Christmas is coming and the house is getting... A makeover. Even before the festive decs start to go up there is still time for some home improvements in anticipation of family getting together and friends dropping by.
Far from downing DIY tools in November and December, many people will be looking at ways to get in some last-minute decorating in to refresh rooms, or rethinking their furniture to cater to guests coming for dinner or sleeping over.
If you are hosting at Christmas or even spending time at home with just the family, there are three key areas you can focus on to make sure they feel comfortable and welcoming: the living room, dining area and the sleeping space.
Give your living room some love
This pink velvet sofa bed adds glamour to the living room. Rest your favourite tipple on the side table
You want to be sure you have enough seats to lounge on while enjoying a hot chocolate and rewatching Elf and Home Alone. If your sofa cushions are on the point of collapse, now would be the perfect time to upgrade. There are big savings being offered on furnishings with a host of pre-Christmas sales, but check delivery dates to make sure they will be in your home ahead of the big day. If you are looking to make a big impact but are working on a budget, check out refurbished items which can give great style at a fraction of the cost. Add texture and colour to your winter scheme with cosy throws and new cushion covers.
If you are refreshing the look of a room, tidying up overlooked corners can really pay dividends. A new floor lamp that arches over seating can create a cosy zone for reading. Or clear out the clutter and invest in a side or end table – the perfect perch for a warm drink, mulled wine or a Christmas cocktail. You can create layers of interest on it by mixing tall lamps and vases with smaller ornaments, like a quirky picture in a preloved retro frame.
Get dinner party ready
Expecting guests for Christmas dinner? Make sure there are enough seats for all
In the dining room, do you have enough chairs to seat everyone coming to dinner without having to repurpose garden chairs or stack up cushions on a footstool? Up your dinner table game with some preloved chairs; even if you can’t find a complete set, you can mix up contrasting styles for an eclectic effect. If they are second hand, you can even try your hand at a little upcycling by stripping back the wood, repainting it or reupholstering with a bright new fabric to tone with your décor.
For a showpiece DIY project in your dining area, set up your own bar – It can be as simple as a set of shelves dressed with glasses, bottles, fun prints and some twinkly lights. But for some serious cocktail serving, try customising a practical but plain cupboard to make the ultimate cocktail cabinet. If it’s glass fronted, paint the frame in a funky new colour and paper the back with an eye-catching print. If it’s a plain front, use dowels to create an on-trend reeded effect or use a chalky furniture paint and a contrasting metallic finish for a luxe look.
The big bedroom makeover
Turn your spare room into a dressing/guest room with a sofa bed like this one from Homcom
Sleeping arrangements can get stretched to the max when you have friends and loved ones staying over, with sofas cushions or blow up mattresses all pressed into service, and even doubled-up duvets being used to make a soft surface on the floor.
If you have a spare room that has become a bit of a dumping ground, now would be the ideal time to give it a hotel-chic transformation. First you should begin by decluttering and getting rid of anything in the room you no longer use. If it’s in good condition, why not try selling it on Ebayand earn some money to put towards your room redecoration?
A lick of paint is the quickest way to refresh tired walls. You can even experiment with clever paint effects like arches or circles, or perhaps a block of colour that goes up the wall as a space-saving ‘headboard’.
When buying a bed, look at a divan or ottoman style so you can still use the room for storage. Or turn the space into a dressing room with space to sleep. You can have a sofa bed that is a seat by day and space to sleep by night, or a daybed loaded with cushions that is long enough to relax in. Add a new wardrobe – or upcycle an old one – and some drawers for clothes and accessories. Throw a soft rug on the floor, arrange a gallery of prints on the wall and you’ll have the perfect sanctuary that you’ll want to use all year round.
About Ebay
Ebay is the premier online shopping site that's famous for its auctions and chance to buy from stores at great value prices. Globally renowned, you can shop for preloved, refurbished or new items, and win yourself a bargain. It is a brilliant way to furnish your home or find original pieces. Look for savings on the Ebay offer site.