It's a cover-up

Interesting fact #7 - Creative solutions using fabric

Fabric isn't just for curtains. There are many unique and original ways you can inject a bit of that favorite fabric into your home. Here are a few:

Did you know you could make a feature of a concealed storage space? Stretch some exclusive fabric over an MDF door and voila! Instead of your run-of-the-mill cupboard you have a feature. (like Staffan and Monique did in the en-suite of their sophisticated apartment; via Livingetc).

You can even use that same idea to create a unique piece of artwork for your home, as our in-house designers did for the Bemz Marimekko photoshoot, pictured below.

Or, did you know that you can still use that fabric that you absolutely love but is just too expensive? Buy less of it and use every single inch wisely. Here's how:

Keep your expensive fabric for borders and hems: you can make a contrasting hem for a bed skirt, a pillow, cushion or tablecloth. Using expensive fabric on the front of the pillow or cushion is a terrific way to highlight it. Or use it for a flanged border (a strip of fabric folded in half and sewn into the pillow seam). You’ll need a strip of fabric the perimeter of your pillow, plus an extra 12 inches or so, to allow for pleats or gathering at each corner. A great look for much less for curtains can be achieved by dressing up the seams closest to the center (called the leading edges or center split) with a flat border of expensive fabric sewn into the panels of regular material.

Flat pieces, like table runners or flat panel curtains are always easy sewing projects and give you the full benefit of the pattern, as it won’t get “lost” in the gathers. Even if you don’t sew, you may be able to use an iron-on fusible webbing or even fabric glue to finish the fabric’s raw edges.

Finally, did you know that even if, like me, you can't sew, you can still use those leftover scraps or even swatches? Don't ditch them! Instead, wrap a small present using a scrap of fabric and pretty matching ribbon. You can even make your own ribbon by cutting the fabric on the bias into strips. If the recipient likes to sew, you'll be giving a two-in-one gift.

Credit: About.com, eHow.

Interesting fact #5 - Shop? Store? E-tail?

Did you know that originally shop designated a small retail establishment and store was only applied to a large establishment? Today the difference is most definitely blurred. Throw relatively new words like e-tail into the mix and the difference seems insignificant. The word e-tail is derived from 'electronic' and 'retail', in a similar way to e-mail, and has been used since 1995.

An e-tailer is a retailer that uses the Internet as a channel for customers to shop for their goods or services. According to Wikipedia, there are two different kinds of e-tailer: pure play and bricks and clicks. Bemz is a pure play e-tailer as the Internet and its website act as its storefront. Other examples include Dell and Amazon.

A bricks and clicks e-tailer is a more traditional type of retailer that still has a physical shop but has also taken on offering its products or services via the Internet. The combination of Internet and traditional storefront is said to be a part of the green economics movement, promoting ethical consumerism.

Interesting fact #3 - How to save 70% on a sofa

Did you know that you don't have to sacrifice personal taste just because you are on a budget? You just need to be a little more creative... I posted some tips for shopping during in a recession back in February but here are a few concrete examples.

On the UK's Preloved site for second hand sales, I found a 2-seater Ektorp for just £40 (US$64). At the time of writing, you could pick up a beautiful Prisma Stripe cover from Bemz in Eggshell Blue (top left) or Moss Green (pictured right) from our Clearance Corner for the 2-seater Ektorp. That's over 40% off the original Bemz price and a total savings of over £280 (US$450), i.e., 60% cheaper than buying the Ektorp and Bemz cover new. Not only that, but the total cost worked out to £185 (US$290) which is still a 17% savings on buying the sofa new from Ikea with their least expensive cover (white). And chances are with the Bemz cover, you won't see an identical sofa at a friend's house...

If you live in the West Midlands, UK, one seller is auctioning a Klippan on eBay for £9.99 (US$16). Throw in a Bemz cover from the Clearance Corner in Teal Blue or Sage Brown and you've got yourself a "new" sofa for £53 (US$85). That's a massive savings of £143 (US$228), 72% cheaper than a new Klippan and Bemz cover and still 55% less than the bottom range Klippan new from Ikea.

These examples are obviously regional but you'll have similar sites where you are. For example, Craigslist and ebay are big in the USA and Canada and offer an abundance of second-hand Ikea goods. Swedes love Blocket for buying and selling second hand stuff and new to the scene, I Love Ikea, focuses entirely on second hand Ikea furniture. I'm sure if you google "second hand Ikea sofa" you'll get a few hits. Find out where you need to register for sales where you are and then be diligent about checking them regularly! Register for email alerts wherever possible, and don't forget about potential freebies on sites like Freecycle.

Isn't it nice to know you can shop again? Happy shopping!

PS If you are looking for really good sites for sourcing second-hand furniture in your area, please post your questions here. And let's help each other out - if you know of a great site, pass it on!

Please note that Bemz takes no responsibility for the availability of examples listed above.