I went looking for folding patio furniture and other options for patio furniture to see what would fit my budget and my requirements. This is what I liked:

I loved this Brown Caravan Canopy Oversize Zero Gravity Chair, that folds out to accommodate the legs and reclines (if you are in the mood for a snooze). Armrests and a steel frame make it a strong as well as comfortable option.  And this one is XL size for extra comfort; a good deal for 82 dollars I thought.

I am a sucker for rocking chairs and the only thing better than a rocking chair that I can think of is a folding rocking chair. This way I have the option of using it indoors, say for nodding off in front of the TV, or using it when out for a camping trip or outdoor events that I fancy I shall go for one day. Anyway, this  Prime Products 13-6506 Elite Arizona Tan Rocker Folding Chair appealed to me. It is simple and has uncluttered lines, and user reviews are generally positive. And when it costs just 55 dollars I think there is really no reason to pass up on what seems to be a good deal!

A small peg table to go with whatever type of seating you fancy, is a good idea (you do need to set down your long tall cool one somewhere). This simple cape cod folding beach table appealed to me because it is made from weather resistant hardwood that can take rough use and it is easy to carry.

If you want to splurge a bit and get a matched set of folding furniture for your patio you may want to consider this rectangular dining table with a set of matched chairs along with it. The table is drop leaf so it expands and contracts as per your requirements. And it also has a hole in the center if you want to put your garden umbrella in there. The chairs stack for convenient space saving.

I kind of like mesh chairs, since they are breathable and remain comfortable even in hot weather. The Boss B6508 Mesh Office Chair is on offer for just $139 which is down from $220 and there is free shipping to boot. The arm height is 26.5” while the seat height is 18” which makes the arm rests high enough to give good support to my elbows while typing.

I am wondering if I should opt for an ergonomic option for my chair since these products are designed to fit the human form, movements and to cause the least amount of physical stress and discomfort. Not only are ergonomic products supposed to lower chances of injury, they are also supposed to enhance productivity.

The Respond 1.1 Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair struck me as a good deal because it is at a huge discount down from $463 list price to a sale price of just $229. Also there is free shipping to sweeten the deal. The design is supposed to meet or exceed BIFMA / ANSI standards, comes with a one touch pneumatic seat height control and a five position knee tilt position. It also has height arms and mesh back. Users have found this one very comfortable and have said that it offers firm support.

Another idea that I have been toying with is the kneeling chair – this is an ergonomically designed alternative to the regular chair without the seat back or back rest. The kneeling chair is supposed to be good for the posture and presumably if there is no back rest, you will sit up straight.

The Office Star Kneeling Chair with MEMORY Foam lets the user adjust the height of the knee pad or the distance from the seat, so it will fit properly. Sounds like a good deal at $95 (40% discount).

I don’t see myself using a kneeling chair all the time, so it may make sense only if I buy this in addition to a regular office chair; one of those above.

Here are some green décor ideas for your dining space-

• Opt for a dining room table as well as dining room chairs that is made from sustainable raw materials that are responsibly grown and sourced leaving as little a negative environmental impact as possible.
• Make sure there is plenty of natural light in the room. This is not just so that the room looks airy, light and attractive, it is also an energy saving device. Having natural light in the room means that you don’t need to switch on the lights during the day. So try and have plenty of glass pane windows, if possible install a sky light and make sure that your dining area has plenty of natural light. This will mean plenty of savings in terms of energy used and a smaller carbon footprint for you and you needs.
• Also rather than using elaborate overhead lighting, opt for several focus lamps or other smaller lighting options can be used in accordance with your requirement rather than expending a lot of energy all at the same time.
• Go minimalist with your dining room furniture. Use spare designs that use less amount of wood, opt for a glass topped table that uses little, if any, wood. Also consider if you really need a hutch, a corner cabinet as well as server or sideboard. It could be that you need just one or other of these items of dining furniture and not all. Also having all of these items in a small dining area could make it appear crowded and even obstruct natural light.
• Use eco friendly materials on the walls. Rather than wall paper opt for paint and pick paint that is made in a responsible and eco friendly manner using non toxic raw materials. Paint can be cheaper than wall paper and you can also use it to great effect – lighter colors give the illusion of space and increase the amount of natural light reflected by the room.
• Include a mirror of a large size in your dining space if possible. Not only does this give the illusion of a bigger space, it also reflects light better.
• The colors that you look at while you eat can also determine how well you eat and digest your food. So try and use a little color therapy – yellow can make you feel cheerful and make for a convivial dining experience, for instance.
• Insulate well. Proper insulation is important not just for the dining area but for the entire house so that you make significant savings in terms of energy expended on heating and cooling.

The Glamorous Dining Area – Here the accent should be on style, elegance and class with a touch of formal grace. A more formal sort of dining set, large in size and proportions, perhaps a slightly grander eight seater dining set rather than the classic 6 seater would work well to create a glamorous ambience. A formal, elaborate centerpiece could set the tone, and a large, elongated chandelier would not be out of place here. A touch of gold, framed paintings, elegant tiling and exquisite crockery and crystalware would set the glamorous tone.

The Modern Dining Area – This could be as minimalistic and futuristic as you may want it to be. Modern metallic light fixtures can set the tone for the entire dining area. A round glass topped table and perhaps some steel banded dining chairs and interesting added textures to the room will convey the impression of modernity and functionality. A glass screen will match with the table and a décor element such as a modern water fountain can add to the ambience.  Imagine now if you will, an urbane setting with likeminded close friends getting together over a great meal in a modern and up to date space, comfortable and at ease in an area that is both attractive and appropriate.

The Traditional Dining Area – You can’t go wrong with a traditional or formal dining room, it is something that remains a timeless classic that will never look out of date. Formal upholstered chairs, a traditional dining table with a formal center piece, with creamy walls and a traditional wood floor can set the tone, around which the rest can be designed. An old fashioned or antique chandelier, prints of classic paintings of still life paintings, antique chinaware, exquisite crystal ware, can add to this. An arched entry way, formal corner cabinets and a traditional hutch can complete the picture for the formal dining set.

The Transitional Dining Area – The transitional dining room is one which draws on a mixture of the traditional and the contemporary. While there is a degree of the ornate here, the area should not be formal and should be tempered with some of the more modern design principles. With transitional dining furniture, you aim for attractive and relaxed, with a touch or flourish here and there. You can mix and match – modern lighting with a traditional dining set, or contemporary dining furniture with traditional flooring and wall colors or even an old fashioned wall paper. This sort of dining room gives you more flexibility and freedom to create your own dining space as per your liking and requirement.

So choose your style and create your own distinct ambience.

At Plushpod.com I found a bunch of really striking cube and circular seats. I liked these cube stools which range from $200 to $400: in different colors and sizes and in a suede microfiber finish.

Now this one is called the Voido Lounge Chair (apparently because of the voids in it I imagine?) ranges from $1080 up, so it isn’t cheap by any standards, however I love how cool it is, and am very tempted to get it I have to tell you…

This is the Real Good Stool, which you can get in a range of colors such as red, black, blue and grey. I think this is a really cool and modern design, and I have to see how many of these I can fit into my budget at $199.

As for this shoe chair, I know that it is quite impractical and it probably will clash with the rest of my stuff (I mean that shade of neon green; I don’t think so and that leopard print is rather James Bondesque at best ) however I could not resist posting this here, especially since it comes at the not too expensive price tag of $209 which is down from $ 299.

This ultra romantic love seat I thought was too adorable and is available for the substantial discount at $1400 down from $2661. However I’ll have to run this by my significant other, I doubt he is going to let it cross our threshold J.

I think I will probably settle for this other much cheaper love seat which also folds down. The red Flomo Loveseat is available for $556.99 down from $1059. I have to admit it is more practical than the lips shaped thing above.

This bedroom set includes a queen size contemporary bed, a dresser with mirror and a chest of drawers that is admittedly very steep at upward of $5000, but they do offer a hefty $1,176 discount, so that it is yours for $3,918. Yes I know, still not cheap; but if you are looking to make a life time investment in your furniture, then this is the sort of thing that you may just want to consider.

Another item that I liked very much on this site is this sliding love seat. Again, not cheap (retail price $1139 and available for the discounted prices of $876) but it is a beautiful and unusual piece of furniture, I can just envision long, cozy, intimate hours spent on the love seat with my significant other, perhaps having a drink, perhaps curled up with a good movie; perhaps just having a chat about this that and the other!

They also have a lot of very beautiful dining sets, including not just dining tables and chairs, but also others items like side boards, hutches, servers, etc. in all the different styles that the Amish are so famous for: Quaker, Shaker, Mission, Victoria etc., all again very expensive, but at a one third discount these may just fit into one’s budget.

I love beautiful linen and bedroom accessories; so I found one more interesting thing on the site: if you make a purchase of above $500, you automatically entitle yourself to a $100 discount on quilts from here. Expensive stuff, no doubt, but beautiful, if you are of a mind to be extravagant!

Now as I said in my last post, it is a good idea to find a reasonably secluded location for your home office. But if that is simply not possible, it may be a good idea to set up a kind of shed in the backyard which you can then set up to use as a home office! These are admittedly not cheap, but they cost less than a room addition, don’t require contractors and can be assembled and ready for use in one to four days. Cedar shed has a great selection of ready to assemble backyard sheds which you can use as a home office.

The next step would be the appropriate furnishing for your home office. The basic requirement is a desk or computer work station and a comfortable ergonomically designed chair. Be warned that if your work involves long periods of sitting at your desk, a well designed chair is a must, if you are not to be beset with problems such as backache and all manner of other discomforts!

Hooker Furniture gives you a lot of home office options but the items were not priced on the website and you are asked to feed in your zip code to find a dealer.

Office Furniture is a site that offers an extensive range of home office furniture. They charge $159 for this very smart and well designed computer desk. I liked their executive desk for $329 which is a simple classic style.

Keeping in my mind that a work chair should always be a swivel and tilt variety I also liked their range of office chairs, which start from $98 for this nice black office chair.

Wholesale Furniture Brokers is another site with an extensive range of home office furniture. I liked their computer desk with bookcase for $179.

I really enjoy the option of working from home and these days it is surprisingly doable!

]]> http://www.greatpriceshere.com/2008/05/21/home-office-bargains/feed/ 8 http://www.greatpriceshere.com/2008/05/19/having-home-office/ http://www.greatpriceshere.com/2008/05/19/having-home-office/#comments Mon, 19 May 2008 05:24:30 +0000 Nicole Price http://www.greatpriceshere.com/?p=52 With the Internet giving us opportunities for staying connected like never before, more and more of us have the option of working from home! If you are in the daily grind of commuting to and from office, battling heavy traffic and spending that most precious of commodities, time, on travel, then you need to ask yourself the question if it is possible for you to work from home.

If it is not possible to work from home all the time, perhaps you can reassess the time that you need to spend in office, whether you need to go in everyday or if it is possible to go in once or twice a week while still being able to accomplish the bulk of work from home. Because, remember time saved is money saved and the amount that you will save on actual travel costs is a bonus! If you don’t already have an office set up at home, you may want to keep the following in mind:

Pick a Space: A small, unused room in your house could work, or even part of a room can be used if you don’t need too much space. Think of what you need to set up an office away from office in your own house. Perhaps a desk, ergonomically designed chair, some storage shelves and drawers may be all the furniture that you require. Mind that you don’t pick a space where most of the family hang out at all times.Tthat will make for too much disturbance and you’ll never get any work done! Some seclusion is a good idea.

Work out what you actually need: Before you go on a shopping spree, assess what is required. Sometimes you may overlook an unused item that is already there in your home, which may fulfill your purpose. Perhaps there is an unused chest of drawers or a set of shelves that you can set up for your home office. Then if you realize that you really need to get some additional items to set up a work station at home, make a list of those things.

Look around; consider used furniture: Flea markets or furniture consignment shops can give you some great deals. This online Yellow Pages site is arranged city wise to give you quick and accurate access to the items of your choice. Consider taking on furniture that high end hotels are looking to dispose of because they tend to redecorate every few years. Sometimes similar deals can be got from offices who are redecorating as well.

Since I am looking to redecorate my own home office, I will write about any bargains that I find in my next post.

I was already in love with this bedroom set from their site. I hope they have a sale on their platform beds next. Also worth checking out is their collection of recliners.

If you find any other furniture sites offering discounts, do leave me a comment.