apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

A note to all urban first-floor streetside apartment renters:

If you're not thrilled with passers-by being able to see into your house, try this stuff (I think it was blogged on AT a few weeks ago)—it changed my life:

http://www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com/ProductDetails.aspx_InnerCatalog_Accessories_InnerCategory_Decorations_InnerProduct_1117

It lets the light in but keeps the pedestrians out; it's totally removable (static cling); and it's easy to put up. The pattern is subtle (I got Lov) and actually kind of nice when you notice it. Not exactly cheap, but it was soooo worth it for both the privacy and the light.

L

I'm thinking of ordering a dresser from Lofgren's (click my name to see it). Anyone have experience ordering from there? I'm wondering what the quality is like. Thanks in advance!

Hey Yolan,

In my limited experience, it's very difficult to tell how much detail you'll see in the final print, so I'd be a bit wary—colors might vary wildly from what you're seeing on your screen; luminosity might vary as well. On the link you've provided I didn't see a description of the process for printing, the type of paper, etc. I'd look into these details first before spending $40.

Good luck!

L

yolan--

I purchased one color print sight unseen (in person) from the web, and the color was definitely off from what my monitor showed.

One other time, I saw a print in person then saw it how it was represented online, and there was quite a difference (not better or worse, just *different*.)

Check that they have a satisfaction guarantee and return policy, but I say try and take the plunge, especially if the image really sings to you.

I raise this question with regret, but the newly restored Oprah thread (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/news/at-is-on-oprah-now-018277 )has several posts missing. There were originally over 250 posts on that thread. There are now just 238. As far as I can tell, the missing posts are mainly ones by Steve R. in which he raises legal questions. Does this bother anybody?

I realize that the main business of this site is the business of design. Therefore, I suggest that if there's to be any further discussion of this issue, it be held on the Wild, Wild thread (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/news/at-on-the-wild-wild-post-018461 ). I've posted my question there as well. People with more delicate sensibilities can stay away and avoid being offended.

hey design dabbler, no it doesn't bother me. I don't care. for pete's sake, move on.......please.....

sources for lampshades? http://www.pierredeux.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=StoreDisplay.ShowProductInfo&ProductID=693
i like this but i'm opposed to people on my lampshade.

anyone have good experiences getting lamp shades made in the city? what were the prices like? i went to oriental lampshade and the prices were crazy.

i feel like i've looked at a million lampshades recently and they were all beige, taupe, bisque, champagne or some other suicidically drab color. or the opposite extreme of midwestern granny.

Ok, my new (to me) vintage tulip chairs are beautiful, but I want to clean (can I polish?) the fiberglass; AND I have another little problem with them--the older fiberglass apparently scratches your forearms (as my friends discovered). Someone suggested suuuuuper fine grain sandpaper--but what is the best thing for smoothing out the fiberglass? Wax, like they use for fiberglass boats? And then what cleans fiberglass the best?

This post got lost in the kerfluffle....

hello everyone! i know ART MONTH was in january, but i have a question - ifound this
painting on esnips, and i loved the feeling of crisp cold air it gave me, and also of the
huge sky. has anyone ever bought off the internet? im wondering what the difference is btween a real
painting, and one youA see glowing on your computer screen.
http://www.esnips.com/doc/fdba6a5f-db59-454b-8250-ec7b783859dd/WINTER-TRAIN

thanks for any advice you can give!

yolan

Hey Shannon,

Fiberglass is really nasty stuff; I don't think I'd sand it, especially with superfine paper, as this will create superfine particles of fiberglass...not something you want to breathe in, get on your skin, or have around the house. If you can find a sealant (wax seems like a good possibility, but there might be a better one), I'd go that route. Or, if you must sand, wear a respirator and tape up all of the openings of your clothing so you don't get much on your skin.

Have no idea about cleaning the stuff, sorry.

I am jealous of your tulip chairs, no matter how scratchy!

L

Okay, so I'm loving a sofa that's on Craigslist, but it would need to be reupholstered to match the rest of my living room :) Here's my question: I'm a complete novice at all of this -- how much would it cost to get it reupholstered? I know it's not really possible to answer that question without more info... but could some just give a general price range? :)

Shannon, I would second what Lynn said--from what I've read, fiberglass particles are kind of like asbestos in that they are barblike little buggers that lodge themselves in your lungs, and sanding would get them all airborne.

Anokha, the short answer is "a lot."

I was consulting on the phone with an upholsterer who suggested, "well, if you *really love* this..."

I don't know where you are, but shop/call around and see.

Anokha, I'm having a client's wing chair reupholstered and it is running about $700 not including fabric. Hope that helps.

anokha,

Like you name. Reupholstering is very expensive in the Tri-state area. I had a camelback sofa done and it was $1000 without fabric which is another expensive purchase both in cost and in time spent searching for fabric. I'll never do that again.

About the reupholstering....

Take a class and DIY !!!

Hi all,

am purchasing an eames-era daybed/divan couch type thing. (Excellent decriptor, I know.) It's 74" long and 30" deep and 13" high. It's missing the seat pads (comes with 2 back rest foam bolsters, covered in the mid-century fake leather stuff). The seat pads/cushions have to be low profile.

I need help with the following:

Cost effective solutions for seat pads that are comfortable as I think a custom mattress (the piece would not accomodate a twin mattress which would be too high profile anyway) is waaaaay out of my price range.

Thanks so much!
Pritha

Fiberglass repair... Call a local auto repair shop they will have the proper tools and safety equipment to make such a repair if they are willing. Corvette's have been made of fiberglass for years so shops specializing in these would be especially able to accommodate you. I suspect some sort of clear coat could be used to seal the exposed fiberglass which is scratching your friends arms. Good luck.

You can sand fiberglass safely with proper precautions. Wear long sleeves and gloves. Protect your eyes with safety goggle and wear a respirator.

With proper precautions, its not dangerous. For example, surboards are made of foam covered fiberglass which is commonly "shaped" via sanding with fine grit sandpaper.

Rasil--

I've used TransLuxe here in the city for custom lampshades and it was great.

Not cheap, but you get exactly what you want.

And I've also been pleasantly surprised by the selection at Gracious Home.

Now if anyone could point me to a custom lampshade source in Washington DC, I'd greatly appreciate it!

DD--
Raises legal issues?! You are hysterical.

patrick (the other one), I know of a great custom shade maker in the Virginia suburbs of D.C., specifically in Fairfax City. Let me know if that is feasible for you and I'll give you the details.

does anyone know where the argyle bedding in the myrica post (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/beds-mattresses/myrica-bergqvists-acrylic-headboards-018556) came from?? or anything similar?

paintedbayoo--

That may work (helping a friend and relying on his geo-knowledge, but he does have a car there, so send the details when you can. Thanks so much!

patrick (the other one) - re: custom lampshades...I used to live in DC...

http://www.fanfairdc.com
(not much of a website but they were the first place I thought of)

http://www.gaylordslampsandshades.com/
in Bethesda MD right across the border

Hi to Lynn and Patrick-the other one:
thanks for your comments, I have searched more, and found lots more stuff i like, so i think i might take the plunge!
take care
Yolan

Pritha, I'm not sure where you are, but if there's an Original Mattress Factory near you, they make custom sizes. (If you're in NY, the closest location looks like western PA)

I hope it works out, Yolan, and you find something great!

L

Shannon,

Dave is right re: protective wear, but I'd only sand it yourself if you can do it someplace other than your home—I've done a fair amount of fiberglass sanding (on boats) and it's really difficult to clean up the dust thoroughly.

Alice's rec. re: auto body shops is a great one.

Let us know how it goes!

L

*sigh* Well, the sofa was gone, so I guess it was a sign. Thanks so much for everyone for all that help!!

Patrick (the other one), it is called the Lamp and Lighting Center (or maybe, Lighting and Lamp Center). It is in the shopping center at the intersection of Arlington Blvd. and Pickett Road, just inside the eastern city limits of Fairfax City. I wish your friend good luck.