lower air pressure than the rest of the air surrounding the ball.

This means that the pressure under the ball is lower than the surrounding air which is, by comparison, a higher pressure. This higher pressure pushes the ball back into the funnel… no matter how hard you blow or which way you hold the funnel.

Squished Soda Can

Heat an empty soda can (large beer cans actually will work better if you have one) in a skillet with a few tablespoons of water in the can over a hot stove. Have a shallow dish with about ¼ inch of ice water handy (enough water to make a seal with the top of the can). When the can emits steam, grab the can with tongs and quickly invert it into the dish. CRACK! The air in the can was heated, and things that are hot tend to expand. When you cool it quickly by taking it off the stove onto a cold plate, the air cools down and shrinks, creating a lower pressure inside. Since the surrounding air outside of the can is now higher, it pushes on all sides of the can and crushes it.

Squished Balloon

Blow a balloon up so that it is just a bit larger than the opening of a large jam jar and can’t be easily shoved in. Light a small wad of paper towel on fire and drop it into the jar. Place the balloon on top. When the fire goes out, lift the balloon… and the jar goes with it! The air gets used up by the flame and lower the air pressure inside the jar. The surrounding air outside, now at a higher pressure than inside the jar, pushes the balloon into the jam jar.

The Million Dollar Bet

Take an empty water or soda bottle and lay it down horizontally on a table. Carefully set a small wadded up ball of paper towel in the mouth of the bottle. (The ball should be about half the size of the opening.) I bet you a million dollars that you can’t blow hard and get the paper to go into the bottle!

You’re trying to force more air into the bottle, but there’s no room for the air already inside to go except back out the mouth of the bottle, taking the paper ball with it.

Ping Pong Jump Cups

Place a ping pong ball in a cup just barely bigger than the ping pong ball. Blow down on the ball and the ball jumps right out of the cup! Remember the ideas about lower and higher pressure? By blowing on the top of the ball, you created a lower pressure area than underneath the ball. And higher pressure pushes the ball right out of the cup!

Sneaky Bottles

(Modify one water bottle in advance by poking a small hole near the bottom of the bottle with a tack or pin.) Take two water bottles (one of them you just modified), and poke a balloon into each water bottle, stretching the end of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. Blow into each one… what happened? There’s no place for the air to go in the unmodified bottle, so you can’t blow up the balloon. On the other hand, there’s plenty of room for the balloon to expand in the modified bottle because there’s a place for the air to move when the balloon gets bigger… it goes out the hole you punched.

Flying Papers

Hold a regular sheet of paper to your bottom lip (you may have to play a bit to find the exact location) and blow hard across the sheet. The sheet flies up! This is the same reason airplanes can fly. As you blow across the top of the sheet, you lower the air pressure (because the air is moving faster), and thus the pressure on the underside of the sheet is now higher, and higher air pressure pushes the sheet upwards.

Kissing Balloons

Blow up two balloons. Attach a piece of sting to each balloon. Have each hand hold one string so that the balloons are at nose-level, 6″ apart. Blow hard between the balloons and watch them move!

The air pressure is lowered as you blow between the balloons (think of the air molecules as ping pong balls … they balls don’t have enough time to touch the balloon surface as they zoom by).

The air surrounding the balls that’s not really moving is now at a higher pressure, and pushes the balloons together.

A mobile device which will facilitate a disabled or sick individual to move about is identified as a wheelchair. This mechanism resembles a chair which is mounted upon an array of wheels and is propelled either by way of electricity or manually. Wheelchairs permit a handicapped person to travel around without the assistance of another individual. Those wheelchairs which are driven electronically are frequently referred to as an electric wheelchair.

The heart of the electric wheelchair is the motor. They are adept at being employed either outdoors or indoors and come with a $1,500 dollar price tag. Depending upon the users inclinations there are quite a few categories of wheelchairs accessible in today’s market. There are several central features which should be carefully reflected upon when selecting a personal wheelchair. Due care must be extended in regards to the size and the weight of the individual who will be using the chair, whether it is to be used in both an indoor as well as a outdoor environment, the chosen chairs rated weight capacity, its power source, any warranty related issues and of course the cost.

Due to a variety of ailments many people who experience no means of mobility or comprise limited movement will use electric wheelchairs. Several motives why people would utilize an electric wheelchair are because of paralysis, old age, weight problems, weak or broken bones, degenerative muscle diseases or supplementary illnesses which preclude normal movement. Most electric wheelchairs are straightforward in use due to their battery power and undemanding joystick control. They are highly maneuverable and can rotate a full 360 degrees. They are silent in their operation however they do necessitate additional maintenance as compared to manual wheelchairs.

With the advances currently being made in technology, the wheelchairs are being designed and built in accordance with the potential users special requirements. These newer designs include spring suspension, hydraulic systems and pneumatic wheels all of which tend to increase the chairs durability and strength.

There are essentially three basic kinds of electric wheelchairs in use:

Rear wheel driven chairs:

The rear wheel driven chairs symbolize the most widespread and traditional of the wheelchairs. They are noticeably faster then the front-wheel versions but not nearly as flexible when turning as one would have with the mid or front wheel drive units.

Front wheel driven chairs:

The front wheel driven chairs are quickly becoming the popular choice because they offer more maneuverability and are more flexible although they are slower as a result of these features.

The last of the basic types of chairs are the mid wheel driven units:

These mid wheel driven chairs feature the best turning ratio of all the chair styles, however, they do tend to be a bit on the unsteady side when starting and stopping.

There are other varieties of chairs based upon weight, and they ranging from the ultra lightweight up to the heavy duty chairs, the related transport chairs, the tilt in space chairs, those with an elevated seat, ones that would be used in rough terrain and the pediatric wheelchairs used by the children.

In addition to the various features found in the operation department of the wheelchairs you are presented with an abundance of further alternatives for your wheelchair. The frame itself may be foldable or not or the front wheels may be free wheeling or rigid. There are various choices available for both the armrests and the feet pegs which can include either being detachable, elevated or swing away. They can also be customizable for both height and angle.

I have presented you with only a start for the selection of a wheelchair which will suit your needs. Additional considerations should include the dimensions for the chair’s backrest as well as its ability to recline, you can select from a variety of dimensions and various upholstery designs for the chair’s seats, an automatic or a hand brake, the types of controls, curb climber features and even the installation of lights. Other options may include trays, crutch holders, safety seat belts, drink holders, bags and anti-tip safety bars.

Copyright 2008 @ Joseph Parish

Rise and tilt chairs, also referred to as riser, lift, rise and recline and easy access chairs are special chairs that are designed to make sitting down and standing up easier for the elderly, or those with reduced mobility.

Ordinarily we sit into, or stand up out of a chair by using our arms along with the muscles in our legs stomach and back. This “standing up” or “sitting down” action sees the alignment of our torso and legs go from being straight and erect to being bent at every major joint (or vice-versa). Furthermore, the physical effort involved to make this transition becomes more demanding as we get older. This is also true for those with muscular weakness or a disability that limits their mobility.

The rise and tilt chair

A rise and tilt chair works by assisting the human body in performing the sitting to standing and standing to sitting transitions referred to above. It does this by using electric motors that move the seat and backrest of the chair in such a way that it reduces the effort required to stand or sit.

To illustrate how the chair works, here is a description of how it operates when a seated person wishes to stand up. The chair is controlled by a hand held remote unit and the reverse of the following actions can be used to bring a standing person back down to a seated position.

Using the remote control the chair’s seat slowly rises and as it does it brings the angle of the body’s knee joints to 90 degrees. At this point the seat and backrest of the chair slowly start to tilt forward as the seat continues to rise upwards. In its finished position the chair has a seat that is elevated and both the backrest and the seat are tilted forwards. The complete action takes place in a slow and controlled manner and can be stopped at any time.

This combined action has the effect of slowly straightening the knee and hip joints of the seated person whilst pushing them up and forward and out of the chair. By the time the chair is in its most elevated position the seated person only needs to use their own body weight and the momentum that it produces to lean forwards and complete the standing up movement.In effect the rise and recline chair does all of the initial and most physically demanding body straightening work. In so doing it dramatically reduces the amount of strength and effort required to get out of a chair.

To sit down into a riser chair the process is reverses and the movement starts with the chair at it most elevated and tilted position, it then lowers and tilts backwards.

Many homes are reverting to the classic feel and some homeowners are taking ‘home and hearth’ quite literally. A fireplace is considered the focal point of a home, so what better way to accentuate it than to add a mirror. The fireplace mirror seemingly enlarges the living space and adds dimension and light. It’s a great way to give your fireplace a new look.

Mirror Work on the Wall

Regardless of if your fireplace is real or just for show, having a mirror above it can do wonders. If you have a fireplace juts out of the wall and has a fireplace mantel, you can add a large mirror just above it to add dramatization and style. Another option is to add several small mirrors joined together, which provides a similar affect with a slight twist. Therefore, there are various options at decoration depending on the glamour and the economy you need. You can even add mirrors to the short walls on either side of the fireplace. Your options are endless.

If the fireplace doesn’t jut out, you can mirror the portion above the mantel right up to the ceiling. This gives a visual boundary to the mirror and converts it into a stylish element, catching the eye straightaway.

Modern Look

A more modern look can be had by using six small square mirrors and arranging them in various formations, with the mirrors placed straight, or alternatively, at a tilt. Another formation would be to tilt them and place them in a ‘bowling pins’ format.

For a showpiece fireplace, a simple no-nonsense solution is to put a mirror on the mantelpiece which will do no more than reflect the area of the living room but not ceasing to impress.

Shopping

When shopping for mirrors, consider your budget. For example, since larger mirrors will cost more, you need to establish whether or not your budget can afford various sizes. Then consider whether you’d like to have additional mirror work on the sides of the fireplace. A mirror is almost ubiquitous with a fireplace so you can consider one for yours regardless.

Plantation Blinds are window coverings that never go out of style thanks to their classic design. The use of horizontal slats allows you to control how much light enters a room as well as how much visibility you have. Adjustments are simple thanks to the string system which allows you to tilt the angle of the louvers quickly and easily. With this type of covering you have much larger louver sizes than with plantation shutters. These blinds will transform a plain, dull room into a warm and cozy one instantly.

Available in a variety of colors and shades, plantation blinds may by painted and stained to match the exact shade you want. If you opt to go with faux wood or plastic blinds, a damp cloth is all that is needed to clean your coverings. On the other hand, if you choose solid wood, a dry cloth or duster along with a vacuum cleaner are your only cleaning supplies. Perfect for rooms when shutters are too expensive to use, consider this window covering for your garage, attic or utility room to maintain style without breaking the bank.

Comfortex offers the Woodwinds 2 ½ ” Plantation Shutter blind-Wood Tones with Crown Valance. This style combines the function and ease of blinds with the elegance of plantation shutters. When open the louver slats offer clear visibility, yet when closed total privacy is achieved.

During the manufacturing process, high-tech polymers are combined with genuine hardwoods to create these faux wood beauties which retain the beauty of the natural woods used. An extensive collection of colors allows you to match your blinds to any decor in your home. For a 48″ X 48″ blind from this collection, your price will be $103.77 before upgrades.

Upgrades you may choose from include remote control and a satellite receiving eye. Your cost will rise according to which upgrades you choose.

Madera also offers a line of blinds suitable for any home. The Falsa 2″ Faux Wood Plantation Blinds features foam vinyl slats which retain the look and feel of traditional wood without the price. A steel handrail is standard on these blinds and supports the weight of the slats.

A coordinating 3″ wide valance with cord control and heavy weight wood tassels is also included. Benefits of this line of blinds include their resistance to dust, warping, fading and cracking. They are also very easy to clean and come in white, alabaster, and maple. A 23″ X 64″ set of blinds from this collection will set you back $29.99. With any plantation blinds you can redo the look of your home without spending a fortune and the results will be astounding.

Wood Venetian Blinds: The best way to keep wooden venetian blinds clean is to dust them on a regular basis. As the surface of the slats are smooth it’s a fairly easy job to wipe them down with a cloth or brush off the dust using a clean soft duster. Another good method is to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

The only thing that is not recommended is to wash these blinds. By that I mean soaking them with water, because although these blinds are sealed, water and excessive dampness can cause the slats to warp.

You can use a damp cloth to wipe them over, just be careful not to soak them.

Another handy tip is to put a pair of cotton gloves or even an old pair of socks onto your hands and wipe the slats between your fingers. You can also use a small paintbrush to dust the slats.

Aluminium Venetian Blinds: As with wooden venetian blinds it is best to dust this type of blind on a regular basis to avoid a large build up of dust. Again brush the dust off using a clean soft duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

Unlike the wooden blinds you can use water and some kind of detergent on aluminium venetian blinds. The best way to do this is to tilt the blinds so that the slats are flat. Then using a cloth or sponge with some water and some washing up liquid, wipe them over. Avoid being too aggressive and accidentally damaging the slats by bending them.

If the blinds are particularly dirty, for example if they are in the kitchen and have become greasy and very dusty over a period of time, you will need to take the blinds down to clean them.

This can be done in two ways. The first method is to take the blinds outside, weather permitting and hang them on a washing line or something similar. You will then need a bucket with warm soapy water and a sponge.

Wipe the blinds front and back with the sponge until you have got all the dirt off them, being careful not to scrub too hard and damage the slats.

Once you have managed to get all the dirt off you can then hose the blinds down and leave them to dry. As they are nearly dry it is a good idea to wipe them with a soft cloth or paper towel to remove any excess water.

The second method is to fill the bathtub with enough warm soapy water to cover the blinds. Then place the blinds in the water and sponge them down until you have removed all the dirt. You can them rinse them off with a shower attachment or by just running the shower. If you bathtub is separate from the shower, fill the tub with enough clean water to rinse the blinds thoroughly. You will then need to take them outside, and as before hang them on the washing line to dry.

Conclusion: If you are ever in any doubt then contact the supplier or manufacturer of the blinds or shades for advice or assistance.

As long as you follow these guidelines when cleaning your blinds or shades you should have clean and new looking blinds that will enhance the décor of your room for years to come.

Accidents do happen no matter how careful, how healthy, or how young you are. In the house, the most common place for these incidents is the bathroom. Due to its compact space, slippery floors, and shiny surfaces, bathrooms are hazardous areas for both the young and old. When injuries occur, it is often impossible for the injured to quickly go to the toilet when the need arises.

One way to make your bathroom safe for everybody in the house is to consider doing some renovations. At one point, you may also need to do some reconstructions in the bathroom; maybe the fixtures are already falling apart, molds and mildew are already visible on the surfaces, or your bathroom smells old already.

For the benefit of those who are injured or those who are hampered by mobility problems, you may want to do some minor renovations and installations. Handrails should be placed near the toilet to assist the disabled when moving around the area. If you have throw rugs, remove them from the bathroom. In addition, take off the fabric shower curtain and rods to make your bathroom much easier to use. Ensure that your lights are properly working and can brightly illuminate the corridors going to the bathroom.

Setting up a commode shower chair may also be beneficial for people who have difficulty using standard toilets. Making this a part of your house renovation project will surely make your room more accessible for everyone in the house.

Commode Seats

The word “commode” originally refers to a chest of drawers or cabinets used for storing personal items. In 18th century France, commodes served decorative purposes too; they often had elaborate decorations and stood on cabriole feet. The word’s association with toilet probably occurred in the 19th century when it was used to refer to night commodes or bedside cabinet with doors. The commodes then served as storage area for chamber pots and had a basin and pitcher on top for cleansing.

Due to the advent of modern technology, commode becomes portable and recommended equipment for every household. In fact, many bathroom doors are designed wider than usual to accommodate such helpful equipment.

For instance, the Invacare Mobile Commode Shower Chair is a portable toilet that you can place close to the bedside of the user. It has a flexible nylon backrest for easy and safe transport to and from the toilet and shower. This mobility product is an ideal homec are solution for people who are looking for versatile commode chairs because it serves as a toilet, wheelchair, and shower chair. Made of sturdy, rustproof aluminum, users can take a shower while seated on it. For incontinent users, it has a removable pail, which makes toilet-related duties safer and simple for the user and caregiver.

With an overall weight capacity of 250 lbs., this chair can comfortably fit average body frames. It also offers ample room for movement and repositioning while the user is seated since the width between the arms is 18″. It can easily be moved around due to its four wheels and weight of 11 lbs.

If you have a handicapped family member, or you are already concerned about getting old and being able to do things independently, you may start making your home more accessible by purchasing a commode chair for your home.

Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) is an awfully big word. But what does that have to do with mattresses?

Well last time I wrote about the perils of deciding which mattress to buy for the baby’s cribs. Little did I know I would come face to face with this mouthful of a word from buying a mattress. If you recall, my wife and I asked the opinion of others what is the best mattress to buy for our baby-to-be at the time. After wading through several conflicting opinions, both professional and amateur, we settled on the opinion that a firm mattress was the best and the safest.

We expected that to be “end of story” and to focus on what bedding to buy and how to decorate the room. But the story does not end there. Due to the “Back to Sleep” campaign for babies to help prevent SIDS, we have introduced a whole new industry to solve the issues created by this “fix”. We are told to remove all pillows, remove all soft surfaces and buy the hardest mattresses to keep our babies safe from SIDS. But these hard surfaces can create problems with flat spots on our babies heads as they sleep in their cribs. Unless, we watch them 24/7 and constantly turn their heads so they don’t spend too long on one side. But what parent has the luxury of that amount of time to devote to constantly turning our babies while they sleep? Especially these days? Of course, when they are awake, we can introduce them to tummy time and holding them in our laps. But when they are younger, there is not as much tummy time and not as much lap time. That comes later as they grow. But in the early days, in between feedings and changings, there is an awful lot of crib time while they sleep.

Well we found out the hard way as we struggled to care for our premature child, that time was a premium and we could not tuen our child every five minutes. So when our child developed some flat spots due to the firmer mattress and the “Back to Sleep” campaign, we ran full tilt into that big word in the title.

Fortunately, our child did not have a severe case of Plagiocephaly. He only had a mild case. And because we caught it early enough, long treatment was not necessary. Only a few weeks of corrective treatment was necessary. Needless to say, we replaced the super-firm mattress with a slightly softer mattress and all is well again. Am I saying that you should get the softer mattress for your child? Not necessarily. I am just saying it is something to consider while you are shopping for your new bundle of joy’s mattress. Nobody told us that these kinds of things could happen. If I don’t tell you, who will?