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She has taught decorating courses at several colleges and conducted numerous seminars across the U.S. She is decorating editor for <i>Christian Woman Magazine</i> and reports on design trends for <i>The Sun-Sentinel,</i> a Tribune newspaper based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been editor-in-chief of two publications and was head of a New York City-based public relations firm representing some of the most prestigious names in home furnishing and building products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in art history (with an emphasis in architecture), from the State University of New York (New Paltz). She was awarded a certificate from The New York School of Interior Design.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9244"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;decorating&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119910756&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6386730edfe67\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;decorating&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119910756&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6386730ee06db\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":191932,"title":"What's in a Home Decorator's Bag of Tricks?","slug":"whats-in-a-home-decorators-bag-of-tricks","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191932"}},{"articleId":191940,"title":"Quick-Start Home Decorating Tips","slug":"quick-start-home-decorating-tips","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191940"}},{"articleId":191938,"title":"Furniture Facts for Home Decorating","slug":"furniture-facts-for-home-decorating","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191938"}},{"articleId":191937,"title":"Handy Measurements for Home Decorating","slug":"handy-measurements-for-home-decorating","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191937"}},{"articleId":191943,"title":"Using Color, Pattern, and Texture in Home Decorating","slug":"using-color-pattern-and-texture-in-home-decorating","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191943"}}],"content":[{"title":"Tools every home decorator needs","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Pack a portable carry-all filled with all the must-haves:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Claw</strong> <strong>hammer:</strong> Pick a size that fits comfortably in your handgrip.</li>\n<li><strong>Fusible hem tape:</strong> This tape, available at grocery stores and online, creates iron-on, no-sew seams.</li>\n<li><strong>Glue gun:</strong> Use a glue gun for a variety of decorating and crafts projects.</li>\n<li><strong>Laser level:</strong> This tool is a must to ensure level hanging of anything on walls.</li>\n<li><strong>Nail kit:</strong> Look for a set that includes a variety of sizes of nails for various jobs. Make your own kit with fine nails, long nails, short nails, and finishing nails.</li>\n<li><strong>Notebook:</strong> Pick one with unlined sheets for sketching/notetaking that fits inside your tool kit.</li>\n<li><strong>Picture hangers:</strong> Buy a kit to make hanging art easy.</li>\n<li><strong>Pins:</strong> Keep straight pins and safety pins on hand for draping and shaping.</li>\n<li><strong>Plate hangers:</strong> Pick up sizes for both small and large hangers.</li>\n<li><strong>Screwdrivers:</strong> Pick a pack with slotted, Phillips, hex, and other types of screwdrivers in various sizes from tiny to large and short to long.</li>\n<li><strong>Screws and fasteners:</strong> Choose a variety pack of styles and sizes with anchors.</li>\n<li><strong>T</strong><strong>ape measure:</strong> A 25-foot retractable steel tape works best.</li>\n<li><strong>Tool kit:</strong> Use a tackle box, bucket, or basket for storing your gear.</li>\n<li><strong>Velcro:</strong> This comes in handy for making easy-to-remove items.</li>\n<li><strong>Wire:</strong> Use wire for hanging, fixing, and holding things.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Quick-start home decorating tips","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Jump-start your decorating process with the following tips:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fix your budget. </strong>Spend no more than what you have.</li>\n<li><strong>Formulate an action plan. </strong>Establish goals. Set priorities. Decide what gets done in what order. Document your program in a journal or app.</li>\n<li><strong>Scope out the job.</strong> Create a floor plan using an app or pencil and graph paper.</li>\n<li><strong>Discover your personal style.</strong> Eliminate confusion by steering yourself toward the best choices for your look.</li>\n<li><strong>Shop with confidence. </strong>Pick stores that stock a large selection for quick delivery or carrying home. Surf the web for prices and products from the comfort of home.</li>\n<li><strong>Do first things first.</strong> Perform carpentry and wiring first. Decorate ceilings, walls, and floors next. Last, bring in furniture, rugs, and accessories.</li>\n<li><strong>Prioritize purchases: </strong>Get functional pieces to make the room usable first. Add refinements such as lighting and rugs next, to make the space livable and lively.</li>\n<li><strong>Spice up your decor with accessories galore</strong>. Accessories make your room stylish and professional-looking. Take your time to find the right art, decorative art, or statement-makers for your space.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Furniture facts","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Knowing the following lingo will help you find the perfect piece of furniture for your space:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>To the trade: </strong>Furnishings and decorations available only to professional decorators or interior designers.</li>\n<li><strong>Fully-assembled:</strong> Preassembled or no-assembly furniture ready to use right out of the crate.</li>\n<li><strong>Ready-to-assemble</strong> <strong>(RTA): </strong>Also known as knock-down (KD), this type of furniture comes unassembled in flat boxes and must be put together by the buyer (hence, the lower cost than fully assembled furniture).</li>\n<li><strong>Case goods:</strong> Pieces of furniture that provide storage such as cabinets or bookcases; any furniture that has no upholstery such as tables and chairs.</li>\n<li><strong>Upholstered furniture: </strong>Any piece of furniture intended for sitting, resting, or reclining and consisting of resilient cushioning covered with fabric or material in whole or part, such as sofas and lounge chairs.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Handy measurements for home decorating","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Get it right the first time by using accurate formulas to calculate how much of what you need in your space:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Area:</strong> Find your room’s square footage by multiplying the room’s length by its width. (Multiply by wall height for cubic area.) Knowing the area is handy for estimating quantities and prices.</li>\n<li><strong>Tiling:</strong> Figure the amount of tile you need by dividing the width of the floor by the width of the tile (horizontal row) and the length of the floor by the height of the tile (vertical row). Buy up to 10 percent more tiles to allow for breakage and error.</li>\n<li><strong>Ceiling paint:</strong> Multiply the ceiling’s length by its width (usually the same as the floor measurements), divide by 350 (the estimated square footage covered by 1 gallon of paint) to figure out how many gallons to buy.</li>\n<li><strong>Wall paint:</strong> Find the paintable wall area by adding the areas of the ceiling and walls. Divide this figure by 350 or the spreading rate (located on the can). Double the amount of paint for a second coat for dark colors). Add 25 percent to 50 percent more paint for porous surfaces.</li>\n<li><strong>Walk-around space:</strong> Leave 4 to 5 feet of clear walking space for traffic flow through rooms. Allow about 2 to 5 feet between chairs and sofas in seating groups. Add up to 1 foot around your bed for bed-dressing and sheet changing.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Using pattern, texture, and color","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Pattern, texture, and color are the stylistic building blocks of your home decorating palette. Use these three elements to create the style, mood, and feel of each room in your home.</p>\n<h3>Playing with pattern</h3>\n<p>Add instant personal style by following these pattern rules:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pattern contrast rule:</strong> Mix checks or stripes with florals. Pit large-scaled patterns against small-scaled patterns.</li>\n<li><strong>Three pattern rule:</strong> Use three different patterns that contrast in scale or design but relate in color to be on the safe side.</li>\n<li><strong>Five pattern rule:</strong> Confidently mix up one large-scaled pattern (any type) with one medium-scaled floral, one geometric, and two small-scaled accent patterns (floral, geometric, stipe, or check), all using the same colors.</li>\n<li><strong>All-over pattern rule:</strong> Put the same pattern on the walls, windows, and furnishings for a strong design statement.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Toying with texture</h3>\n<p>Play up your personal style with the right texture:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Minimize texture rule:</strong> Go with smooth and shiny textures for traditional styles.</li>\n<li><strong>Optimize texture rule:</strong> Use nubby and natural texture in accents/accessories to warm up contemporary styles.</li>\n<li><strong>Maximize </strong><strong>texture rule:</strong> Employ texture and contrasting textures to add impact to neutral and monochromatic color schemes.</li>\n<li><strong>Strategize texture rule:</strong> Use heavy textures that “eat” space to make large rooms feel cozy or to add a cozy ambience to space.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Creating with color</h3>\n<p>Create mood, alter space, and influence how people feel and act with color:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Receding color rule:</strong> Light, cool colors make walls seem to fade away into the distance, making rooms seem spacious.</li>\n<li><strong>Advancing color rule:</strong> Use deep, warm colors to make walls seem to come closer and rooms seem cozy.</li>\n<li><strong>Neutral colors rule:</strong> For the best most livable color schemes, pick neutral colors that you’ll never grow tired of and won’t go out of style in five years.</li>\n<li><strong>Law of color distribution:</strong> Use dark colors on the floor, medium colors on the walls, and light colors on the ceiling, which mimics nature.</li>\n<li><strong>Law of chromatic distribution:</strong></li>\n<li><strong>Backgrounds:</strong> Put neutral colors on large surfaces such as the floor and big objects like a sofa.</li>\n<li><strong>Focal areas:</strong> Use stronger shades in a smaller amount on smaller spaces or items, such as a short wall or a chair.</li>\n<li><strong>Accent touches:</strong> Employ the strongest accent color in the smallest spaces and places. Scatter the accent color around the room to make an impact.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-02T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208940},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T15:01:39+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-10-18T15:59:36+00:00","timestamp":"2022-10-18T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Windows","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33960"},"slug":"windows-home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33960}],"title":"How to Replace a Broken Glass Pane in a Wood-Frame Window","strippedTitle":"how to replace a broken glass pane in a wood-frame window","slug":"how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-wood-frame-window","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This article shows you, step by step and with photos, how to replace a broken glass pane in a wood-frame window.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The trickiest part of replacing broken glass panes in wood-frame windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a broken glass pane in a wood window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit.\r\n\r\nHave the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width. This creates a 1/16-inch gap on each side between the edges of the pane and the rabbet groove. The gap provides room for the glass to expand when the weather changes.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the replacement glass pane, you'll need: latex glazing putty; metal glazing points; pliers; a heat gun; flexible putty knife; 1- or 2-inch, stiff, steel, putty knife; and a flathead screwdriver.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Also check out these other articles on replacing broken window panes in: <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/windows-home-improvement-appliances/how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-steel-casement-window-206793/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">steel-casement windows</a>; <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/windows-home-improvement-appliances/how-to-replace-a-glass-pane-in-a-sliding-sash-window-206791/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sliding-sash windows</a>; and <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/windows-home-improvement-appliances/how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-metal-storm-window-206794/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">metal storm windows</a>.</p>","description":"The trickiest part of replacing broken glass panes in wood-frame windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a broken glass pane in a wood window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit.\r\n\r\nHave the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width. This creates a 1/16-inch gap on each side between the edges of the pane and the rabbet groove. The gap provides room for the glass to expand when the weather changes.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the replacement glass pane, you'll need: latex glazing putty; metal glazing points; pliers; a heat gun; flexible putty knife; 1- or 2-inch, stiff, steel, putty knife; and a flathead screwdriver.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Also check out these other articles on replacing broken window panes in: <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/windows-home-improvement-appliances/how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-steel-casement-window-206793/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">steel-casement windows</a>; <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/windows-home-improvement-appliances/how-to-replace-a-glass-pane-in-a-sliding-sash-window-206791/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sliding-sash windows</a>; and <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/windows-home-improvement-appliances/how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-metal-storm-window-206794/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">metal storm windows</a>.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33960,"title":"Windows","slug":"windows-home-improvement-appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33960"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209591,"title":"How to Caulk Windows","slug":"how-to-caulk-windows","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209591"}},{"articleId":209589,"title":"How to Install a Window Shade","slug":"how-to-install-a-window-shade","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209589"}},{"articleId":206794,"title":"How to Replace a Broken Glass Pane in a Metal Storm Window","slug":"how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-metal-storm-window","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206794"}},{"articleId":206793,"title":"How to Replace a Broken Glass Pane in a Steel-Casement Window","slug":"how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-steel-casement-window","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206793"}},{"articleId":206791,"title":"How to Replace a Glass Pane in a Sliding Sash Window","slug":"how-to-replace-a-glass-pane-in-a-sliding-sash-window","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206791"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[{"title":"Just DIY It","slug":"just-diy-it","collectionId":292186}],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;windows-home-improvement-appliances&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-634ee9dfc27be\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;windows-home-improvement-appliances&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-634ee9dfc30a6\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Use the pliers to remove all of the glass shards.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82688.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p class=\"article-tips warning\">When you work with broken glass, wear safety goggles as well as gloves; small chips of glass can cause permanent eye damage.</p>\n"},{"title":"Use the heat gun to warm the old putty; and then scrape it away with a putty knife.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82690.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>If the putty doesn’t lift off easily, apply more heat and try again. Be patient — the putty around really old windows is as hard as concrete, but it <i>will</i> soften.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Don’t chisel out the old putty — you might wreck the window. The putty will soften with enough heat and time.</p>\n"},{"title":"Use a putty knife or the tip of a screwdriver to remove the old glazing points.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82692.image4.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The points will be buried under the old putty.</p>\n"},{"title":"Clean and inspect the rabbet groove.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82694.image6.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Ensure that no glazing putty, glass shards, or glazing points remain.</p>\n"},{"title":"Apply a bead of putty on the glass side of the rabbet groove.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82696.image8.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Squeeze out a 1⁄16-inch bead of putty between the edge of the glass and the window frame.</p>\n"},{"title":"Gently press down the glass at the edges to embed the glass into the putty.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82698.image10.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Allow the putty to spread out and form a moisture seal on the inside of the window between the glass and sash.</p>\n"},{"title":"Position the new pane in the rabbets.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82700.image12.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Shift the pane until you have a 1/16-inch gap between the pane and sash on all four sides.</p>\n"},{"title":"Place at least two new glazing points in each section of the window sash surrounding the new glass.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82702.image14.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Space the points evenly around the perimeter, about 6 inches apart.</p>\n"},{"title":"Use the flat side of a putty knife to push one corner of each triangular glazing point into the wood sash.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82704.image16.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You can use a screwdriver blade instead of a putty knife.</p>\n"},{"title":"Form a 1/2-inch-thick rope of putty and press the length along all four sides of the glass.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82706.image18.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Roll a glob of putty between your bare hands to form the rope.</p>\n"},{"title":"Smooth the glazing putty and scrape away the excess.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82708.image20.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Hold the putty knife at a 45-degree angle, press, and smooth the glazing putty against the glass and sash.</p>\n"},{"title":"After the putty dries completely, repaint the putty and repaired area.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82710.image22.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Don’t mask off the glass before repainting. The paint will help form a moisture seal between the glass pane and the sash. So, allow the paint to overlap about 1/8 inch onto the glass.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206792},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-11-24T05:34:55+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-10-18T15:27:41+00:00","timestamp":"2022-10-18T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Cleaning & Organization","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33945"},"slug":"cleaning-organization","categoryId":33945}],"title":"Decluttering for Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"decluttering for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"decluttering-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Use this Cheat Sheet as a reference guide to help you get started decluttering your home and to keep you motivated between sessions.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Throughout my books and teachings, I always say get started now versus later. Whatever you declutter today will help you tomorrow, so start small and stay consistent. These quick tips can be a reference guide to help you get started or keep you motivated in between your decluttering sessions.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266145\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-266145\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/decluttering-clothing.jpg\" alt=\"man under a pile of clothing\" width=\"556\" height=\"418\" /> ©By PixieMe/Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"Throughout my books and teachings, I always say get started now versus later. Whatever you declutter today will help you tomorrow, so start small and stay consistent. These quick tips can be a reference guide to help you get started or keep you motivated in between your decluttering sessions.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266145\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-266145\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/decluttering-clothing.jpg\" alt=\"man under a pile of clothing\" width=\"556\" height=\"418\" /> ©By PixieMe/Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":33229,"name":"Jane Stoller","slug":"jane-stoller","description":" <p><b>Jane Stoller</b> is a compulsive organizer who turned her passion into a profitable business, Organized Jane. She travels the world helping individual clients revamp a single space or guiding corporations in overhauling entire businesses. A speaker as well as an author, she also lectures on management skills at Canada&#39;s Vancouver Island University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/33229"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33945,"title":"Cleaning & Organization","slug":"cleaning-organization","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33945"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":267735,"title":"Bathroom Organization: Decluttering Your Products","slug":"bathroom-organization-decluttering-your-products","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267735"}},{"articleId":267732,"title":"How to Optimize Your Closet Space","slug":"how-to-optimize-your-closet-space","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267732"}},{"articleId":267729,"title":"How to Organize Receipts","slug":"how-to-organize-receipts","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267729"}},{"articleId":267724,"title":"Photo Decluttering Once and For All","slug":"photo-decluttering-once-and-for-all","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267724"}},{"articleId":267719,"title":"10 Reasons to Keep Decluttering","slug":"10-reasons-to-keep-decluttering","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267719"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":267735,"title":"Bathroom Organization: Decluttering Your Products","slug":"bathroom-organization-decluttering-your-products","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267735"}},{"articleId":267732,"title":"How to Optimize Your Closet Space","slug":"how-to-optimize-your-closet-space","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267732"}},{"articleId":267729,"title":"How to Organize Receipts","slug":"how-to-organize-receipts","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267729"}},{"articleId":267724,"title":"Photo Decluttering Once and For All","slug":"photo-decluttering-once-and-for-all","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267724"}},{"articleId":267719,"title":"10 Reasons to Keep Decluttering","slug":"10-reasons-to-keep-decluttering","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267719"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282140,"slug":"decluttering-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119617044","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","cleaning-organization"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119617049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119617049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119617049-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119617049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119617049/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/decluttering-for-dummies-cover-9781119617044-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Decluttering For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"33229\">Jane Stoller</b></b> is a compulsive organizer who turned her passion into a profitable business, Organized Jane. She travels the world helping individual clients revamp a single space or guiding corporations in overhauling entire businesses. A speaker as well as an author, she also lectures on management skills at Canada&#39;s Vancouver Island University.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":33229,"name":"Jane Stoller","slug":"jane-stoller","description":" <p><b>Jane Stoller</b> is a compulsive organizer who turned her passion into a profitable business, Organized Jane. She travels the world helping individual clients revamp a single space or guiding corporations in overhauling entire businesses. A speaker as well as an author, she also lectures on management skills at Canada&#39;s Vancouver Island University. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/33229"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;cleaning-organization&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119617044&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-634ee9df313d2\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;cleaning-organization&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119617044&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-634ee9df31c02\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"The negative effects of clutter","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Go back to a time when you were surrounded by clutter and remember how it made you feel. It may have been a cluttered desk or a stuffed attic, or maybe your mind was full of so many tasks you didn’t know where to start. You don’t need a psychology degree to understand that when you think about clutter, you get a bit stressed, or in medical terms, your <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/common-ailments/metabolism/the-role-of-cortisol-in-your-metabolism-166877/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cortisol levels</a> rise.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clutter can and will make you feel inadequate.</strong> When you have too much stuff, it can inhibit your ability to live the life you desire. Having a cluttered environment can result in feelings of low self-worth and even depression in some cases.</li>\n<li><strong>Clutter can hinder your focus.</strong> Clutter can compete for space in your brain, therefore keeping you from giving your full attention to what is important.</li>\n<li><strong>Clutter can negatively affect your behavior and the behavior of those around you.</strong> We gain energy from our surroundings; waking up to an efficient home with things you use daily versus waking up to a big pile of junk makes a difference. Clutter not only creates a chaotic environment, which impacts your behavior and attitude toward yourself and others, but it can also impact those around you.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Breaking free from clutter forever","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Decluttering involves being brutally honest with yourself and creating a complete decluttering mindset. Relating your stuff to bigger picture topics including finances, consumer habits, and also breaking the cycle of binge-shopping and purging can help you rid your cluttered tendencies and start living better — today.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Declutter, declutter, and then declutter again. </strong>Decide what to keep and swiftly get rid of the rest. If you make this a routine, you’ll never have excess clutter again. Be consistent!</li>\n<li><strong>Realize you are not what you own.</strong> Getting rid of items you no longer use or that are no longer practical can help free up mental and physical space. Once you experience the increased productivity that comes from living in a clutter-free space, you’ll realize that your items don’t give you the happiness or meaning you once thought.</li>\n<li><strong>Don’t buy items without extensive questioning.</strong> “Do I really need this? Will this add value to my life? Is this item worth the space I am going to give it in my home?” These are all good questions to ask before purchasing anything new.</li>\n<li><strong>Eliminate distractions. </strong>If you can get rid of excess stuff, you can have more freedom to dive into your life goals, deepen your relationships (with people, not stuff!) and create the life you want.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Dealing with clutter efficiently","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Regardless of how much clutter you have, you want to be as efficient as possible when dealing with it. You want to feel in control of the process as much as the result.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Start with one area.</strong> This should be your highest priority or the area that causes you the most stress or is the least efficient area of your home and/or workspace.</li>\n<li><strong>Give yourself a timeline.</strong> As with any goal, you need to have an attainable date for completion so you don’t get frustrated and give up.</li>\n<li><strong>Plan time.</strong> In addition to completion dates, you need to plan the time you will actually declutter. <strong>Hint<em>:</em></strong> The shorter the time span, the more you increase your chances of tackling the project.</li>\n<li><strong>Use time cubes to keep you on track.</strong> Today’s culture is fast-paced and distracting. Use a timer when decluttering to keep to your planned time and increase your efficiency.</li>\n<li><strong>Get rid of clutter</strong>. Do this immediately. The longer your clutter stays in your house (i.e. in a garbage bag by the door), the more likely it is to work its way back into its original spot and never leave. Arrange a pick-up from a local charity if you’re worried you won’t have time to deal with it yourself.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to differentiate practical versus emotional items","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Often the biggest challenge with decluttering and the reason we procrastinate or can’t get rid of things is our emotional attachment. It is very important to have a set of criteria for decluttering to help you with the process. Determining what is practical versus emotional is a personal decision, but I want to inspire you to be honest with yourself. Try asking yourself these questions:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Is it practical?</strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Do you use this item on a regular basis?</li>\n<li>Does it provide value to your life?</li>\n<li>Does it provide value to your home?</li>\n<li>Can someone else use it?</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li><strong>Is it emotional?</strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Are you keeping this because of a memory?</li>\n<li>Do you have similar items attached to this memory?</li>\n<li>Is this item a gift from someone special but you don’t use it/like it?</li>\n<li>Would your friends or family see the value in this item?</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Digital decluttering basics","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Consistent digital decluttering can improve your productivity and the quality of your work. I am a firm believer in regularly decluttering your digital life, and I know that instead of doing this task once in a while or when you get that dreaded note on your computer stating that you have no more storage space, you should be digitally decluttering regularly.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Set up your digital decluttering strategy before it is too late.</li>\n<li>Imagine the reduced stress and increased productivity once you’ve digitally decluttered.</li>\n<li>Find everything quickly in your digital world by getting rid of excess photos, emails, newsletter subscriptions, files, and so on.</li>\n<li>Don’t get overwhelmed by spam; deal with it immediately.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Closet organizing quick tips","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>During your closet inventory process, I recommend labeling a few boxes: “Donate,” “Repurpose,” “Tailor,” “Sell,” and “Toss.” Then, you can place your items in the appropriate box as you go through them and accomplish multiple steps at once.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Donate:</strong> Donating should be at the heart of your decluttering mindset. Being able to donate your items to benefit others not only helps your closet stay clutter-free but also helps you improve other people’s lives.</li>\n<li><strong>Repurpose:</strong> An often-forgotten part of decluttering, a multitude of closet items can be repurposed.</li>\n<li><strong>Tailor:</strong> Tailoring can mean so much more than getting your jeans hemmed. This is a great option to make your clothes last longer and lessen your consumption of new items.</li>\n<li><strong>Sell:</strong> This approach is a great way for fashionistas to keep wearing the top trends and be able to frequently switch styles.</li>\n<li><strong>Toss:</strong> At some point, closet items will no longer be usable.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Kitchen and home decluttering strategies","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Your kitchen and all spaces in your home should work for you. You may have to make some tough decisions on some items that don’t necessarily look pretty but are highly functional.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Don’t have endless multiples. </strong>This causes wasted space and leads to excess clutter.</li>\n<li><strong>Choose function over aesthetic.</strong> It’s easy to get carried away making your kitchen or any space look really pretty. Focus again on only what you use.</li>\n<li><strong>Evaluate your storage.</strong> Is your storage space used in the most efficient way it can be?</li>\n<li><strong>Pay attention to placement.</strong> Position your items so that you know what you have. For example, position your food to waste less by placing it with its expiry date in eyesight.</li>\n<li><strong>Be practical. </strong>Think before you act. Be practical with where you put your items.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Photo decluttering","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>It’s time to stop procrastinating and deal with your photos. Start today and create a system to declutter your current and future photos.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Get rid of duplicates ASAP. </strong>There is no point in hanging onto extras.</li>\n<li><strong>Cull the bad ones. </strong>Blurry, out-of-focus, and bad quality photos need to go.</li>\n<li><strong>Create a system. </strong>Organize by year, person, or event and dedicate weekly or monthly time to keep on top of your photo decluttering.</li>\n<li><strong>Treat fragile ones with care. </strong>For print photos, older images may be in bad condition. Take these to a professional for restoration before it is too late.</li>\n<li><strong>Curate and display rather than store. </strong>Photos can bring you so much joy. To reduce excess photo storage, display photos around your home.</li>\n<li><strong>View and remember the good times. </strong>Seeing images in your home that spark good memories can help you care more for your photos, increasing your chances of decluttering consistently.</li>\n<li><strong>Let go of the past.</strong> Get rid of those photos of your ex, or anything else you want to move on from!</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-08-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":266144},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T09:12:35+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-10-18T15:18:31+00:00","timestamp":"2022-10-18T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Walls & Painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"},"slug":"walls-painting","categoryId":33959}],"title":"How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint","strippedTitle":"how to paint furniture with chalk paint","slug":"how-to-paint-furniture-with-chalk-paint","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to use chalk paint to give furniture a new look. The article also includes a video with step-by-step instructions.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<div style=\"position: relative; display: block; max-width: 100%;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding-top: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"//players.brightcove.net/622696558001/NykUaUEpl_default/index.html?videoId=5799829606001\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe></div>\r\n</div>\r\nChalk paint can be used to paint almost anything — walls, kitchen cabinets, metal, wood, and even fabric — but the most common use is to give new life to old furniture or to make newer pieces look old. The great thing about <a href=\"/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/walls-painting/3-ways-to-create-your-own-chalk-paint-144760/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">chalk paint</a> is that there isn't a huge learning curve or a lot of prep work. You can just dive right in.","description":"<div style=\"position: relative; display: block; max-width: 100%;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding-top: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"//players.brightcove.net/622696558001/NykUaUEpl_default/index.html?videoId=5799829606001\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe></div>\r\n</div>\r\nChalk paint can be used to paint almost anything — walls, kitchen cabinets, metal, wood, and even fabric — but the most common use is to give new life to old furniture or to make newer pieces look old. The great thing about <a href=\"/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/walls-painting/3-ways-to-create-your-own-chalk-paint-144760/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">chalk paint</a> is that there isn't a huge learning curve or a lot of prep work. You can just dive right in.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9268,"name":"Kelly Dobbs Henthorne, Abshier House","slug":"kelly-dobbs-henthorne-abshier-house","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9268"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33959,"title":"Walls & Painting","slug":"walls-painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":219245,"title":"Using Wax When Chalk Painting","slug":"using-wax-when-chalk-painting","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/219245"}},{"articleId":210316,"title":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","slug":"how-to-remove-old-wallpaper","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210316"}},{"articleId":210314,"title":"How to Hang Things on Hollow Walls","slug":"how-to-hang-things-on-hollow-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210314"}},{"articleId":209904,"title":"Three Tips for Keeping Paint Cans Clean","slug":"three-tips-for-keeping-paint-cans-clean","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209904"}},{"articleId":209905,"title":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","slug":"painting-a-room-apply-a-base-coat-of-paint-with-a-roller","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209905"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[{"title":"Just DIY It","slug":"just-diy-it","collectionId":292186}],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-634ee9df07606\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-634ee9df07e29\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Pick your paintable piece and gather supplies.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470713.image0.jpg","width":533,"height":400},"content":"<p>In the photo above, a vintage bookshelf/hall table that has seen better days has been selected for painting. Yes, you could choose to strip the finish and restain the wood, but that&#8217;s much more hassle than using chalk paint.</p>\n<p>Because the natural wood that&#8217;s left has a lovely reddish color, the paint color chosen is a darker blue (when distressed later, the red will come through in places, making a nice contrast). The paint used here is Annie Sloan Napoleonic Blue chalk paint.</p>\n<p>Annie Sloan chalk paint is sold in pints and quarts and is the original and still most popular chalk paint on the market. You can purchase chalk paint at some craft and hobby stores, online, or at your local vintage/antique/repurpose shop. You also can <a href=\"/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/walls-painting/3-ways-to-create-your-own-chalk-paint-144760/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">make your own chalk paint</a> with a few simple ingredients.</p>\n<p>Also seen in the photo above is a can of wax and a wax brush (for use in a later step), some sandpaper (for use in a later step), a simple chip brush (no fancy brushes needed for the paint), some shop towels (any lint-free cloth or towel works), and a piece of aluminum foil for wrapping your wet paint brush (if you need to take a break and don&#8217;t want your brush to dry out).</p>\n"},{"title":"Clean the furniture.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470714.image1.jpg","width":469,"height":400},"content":"<p>You don&#8217;t need to strip anything off your furniture, which includes old paint or old finishes, but you do need to make sure that it&#8217;s clean and dry. Simple soapy water is the best option. <i>Don&#8217;t use furniture wax to clean it!</i> The wax component of most furniture polishes does not mix well with chalk paint.</p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a sloppy painter, you might place a drop cloth or old sheet below your item. If you&#8217;re neat, don&#8217;t worry about it. If you do get chalk paint on the carpet or floor, you can remove it easily with dish soap or laundry detergent, water, and a little elbow grease.</p>\n"},{"title":"Use the chip brush to paint your furniture.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470715.image2.jpg","width":535,"height":340},"content":"<p>Here&#8217;s the real beauty of using chalk paint. You don&#8217;t have to be careful to get all your brush strokes going in the same direction; you don&#8217;t have to make sure that coverage is even; you don&#8217;t even have to paint every nook and cranny if you don&#8217;t want to.</p>\n<p>For this particular piece, two coats are required on the table top, because the existing finish has already disappeared. The unfinished wood will take more paint to cover.</p>\n"},{"title":"Lightly sand to create the perfect distressed look.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470716.image3.jpg","width":436,"height":400},"content":"<p>Make sure you are using a fine-grit sandpaper. The rougher the sandpaper, the deeper the grooves created in the furniture. You&#8217;re not trying to sand through to the wood (usually), just to the finish beneath that layer of paint.</p>\n<p>Where and how much paint you sand off is strictly a personal preference. If you go crazy and sand off too much, don&#8217;t sweat it. You can always go back and paint another coat of color. On this piece, no sanding is done in the center of the top, where the existing finish was already missing.</p>\n"},{"title":"Wipe off the sanding dust.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470717.image4.jpg","width":533,"height":400},"content":"<p>Dampen one of the shop towels and run the damp towel all over the furniture. You are trying to pick up any dust that you generated with the sandpaper.</p>\n"},{"title":"Apply the wax.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470718.image5.jpg","width":533,"height":400},"content":"<p>Chalk paint lacks a sealer, which most paint has, so, it requires a wax to seal the color and keep water or other debris from getting into the finish. First, make sure the paint is completely dry.</p>\n<p>You need to use a separate brush for applying wax. Several types of brushes specific to wax application are available; they usually have a slightly rounded tip and are a bit heavier in the handle. These brushes are somewhat expensive, but the good news is that you can use the same brush multiple times to apply wax; however, once you&#8217;ve used a brush for wax, you cannot use it for painting.</p>\n<p>Purchase your wax when you purchase your paint. For this piece, clear wax is being used.</p>\n<p><a href=\"/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/walls-painting/using-wax-when-chalk-painting-219245/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply the wax </a>generously in small sections at a time. Use the shop towels to wipe off the excess wax as you go. For this piece, for example, wax one of the outer legs and wipe off the excess wax, wax the other outer leg and wipe off the excess wax, wax the inner legs one at a time and wipe off the excess, and so on.</p>\n<p>Note that for outdoor pieces, you do not apply wax; the piece will age and fade more rapidly, but the wax will not set outdoors.</p>\n"},{"title":"(Optional) Apply dark wax.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470719.image6.jpg","width":535,"height":243},"content":"<p>Note that you have a choice between regular wax and dark wax. The dark wax, as you probably have figured out, darkens the color and really does make a piece seem more aged. If you choose to use dark wax, note that you will need a separate brush; after you use a brush with the dark wax, you cannot reuse the brush with the regular wax or with any paint.</p>\n<p>The coffee table shown was painted in <i>La Chaux</i> Candied Yam (two coats), waxed with clear wax, and then waxed with the dark wax.</p>\n"},{"title":"Let dry and enjoy your new, old furniture.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470720.image7.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>For furniture that will be heavily used (such as coffee tables), the setting time for the wax is two to three weeks. If you get overeager, though, and you find a water ring on your chalk-painted item, you can clean it with soapy water and easily repaint or buff it out with some more wax.</p>\n"},{"title":"(Optional) Create a more modern finish with chalk paint.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470721.image8.jpg","width":518,"height":400},"content":"<p>If you aren&#8217;t going to <a href=\"/article/academics-the-arts/art-architecture/painting/dry-brushing-with-chalk-paint-219368/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">distress the piece</a> or let it show its age by having some of the old colors show through, you will want to give the piece at least two complete coats with lots of drying time in between. This is a more modern look for painted furniture. Make sure that you are generous when applying the wax to give the piece a nice sheen.</p>\n<p>The dresser shown was painted with Annie Sloan Paris Grey and Old White, given three coats of color, and waxed.</p>\n"},{"title":"(Optional) Create a two-toned distressed look with chalk paint.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470722.image9.jpg","width":535,"height":302},"content":"<p>If you want a piece to have two colors (one showing through the other), make sure that the first coat is completely dry before painting the second coat of the (usually lighter) top coat. This technique is commonly used for that shabby chic look.</p>\n<p>The table shown was originally a dark brown wood with lots of stains. It was painted with Annie Sloan Florence and Provence, given two coats of the darker Florence, given one coat of the lighter Provence, sanded, and waxed.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":203283},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:39:50+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-10-11T19:12:09+00:00","timestamp":"2022-10-11T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Walls & Painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"},"slug":"walls-painting","categoryId":33959}],"title":"How Much Paint Do I Need","strippedTitle":"how much paint do i need","slug":"estimating-how-much-paint-to-buy","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This article walks you through how to calculate the amount of paint you'll need to paint interior walls, ceilings, doors, and windows.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p class=\"normal\">Before you begin painting your home's interior walls, ceilings, woodwork, doors, or windows, you need to estimate the amount of paint you'll use. Estimates require specific calculations for each surface you want to paint.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">To estimate the amount of paint you need in order to cover the walls of a room, add together the length of all the walls and then multiply the number by the height of the room, from floor to ceiling. The number you get is the room's square footage. Is that math class coming back to you now?</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >How to determine square footage</h2>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Now you have to determine how much of that square footage is paintable surface area. Because you use a different paint on the doors and windows, subtract those areas from the room total. No sweat, just subtract 20 square feet for each door and 15 square feet for each average-sized window in the room. You end up with a number that is close to the actual wall area you have to cover with paint.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">In general, you can expect 1 gallon of paint to cover about 350 square feet. You need slightly more than a gallon if the walls are unpainted drywall, which absorbs more of the paint. You also need to consider whether to paint more than one coat. If you're painting walls that are unfinished, heavily patched, or dark in color, plan on applying two coats of paint.</p>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">When painting a dark color, pros often add a color tint to the white primer. Tints for both latex or alkyd paints are available at most paint stores. For best results, choose a tint shade that's closest to the top coat color.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Now for the clincher of the math problem. Divide the paintable wall area by 350 (the square-foot coverage in each gallon can) to find the number of gallons of paint you need for the walls. You can round uneven numbers; if the remainder is less than .5, order a couple of quarts of wall paint to go with the gallons; if the remainder is more than .5, order an extra gallon. Of course, buying in bulk is usually more economical, so you may discover that 3 quarts of paint cost as much as a gallon.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Examples of calculations</h2>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">The following examples walk you through the calculations for determining how much paint you need for a 14-x-20-foot room that's 8 feet tall and has two doors and two windows.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Ceiling paint calculator</h3>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Use the following formula to estimate the amount of ceiling paint you need. Double the result if the ceiling requires two coats.</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">1. Multiply the length of the ceiling times its width to find its area.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">14 × 20 = 280 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">2. Divide that number by 350 (the estimated square feet covered per gallon) to figure out how many gallons of paint you need.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">280 ÷ 350 = .8</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">For this example, you want to buy 1 gallon of ceiling paint for a single coat.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Wall paint calculator</h3>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Use the following formula to estimate the amount of wall paint you need. Double the result if the walls require two coats.</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">1. Add together the length of each wall.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">14 + 20 + 14 + 20 = 68 feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">2. Multiply the sum by the wall height, to find the total wall area.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">68 × 8 = 544 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">3. Subtract 20 square feet for each door (20 × 2 = 40) and 15 square feet for each window (15 × 2 = 30) to find the actual amount of wall area you're painting.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">544 – 70 = 474 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">4. Divide this figure by the paint coverage (350 square feet per gallon), and the result is the number of gallons to purchase.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">474 ÷ 350 = 1.4</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">For this example, you want to buy 1 gallon and 2 quarts of paint for a single coat.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Woodwork paint calculator</h3>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Measure the length of the trim in feet, and multiply that number by 1/2 foot (.5), as a rough size for the width of the trim. Include all the trim around doors and windows, at baseboards, along the ceiling, and for any built-in furniture.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">As an example, imagine that you have ceiling molding running around a room that is 14 feet wide and 20 feet long.</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">1. Determine the total length of molding around the room by adding together the length of all the walls that the molding covers.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">Round the numbers off to the nearest foot.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">14 + 20 + 14 + 20 = 68 feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">2. Multiply the sum by .5 for an estimated width of the molding.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">68 × .5 = 34 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">3. Divide this number by 350 to estimate the gallons of paint required to cover the molding.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">34 ÷ 350 = .09</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">The result in this example is much less than a quart, but you may paint other woodwork in the room the same color, so buying a full quart may not be terribly wasteful.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Door and window calculator</h3>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Use the same figure for estimating door coverage as you use in your wall-area calculations — 20 square feet = one door. Multiply the number of doors by 20, doubling the answer if you plan to paint both sides. Wall paint estimates allow for 15 square feet for each window. Use about half that window area to figure trim and inside sash — the glass isn't important to the calculation.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">For the room in this example:</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">1. Multiply the number of doors by 20.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">2 × 20 = 40 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">2. Multiply the number of windows by 7.5.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">2 × 7.5 = 15 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">3. Add these numbers together.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">40 + 15 = 55</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">4. Divide the result by 350 (the estimated square feet covered per gallon).</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">54 ÷ 350 = .16</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Often, you end up needing to buy only a quart of paint, which goes a long way on doors and window trim.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><strong>See also:</strong></p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/walls-painting/how-to-paint-ceilings-and-walls-185175/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Paint Ceilings and Walls</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-paint-paneled-doors.html?cid=embedlink\">How to Paint </a><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-paint-paneled-doors.html?cid=embedlink\">Paneled Doors</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-paint-trim.html?cid=embedlink\">How to Paint Trim </a></p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/tools-you-need-for-a-basic-paint-project.html?cid=embedlink\">Tools You Need for a Basic Paint Project </a></p>","description":"<p class=\"normal\">Before you begin painting your home's interior walls, ceilings, woodwork, doors, or windows, you need to estimate the amount of paint you'll use. Estimates require specific calculations for each surface you want to paint.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">To estimate the amount of paint you need in order to cover the walls of a room, add together the length of all the walls and then multiply the number by the height of the room, from floor to ceiling. The number you get is the room's square footage. Is that math class coming back to you now?</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >How to determine square footage</h2>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Now you have to determine how much of that square footage is paintable surface area. Because you use a different paint on the doors and windows, subtract those areas from the room total. No sweat, just subtract 20 square feet for each door and 15 square feet for each average-sized window in the room. You end up with a number that is close to the actual wall area you have to cover with paint.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">In general, you can expect 1 gallon of paint to cover about 350 square feet. You need slightly more than a gallon if the walls are unpainted drywall, which absorbs more of the paint. You also need to consider whether to paint more than one coat. If you're painting walls that are unfinished, heavily patched, or dark in color, plan on applying two coats of paint.</p>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">When painting a dark color, pros often add a color tint to the white primer. Tints for both latex or alkyd paints are available at most paint stores. For best results, choose a tint shade that's closest to the top coat color.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Now for the clincher of the math problem. Divide the paintable wall area by 350 (the square-foot coverage in each gallon can) to find the number of gallons of paint you need for the walls. You can round uneven numbers; if the remainder is less than .5, order a couple of quarts of wall paint to go with the gallons; if the remainder is more than .5, order an extra gallon. Of course, buying in bulk is usually more economical, so you may discover that 3 quarts of paint cost as much as a gallon.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Examples of calculations</h2>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">The following examples walk you through the calculations for determining how much paint you need for a 14-x-20-foot room that's 8 feet tall and has two doors and two windows.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Ceiling paint calculator</h3>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Use the following formula to estimate the amount of ceiling paint you need. Double the result if the ceiling requires two coats.</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">1. Multiply the length of the ceiling times its width to find its area.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">14 × 20 = 280 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">2. Divide that number by 350 (the estimated square feet covered per gallon) to figure out how many gallons of paint you need.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">280 ÷ 350 = .8</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">For this example, you want to buy 1 gallon of ceiling paint for a single coat.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Wall paint calculator</h3>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Use the following formula to estimate the amount of wall paint you need. Double the result if the walls require two coats.</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">1. Add together the length of each wall.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">14 + 20 + 14 + 20 = 68 feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">2. Multiply the sum by the wall height, to find the total wall area.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">68 × 8 = 544 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">3. Subtract 20 square feet for each door (20 × 2 = 40) and 15 square feet for each window (15 × 2 = 30) to find the actual amount of wall area you're painting.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">544 – 70 = 474 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">4. Divide this figure by the paint coverage (350 square feet per gallon), and the result is the number of gallons to purchase.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">474 ÷ 350 = 1.4</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">For this example, you want to buy 1 gallon and 2 quarts of paint for a single coat.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Woodwork paint calculator</h3>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Measure the length of the trim in feet, and multiply that number by 1/2 foot (.5), as a rough size for the width of the trim. Include all the trim around doors and windows, at baseboards, along the ceiling, and for any built-in furniture.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">As an example, imagine that you have ceiling molding running around a room that is 14 feet wide and 20 feet long.</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">1. Determine the total length of molding around the room by adding together the length of all the walls that the molding covers.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">Round the numbers off to the nearest foot.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">14 + 20 + 14 + 20 = 68 feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">2. Multiply the sum by .5 for an estimated width of the molding.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">68 × .5 = 34 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">3. Divide this number by 350 to estimate the gallons of paint required to cover the molding.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">34 ÷ 350 = .09</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">The result in this example is much less than a quart, but you may paint other woodwork in the room the same color, so buying a full quart may not be terribly wasteful.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"h3\">Door and window calculator</h3>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Use the same figure for estimating door coverage as you use in your wall-area calculations — 20 square feet = one door. Multiply the number of doors by 20, doubling the answer if you plan to paint both sides. Wall paint estimates allow for 15 square feet for each window. Use about half that window area to figure trim and inside sash — the glass isn't important to the calculation.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">For the room in this example:</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">1. Multiply the number of doors by 20.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">2 × 20 = 40 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">2. Multiply the number of windows by 7.5.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">2 × 7.5 = 15 square feet</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">3. Add these numbers together.</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">40 + 15 = 55</p>\r\n<p class=\"number\">4. Divide the result by 350 (the estimated square feet covered per gallon).</p>\r\n<p class=\"indent\">54 ÷ 350 = .16</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\">Often, you end up needing to buy only a quart of paint, which goes a long way on doors and window trim.</p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><strong>See also:</strong></p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/walls-painting/how-to-paint-ceilings-and-walls-185175/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Paint Ceilings and Walls</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-paint-paneled-doors.html?cid=embedlink\">How to Paint </a><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-paint-paneled-doors.html?cid=embedlink\">Paneled Doors</a></p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-paint-trim.html?cid=embedlink\">How to Paint Trim </a></p>\r\n<p class=\"normal\"><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/tools-you-need-for-a-basic-paint-project.html?cid=embedlink\">Tools You Need for a Basic Paint Project </a></p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9983,"name":"Gene Hamilton","slug":"gene-hamilton","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9983"}},{"authorId":9984,"name":"Katie Hamilton","slug":"katie-hamilton","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9984"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33959,"title":"Walls & Painting","slug":"walls-painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"How to determine square footage","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Examples of calculations","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":219245,"title":"Using Wax When Chalk Painting","slug":"using-wax-when-chalk-painting","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/219245"}},{"articleId":210316,"title":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","slug":"how-to-remove-old-wallpaper","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210316"}},{"articleId":210314,"title":"How to Hang Things on Hollow Walls","slug":"how-to-hang-things-on-hollow-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210314"}},{"articleId":209905,"title":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","slug":"painting-a-room-apply-a-base-coat-of-paint-with-a-roller","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209905"}},{"articleId":209904,"title":"Three Tips for Keeping Paint Cans Clean","slug":"three-tips-for-keeping-paint-cans-clean","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209904"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6345d98e77c66\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6345d98e7863c\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-16T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":198955},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:58:07+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-10-11T16:32:01+00:00","timestamp":"2022-10-11T18:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Electrical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33949"},"slug":"electrical","categoryId":33949}],"title":"How to Replace a Light Switch","strippedTitle":"how to replace a light switch","slug":"how-to-replace-a-light-switch","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Don't wait for the electrician to come around. Learn how to safely replace the most common types of light switches.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Don't wait hours for the next available electrician — changing out a light switch is fairly easy. Most <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/science/types-of-switches-used-in-electronics-projects/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">modern switches</a> have screw terminals on each side with holes in the back to accept the end of the wire.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288628.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"425\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >How to wire a light switch</h2>\r\nLoosen the screws on the side of the device with a standard screwdriver (turning counterclockwise). You may find getting the wires out of the back of the device tricky. To remove these wires, insert the blade of a small screwdriver into the slot under the hole into which the wire is inserted and push in as you pull the wire loose. Pushing the blade of the screwdriver into the slot releases the grip on the inserted wire. Here are some descriptions of each wire and where they go:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The white (neutral) wire connects to the silver screw, or you place it in the back wire hole on the same side of the device as the silver screw.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The black (hot) wire goes to the brass screw or into the hole in the back of the device on the same side as the brass screw. This wire is sometimes red.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The green or bare copper (ground) wire, if the device has one, attaches to the green screw terminal on the switch or to the electrical box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Although plug-in connections may be more convenient, they are less reliable than those with screw terminals, so don't use them!</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Replacing single-pole light switches</h2>\r\nIf the switch has On and Off embossed on its body and it's the only switch that controls lights or receptacles, it's a single-pole switch. To replace this kind of switch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power to the switch at the main circuit breaker or fuse panel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288629.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"502\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Two or three wires will be attached to the switch: an incoming hot wire, which is black; a return wire, which carries the load to the fixture and may be black, red, or any other color except green; and sometimes a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/programming/electronics/components/alternating-current-in-electronics-hot-neutral-and-ground-wires/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grounding wire</a>, which is green or bare copper. There may be other wires in the box, but you are only dealing with the ones connected directly to the switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You may find a white wire that has black tape on it connected to the switch. This tape indicates that the white wire is being used as a black or colored wire in the switch leg, so it's not neutral.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Compare your new switch with the one you're replacing to find the corresponding locations for the electrical screw connectors.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Because the power is off, you can match up the connectors the easy way: Instead of disconnecting all the wires at once and possibly getting confused, unscrew and connect one wire at a time.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attach the first wire you unscrew to the same-colored screw on the new switch as it was on the old; do the same with the second.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">To connect a wire to a terminal, strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation, using a wire stripper, and twist the end into a clockwise loop with long-nose pliers. The loop must wrap at least two-thirds but no more than three-quarters of the way around the terminal screw. Hook the wire clockwise around the screw so when you tighten the screw with a screwdriver, the clockwise force of the tightening screw makes the loop wrap tighter around the screw.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Gently push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Replacing three-way light switches</h2>\r\nA three-way switch is a handy convenience to control a light from two locations, such as at the top and bottom of a staircase. If the words On and Off aren't embossed on the switch and it's one of two switches that control a single light or receptacle, you have a three-way switch. Seems like it should be called a two-way switch, right? The name refers to the fact that these switches have three terminal screws.\r\n\r\nTo replace a three-way switch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288622.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"417\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">A three-way switch has at least three wires, and possibly four, depending on whether it has a ground wire. Two wires attach to brass screw terminals, which are usually at the top of the switch, and an additional wire attaches to a dark-colored (not green) screw terminal, which is usually at the bottom of the switch. Mark this third wire with a piece of tape and mark the wire on the same side of the switch directly above it with a piece of different-colored tape.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The new switch may have the electrical screw connectors in slightly different locations than the switch you're replacing. Most switches have a pair of terminals on opposite sides of the switch top and a single terminal at the bottom.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the wires from the switch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attach the tagged wires to the corresponding terminals of the new switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Alternatively, you may choose to transfer one wire at a time from the old switch to the new switch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the existing switch has a green ground wire, attach the wire to the green screw terminal on the new switch or to the electrical box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Replacing four-way light switches</h2>\r\nIf the switch doesn't have the words On and Off embossed on its body and it's the center switch of three switches that control a single light or receptacle, it's a four-way switch. To replace a four-way switch, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288625.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"192\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit panel or fuse box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">This switch has at least four screw terminals. It may also have a fifth, ground terminal (green).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Mark the location of the four wires with tape so that you can replace them on the new switch; then remove the wires from the switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Alternatively, you may choose to transfer one wire at a time from the old switch to the new switch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attach the wires to the corresponding terminals of the new switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If the existing switch has a green ground wire, attach it to the green terminal on the new switch or to the electrical box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Replacing light switches with a dimmer</h2>\r\nReplacing a standard single-pole or three-way switch with a dimmer switch is no different than replacing a standard switch. Remember: Dimmer switches don't work on most fluorescent fixtures, and low-voltage lighting requires special low-voltage dimmers.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Check the rating of the dimmer switch you purchase. Most dimmer switches can handle 600 watts of power. Count the number of light bulbs that the switch controls and add up the maximum wattage bulb allowed for the fixture. For example, if the switch controls a light fixture that accommodates up to two 100-watt bulbs (200 watts total) a 600-watt dimmer will have no problem, but a string of seven recessed lights could overload the dimmer.</p>\r\nTo replace a standard switch with a dimmer switch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the wires from the old switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Dimmer switches are usually connected to the house wiring by short lengths of wire coming out of the switch body rather than by screw terminals.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use the connectors (wire nuts) supplied with the fixture to attach the black wires coming out of the dimmer switch to the colored wires that were attached to the terminals on the old switch.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288632.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"257\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">First, twist the wires together, and then screw on the wire nut.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the new switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The body of a dimmer is larger than the switch being replaced. Don't just force it in. Often, you need to reposition or better organize the wires first to make room for it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Screw on the switch plate.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the control knob, if there is one, onto the shaft protruding from the switch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn on the power.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"Don't wait hours for the next available electrician — changing out a light switch is fairly easy. Most <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/science/types-of-switches-used-in-electronics-projects/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">modern switches</a> have screw terminals on each side with holes in the back to accept the end of the wire.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288628.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"425\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >How to wire a light switch</h2>\r\nLoosen the screws on the side of the device with a standard screwdriver (turning counterclockwise). You may find getting the wires out of the back of the device tricky. To remove these wires, insert the blade of a small screwdriver into the slot under the hole into which the wire is inserted and push in as you pull the wire loose. Pushing the blade of the screwdriver into the slot releases the grip on the inserted wire. Here are some descriptions of each wire and where they go:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The white (neutral) wire connects to the silver screw, or you place it in the back wire hole on the same side of the device as the silver screw.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The black (hot) wire goes to the brass screw or into the hole in the back of the device on the same side as the brass screw. This wire is sometimes red.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The green or bare copper (ground) wire, if the device has one, attaches to the green screw terminal on the switch or to the electrical box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Although plug-in connections may be more convenient, they are less reliable than those with screw terminals, so don't use them!</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Replacing single-pole light switches</h2>\r\nIf the switch has On and Off embossed on its body and it's the only switch that controls lights or receptacles, it's a single-pole switch. To replace this kind of switch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power to the switch at the main circuit breaker or fuse panel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288629.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"502\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Two or three wires will be attached to the switch: an incoming hot wire, which is black; a return wire, which carries the load to the fixture and may be black, red, or any other color except green; and sometimes a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/programming/electronics/components/alternating-current-in-electronics-hot-neutral-and-ground-wires/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grounding wire</a>, which is green or bare copper. There may be other wires in the box, but you are only dealing with the ones connected directly to the switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You may find a white wire that has black tape on it connected to the switch. This tape indicates that the white wire is being used as a black or colored wire in the switch leg, so it's not neutral.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Compare your new switch with the one you're replacing to find the corresponding locations for the electrical screw connectors.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Because the power is off, you can match up the connectors the easy way: Instead of disconnecting all the wires at once and possibly getting confused, unscrew and connect one wire at a time.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attach the first wire you unscrew to the same-colored screw on the new switch as it was on the old; do the same with the second.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">To connect a wire to a terminal, strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation, using a wire stripper, and twist the end into a clockwise loop with long-nose pliers. The loop must wrap at least two-thirds but no more than three-quarters of the way around the terminal screw. Hook the wire clockwise around the screw so when you tighten the screw with a screwdriver, the clockwise force of the tightening screw makes the loop wrap tighter around the screw.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Gently push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Replacing three-way light switches</h2>\r\nA three-way switch is a handy convenience to control a light from two locations, such as at the top and bottom of a staircase. If the words On and Off aren't embossed on the switch and it's one of two switches that control a single light or receptacle, you have a three-way switch. Seems like it should be called a two-way switch, right? The name refers to the fact that these switches have three terminal screws.\r\n\r\nTo replace a three-way switch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288622.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"417\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">A three-way switch has at least three wires, and possibly four, depending on whether it has a ground wire. Two wires attach to brass screw terminals, which are usually at the top of the switch, and an additional wire attaches to a dark-colored (not green) screw terminal, which is usually at the bottom of the switch. Mark this third wire with a piece of tape and mark the wire on the same side of the switch directly above it with a piece of different-colored tape.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The new switch may have the electrical screw connectors in slightly different locations than the switch you're replacing. Most switches have a pair of terminals on opposite sides of the switch top and a single terminal at the bottom.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the wires from the switch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attach the tagged wires to the corresponding terminals of the new switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Alternatively, you may choose to transfer one wire at a time from the old switch to the new switch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the existing switch has a green ground wire, attach the wire to the green screw terminal on the new switch or to the electrical box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Replacing four-way light switches</h2>\r\nIf the switch doesn't have the words On and Off embossed on its body and it's the center switch of three switches that control a single light or receptacle, it's a four-way switch. To replace a four-way switch, follow these steps:\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288625.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"192\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit panel or fuse box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">This switch has at least four screw terminals. It may also have a fifth, ground terminal (green).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Mark the location of the four wires with tape so that you can replace them on the new switch; then remove the wires from the switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Alternatively, you may choose to transfer one wire at a time from the old switch to the new switch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attach the wires to the corresponding terminals of the new switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If the existing switch has a green ground wire, attach it to the green terminal on the new switch or to the electrical box.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Replacing light switches with a dimmer</h2>\r\nReplacing a standard single-pole or three-way switch with a dimmer switch is no different than replacing a standard switch. Remember: Dimmer switches don't work on most fluorescent fixtures, and low-voltage lighting requires special low-voltage dimmers.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Check the rating of the dimmer switch you purchase. Most dimmer switches can handle 600 watts of power. Count the number of light bulbs that the switch controls and add up the maximum wattage bulb allowed for the fixture. For example, if the switch controls a light fixture that accommodates up to two 100-watt bulbs (200 watts total) a 600-watt dimmer will have no problem, but a string of seven recessed lights could overload the dimmer.</p>\r\nTo replace a standard switch with a dimmer switch, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the wires from the old switch.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Dimmer switches are usually connected to the house wiring by short lengths of wire coming out of the switch body rather than by screw terminals.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use the connectors (wire nuts) supplied with the fixture to attach the black wires coming out of the dimmer switch to the colored wires that were attached to the terminals on the old switch.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/288632.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"257\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">First, twist the wires together, and then screw on the wire nut.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the new switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The body of a dimmer is larger than the switch being replaced. Don't just force it in. Often, you need to reposition or better organize the wires first to make room for it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Screw on the switch plate.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Push the control knob, if there is one, onto the shaft protruding from the switch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turn on the power.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33949,"title":"Electrical","slug":"electrical","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33949"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"How to wire a light switch","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Replacing single-pole light switches","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Replacing three-way light switches","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Replacing four-way light switches","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Replacing light switches with a dimmer","target":"#tab5"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210311,"title":"How to Replace Ceiling Light Fixtures","slug":"how-to-replace-ceiling-light-fixtures","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","electrical"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210311"}},{"articleId":210312,"title":"How to Replace a Standard Switch with a Dimmer Switch","slug":"how-to-replace-a-standard-switch-with-a-dimmer-switch","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","electrical"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210312"}},{"articleId":205924,"title":"How to Replace a Ceiling Fixture","slug":"how-to-replace-a-ceiling-fixture","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","electrical"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205924"}},{"articleId":205678,"title":"How to Install a Ceiling Fan","slug":"how-to-install-a-ceiling-fan","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","electrical"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/205678"}},{"articleId":204787,"title":"How to Reset a Circuit Breaker","slug":"how-to-reset-a-circuit-breaker","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","electrical"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204787"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;electrical&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6345af5ea5a7b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;electrical&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6345af5ea6291\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-09T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":185346},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T11:53:35+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-09-14T19:51:19+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-15T00:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"General Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33961"},"slug":"general-home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33961}],"title":"How to Fix Wallpaper Bubbles Caused by Excess Adhesive","strippedTitle":"how to fix wallpaper bubbles caused by excess adhesive","slug":"how-to-fix-wallpaper-bubbles-caused-by-excess-adhesive","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to fix those pesky bubble spots in your wallpaper using these easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Fixing wallpaper bubbles or bumps is a simple, five-minute process. Knowing how to fix wallpaper bubbles and bumps prevents further damage like tears or rips. Wallpaper bubbles occur when a glob of wallpaper paste wasn’t smoothed out when the paper was hung or when a weak bond between the wallpaper and wall causes the wallpaper to lift.\r\n\r\nTo fix a bump caused by excess adhesive, you'll need a damp sponge, a utility knife, a syringe, seam roller, tweezers, and glue.","description":"Fixing wallpaper bubbles or bumps is a simple, five-minute process. Knowing how to fix wallpaper bubbles and bumps prevents further damage like tears or rips. Wallpaper bubbles occur when a glob of wallpaper paste wasn’t smoothed out when the paper was hung or when a weak bond between the wallpaper and wall causes the wallpaper to lift.\r\n\r\nTo fix a bump caused by excess adhesive, you'll need a damp sponge, a utility knife, a syringe, seam roller, tweezers, and glue.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9214,"name":"Gary Hedstrom","slug":"gary-hedstrom","description":" <p><b>Gary</b> and <b>Peg Hedstrom</b> are self&#45;taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. <b>Judy Ondrla Tremore</b> is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9214"}},{"authorId":9215,"name":"Peg Hedstrom","slug":"peg-hedstrom","description":" <p><b>Gary</b> and <b>Peg Hedstrom</b> are self&#45;taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. <b>Judy Ondrla Tremore</b> is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9215"}},{"authorId":9216,"name":"Judy Ondrla Tremore","slug":"judy-ondrla-tremore","description":" <p><b>Gary</b> and <b>Peg Hedstrom</b> are self&#45;taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. <b>Judy Ondrla Tremore</b> is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9216"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33961,"title":"General Home Improvement & Appliances","slug":"general-home-improvement-appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33961"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":209416,"title":"How to Fix Everything For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"how-to-fix-everything-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209416"}},{"articleId":206815,"title":"How to Fix a Squeaky Floor That’s Carpeted","slug":"how-to-fix-a-squeaky-floor-thats-carpeted","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206815"}},{"articleId":206814,"title":"How to Fix Loose Ceramic Floor Tiles","slug":"how-to-fix-loose-ceramic-floor-tiles","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206814"}},{"articleId":206813,"title":"How to Fix Ripped or Torn Carpet","slug":"how-to-fix-ripped-or-torn-carpet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206813"}},{"articleId":206811,"title":"How to Patch Mortar on Brick Walls","slug":"how-to-patch-mortar-on-brick-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206811"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210315,"title":"How to Install Weather Stripping","slug":"how-to-install-weather-stripping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210315"}},{"articleId":209416,"title":"How to Fix Everything For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"how-to-fix-everything-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209416"}},{"articleId":209356,"title":"Home Maintenance For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"home-maintenance-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209356"}},{"articleId":209317,"title":"DIY and Home Maintenance All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"diy-and-home-maintenance-all-in-one-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209317"}},{"articleId":207269,"title":"Fixing Holes in Carpets","slug":"fixing-holes-in-carpets","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207269"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282289,"slug":"how-to-fix-everything-for-dummies","isbn":"9780764572098","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764572091/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0764572091/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0764572091-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0764572091/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0764572091/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/how-to-fix-everything-for-dummies-cover-9780764572098-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"How to Fix Everything For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9214\">Gary</b> and <b data-author-id=\"9215\">Peg Hedstrom</b> are self-taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. <b data-author-id=\"9216\">Judy Ondrla Tremore</b> is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9214,"name":"Gary Hedstrom","slug":"gary-hedstrom","description":" <p><b>Gary</b> and <b>Peg Hedstrom</b> are self&#45;taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. <b>Judy Ondrla Tremore</b> is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9214"}},{"authorId":9215,"name":"Peg Hedstrom","slug":"peg-hedstrom","description":" <p><b>Gary</b> and <b>Peg Hedstrom</b> are self&#45;taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. <b>Judy Ondrla Tremore</b> is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9215"}},{"authorId":9216,"name":"Judy Ondrla Tremore","slug":"judy-ondrla-tremore","description":" <p><b>Gary</b> and <b>Peg Hedstrom</b> are self&#45;taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. <b>Judy Ondrla Tremore</b> is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9216"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;general-home-improvement-appliances&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764572098&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63226b3f5896c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;general-home-improvement-appliances&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764572098&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63226b3f5928d\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Use the utility knife to make a small X in the bubble.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362324.image0.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Be sure to keep the slit as small as possible so it won’t be visible when the repair is done.</p>\n"},{"title":"Tweeze out the excess wallpaper adhesive or debris that’s causing the bubble.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362325.image1.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Don’t rush or you&#8217;ll damage the paper.</p>\n"},{"title":"Press down on the bubble to get all the air out from under it.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362326.image2.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>If you’ve only just hung the paper, try to press down on the bubble without applying more glue. If that doesn’t hold, then use some wallpaper adhesive in a syringe.</p>\n"},{"title":"Squirt wallpaper adhesive into the opening and press it down with a damp sponge.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362327.image3.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Use a syringe to get the glue into the opening.</p>\n"},{"title":"Smooth the seam with the roller.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/362328.image4.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>Don’t roll too hard, because you’ll take out too much of the glue and the edge could lift up.</p>\n<p>Wipe off excess adhesive with a damp sponge. If allowed to dry, the excess adhesive will dry with a noticeably shiny finish.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-09-14T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":204781},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T08:00:10+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-05-27T13:47:50+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:43+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Decorating","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33947"},"slug":"decorating","categoryId":33947}],"title":"Arranging Your Bedroom Furniture","strippedTitle":"arranging your bedroom furniture","slug":"arranging-your-bedroom-furniture","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"The bed is the key piece of furniture in any bedroom, and it naturally becomes the focal point. Bedroom furniture is traditionally arranged according to a few g","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>The bed is the key piece of furniture in any bedroom, and it naturally becomes the focal point. Bedroom furniture is traditionally arranged according to a few general rules. For the most part based on common sense, here are some general guidelines for you to follow:</p>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:520px;\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/472013.image0.jpg\" height=\"395\" alt=\"[Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/hikesterson]\" width=\"520\"/><div class=\"imageCredit\">Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/hikesterson</div></div>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Traditionally, folks tend to place a double, queen-sized, or king-sized bed against the center of the wall opposite the main door to the room.</b> With this arrangement, the headboard is the center of attention as you enter the room.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If the dimensions of your room prevent you from positioning your bed on the wall across from the door, other possible choices depend on which walls are long enough to accommodate the bed. Diagonal placement works well when you have the space.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Do not place a bed under a window, if the window will frequently be open.</b> Open windows can create uncomfortable drafts. Positioning a bed between two windows, however, works well.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If your home is air-conditioned or heated year-round and the windows are seldom open, you may be able to ignore this rule.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Do not place the bed where it obstructs a door into the room or a walkway through the room.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Consider nontraditional furniture arrangements if doing so will free up space or use space in a more interesting way.</b></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, a bed may look dramatic placed in front of a secure window; on a diagonal, which takes up extra space; sideways along a wall, to maximize floor space; or in an alcove (a technique called <i>lit clos</i>).</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>If your closet is large enough and you'd like to free-up floor space, put your chest of drawers inside your walk-in closet.</b> Doing this will let you add additional pieces of furniture, such as a writing desk, a seating group, or a big screen TV, to transform any bedroom into a luxury suite.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Bedrooms used by a specific group of people have unique needs. Whether you're decorating a master bedroom, a guest room, or a room for children, the following sections provide you with the tips you need.</p>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Master bedrooms</h2>\r\n<p>A master bedroom doesn't have to be huge, but it does need to offer the amenities you need. If your space is less masterful than you'd like, look at some of the following suggestions for decorating your bedroom:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make the bedroom look larger by eliminating clutter.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Use only necessary furniture.</b> If you can, push a chest of drawers into a walk-in closet to free up floor space.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Keep the bed visually low.</b> Use a headboard, but don't use a footboard, and opt for something other than a four-poster bed, all of which tend to take up space visually, making the room seem smaller.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Keep all your furniture — like the rest of your color scheme — light.</b> Light colored furniture, walls, floors, window treatments, and bedding make a room seem bigger.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Regardless of the size of your master bedroom, the following tips can help you to make it as comfortable as possible:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Add bedside tables that are as big as space will allow.</b> If you read or watch TV in bed, you'll find these tables helpful.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You can buy restaurant café tables for very little money and drape them with quilts.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Try to make room for at least one comfortable chair.</b> Chairs are great for company on a sick day, for daytime resting, or for reading.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Consider carpeting all bedroom floors to reduce noise in the room.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Add a lady's desk — a small, delicately proportioned furnishing for writing letters and so forth — if you have room.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Teen bedrooms</h2>\r\n<p>Teenagers usually know what they want in a bedroom and aren't slow to tell you that they need storage for books and music and space for their collections of just about anything you can name. They have firm ideas about style and colors, so ask! And when your son or daughter requests a wild color, do your best to persuade him or her to use it as an accent.</p>\r\n<p>More and more activities from surfing the Net to entertaining take place in a teen's room. Extra seating and small tables provide space for visitors. Keep furnishings practical and easy to care for.</p>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Children's bedrooms</h2>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Nurseries must be planned with the child's future years in mind. But from the beginning, make room for a changing table near the crib. As always, keep safety in mind. The following tips will help you do all of these things:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Keep cribs away from windows and window blind cords.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make sure cribs and bunk beds meet federal safety standards.</b> Check to see that mattresses fit snugly against the crib's sides. Slats, spindles, rods, and corner posts should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart from each other. Make sure a child can't release the drop side of a crib.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Choose chests and cabinets that can't be tipped over (even when drawers are opened and a child crawls up and into them).</b> This may call for fastening them to the wall for security.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Find hardware that's rounded, sanded, and has no sharp edges.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Equip all electrical outlets with plastic safeguard plugs.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Eliminate any small throw rugs on slippery floors.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make sure all flooring is skidproof.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Eliminate dangling cords on window blinds.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Choose bunk beds with sturdy ladders, handrails, and safety rails.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Make sure you have a guest bed for occasional sleepovers. A trundle bed, which neatly stores a second bed beneath a regular one, is the ideal solution for children's rooms.</p>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Guest bedrooms</h2>\r\n<p>Setting aside a room for guests makes their stay more comfortable not only for them, but also for you. You can furnish the guest room with a marvelous bed and all the necessary furnishings and forget about it. Check out the following suggestions for ways to make your guest room comfortable:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Buy a handsome, space-saving daybed or sofa bed that fits smartly against the wall and out of the way.</b></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The versatility of these beds makes them a delightful option in a home office or other double-duty room. You may even consider installing a Murphy bed that hides away in a closet.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make sure that your guest has plenty of closet space.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dedicate two sets of sheets, a comforter, special pillows, a duvet cover, and pillow shams to your guest room.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>","description":"<p>The bed is the key piece of furniture in any bedroom, and it naturally becomes the focal point. Bedroom furniture is traditionally arranged according to a few general rules. For the most part based on common sense, here are some general guidelines for you to follow:</p>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:520px;\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/472013.image0.jpg\" height=\"395\" alt=\"[Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/hikesterson]\" width=\"520\"/><div class=\"imageCredit\">Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/hikesterson</div></div>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Traditionally, folks tend to place a double, queen-sized, or king-sized bed against the center of the wall opposite the main door to the room.</b> With this arrangement, the headboard is the center of attention as you enter the room.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If the dimensions of your room prevent you from positioning your bed on the wall across from the door, other possible choices depend on which walls are long enough to accommodate the bed. Diagonal placement works well when you have the space.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Do not place a bed under a window, if the window will frequently be open.</b> Open windows can create uncomfortable drafts. Positioning a bed between two windows, however, works well.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If your home is air-conditioned or heated year-round and the windows are seldom open, you may be able to ignore this rule.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Do not place the bed where it obstructs a door into the room or a walkway through the room.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Consider nontraditional furniture arrangements if doing so will free up space or use space in a more interesting way.</b></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, a bed may look dramatic placed in front of a secure window; on a diagonal, which takes up extra space; sideways along a wall, to maximize floor space; or in an alcove (a technique called <i>lit clos</i>).</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>If your closet is large enough and you'd like to free-up floor space, put your chest of drawers inside your walk-in closet.</b> Doing this will let you add additional pieces of furniture, such as a writing desk, a seating group, or a big screen TV, to transform any bedroom into a luxury suite.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Bedrooms used by a specific group of people have unique needs. Whether you're decorating a master bedroom, a guest room, or a room for children, the following sections provide you with the tips you need.</p>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Master bedrooms</h2>\r\n<p>A master bedroom doesn't have to be huge, but it does need to offer the amenities you need. If your space is less masterful than you'd like, look at some of the following suggestions for decorating your bedroom:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make the bedroom look larger by eliminating clutter.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Use only necessary furniture.</b> If you can, push a chest of drawers into a walk-in closet to free up floor space.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Keep the bed visually low.</b> Use a headboard, but don't use a footboard, and opt for something other than a four-poster bed, all of which tend to take up space visually, making the room seem smaller.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Keep all your furniture — like the rest of your color scheme — light.</b> Light colored furniture, walls, floors, window treatments, and bedding make a room seem bigger.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>Regardless of the size of your master bedroom, the following tips can help you to make it as comfortable as possible:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Add bedside tables that are as big as space will allow.</b> If you read or watch TV in bed, you'll find these tables helpful.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You can buy restaurant café tables for very little money and drape them with quilts.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Try to make room for at least one comfortable chair.</b> Chairs are great for company on a sick day, for daytime resting, or for reading.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Consider carpeting all bedroom floors to reduce noise in the room.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Add a lady's desk — a small, delicately proportioned furnishing for writing letters and so forth — if you have room.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Teen bedrooms</h2>\r\n<p>Teenagers usually know what they want in a bedroom and aren't slow to tell you that they need storage for books and music and space for their collections of just about anything you can name. They have firm ideas about style and colors, so ask! And when your son or daughter requests a wild color, do your best to persuade him or her to use it as an accent.</p>\r\n<p>More and more activities from surfing the Net to entertaining take place in a teen's room. Extra seating and small tables provide space for visitors. Keep furnishings practical and easy to care for.</p>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Children's bedrooms</h2>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Nurseries must be planned with the child's future years in mind. But from the beginning, make room for a changing table near the crib. As always, keep safety in mind. The following tips will help you do all of these things:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Keep cribs away from windows and window blind cords.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make sure cribs and bunk beds meet federal safety standards.</b> Check to see that mattresses fit snugly against the crib's sides. Slats, spindles, rods, and corner posts should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart from each other. Make sure a child can't release the drop side of a crib.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Choose chests and cabinets that can't be tipped over (even when drawers are opened and a child crawls up and into them).</b> This may call for fastening them to the wall for security.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Find hardware that's rounded, sanded, and has no sharp edges.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Equip all electrical outlets with plastic safeguard plugs.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Eliminate any small throw rugs on slippery floors.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make sure all flooring is skidproof.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Eliminate dangling cords on window blinds.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Choose bunk beds with sturdy ladders, handrails, and safety rails.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Make sure you have a guest bed for occasional sleepovers. A trundle bed, which neatly stores a second bed beneath a regular one, is the ideal solution for children's rooms.</p>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Guest bedrooms</h2>\r\n<p>Setting aside a room for guests makes their stay more comfortable not only for them, but also for you. You can furnish the guest room with a marvelous bed and all the necessary furnishings and forget about it. Check out the following suggestions for ways to make your guest room comfortable:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Buy a handsome, space-saving daybed or sofa bed that fits smartly against the wall and out of the way.</b></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The versatility of these beds makes them a delightful option in a home office or other double-duty room. You may even consider installing a Murphy bed that hides away in a closet.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make sure that your guest has plenty of closet space.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dedicate two sets of sheets, a comforter, special pillows, a duvet cover, and pillow shams to your guest room.</b></p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9243,"name":"Katharine Kaye McMillan","slug":"katharine-kaye-mcmillan","description":" <b>Katharine Kaye McMillan,</b> former senior editor of a New York City-based national magazine, is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to internationally circulated <i>Florida Design Magazine.</i> She is the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including <i>Sun Country Style,</i> which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, she holds a masters degree in psychology and is a doctoral student in psychology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. <p><b>Patricia Hart McMillan</b> is a nationally known interior designer, whose interior design work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the <i>New York Times</i> and <i>USA Today.</i> Known as a trend spotter and for clearly articulated views on design, she is quoted frequently and extensively in both trade and consumer publications. She a ppears on TV and talk radio. A prolific writer, she is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration, with Sun Country Style signature collections of furniture based on two books. She has taught decorating courses at several colleges and conducted numerous seminars across the U.S. She is decorating editor for <i>Christian Woman Magazine</i> and reports on design trends for <i>The Sun-Sentinel,</i> a Tribune newspaper based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been editor-in-chief of two publications and was head of a New York City-based public relations firm representing some of the most prestigious names in home furnishing and building products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in art history (with an emphasis in architecture), from the State University of New York (New Paltz). She was awarded a certificate from The New York School of Interior Design.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9243"}},{"authorId":9244,"name":"Patricia Hart McMillan","slug":"patricia-hart-mcmillan","description":" <b>Katharine Kaye McMillan,</b> former senior editor of a New York City-based national magazine, is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to internationally circulated <i>Florida Design Magazine.</i> She is the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including <i>Sun Country Style,</i> which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, she holds a masters degree in psychology and is a doctoral student in psychology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. <p><b>Patricia Hart McMillan</b> is a nationally known interior designer, whose interior design work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the <i>New York Times</i> and <i>USA Today.</i> Known as a trend spotter and for clearly articulated views on design, she is quoted frequently and extensively in both trade and consumer publications. She a ppears on TV and talk radio. A prolific writer, she is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration, with Sun Country Style signature collections of furniture based on two books. She has taught decorating courses at several colleges and conducted numerous seminars across the U.S. She is decorating editor for <i>Christian Woman Magazine</i> and reports on design trends for <i>The Sun-Sentinel,</i> a Tribune newspaper based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been editor-in-chief of two publications and was head of a New York City-based public relations firm representing some of the most prestigious names in home furnishing and building products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in art history (with an emphasis in architecture), from the State University of New York (New Paltz). She was awarded a certificate from The New York School of Interior Design.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9244"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33947,"title":"Decorating","slug":"decorating","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33947"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Master bedrooms","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Teen bedrooms","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Children's bedrooms","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Guest bedrooms","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":208940,"title":"Home Decorating For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"home-decorating-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208940"}},{"articleId":201710,"title":"How to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets","slug":"how-to-update-your-kitchen-cabinets","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201710"}},{"articleId":201709,"title":"How to Use Color to Change a Room","slug":"how-to-use-color-to-change-a-room","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201709"}},{"articleId":201702,"title":"How to Update Old Tile","slug":"how-to-update-old-tile","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201702"}},{"articleId":201701,"title":"How to Choose Furniture for a Large Room","slug":"how-to-choose-furniture-for-a-large-room","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201701"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":265474,"title":"Infusing Hygge Into Your Home","slug":"infusing-hygge-into-your-home","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265474"}},{"articleId":208940,"title":"Home Decorating For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"home-decorating-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208940"}},{"articleId":208822,"title":"Feng Shui For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"feng-shui-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208822"}},{"articleId":201710,"title":"How to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets","slug":"how-to-update-your-kitchen-cabinets","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201710"}},{"articleId":201709,"title":"How to Use Color to Change a Room","slug":"how-to-use-color-to-change-a-room","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201709"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282278,"slug":"home-decorating-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9780764541568","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764541560/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0764541560/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0764541560-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0764541560/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0764541560/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/home-decorating-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9780764541568-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Home Decorating For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<b data-author-id=\"9243\">Katharine Kaye McMillan,</b> former senior editor of a New York City-based national magazine, is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to internationally circulated <i>Florida Design Magazine.</i> She is the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including <i>Sun Country Style,</i> which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, she holds a masters degree in psychology and is a doctoral student in psychology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. <p><b data-author-id=\"9244\">Patricia Hart McMillan</b> is a nationally known interior designer, whose interior design work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the <i>New York Times</i> and <i>USA Today.</i> Known as a trend spotter and for clearly articulated views on design, she is quoted frequently and extensively in both trade and consumer publications. She a ppears on TV and talk radio. A prolific writer, she is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration, with Sun Country Style signature collections of furniture based on two books. She has taught decorating courses at several colleges and conducted numerous seminars across the U.S. She is decorating editor for <i>Christian Woman Magazine</i> and reports on design trends for <i>The Sun-Sentinel,</i> a Tribune newspaper based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been editor-in-chief of two publications and was head of a New York City-based public relations firm representing some of the most prestigious names in home furnishing and building products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in art history (with an emphasis in architecture), from the State University of New York (New Paltz). She was awarded a certificate from The New York School of Interior Design.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9243,"name":"Katharine Kaye McMillan","slug":"katharine-kaye-mcmillan","description":" <b>Katharine Kaye McMillan,</b> former senior editor of a New York City-based national magazine, is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to internationally circulated <i>Florida Design Magazine.</i> She is the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including <i>Sun Country Style,</i> which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, she holds a masters degree in psychology and is a doctoral student in psychology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. <p><b>Patricia Hart McMillan</b> is a nationally known interior designer, whose interior design work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the <i>New York Times</i> and <i>USA Today.</i> Known as a trend spotter and for clearly articulated views on design, she is quoted frequently and extensively in both trade and consumer publications. She a ppears on TV and talk radio. A prolific writer, she is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration, with Sun Country Style signature collections of furniture based on two books. She has taught decorating courses at several colleges and conducted numerous seminars across the U.S. She is decorating editor for <i>Christian Woman Magazine</i> and reports on design trends for <i>The Sun-Sentinel,</i> a Tribune newspaper based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been editor-in-chief of two publications and was head of a New York City-based public relations firm representing some of the most prestigious names in home furnishing and building products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in art history (with an emphasis in architecture), from the State University of New York (New Paltz). She was awarded a certificate from The New York School of Interior Design.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9243"}},{"authorId":9244,"name":"Patricia Hart McMillan","slug":"patricia-hart-mcmillan","description":" <b>Katharine Kaye McMillan,</b> former senior editor of a New York City-based national magazine, is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to internationally circulated <i>Florida Design Magazine.</i> She is the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including <i>Sun Country Style,</i> which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, she holds a masters degree in psychology and is a doctoral student in psychology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. <p><b>Patricia Hart McMillan</b> is a nationally known interior designer, whose interior design work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the <i>New York Times</i> and <i>USA Today.</i> Known as a trend spotter and for clearly articulated views on design, she is quoted frequently and extensively in both trade and consumer publications. She a ppears on TV and talk radio. A prolific writer, she is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration, with Sun Country Style signature collections of furniture based on two books. She has taught decorating courses at several colleges and conducted numerous seminars across the U.S. She is decorating editor for <i>Christian Woman Magazine</i> and reports on design trends for <i>The Sun-Sentinel,</i> a Tribune newspaper based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been editor-in-chief of two publications and was head of a New York City-based public relations firm representing some of the most prestigious names in home furnishing and building products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in art history (with an emphasis in architecture), from the State University of New York (New Paltz). She was awarded a certificate from The New York School of Interior Design.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9244"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;decorating&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764541568&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3fd0370\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;decorating&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764541568&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3fd0de7\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-05-27T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":144264},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-28T14:39:16+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-21T13:53:32+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:39+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Walls & Painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"},"slug":"walls-painting","categoryId":33959}],"title":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","strippedTitle":"how to remove old wallpaper","slug":"how-to-remove-old-wallpaper","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This video shows you, step by step, how to remove wallpaper, including prep work, scoring the paper, and applying the solvent.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Audio Transcript</h2>\r\nTo remove ordinary wallpaper, you need to gather a few simple items.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A pre-tape drop cloth</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A bucket of water</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A paint roller and pan</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A perforator</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A scraper (which looks a lot like a putty knife but has a slot for replaceable blades)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wallpaper removing solvent</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">And a bucket full of patients</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The first step is to protect the floor and molding from water damage.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a pre-taped plastic drop cloth and tape it to the top of the baseboard floor molding.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Go all around the perimeter of the area and then unfold it into the room to cover the floor.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you skip this step, it can get messy, not to mention the damage that water can do to floors and baseboards.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The second step is to score the wallpaper with a razor scraper or perforating tool.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">It's a perfect gadget for removing wallpaper from walls made of wall board or<b> </b>drywall, because it won't damage the paper face of the wall board. And that means you won't have to spend time repairing the walls later. When you score the paper with holes or slits it allows the moisture, when applied, to break down the adhesive.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If at any time you notice the razor is getting dull, be sure to change it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The next step is to mix the wallpaper removing solvent with water.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The solvent breaks down the adhesive, so that the wall covering loosens and can easily be scraped off. Use either a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water or a 25/75 solution of liquid laundry softener and water.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The fourth step is to apply the wallpaper solvent with a paint roller or a liquid sprayer.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Start with a three foot section of wallpaper. After a few applications of moisture and a little time to let it soak in, you'll be ready for the next step.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Now peel and scrape off the wet paper. Work on a three foot wide section of the wall at a time and then move on to the next area. As you scrape off the old wallpaper, let it fall onto the plastic drop cloth.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When all the wallpaper is removed, use a sponge and some warm water to remove any excess paste from the walls.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Then just roll up the entire mess — wallpaper, drop cloth and all.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Audio Transcript</h2>\r\nTo remove ordinary wallpaper, you need to gather a few simple items.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A pre-tape drop cloth</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A bucket of water</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A paint roller and pan</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A perforator</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A scraper (which looks a lot like a putty knife but has a slot for replaceable blades)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wallpaper removing solvent</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">And a bucket full of patients</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The first step is to protect the floor and molding from water damage.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a pre-taped plastic drop cloth and tape it to the top of the baseboard floor molding.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Go all around the perimeter of the area and then unfold it into the room to cover the floor.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you skip this step, it can get messy, not to mention the damage that water can do to floors and baseboards.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The second step is to score the wallpaper with a razor scraper or perforating tool.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">It's a perfect gadget for removing wallpaper from walls made of wall board or<b> </b>drywall, because it won't damage the paper face of the wall board. And that means you won't have to spend time repairing the walls later. When you score the paper with holes or slits it allows the moisture, when applied, to break down the adhesive.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If at any time you notice the razor is getting dull, be sure to change it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The next step is to mix the wallpaper removing solvent with water.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The solvent breaks down the adhesive, so that the wall covering loosens and can easily be scraped off. Use either a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water or a 25/75 solution of liquid laundry softener and water.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The fourth step is to apply the wallpaper solvent with a paint roller or a liquid sprayer.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Start with a three foot section of wallpaper. After a few applications of moisture and a little time to let it soak in, you'll be ready for the next step.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Now peel and scrape off the wet paper. Work on a three foot wide section of the wall at a time and then move on to the next area. As you scrape off the old wallpaper, let it fall onto the plastic drop cloth.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When all the wallpaper is removed, use a sponge and some warm water to remove any excess paste from the walls.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Then just roll up the entire mess — wallpaper, drop cloth and all.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33959,"title":"Walls & Painting","slug":"walls-painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Audio Transcript","target":"#tab1"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":219245,"title":"Using Wax When Chalk Painting","slug":"using-wax-when-chalk-painting","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/219245"}},{"articleId":210314,"title":"How to Hang Things on Hollow Walls","slug":"how-to-hang-things-on-hollow-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210314"}},{"articleId":209905,"title":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","slug":"painting-a-room-apply-a-base-coat-of-paint-with-a-roller","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209905"}},{"articleId":209904,"title":"Three Tips for Keeping Paint Cans Clean","slug":"three-tips-for-keeping-paint-cans-clean","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209904"}},{"articleId":209903,"title":"Three Tips for Cleaning Paint Spills and Spatters","slug":"three-tips-for-cleaning-paint-spills-and-spatters","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209903"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[{"title":"Just DIY It","slug":"just-diy-it","collectionId":292186}],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3b9cc50\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3b9d693\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Videos","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":"694591626001","name":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","accountId":"622696558001","playerId":"default","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/622696558001/cb906e52-c9b0-4904-b1ed-1f2774fb6bc5/572fccfd-92b2-4c94-b4e2-bfc9672fa19e/160x90/match/image.jpg","description":"Stripping wallpaper is a serious home-improvement project. Removing old glue from walls before you paint is a must. These tips show how to strip old wallpaper from your walls and remodel like a professional.","uploadDate":"2022-07-15T08:17:54.138Z"}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-21T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":210316},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-28T14:34:46+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T20:59:06+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:39+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Walls & Painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"},"slug":"walls-painting","categoryId":33959}],"title":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","strippedTitle":"painting a room: apply a base coat of paint with a roller","slug":"painting-a-room-apply-a-base-coat-of-paint-with-a-roller","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to correctly use a roller to paint a wall, including using the tray, and applying paint in a smooth, even manner.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nPainting the corners and edges on a wall is the meticulous part; once you've done that, you're ready to paint the main part of the wall. Be sure you have the right tools — having the right roller for the surface of your walls is critical.","description":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nPainting the corners and edges on a wall is the meticulous part; once you've done that, you're ready to paint the main part of the wall. 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Home Improvement & Appliances Articles

Creating and maintaining an amazing home isn't easy — but it's definitely worth it! We'll walk you through everything from choosing the best vacuum to organizing your clutter.

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516 results
516 results
Decorating Home Decorating For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 11-29-2022

Home decorating draws on your creative side, as well as your inner engineer. Whether you dabble in home decorating or make it a career, you get to play with color, texture, and pattern, in addition to tape measures, graph paper, and paint. Finding the furniture you want is important, and so is doing the planning that makes your decorating a delight.

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Windows How to Replace a Broken Glass Pane in a Wood-Frame Window

Step by Step / Updated 10-18-2022

The trickiest part of replacing broken glass panes in wood-frame windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a broken glass pane in a wood window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit. Have the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width. This creates a 1/16-inch gap on each side between the edges of the pane and the rabbet groove. The gap provides room for the glass to expand when the weather changes. In addition to the replacement glass pane, you'll need: latex glazing putty; metal glazing points; pliers; a heat gun; flexible putty knife; 1- or 2-inch, stiff, steel, putty knife; and a flathead screwdriver. Also check out these other articles on replacing broken window panes in: steel-casement windows; sliding-sash windows; and metal storm windows.

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Cleaning & Organization Decluttering for Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 10-18-2022

Throughout my books and teachings, I always say get started now versus later. Whatever you declutter today will help you tomorrow, so start small and stay consistent. These quick tips can be a reference guide to help you get started or keep you motivated in between your decluttering sessions.

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Walls & Painting How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint

Step by Step / Updated 10-18-2022

Chalk paint can be used to paint almost anything — walls, kitchen cabinets, metal, wood, and even fabric — but the most common use is to give new life to old furniture or to make newer pieces look old. The great thing about chalk paint is that there isn't a huge learning curve or a lot of prep work. You can just dive right in.

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Walls & Painting How Much Paint Do I Need

Article / Updated 10-11-2022

Before you begin painting your home's interior walls, ceilings, woodwork, doors, or windows, you need to estimate the amount of paint you'll use. Estimates require specific calculations for each surface you want to paint. To estimate the amount of paint you need in order to cover the walls of a room, add together the length of all the walls and then multiply the number by the height of the room, from floor to ceiling. The number you get is the room's square footage. Is that math class coming back to you now? How to determine square footage Now you have to determine how much of that square footage is paintable surface area. Because you use a different paint on the doors and windows, subtract those areas from the room total. No sweat, just subtract 20 square feet for each door and 15 square feet for each average-sized window in the room. You end up with a number that is close to the actual wall area you have to cover with paint. In general, you can expect 1 gallon of paint to cover about 350 square feet. You need slightly more than a gallon if the walls are unpainted drywall, which absorbs more of the paint. You also need to consider whether to paint more than one coat. If you're painting walls that are unfinished, heavily patched, or dark in color, plan on applying two coats of paint. When painting a dark color, pros often add a color tint to the white primer. Tints for both latex or alkyd paints are available at most paint stores. For best results, choose a tint shade that's closest to the top coat color. Now for the clincher of the math problem. Divide the paintable wall area by 350 (the square-foot coverage in each gallon can) to find the number of gallons of paint you need for the walls. You can round uneven numbers; if the remainder is less than .5, order a couple of quarts of wall paint to go with the gallons; if the remainder is more than .5, order an extra gallon. Of course, buying in bulk is usually more economical, so you may discover that 3 quarts of paint cost as much as a gallon. Examples of calculations The following examples walk you through the calculations for determining how much paint you need for a 14-x-20-foot room that's 8 feet tall and has two doors and two windows. Ceiling paint calculator Use the following formula to estimate the amount of ceiling paint you need. Double the result if the ceiling requires two coats. 1. Multiply the length of the ceiling times its width to find its area. 14 × 20 = 280 square feet 2. Divide that number by 350 (the estimated square feet covered per gallon) to figure out how many gallons of paint you need. 280 ÷ 350 = .8 For this example, you want to buy 1 gallon of ceiling paint for a single coat. Wall paint calculator Use the following formula to estimate the amount of wall paint you need. Double the result if the walls require two coats. 1. Add together the length of each wall. 14 + 20 + 14 + 20 = 68 feet 2. Multiply the sum by the wall height, to find the total wall area. 68 × 8 = 544 square feet 3. Subtract 20 square feet for each door (20 × 2 = 40) and 15 square feet for each window (15 × 2 = 30) to find the actual amount of wall area you're painting. 544 – 70 = 474 square feet 4. Divide this figure by the paint coverage (350 square feet per gallon), and the result is the number of gallons to purchase. 474 ÷ 350 = 1.4 For this example, you want to buy 1 gallon and 2 quarts of paint for a single coat. Woodwork paint calculator Measure the length of the trim in feet, and multiply that number by 1/2 foot (.5), as a rough size for the width of the trim. Include all the trim around doors and windows, at baseboards, along the ceiling, and for any built-in furniture. As an example, imagine that you have ceiling molding running around a room that is 14 feet wide and 20 feet long. 1. Determine the total length of molding around the room by adding together the length of all the walls that the molding covers. Round the numbers off to the nearest foot. 14 + 20 + 14 + 20 = 68 feet 2. Multiply the sum by .5 for an estimated width of the molding. 68 × .5 = 34 square feet 3. Divide this number by 350 to estimate the gallons of paint required to cover the molding. 34 ÷ 350 = .09 The result in this example is much less than a quart, but you may paint other woodwork in the room the same color, so buying a full quart may not be terribly wasteful. Door and window calculator Use the same figure for estimating door coverage as you use in your wall-area calculations — 20 square feet = one door. Multiply the number of doors by 20, doubling the answer if you plan to paint both sides. Wall paint estimates allow for 15 square feet for each window. Use about half that window area to figure trim and inside sash — the glass isn't important to the calculation. For the room in this example: 1. Multiply the number of doors by 20. 2 × 20 = 40 square feet 2. Multiply the number of windows by 7.5. 2 × 7.5 = 15 square feet 3. Add these numbers together. 40 + 15 = 55 4. Divide the result by 350 (the estimated square feet covered per gallon). 54 ÷ 350 = .16 Often, you end up needing to buy only a quart of paint, which goes a long way on doors and window trim. See also: How to Paint Ceilings and Walls How to Paint Paneled Doors How to Paint Trim Tools You Need for a Basic Paint Project

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Electrical How to Replace a Light Switch

Article / Updated 10-11-2022

Don't wait hours for the next available electrician — changing out a light switch is fairly easy. Most modern switches have screw terminals on each side with holes in the back to accept the end of the wire. How to wire a light switch Loosen the screws on the side of the device with a standard screwdriver (turning counterclockwise). You may find getting the wires out of the back of the device tricky. To remove these wires, insert the blade of a small screwdriver into the slot under the hole into which the wire is inserted and push in as you pull the wire loose. Pushing the blade of the screwdriver into the slot releases the grip on the inserted wire. Here are some descriptions of each wire and where they go: The white (neutral) wire connects to the silver screw, or you place it in the back wire hole on the same side of the device as the silver screw. The black (hot) wire goes to the brass screw or into the hole in the back of the device on the same side as the brass screw. This wire is sometimes red. The green or bare copper (ground) wire, if the device has one, attaches to the green screw terminal on the switch or to the electrical box. Although plug-in connections may be more convenient, they are less reliable than those with screw terminals, so don't use them! Replacing single-pole light switches If the switch has On and Off embossed on its body and it's the only switch that controls lights or receptacles, it's a single-pole switch. To replace this kind of switch, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the switch at the main circuit breaker or fuse panel. Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. Two or three wires will be attached to the switch: an incoming hot wire, which is black; a return wire, which carries the load to the fixture and may be black, red, or any other color except green; and sometimes a grounding wire, which is green or bare copper. There may be other wires in the box, but you are only dealing with the ones connected directly to the switch. You may find a white wire that has black tape on it connected to the switch. This tape indicates that the white wire is being used as a black or colored wire in the switch leg, so it's not neutral. Compare your new switch with the one you're replacing to find the corresponding locations for the electrical screw connectors. Because the power is off, you can match up the connectors the easy way: Instead of disconnecting all the wires at once and possibly getting confused, unscrew and connect one wire at a time. Attach the first wire you unscrew to the same-colored screw on the new switch as it was on the old; do the same with the second. To connect a wire to a terminal, strip off about 1/2 inch of insulation, using a wire stripper, and twist the end into a clockwise loop with long-nose pliers. The loop must wrap at least two-thirds but no more than three-quarters of the way around the terminal screw. Hook the wire clockwise around the screw so when you tighten the screw with a screwdriver, the clockwise force of the tightening screw makes the loop wrap tighter around the screw. Gently push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place. Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power. Replacing three-way light switches A three-way switch is a handy convenience to control a light from two locations, such as at the top and bottom of a staircase. If the words On and Off aren't embossed on the switch and it's one of two switches that control a single light or receptacle, you have a three-way switch. Seems like it should be called a two-way switch, right? The name refers to the fact that these switches have three terminal screws. To replace a three-way switch, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel. Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. A three-way switch has at least three wires, and possibly four, depending on whether it has a ground wire. Two wires attach to brass screw terminals, which are usually at the top of the switch, and an additional wire attaches to a dark-colored (not green) screw terminal, which is usually at the bottom of the switch. Mark this third wire with a piece of tape and mark the wire on the same side of the switch directly above it with a piece of different-colored tape. The new switch may have the electrical screw connectors in slightly different locations than the switch you're replacing. Most switches have a pair of terminals on opposite sides of the switch top and a single terminal at the bottom. Remove the wires from the switch. Attach the tagged wires to the corresponding terminals of the new switch. Alternatively, you may choose to transfer one wire at a time from the old switch to the new switch. If the existing switch has a green ground wire, attach the wire to the green screw terminal on the new switch or to the electrical box. Push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place. Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power. Replacing four-way light switches If the switch doesn't have the words On and Off embossed on its body and it's the center switch of three switches that control a single light or receptacle, it's a four-way switch. To replace a four-way switch, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit panel or fuse box. Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. This switch has at least four screw terminals. It may also have a fifth, ground terminal (green). Mark the location of the four wires with tape so that you can replace them on the new switch; then remove the wires from the switch. Alternatively, you may choose to transfer one wire at a time from the old switch to the new switch. Attach the wires to the corresponding terminals of the new switch. If the existing switch has a green ground wire, attach it to the green terminal on the new switch or to the electrical box. Push the new, wired switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place. Screw on the switch plate and turn on the power. Replacing light switches with a dimmer Replacing a standard single-pole or three-way switch with a dimmer switch is no different than replacing a standard switch. Remember: Dimmer switches don't work on most fluorescent fixtures, and low-voltage lighting requires special low-voltage dimmers. Check the rating of the dimmer switch you purchase. Most dimmer switches can handle 600 watts of power. Count the number of light bulbs that the switch controls and add up the maximum wattage bulb allowed for the fixture. For example, if the switch controls a light fixture that accommodates up to two 100-watt bulbs (200 watts total) a 600-watt dimmer will have no problem, but a string of seven recessed lights could overload the dimmer. To replace a standard switch with a dimmer switch, follow these steps: Turn off the power to the switch at the circuit or fuse panel. Unscrew and remove the switch plate; then use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit is dead. Unscrew the switch from the electrical box and pull it out with the wires still attached. Remove the wires from the old switch. Dimmer switches are usually connected to the house wiring by short lengths of wire coming out of the switch body rather than by screw terminals. Use the connectors (wire nuts) supplied with the fixture to attach the black wires coming out of the dimmer switch to the colored wires that were attached to the terminals on the old switch. First, twist the wires together, and then screw on the wire nut. Push the new switch back into the electrical box and screw it in place. The body of a dimmer is larger than the switch being replaced. Don't just force it in. Often, you need to reposition or better organize the wires first to make room for it. Screw on the switch plate. Push the control knob, if there is one, onto the shaft protruding from the switch. Turn on the power.

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General Home Improvement & Appliances How to Fix Wallpaper Bubbles Caused by Excess Adhesive

Step by Step / Updated 09-14-2022

Fixing wallpaper bubbles or bumps is a simple, five-minute process. Knowing how to fix wallpaper bubbles and bumps prevents further damage like tears or rips. Wallpaper bubbles occur when a glob of wallpaper paste wasn’t smoothed out when the paper was hung or when a weak bond between the wallpaper and wall causes the wallpaper to lift. To fix a bump caused by excess adhesive, you'll need a damp sponge, a utility knife, a syringe, seam roller, tweezers, and glue.

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Decorating Arranging Your Bedroom Furniture

Article / Updated 05-27-2022

The bed is the key piece of furniture in any bedroom, and it naturally becomes the focal point. Bedroom furniture is traditionally arranged according to a few general rules. For the most part based on common sense, here are some general guidelines for you to follow: Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/hikesterson Traditionally, folks tend to place a double, queen-sized, or king-sized bed against the center of the wall opposite the main door to the room. With this arrangement, the headboard is the center of attention as you enter the room. If the dimensions of your room prevent you from positioning your bed on the wall across from the door, other possible choices depend on which walls are long enough to accommodate the bed. Diagonal placement works well when you have the space. Do not place a bed under a window, if the window will frequently be open. Open windows can create uncomfortable drafts. Positioning a bed between two windows, however, works well. If your home is air-conditioned or heated year-round and the windows are seldom open, you may be able to ignore this rule. Do not place the bed where it obstructs a door into the room or a walkway through the room. Consider nontraditional furniture arrangements if doing so will free up space or use space in a more interesting way. For example, a bed may look dramatic placed in front of a secure window; on a diagonal, which takes up extra space; sideways along a wall, to maximize floor space; or in an alcove (a technique called lit clos). If your closet is large enough and you'd like to free-up floor space, put your chest of drawers inside your walk-in closet. Doing this will let you add additional pieces of furniture, such as a writing desk, a seating group, or a big screen TV, to transform any bedroom into a luxury suite. Bedrooms used by a specific group of people have unique needs. Whether you're decorating a master bedroom, a guest room, or a room for children, the following sections provide you with the tips you need. Master bedrooms A master bedroom doesn't have to be huge, but it does need to offer the amenities you need. If your space is less masterful than you'd like, look at some of the following suggestions for decorating your bedroom: Make the bedroom look larger by eliminating clutter. Use only necessary furniture. If you can, push a chest of drawers into a walk-in closet to free up floor space. Keep the bed visually low. Use a headboard, but don't use a footboard, and opt for something other than a four-poster bed, all of which tend to take up space visually, making the room seem smaller. Keep all your furniture — like the rest of your color scheme — light. Light colored furniture, walls, floors, window treatments, and bedding make a room seem bigger. Regardless of the size of your master bedroom, the following tips can help you to make it as comfortable as possible: Add bedside tables that are as big as space will allow. If you read or watch TV in bed, you'll find these tables helpful. You can buy restaurant café tables for very little money and drape them with quilts. Try to make room for at least one comfortable chair. Chairs are great for company on a sick day, for daytime resting, or for reading. Consider carpeting all bedroom floors to reduce noise in the room. Add a lady's desk — a small, delicately proportioned furnishing for writing letters and so forth — if you have room. Teen bedrooms Teenagers usually know what they want in a bedroom and aren't slow to tell you that they need storage for books and music and space for their collections of just about anything you can name. They have firm ideas about style and colors, so ask! And when your son or daughter requests a wild color, do your best to persuade him or her to use it as an accent. More and more activities from surfing the Net to entertaining take place in a teen's room. Extra seating and small tables provide space for visitors. Keep furnishings practical and easy to care for. Children's bedrooms Nurseries must be planned with the child's future years in mind. But from the beginning, make room for a changing table near the crib. As always, keep safety in mind. The following tips will help you do all of these things: Keep cribs away from windows and window blind cords. Make sure cribs and bunk beds meet federal safety standards. Check to see that mattresses fit snugly against the crib's sides. Slats, spindles, rods, and corner posts should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart from each other. Make sure a child can't release the drop side of a crib. Choose chests and cabinets that can't be tipped over (even when drawers are opened and a child crawls up and into them). This may call for fastening them to the wall for security. Find hardware that's rounded, sanded, and has no sharp edges. Equip all electrical outlets with plastic safeguard plugs. Eliminate any small throw rugs on slippery floors. Make sure all flooring is skidproof. Eliminate dangling cords on window blinds. Choose bunk beds with sturdy ladders, handrails, and safety rails. Make sure you have a guest bed for occasional sleepovers. A trundle bed, which neatly stores a second bed beneath a regular one, is the ideal solution for children's rooms. Guest bedrooms Setting aside a room for guests makes their stay more comfortable not only for them, but also for you. You can furnish the guest room with a marvelous bed and all the necessary furnishings and forget about it. Check out the following suggestions for ways to make your guest room comfortable: Buy a handsome, space-saving daybed or sofa bed that fits smartly against the wall and out of the way. The versatility of these beds makes them a delightful option in a home office or other double-duty room. You may even consider installing a Murphy bed that hides away in a closet. Make sure that your guest has plenty of closet space. Dedicate two sets of sheets, a comforter, special pillows, a duvet cover, and pillow shams to your guest room.

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Walls & Painting How to Remove Old Wallpaper

Video / Updated 04-21-2022

Audio Transcript To remove ordinary wallpaper, you need to gather a few simple items. A pre-tape drop cloth A bucket of water A paint roller and pan A perforator A scraper (which looks a lot like a putty knife but has a slot for replaceable blades) Wallpaper removing solvent And a bucket full of patients The first step is to protect the floor and molding from water damage. Use a pre-taped plastic drop cloth and tape it to the top of the baseboard floor molding. Go all around the perimeter of the area and then unfold it into the room to cover the floor. If you skip this step, it can get messy, not to mention the damage that water can do to floors and baseboards. The second step is to score the wallpaper with a razor scraper or perforating tool. It's a perfect gadget for removing wallpaper from walls made of wall board or drywall, because it won't damage the paper face of the wall board. And that means you won't have to spend time repairing the walls later. When you score the paper with holes or slits it allows the moisture, when applied, to break down the adhesive. If at any time you notice the razor is getting dull, be sure to change it. The next step is to mix the wallpaper removing solvent with water. The solvent breaks down the adhesive, so that the wall covering loosens and can easily be scraped off. Use either a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water or a 25/75 solution of liquid laundry softener and water. The fourth step is to apply the wallpaper solvent with a paint roller or a liquid sprayer. Start with a three foot section of wallpaper. After a few applications of moisture and a little time to let it soak in, you'll be ready for the next step. Now peel and scrape off the wet paper. Work on a three foot wide section of the wall at a time and then move on to the next area. As you scrape off the old wallpaper, let it fall onto the plastic drop cloth. When all the wallpaper is removed, use a sponge and some warm water to remove any excess paste from the walls. Then just roll up the entire mess — wallpaper, drop cloth and all.

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Walls & Painting Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller

Video / Updated 04-20-2022

Painting the corners and edges on a wall is the meticulous part; once you've done that, you're ready to paint the main part of the wall. Be sure you have the right tools — having the right roller for the surface of your walls is critical.

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