When it comes to shopping for something as critical as furniture for your home, you want to feel safe in knowing that the brand you’re buying from has your best interests at heart. Studies show that 79% of shoppers today only consider companies that show they care about them — and at RC Willey, we really do! That’s why we created the Blue Rewards Annual Membership to help you save precious money and get the most out of every purchase.
Making Rewards Simple
Every time you spend money with RC Willey — whether it be with cash, credit card, or through your RC Willey Payment Plan — you earn a rebate that is paid out twice a year. Cash or credit card purchases earn 1% of the original amount toward your rebate, but if you purchase through an RC Willey Payment Plan, that rebate percentage jumps up to a whopping 2.5%. That’s more money in your pocket you can use for future shopping sprees!
Plus, say goodbye to those pesky delivery fees for online transactions. In addition to earning rebates on all of your purchases, Blue Rewards members get standard delivery FREE for an entire year. To put that into perspective, non-members have to pay $59 per delivery. That’s money you could otherwise be saving with just the click of a button!
In addition to free standard delivery, Blue Rewards members who buy using an RC Willey Payment Plan also get FREE express delivery on mattress, TV, and appliance purchases. This is in addition to a slew of other “Member Only” promotions, discounts, and deals that RC Willey Blue Rewards members have exclusive access to.
But the perks don’t end there. When you purchase an appliance or TV and add a RC Willey extended warranty as a rewards member, you gain an additional year free. That free year turns into two if you pay using an RC Willey Payment Plan. And even without an extended warranty, RC Willey will still enhance your one-year manufacturer warranty with added protection. The savings just don’t stop!
The new trend of releasing blockbuster movies simultaneously in both theaters and on streaming services means that the living room needs to replicate big-screen acoustics for the optimal viewing experience. Navigating through the hundreds of options for home audio systems can be daunting. Never fear — this post will help you pick between two of the most common types of personal speaker systems. Read on to learn more about soundbars and surround-sound home theater speakers (as well as how you can pick between them!).
Knowing the Difference Between Soundbars and Surround Sound
For many years, 5.1 surround sound set the standard for high-quality audio. The “five” in the “5.1” referred to the five speakers that surrounded the room or central point for listening. The “point one” signified the accompanying subwoofer. Now, it is becoming more common to create 7.1 or even 9.2 setups for full, immersive viewing experiences at home. Most surround sound speakers will need a separate component called a “receiver” to manage inputs and connect to televisions and entertainment centers, but most of these home theater systems are sold in sets, like the Yamaha – 5.1-Channel 4K Home Theater Speaker System with Powered Subwoofer.
Center channel speaker: The center channel speaker is primarily used to transmit spoken dialogue or music. This speaker should be placed directly in front of the primary listening area.
Left/right channel speakers: The left/right channel speakers should be placed at the very front of your setup since most movie soundtracks and sound effects route through these units. Experts recommend that these speakers be spaced 60 degrees from the listening center as a result.
Subwoofer: The subwoofer handles all the low-frequency sounds. Its position is not as critical as frequencies lower than 120 Hz are difficult to hear anyways, but it’s usually placed to the left or right of your TV.
Left/right surround speakers: The side or rear surround speakers assist the front left/right channels with additional ambient sounds and directional effects that create a rich soundscape. In a 5.1 setup, these speakers should be placed 100-120 degrees from the center channel.
In contrast to surround sound systems, sound bars are an all-in-one sound solution. Housed in a single, compact device, sound bars are made up of a cluster of small speakers carefully arranged to mimic a traditional 5.1 audio setup. Products like the Sonos Arc Soundbar bounce audio waves to create an immersive three-dimensional listening effect without the need for multiple speakers placed around a room. Most sound bars are also Bluetooth compatible so a wide variety of devices can be linked up to them. Sound bars should be placed directly in front of the listening center and about 5-15 inches (13-38 cm) below your TV.
One thing to keep in mind is that sound bars do not have the ability to adequately produce low-frequency sounds. Because of this, they are often sold in sets with a subwoofer like the Klipsch Cinema 600W 3.1-Channel Soundbar System.
Comparing Surround Sound and Soundbars
Both sound bars and home theater surround sound systems work well in a wide variety of room sizes. Knowing which system to invest in really depends on how powerful (also known as the wattage) you want your speakers to be. In general, a pair of 100-watt speakers fills a 500-square foot room perfectly. Depending on your room size, a surround sound system might be overkill. In these cases, a good sound bar instead of a full surround sound system may be all you need.
In general, the average price for a sound bar is less than the average price for a home theater surround sound system. Sound bars typically only include one or two devices, while home theaters have upwards of six to nine components plus the stands or mounts needed to set speakers on. Also, installation fees can inflate the cost, depending on how difficult your system is to set up. Basic sound bars start at about $100 while most surround sound systems usually begin at $500. However, high-end systems for both sound bars and home theaters can easily get into the thousands of dollars.
For the less technical, sound bars have the clear advantage over home theater systems. Most sound bars are “plug-and-play” — meaning once you take it out of the box, connect one wire to your TV, and plug it into an outlet, you’re good to go. In contrast, home theaters can be extremely complex to install with some systems requiring carpentry skills (or the hiring of experts) to set up properly.
Even though home theater surround sound systems are much more difficult to get up and going, they have a huge advantage with their customization ability. The sheer variety of speaker sets available can transform the look of your room. You can install speakers in your wall, mount them on a wall, or just have them on a floor stand. Plus, surround sound systems allow you to have technical control over your sound. Don’t you hate how some movies have quiet dialogue with overly loud action sequences? With a surround sound system, you can adjust the volume levels of specific speakers to redesign your listening experience.
Here’s a handy table that breaks down how surround sound systems and sound bars respectively perform in a variety of categories.
Soundbars
Home Theater Surround Sound
Sound quality
High-end soundbars can duplicate 5.1 surround sound effects, but not to the same degree as home theater setups.
Although soundbars produce extremely high quality sound, the full immersion surround sound provides can’t be beat.
Ease of use
The simplicity of having an all-in-one sound system makes installation and troubleshooting a breeze.
You might need an expert to teach you how to install and use your sound system, which can get frustrating and costly to deal with.
Customization
Soundbars can connect to a wide variety of devices via Bluetooth. For an additional cost, you can also connect more speakers, like a subwoofer, to enhance the base bar.
Multiple speakers and a dedicated audio receiver means you can completely redesign how music and movies sound with a few clicks of a button.
Price
Even though soundbars can get really pricey, in general they are much more budget-friendly than home theater surround sound systems.
The increased cost of home theater surround sound is due to the large amount of components you must buy to make it work.
Both soundbars and home theater surround sound systems have pros and cons and deciding which one is best for you boils down to which system you think will work best in your space. To see what RC Willey has in stock, check out soundbars and surround sound systems at your nearest location today.
Love is in the air — and so is a new season of gift giving. As we approach Valentine’s Day in 2022, show your loved ones how much you care by treating them to one (or all) of these 9 best Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Whether you’re shopping for a romantic partner, family member, or simply looking to buy yourself something special, these items will have anyone (even the biggest Valentine’s Day haters) ready to feel the love this February.
Romantic Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her
If you’re struggling to figure out what to get the special lady in your life this Valentine’s Day that isn’t your stereotypical flowers and chocolate, look no further. Whether she swoons over romantic displays of affection or prefers practical items for everyday use, these gift ideas will give you the inspiration you need to treat your girlfriend or wife like the queen she really is.
Finding the right words to express your feelings to your female significant other can be difficult, especially when classic movie lines like Jerry Maguire’s “You complete me” or Noah Calhoun’s “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” have already set her expectations through the roof. How are you supposed to compete with that? The answer: you can’t, but you can get one of these romantic wall displays to do it for you. With a sign reading “Above all things, love” hanging in her living room, she’ll be reminded every day just how much you care. Choose from a variety of heartfelt love-letters that will complement any home’s interior. From simple, yet powerful statements like “I love you to the moon and back” to more elaborate sentiments, these wall decor items are bound to win over the heart of any hopeless romantic.
As far as Valentine’s Day gifts go, flowers are a safe last-minute option you can always rely on to deliver (both literally and figuratively). But if you really want to woo your lady this year, don’t just buy her any old flowers from the grocery store — get her something that will last from this selection of unique floral arrangements and house plants. Instead of the standard bouquet of red roses that every woman receives on Valentine’s Day, you can buy your partner a Multi-Color Faux Calla Lily Arrangement to match her colorful personality. Or, if you’re both rom-com fans, try out your own rendition of the “love fern” in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days with this Artificial Green Fern Arrangement (but don’t worry, this one won’t die like the fern in the movie).
If sappy poems and long-stemmed roses aren’t your Valentine’s cup of tea, try getting her something she’ll actually use like new kitchenware that will make cooking dates even more enjoyable for the both of you. Maybe your significant other has been hinting at wanting a new KitchenAid Mixer or Pasta Roller Set, or maybe you’ve noticed she’s in need of new cutlery or cookware. Whatever the case may be, this is your chance to get your significant other something she’s always wanted, but could never justify buying for herself. Treat her to something luxurious and high tech like the Brazilian Flame Rotisserie Grill with 5 Skewers and Upper Tray or buy her something simple that you know she’ll get a lot of use out of like the Wolf Gourmet 2-Slot Toaster. These small kitchen appliances offer a variety of practical gift options that are bound to please your loved one more than any giant teddy bear or box of chocolates ever could.
Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him
When it comes to Valentine’s Day shopping for men, you want to pick a present that’s meaningful, thoughtful, and personal — but not overtly cheesy. This list of gift ideas treads that line perfectly with options that range from entertainment and style to ultimate comfort that will accommodate all of your boyfriend or husband’s unique interests.
Everyone loves to be spoiled on Valentine’s Day, and that certainly includes the special man in your life. This upcoming holiday, remind your partner how valuable the time you spend together is by getting him a new watch to count down all of life’s precious moments with you. Whether he’s a classic guy who appreciates timeless styles like the Galaxy 46mm Watch4 Classic or prefers a more modern design like the Letsfit IW1 Smart Watch, these watches are bound to bring a smile to your significant other’s face and show him how much you care. Plus, if it’s a new relationship and you don’t want to commit to a full timepiece just yet, you can always opt for a watch strap like the Samsung Black Ridge Sport Band instead.
It may seem obvious, but the secret to giving good gifts is to pay attention to what the person receiving them actually likes. For instance, if your boyfriend or husband loves playing video games in his spare time, you have all the information you need to get him the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. Depending on whether he’s a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo user, consider getting your significant other new gaming equipment like the JBL Quantum ONE Gaming Headphones or Elite Wireless Controller for the upcoming holiday. Or if you really want to go all out, surprise him with a gaming gift he’ll never take for granted like the 1UP X-Men 4 Player Arcade Machine.
For some guys, no fancy device or piece of clothing can beat an evening of comfort and relaxation — which is exactly what these recliners bring to the table. This Valentine’s Day, give your man the gift of uninterrupted leisure time with a new piece of furniture like the Amaretto Leather Power Recliner to call his very own. If he’s a fan of going to the movie theater (but isn’t able to because of COVID-19 or other reasons), you can bring the cinema experience to him with the Cinema Brown Power Home Theater Recliner. Or for the man who has everything, consider this Sauvage Charcoal Gray Power Recliner with Power Headrest that’s perfect for watching a movie, reading a book, or even settling in for a nice afternoon nap.
Valentine’s Day Gifts For Singles
Roses are red, violets are blue, here are some Valentine’s Day gifts that are just meant for you! Even if you find yourself without a romantic partner this upcoming holiday, that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate a little self-love. Treat yourself to these indulgent gifts and create the ultimate night of relaxation this February 14th — no Valentine necessary.
If there’s one thing that’s bound to help make Valentine’s Day feel less like Single’s Awareness Day, it’s a good ol’ movie marathon in the comfort of your own home. But instead of just relying on your own collection of DVDs or Netflix’s sizeable (yet limited) catalog, get access to all of your favorite rom-coms and chick flicks this upcoming holiday by gifting yourself a new media streaming gadget. Use devices like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Apple TV 4K 32GB to turn your regular living room television into a smart TV that can play anything you tell it to. And with affordable options like the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite, you can relish in knowing you’re saving money while everyone else is out spending it on expensive dates.
Of course, if you decide to stay in on Valentine’s Day, you may as well be comfortable in the process. Luckily, nothing says comfort quite like this selection of soft goods. If you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room that also doubles as a fuzzy shoulder to cry on when you’re feeling particularly lonely, this 18 Inch Navy Blue Throw Pillow may be just what you need. Or for those who want something a little more luxurious, this Gray-Toned Faux Wolf Fur Throw paired with a Black Faux Fur Chinchilla Throw Pillow offers the ultimate lounging experience that will leave you feeling like royalty.
RC Willey Reno, Nevada provides all your furniture, appliance, and electronic needs. Located in Washoe County since 2005, RC Willey Reno sits at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Steamboat Parkway. With 170,000 square feet of showroom space, you’ll find a large array of outdoor furniture and rustic furniture.
With RC Willey Reno’s Instant Credit and No Interest Financing offerings, you can build custom payment plans to help offset the cost of your new furniture. Also, don’t forget about the Blue Rewards program, a unique $79 per year membership that offers free delivery, extended warranties, and other exclusive benefits for joining. Your home, your way.
Love is in the air and sprinkling some of its special flavor into your living room decor could be just the right amount of je ne sais quoi to make Valentine’s Day date night extra special. Sofas and loveseats are both perfect for cuddling, but understanding how to arrange them when decorating can be a challenge. That’s why we put together this handy guide of things to consider when arranging sofas and loveseats.
Although loveseats and sofas have a lot of similar characteristics, they do differ in a few key features. Knowing how to tell the difference between a loveseat and sofa could be key to improving your living room’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The biggest difference between the two pieces is size. Sofas typically come in a multiplicity of styles and shapes. They often have extra features like recliners built into the frame. In contrast, loveseats stay true to the images their names conjure and remain ideal for two people. Smaller and more compact, loveseats can fit into tight areas, but lack the bells and whistles of their larger sofa cousins.
Size-wise, standard loveseats typically run about 60 inches long. Compare that with the average sofa, which ranges between 75 to 91 inches, and you’ll quickly see just how noticeable that length difference is when indoors. For apartments or townhouses, a loveseat might be a better investment since it frees up walking space and could make your living area feel more open. However, if you plan on having the friends and family over regularly for Sunday-night football, adding a sofa with plenty of available seating could make more sense. Either way, you’ll get a spot to throw your feet up and relax in your significant other’s arms. Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a night binging TV shows.
Experiment with Arrangements
If you have the bandwidth, incorporating both a loveseat AND a sofa in the same space is an effective and highly popular way of arranging living room furniture. Since both sofas and loveseats are typically upholstered and have underlying wood frame constructions, you can often find matching sets at your local furniture store. Sets save you the hassle of mixing and matching pieces as they typically come with same-length seat heights and proportional sizing.
Buying multiples of the same furniture piece is also a good way to elevate your living room’s decor. Instead of purchasing a six-seater couch, buy three small loveseats and arrange them in a U-shaped pattern. This design not only provides more walking room, but it also looks strategically aligned and immediately gives your living space a clear focal point.
Maximize Your Space
Loveseats and sofas can work in tandem to define nebulous living spaces and traffic flows. If your floor plan has an open space between the living room and your dining area, a strategically placed loveseat can create a border that delineates where guests should eat versus where they should sit and socialize. To reinforce this separation, consider buying a large rug that expands to the edges of your sofa and loveseat. Accent rugs are also good items for dividing larger spaces into smaller, functionally defined areas.
Here are some additional ideas for maximizing space with a sofa and loveseat set:
Complement your large couch with a loveseat tucked away in a corner or underneath a window. This unobtrusive piece can be used for additional seating when needed.
For optimal walking room, consider including an armless chair alongside your sofa and loveseat. These change up seating options and allow ease of movement around your living space.
These ideas — along with many others — can help make your living room a curated place of relaxation, socialization, and entertainment.
Know Your Room’s Purpose
Of course, loveseats and sofas don’t just have to be confined to living rooms. Bedrooms, sitting rooms, and home offices also benefit from these designated sitting places. Thinking critically about the purpose of your space can help narrow down furniture options. For example, a sofa may make more sense for a “Netflix and chill” room since it allows for more lounge space and different sitting positions. Alternatively, a loveseat can be a nice addition to a master bedroom set as a napping spot or reading chair.
Sofas and loveseats also differ in the number of cushions each has, which is another attribute to take into consideration when thinking about the purpose of your soon-to-be decorated space. Loveseats typically have 1 to 2 cushions whereas sofas can range from an average of 2 to 4. Similarly, couch cushions are typically longer and plusher than their loveseat compatriots. For longer movie watching experiences or mid-afternoon catnaps, a sofa would work better.
However, if you envision your room as a place for conversation and light drinks, a sofa and loveseat combination may make a better alternative. Placing two coffee tables in the middle of your seating arrangement lengthens the room and provides easy access to guests with cups or plates. Another idea is to add accent chairs in a U-shape, which is great for facilitating conversation.
Identify Focal Points
Finally, identifying a clear focal point in your living room ties all your decor and furniture together in a purposeful way. In a room with a fireplace, the hearth is an obvious focal point. Arranging a loveseat perpendicular to the fireplace highlights its design while offering a warm and intimate place for sitting. If you don’t’ have a fireplace, a window serves as a nice focal point, particularly if two loveseats fan out from it in an L shape. Ideally, you’ll want to place your sofa or loveseat roughly 10 ft from the focal point in question. This opens your space up and allows for more walking room.
For rooms without obvious focal points, you can arrange your furniture and decor to create an artificial one. Placing a sofa parallel to a loveseat (with both facing inward) and adding two lounge chairs on either side creates a square. Putting an ottoman or coffee table in the center draws visitors’ eyes and gives your room visual structure.
Ultimately, sofas and loveseats are excellent pieces for classing up any living room area and can be placed in a wide variety of arrangements. When decorating, it comes down to knowing your space’s purpose, accounting for movement, and creating a single focal point. Whatever formation and furniture combination you decide on, you can rest assured that Valentine’s Day — and your romantic night in — will feel homier than ever before.
Not sure what sofa and loveseat options would fit best in your space? Contact a representative at RC Willey and get expert guidance on decorating your living room. Visit RCWilley.com today to view in-stock loveseats and sofas.
I had been planning and rearranging our spare bedroom for a little over a year before I finally decided to create the home office of my dreams!
First off, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Reneze (pronounced like Denise with an “R”), and I run a travel and lifestyle blog by the name of Sincerely Reneze. I am a Las Vegas local, but I often find myself on a plane to somewhere at least once a month. I started blogging in June of 2020 and have been fortunate enough to grow a community of travel, food, and design lovers over the past year and a half. My goal as a brand is to inspire and encourage everyone to create a life they love – one that they never have to take a vacation from!
I have always believed in working in an environment that inspires and uplifts, and that sentiment is what drove me while redesigning my home office. I wanted to go with an evergreen design while keeping a modern twist. I started my decorating process with finding a desk, as it is the most vital part of the room. I needed something small and sleek, yet still functional. Looking through the RC Willey website, I immediately fell in love with the Walnut and Black Metal Mid-Century Modern Desk. The uniqueness of this piece still gets me today and it truly ties the room together very well.
My second goal was to create a relaxing space to encourage myself to take breaks throughout the day. I decided I was going to have a lounge chair and a TV in the room. To keep up with the mid-century look, I chose a leather accent chair that is both comfortable and stylish. I also decided on the Samsung Smart Frame TV, and it has been one of my best decisions ever. Being able to switch between watching a show and my digital artwork of choice, the TV is great in this space.
The last thing I needed was a place I could store my stuff and a hint of “Vegas.” That’s when I decided to use a Dining Room Sideboard as an entertainment storage unit. The black and gold provided the perfect amount of “pop” and was an incredible addition to the office. I added a turntable and a faux plant to complete the mid-century aesthetic, and it was everything I have ever dreamed of!
RC Willey delivered a series of amazing products that made my home office a space that continuously inspires me and encourages me to get work done! Check out RCWilley.com to purchase these products for your home and don’t forget to follow me at SincerelyReneze.com while you’re at it!
If you’re looking for furniture stores near Meridian, Idaho, make RC Willey Boise your next stop. Located just off the I-84 and S. Eagle Road, RC Willey Meridian is conveniently situated 11 miles away from downtown Boise. This furniture, appliance, and electronic store provides all your home design needs and serves the communities of Boise, Meridian, and Nampa, Idaho.
For just $79 per year, enroll in RC Willey Boise’s Blue Rewards program, which offers exclusive benefits like free delivery and extended warranties to members. Also, RC Willey provides an Instant Credit and No Interest Financing plan that allows shoppers to set up payment plans for large purchases. Your home, your way.
With every new year comes New Year’s Resolutions — many of which have to do with living a more active lifestyle. However, as we all know, these fitness goals can be difficult to reach, especially on those cold January mornings when the last thing you want to do is get out of bed and jog to the gym. So, how can you break this vicious cycle of setting goals only to give up on them three weeks into the New Year?
The answer is simple: bring the gym directly into your home. NordicTrack — a recent partner of RC Willey that specializes in home exercise equipment — is the perfect solution for anyone looking to step up their fitness routine in 2022. Whether you’ve vowed to lose weight, do more cardio, or make exercise a part of your daily lifestyle, NordicTrack’s collection of treadmills, studio cycles, and rowing machines will give you the motivation you need to finally check this item off your New Year’s Resolutions list.
Get Personalized Training At Home with NordicTrack’s Commercial Treadmill Series
Getting into the habit of working out every day can be a daunting task all on its own. Then, when you factor in all the time and planning that goes into creating your own routine from scratch, it can seem virtually impossible. NordicTrack’s Commercial Treadmill Series takes these problems out of the equation by providing a variety of interactive, personalized training options that you can use in the comfort of your own home.
Tailor a workout experience that’s right for you by choosing from the new and standard Commercial 1750, 2450, and 2950 models. Each of these treadmills uses tread cushioning that allows you to soften impact on your joints with one setting and stimulate a real-road running experience with another. Plus, they are all equipped with iFit technology, a feature that gives you access to a library of over 16,000 on-demand workouts guided by a variety of world-class personal trainers.
Transport yourself into a room with Tennille Boseman as she leads one of her high-energy studio sessions or travel to a mountaintop with Rivers Puzey for a global workout you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned gym goer or just starting out on your fitness journey, these highly versatile treadmills can be adapted to fit anyone’s unique workout routine.
Travel the World With NordicTrack’s Commercial Studio Cycles
If your resolutions include exercising and traveling more in 2022, NordicTrack’s series of Commercial Studio Cycles may cross more than one item off your list this year. Have you ever dreamed of cycling through the bustling streets of Japan, mountainous regions of Switzerland, or alongside fellow athletes in the beautiful scenery of the Tour De France? With NordicTrack’s S15i and new and standard S22i cycles, you can do all of that and more without even leaving the confines of your own home.
Use iFit virtual training sessions to transport yourself to new and exciting locations all while participating in electrifying workouts with some of the best personal trainers on the market. Each cycle’s flex frame simulates the real feel and movement of an outdoor cycle, helping to immerse you in once-in-a-lifetime cycling experiences. NordicTrack also uses expertly engineered flywheels with Silent Magnetic Resistance for a quieter, smoother ride. And as an added bonus, each cycle comes with a set of 3 Lb. dumbbells, giving you everything you need for the ultimate full-body workout.
Elevate Your Workout To New Heights With NordicTrack’s Rowers
Not everyone can afford a rowboat and, if they did, live close enough to a body of water to use one. Luckily with NordicTrack’s Rower series, that’s no longer a problem.
Whether you’re looking to give your upper body a good workout or simply let off a little steam, the RW500 as well as the new and standard RW900 rowers are bound to offer a truly unforgettable exercise experience. Choose from the iFit library of training sessions to break up the monotony of your everyday routine. With the click of a button, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of some of the world’s greatest reservoirs directly from your living room.
NordicTrack’s dual resistance technology also creates a powerful combination of digital and air resistance to your rower, giving you a more substantial and immersive workout with every session. But if that workout starts to feel a little too immersive, rest assured that each rower’s quick-adjust footrests will keep you safe and secure at all times so you never have to compromise the intensity of your workouts.
You can view these items and more at your closest RC Willey or online at RCWilley.com today. For more information on NordicTrack, click here.
Fabric couches look great, but they can be a real pain to keep clean. The regular wear-and-tear of life — eating quick meals in the living room, spilling a drop of coffee on the armrest, dogs tracking muddy paws over the cushions — take a particularly hard toll on fabric sofas.
Even in the most clean and organized households, oil and dirt from human bodies eventually sink into the fabric and make your guest room’s prime furniture showpiece look…well, less showy. Here are 7 things you should definitely know when learning how to clean a fabric couch.
Your Sofa’s Cleaning Codes Matter
Before you attempt any couch cleaning, check out your sofa’s cleaning tag. Each piece will include a manufacturer’s tag that includes important information for how to clean your fabric couch. A variety of natural and synthetic textile fabrics could be included in the makeup of your sofa, and each type requires specific cleaning instructions.
One note in particular to keep in mind is whether your couch’s fabric can handle water. Some upholsteries will actually stain worse when water is used to clean them. Here are some of the more common tags you will see on couch labels (and what they mean):
W
Water can be used to clean your couch. It won’t leave stains or spot damages.
WS
Mild and dry-cleaning detergents can be used in conjunction with a steam vacuum.
X
Water should NOT be used to clean. Most experts recommend only using a vacuum on this type of material.
S
Dry-cleaning detergent or special solvents (usually detailed on the tag) only can be used as a cleaning agent.
Checking your sofa’s tag before cleaning is important for reasons other than just keeping your couch looking good. In some cases, failing to follow the manufacturer tag’s instructions can void warranties. When learning how to deep clean a couch, the first step should always — and we mean, always — be to check your sofa’s cleaning code.
Conduct Regular Cleanings
An easy way to avoid deep cleaning exercises is to keep up on regular, weekly fabric couch cleanings. Clean your sofa’s crevices and pick out any hair, food remnants, or toys that may have, quite literally, fallen through the cracks.
Mix together liquid dish soap and warm water to use on non-fabric couch surfaces like supports and feet. If you live in a humid area, consider placing a fan in front of your sofa for a few hours. Excess moisture can occasionally cause mildew, which you definitely do not want in your lounge spots.
Another tip to know when learning how to clean a fabric couch on a regular basis is paying particular attention to your cushions. If your couch’s cushions have removable covers, take them off and stick them in the washing machine. Otherwise, you can pursue the old-fashioned route of removing your cushions, taking them outdoors, and beating them manually. The sun actually provides great UV rays that help disinfect textiles, so this approach may be particularly well-suited if somebody in your household has been ill.
Of course, in a pinch, you can take the easy road: turning your cushions over so that the fresher-looking undersides show. This strategy also minimizes the run-down look some well-loved cushions inevitably get over time.
Use a Good Vacuum
When creating an attack plan for how to clean your fabric couch, include a reliable vacuum cleaner. Vacuums come in handy for any cleaning method you choose to use on your fabric sofa. Loose crumbs or smaller items are easier to pick up with a vacuum’s low setting, and the application of cleaners — whether it be a solvent or plain ‘ole water — runs more smoothly after vacuuming the couch’s surface first. Similarly, if you decide to try the baking soda route (more on that in a minute), you’ll need a vacuum to suck up the soda when you’re done.
Buy Some Baking Soda
Queue the drumroll please for the best underutilized cleaning agent of all time: baking soda! Although baking soda and its use in cleaning deserves a post of its own, it also makes cleaning fabric couches much simpler. Safe for most types of fabric, baking soda helps loosen embedded grime in your couch for easier vacuuming.
Just to be safe, spot test some backing soda on an inconspicuous spot of your couch. If your fabric does happen to be a type unfriendly to baking soda, you’ll find out pretty quickly with this spot check. Once this experiment has been successfully conducted, sprinkle baking soda onto your sofa’s surface and let it sit for a half hour. Then, use your vacuum to suck up the baking soda — and the dirt!
When deep cleaning your couch, you don’t need to use a lot of baking soda to get the job done. Light coverage will get you the results you want and cut down on vacuuming time. For a more in-depth cleaning, mix some baking soda with carpet cleaner, water, or dry upholstery (depending on what your manufacturer’s tab says is safe to use). This paste is particularly effective for removing grease stains. Gently apply the paste onto the stained areas of your couch and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, vacuum up the remnants.
Whichever baking soda method you opt to use, the results should be the same. Your upholstered couch will be cleaner — and smell much nicer — when you’re done.
Make DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Cleaning Agents
For some inexpensive and creative cleaning solutions, consider trying out a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) recipe. An important note before starting: make sure that you check your manufacturer’s tag to determine specific ingredients that are safe for use on your fabric. It bears repeating that your fabric couch could be ruined if you use non-approved cleaning agents on it.
Many natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard will work well for deep cleaning a couch. For example, 3 tbsps of white vinegar mixed with dish soap can be used to spot-treat stains. Don’t be too aggressive with applying this mixture; gentle wiping and light application are a better bet for ensuring the spot doesn’t get worse by being rubbed in further.
For larger areas that need some additional cleaning love, use a mixture of white vinegar with water and dish soap. Pour this solution into a spray bottle for easier cleaning. Simply spray the vinegar mixture onto your sofa, let it air-dry, and enjoy your newly cleaned couch.
Some additional DIY tips include using distilled water and working fast once spills do happen. Distilled water works better on many fabrics because it doesn’t leave mineral residue behind like tap water does. Similarly, since many fabrics are prone to stain quickly, it’s best to jump on them before they are able to soak up messes for too long. DIY solutions are great for fast cleaning since you’ll typically have the materials on-hand and readily available.
Dry Brush Your Fabric Couch
Investing in a dry brush is a good idea when learning how to clean a couch. When used properly, dry brushes loosen up dirt and debris on your sofa. To start, move the brush back and forth in a straight line. Try to follow your fabric’s grain instead of working against it. Brushing in this way is an easy and quick cleaning solution for sprucing up your couch.
Other brushing options include lint rollers for pet-friendly homes and, as a quick fix, large strips of packing tape. Brushing your sofa isn’t meant as a deep-cleaning solution, but it definitely helps freshen things up before company arrives.
Invest in a Steam Cleaner
As a final cleaning measure, consider buying or renting a steam cleaner to use on your fabric couch. Steam is great for loosening up dirt and, when used in conjunction with a vacuum, can be a great cleaning tool for your sofa. Depending on the type of steamer you use, you may need to fill up the machine with water or specialized cleaning solution. Consult your couch’s manufacturer tags for details on what you can use on your sofa’s fabric.
It’s particularly important to read these tags when using steam since some couches — even those that allow water as a cleaning treatment — cannot handle heat. If you’re still unsure after reading the instructions, spot test some steam on an out-of-the-way sofa part to see how your fabric takes it.
An alternative to a steam cleaner is a clothes iron. Putting your iron on its “steam” setting and slowly pulling it across your couch will have much the same effect as a traditional steamer. However, your best bet when it comes to applying heat is to follow any manufacturer directions provided on your sofa’s tag or included paper instructions.
Ultimately, learning how to clean a fabric sofa can seem like a daunting task, but keeping these 7 tips in mind will help you get started. Also, if you find yourself needing expert cleaning help, contact the representatives at RC Willey’s, and they can provide you with additional recommendations and paid cleaning services. Don’t have a fabric couch, but want one? Check out RCWilley.com to see the latest models in stock.
Although professional chefs may disagree, microwaves are one of the kitchen’s most underrated appliances. Whether you’re a college student living in tight quarters or a parent with three kids to feed, a quick and simple microwaved meal can be a true life-saver.
But what to do when the microwave oven you’ve had for fifteen years finally shorts out? Time to think about a replacement, which means figuring out how to install an over-the-range-microwave pronto. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to replace and install an over-the-range microwave oven.
Select the Right Over-the-Range Microwave
Just like most things in the consumer economy, a plethora of microwave product options exist. Regardless of whether you want to learn how to install a Whirlpool microwave, Samsung microwave, or another available brand product, there are some general guidelines to follow when shopping.
Typical microwave ovens tend to come in three distinct sizes: compact, mid-size, and full size. Appliance installation experts point out, though, that no set standard height, width, and depth measurements exist across the board for microwaves. This lack of consistency means that making sure the microwave you purchase will work with your existing kitchen’s setup should be top-of-mind for buyers.
Over-the-range microwaves differ from countertop microwaves. Most over-the-range models double as range vents, which means that they help suck up exhaust fumes from stove cooking. They sit above your stovetop and free up counter space. Fortunately, most over-the-range microwaves are designed to fit into a 30-inch wide space, a good metric to keep in mind while shopping.
It’s a good idea to measure your existing microwave before pulling out the pocketbook. The need to replace an over-the-range microwave can sometimes overwhelm practicalities, and the last thing you want is to buy a new microwave and realize it doesn’t fit into its allotted space. Pulling the ‘ole tape measure out is a good place to start your over-the-range microwave install.
Understand Venting Options for Over-the-Range Microwaves
Perhaps one of the trickiest parts of microwave installation is getting ventilation right. Typically, two venting options exist for over-the-range microwaves. The first relies on a vertical duct that blows exhaust into the outside air in an upwards motion. Alternatively, horizontal vents push air through a maze of ductwork in the adjacent wall.
Knowing which option is right for your kitchen depends on how existing ductwork is set up. Before installation, determine whether your current ductwork setup snakes upwards or sideways, If you’re unsure, you can always ask an installation expert from RC Willey for assistance. Sometimes, adjustments need to be made to your ducts, which is traditionally done with the addition of transition fittings or vent collars. Regardless, know precisely how your microwave’s ventilation will work before lifting a new one into place.
Prep Your Space for Installation
Even more important than the set-up itself is preparation of the area you plan to use for your new over-the-range model. Ensuring you have enough space for the new microwave is critical.
It’s a good idea to have the following tools easily accessible when prepping your space: • Measuring tape • Phillips screwdriver • Drill with an array of drill bit sizes • Masking tape • Scissors
Experts like the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommend that microwave bottoms should be placed no higher than 54 inches from the floor. Similarly, make sure your over-the-range microwave has enough clearance above the stove, which should be at a minimum 20 to 24 inches.
Similarly, having enough space between the microwave’s top and the kitchen ceiling as well as a large enough width between wall cabinets is key before attempting installation. Most over-the-range microwaves need overhanging cabinets above them so they can be properly fastened. Another point to keep in mind when learning how to install over-the-range microwave ovens is whether your kitchen has a backsplash. If so, the microwave needs to sit at least 2 inches above it.
This may go without saying, but remove your existing model before attempting to replace it with a new over-the-range microwave. Notice how your old microwave attaches to the bottom of the overhanging cabinet. Remove any screws, any existing mounting brackets (particularly since new microwaves come with their own custom installation instructions), and the microwave itself.
Set up Your Microwave’s Electrical Connection
Over-the-range microwaves require some electrical wiring to be set up before use. The overhanging cabinet above your over-the-range model will serve as the primary space for both mounting and any electrical cords that hook up your microwave. It may also house some venting ducts, depending on your setup.
Although most over-the-range microwaves come with detailed manufacturer instructions on how to position necessary wiring, you should not attempt this step of installation if you have any doubts about how to safely setup electrical components. As with anything involving electrical wiring, accidents can happen, and you should consider hiring a certified professional to assist.
Install Mounts for Microwave
Once your measurements, overhanging cabinet, and electrical wiring plan are in place, it’s time to finally break open the box for your newly purchased over-the-range microwave. Your microwave will come with paper templates that contain further instructions on how to install over-the-range microwaves. Tape one template to the back wall behind your microwave’s space and another to the bottom of the overhanging cabinet (included manufacturer instructions should make it clear which template goes where). For a visual, check out this quick video below.
Once the templates are set up, you should see on them specific spots to drill holes. These holes will be used for power cords and venting, so it’s important to drill them precisely where the templates indicate. For optimum support, take time to find studs on which you can drill. A standard stud finder tool will work well for this process, but you can also tap lightly across the wall with a hammer to listen for the solid thunk that indicates a stud. At minimum, the stud should be roughly 2 x 4 inches, and you should aim to drill as close to the middle of the stud as possible. Your over-the-range microwave oven installation will run more smoothly if the mount is solidly supported to begin with.
After drilling, mount the metal bracket included with your over-the-range microwave as shown in the manufacturer instructions. It’s critical to make sure the mount is supported by wall studs before moving onto the next step in the installation process.
Configure Ductwork for Ventilation
Although you already should have determined whether your ductwork lies horizontally or vertically, it’s time now to finally connect it all up with your microwave. All ductwork used in conjunction with your microwave needs to be metal. Any plastic options offered by hardware stores should be avoided in this instance.
Hopefully your ductwork is already more or less configured, but if not, ensure that your duct length stays below 140 feet. If the duct is longer, air flow may not circulate appropriately. Ideally, your ducts will primarily be straight. Having to use adapters, elbows, and roof caps could impede airflow. Ultimately, if you are unsure whether your ducts are set up properly for an over-the-range microwave installation, it’s best to get in touch with a professional that can help guide you through the process.
Lift and Install Your Over-the-Range Microwave
Once your ductwork and electrical setup is complete, you are finally ready to position and install your new over-the-range microwave oven. You should not attempt this step alone; this is where having a helper that can support the microwave’s weight while you hook it up is important for efficiency and safety’s sake.
First, you should double check that your microwave is in working order. Occasionally, microwaves can be damaged in transit or, if you’re installing a used over-the-range model, broken. Not only is your time wasted by installing a defunct microwave, but it could also be a hazard, particularly once hooked up to the electrical outlet.
Next, with the assistance of your helper, lift the microwave to its designated spot above the oven. Slightly tilt the microwave so you can position it with the appropriate mounts as instructed by the manufacturer. Most over-the-range microwaves should come with mounting bolts that you can then thread through the drilled holes. Make sure the microwave is as horizontal as possible throughout this process. Once you are finished tightening mount bolts, fit the microwave’s lower edge as closely as possible to the cabinet’s bottom.
Snake the electrical cord through the appropriate hole in the overhanging cupboard. Before plugging it in all the way, connect your oven’s vent outlet into the ductwork. Make sure all joints are sealed with metal tape. After plugging in and testing your oven, gather the electrical cord into a bundle and safely place it in the overhanging cupboard.
You did it! Of course, if your microwave isn’t turning on as expected, you can always call on an RC Willey professional to help. Note that certain manufacturer instructions may differ from those given here. That’s ok — when in doubt, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations first. Interested in purchasing an over-the-range microwave? Check out RCWilley.com‘s selection today.
