We answer your renovation and decorating questions with help from industry experts. E-mail questions to maghomedecor@sph.com.sg.
We answer your renovation and decorating questions with help from industry experts. E-mail questions to maghomedecor@sph.com.sg.
I fell in love with some pricey furniture, but my practical side is holding me back. What should I consider before investing?
That depends on how much you’ve set aside for furnishing your home, but there are some questions you should ask yourself before making a purchase. What stage of your life are you at? An expensive sofa or dining table will probably not suit a young family as it is unlikely to survive the messiest years of early childhood.
Will this furniture go the distance; will it last for years? Ask the sales staff about the manufacturer’s background and manufacturing process. Do your own research on its reputation and warranty commitment. At the same time, examine if the piece is multifunctional or can easily transition between homes. For example, a round pedestal table is good for dining, and could be relocated as a foyer table should you move to a larger home. A sideboard can store crockery and table linens now, and function as a bar years later.
Will you still love it after 10 years? Is it a trendy piece that will grow old in a year or so? You are better off with a classic design rather than a short-lived one. If it’s a designer piece or an antique, what is the resale value?
How do I select a chair for my study? Are ergonomic chairs really better, and how do I know if they suit me?
According to Dr Suyi Choo of Family Chiropractic Singapore, prolonged sitting causes back pain as our bodies are designed to be in regular motion. Sitting puts our centre of gravity on the pelvis, which impacts the spine. It also stretches the spinal ligaments and impedes nutrition from reaching the vertebral discs. This leads to premature degeneration. Sitting on an ergonomic chair will help lessen the pressure.
Look for a chair that can be adjusted for seat height and lumbar support. It should also have adjustable armrests, as these will reduce the strain on your shoulders and neck. The chair should support your spine in different positions while you’re seated. Look for a seat depth that allows space for two fingers between the front of the seat and the back of your knees.
Some people prefer sitting on stability balls instead of chairs. “Stability balls prove to be effective in toning your abs and strengthening your core, which helps support your back. However, when it comes to extended periods of sitting, a good working chair is still better,” she advises.
If you do use a ball, stick to short periods of time, instead of the entire day. Maintain a straight posture by using your abdominal, back and side muscles, and switch to a chair when you’re tired. Stability balls are not recommended for people with osteoporosis, balance or lower-back problems.
Whichever seat you use, don’t be stuck in one position for too long. Remember to take a break every hour or so.
I would like to soundproof my study room, but will this make it look smaller? Also, how do I soundproof windows?
The first thing Kathryn Cheng, an acoustic consultant at Soundzipper, points out is the misconception that “soundproofing” panels (more accurately known as “acoustic panels”) prevent sound from going through walls. Actually, their role is to reduce echoes.
What stops traffic noise or the blare of the TV in the living room from travelling into your study are heavy layers of material that are airtight.
“Acoustic panels control the sound within the room itself, so if you want clarity in your conversation in this room, acoustic panels will do the job,” she explains. To reduce outside noise from entering the study, she recommends tackling the weak link in the walls: the door. Swop your typical HDB hollow-core door for a solid core one to increase door mass and make it airtight.
Install rubber door seals on the door frame. “This is where sound freely enters and is the weakest point in the structure.”
To reduce traffic noise, she suggests installing an additional window over your current one. “If you wish to install curtains, go for high-density curtains (also known as blackout curtains). However, installing them without door seals and soundproofing windows might not work very well.”
Adding a carpet will minimise echoes, but remember: it will not soundproof your room from outside noise. It will only control the noise within the room.
I have a double-volume ceiling space in my living room and I’m not sure how high I should place my aircon. How many units I should use for a living room with a loft layout?
The rule of thumb used to calculate air-con capacity relies on the floor area of the space that needs to be cooled.
In your case, the ceiling height is double that of normal rooms. Generally, a unit that’s one or two BTUs (British thermal units) higher than what is recommended for your room, based on floor area, will cool the room more efficiently. However, it is best to ask an air-con specialist to survey your home.
Help your air-con work efficiently by installing the condenser units in the shade and using ceiling or standing fans. If you have double-volume windows, install heat-reducing window film and blinds or curtains, to reduce heat transmission. Keep the units serviced regularly to maintain performance and flush out piping.
