Light up my Life!

Lamps and Other Home Accessories

How many times have you been in a situation where you need a little extra light. From working on cars to doing some intricate repair work that requires one of those precision tools, I have been in that circumstance too often. I even realized, after all these years, why my dad would get so mad at me when I wasn't holding the flashlight correctly as he inspected for the oil leak on the old Plymouth. However, there are other times where having a little extra light that's closer than the ceiling is really helpful. It's not always about work. 

Reading and What Not

Maybe I am too old-school, but I still enjoy reading from an actual book. Not that there is anything wrong with reading from a tablet, it's just I really enjoy the smell of books and turning the pages. I even enjoy looking at the collection of books as they sit on the shelves of my bookcases. That is one thing you can't replicate if they are all downloaded onto a tablet.  Although I do admire someone who doesn't feel like they have to have a visual reminder of what all they have read in their lives. 

Before I digress for too long, back to the subject at hand; lamps. As I get older, I find I need more and more light. Not too long ago, just changing the bulbs to a higher lumen worked and I wouldn't have to strain my eyes. Now, it seems I need a lamp by my reading chair no matter what time of the day. I also like to do puzzles and play cards and having that little extra light from a lamp really helps keep me from straining my eyes. 

Lamps and Home Accessories for Sale in Abilene, TX

If you need some extra light in certain places of your home, Pierce Furniture Gallery in Abilene is a great place to find what you need. From lamps and rugs to all sorts of home decor, you are sure to find something useful for your home. If you would like to take a look at all they have to offer online, then please click here! And as a bonus, if you visit the store before May 15th, you can ask us about our special offer of a free lamp set or a free area rug with qualifying purchase. We can fill you in on all the details regarding this new limited time offer!

It may be Warming up Finally!

Spring is in the Air (maybe...)

This winter seems to be trying its best not to be forgotten. What I mean by that is just when we think we don't have to worry about coats, it almost gets back down into the 30's again. With this last cold spell that has come through, hopefully, it will be over with. I, for one, am about to have to chop more wood if spring doesn't quit lollygagging around. 

I know this is Texas that we are talking about so, I'm no stranger to weird weather changes. However, now that spring is here, for the most part, you may be spending time outdoors. Grilling up some savory food in the back yard with the family or some friends is a lot nicer when it's not bone-chillingly cold.  Or maybe you have a pool that is about to get uncovered and used on those incoming hot days. You know how it is, Spring gets about 2 months and then it changes to summer temperatures. Who knows, maybe it will be a milder summer this year with lots of cold fronts blowing through. Even if it's a milder one, you will most likely be outdoors and doing more activities that don't involve the living room couch. 

Outdoor Furniture for Sale in Abilene, TX

When you have a BBQ at your house, do you wish you could invite more friends? Possibly, you may be wishing that you could sit outside every now and then with the family. If you need more outdoor seating, or if you are thinking of getting an outdoor furniture set, Pierce Furniture Gallery in Abilene, TX is a fantastic place to find what you need. Whether you just need a couple of extra seats, or if you need a table and the whole set, our prices are affordable. The best part about the affordability is that you aren't sacrificing any quality in the items. We even offer financing options so that it can make your shopping experience even easier with flexible payments. If you would like to view our entire selection of outdoor and patio furniture for your home, please click here to visit our website.

Are you having a hard time getting rest at night?

Are you having a hard time getting rest at night?

You may not be getting a very restful night sleep because of your mattress. If you are tossing and turning at night or not sleeping very well it could be because your mattress is worn out. It is often times difficult to know when your mattress wears out because we sleep on it every night and our body just grows a custom and acclimated with the way the bed feels as it continues to wear down. For those of us who do not have enough time at night to get a good night sleep in the first place, it is vital that what little bit of sleep we get is restful. 4:30 a.m. comes very early especially when you are not able to get into bed until 11:30 p.m. every night. Those five hours of rest are crucial for allowing me to make it through the following day. If I am tossing and turning all night because my back or my neck is hurting then I am obviously not getting as much rest as I possibly could. This is problematic because not only am I tired the following day but I’m cranky and irritable and it is hard for me to think clearly because I don’t feel well.

Get a New Mattress

If you are not getting a restful night’s sleep and you are waking up in pain and irritable throughout the rest of the day, then it is highly probable that you need a new mattress. This is such an easy fix considering how much money people spend in doctors and chiropractors and pain medicine. It is much less expensive and much better for your body just to purchase a new mattress. There are many types of mattresses so it is important to know which type of mattress your body prefers. Do you need a firm mattress or a soft mattress?

Mattresses for Sale in Abilene, Texas

If you were in the market for a new mattress then come check out our selection at Pierce Furniture Gallery in Abilene. We have a plethora of name brand mattresses and are sure you will find the exact one that fits you. We invite you to check them out and see which one best fits you. Our sales associates will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have and make sure that you choose the perfect mattress.

How to Care for Wooden Furniture

Caring For Wooden Furniture

Chances are that you have some form or fashion of wooden furniture in your home. Items made from wood can last a long time even if you don't care for them properly. However, if you do treat them well and give them proper care, they can last for decades. Here are some tips that will hopefully help you give your dining room tables, end tables, chairs, and other wooden items some TLC. 

Step 1: Cleaning

When you clean wood furniture with a finish, you really only need water and a little bit of mild dish soap (Like Dawn). As long as you avoid letting any water stand for too long on the surface, you should not have any problem damaging it. Wipe down the surface with a damp, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime. You can use a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush to clean any crevices, nooks, or crannies. Afterward, wipe up any remaining moisture with a similar but dry cloth. 

Step 2: Perking up the Finish

If your table isn't looking as shiny as it once did, you can apply some soft wax to the finish to help restore it. Apply a thin coat of your preferred brand (using their recommended amount) and use a soft cloth to buff lightly across the surface. Let the wax set for about 30 minutes and then buff with slightly more pressure the second time around. You should get a nice shine that will stick around for quite some time after you are done. NOTE: I know it may not be entirely possible, but positioning your wooden furniture where it doesn't sit in much sunlight over the course of a day will help preserve the finish. You may want to close the blinds when the sun is shining directly on your table and chairs. 

Tips for Wooden Furniture Longevity

 If you have a house that uses space heaters or other kinds of external heating equipment, you will want to keep your wooden furniture away from those things. For one reason, it can be a fire hazard, and for another reason, they will dry your wood out. Dry wood can become cracked and loose because it shrinks. Also, if you live in an arid climate, consider using a humidifier to keep the air from getting too dry. Of course, you don't want to place the humidifier so that it is blowing directly on any wooden items. Too much moisture can warp wood. 

Tables and Chairs for sale in Abilene, TX

Wood care is not as complicated as you may think it is. Avoid too much sun and letting water sit for too long and you should have no problems. However, at Pierce Furniture Gallery in Abilene, TX, we understand that life isn't perfect. For that reason, you may have to replace an item in your home prematurely. This unexpected expense may not fit in the budget so we offer furniture at true discount prices. With the help of our friendly sales staff, we are sure you will find the perfect set of tables and chairs for your home!

A Retreat for Guests

A Retreat for Guests

There is nothing like a cozy, comfy room to spend the end of your day in. We love it as homeowners, but what about our guest? Trust me, they love staying in a room that makes them not ever want to leave. If you ever stayed in a luxury hotel room, you know what I’m talking about. It is the small details, clean sheets, decluttered space, and special amenities. Well, you can turn that extra bedroom into a special retreat with simple details. Give your guest the 5-star treatment they deserve with a few helpful tips from HGTV.

Essentials for Creating a Cozy Guest Room

A fresh arrangement can complement the room and add a little color. Putting together an arrangement does not have to be a hassle. Even inexpensive store bought flowers or a handful picked from the garden will add charm and bring a smile to your guests. Try tulips, they are a natural choice because they're available year-round and their droopy shape lends itself to fuss-free arrangements.

There is nothing like fresh bedding. Neutral sheets, blankets, and quilts accented with colorful pillows that say “great night's sleep!” Start with high-thread-count, 100 percent cotton sheets then add a thick duvet and pile on lots of fluffy pillows.

I know everyone has a smartphone and probably used it as an alarm clock, but there is still something about having a clock on a nightstand that makes the room complete. Buy one anyway, we don’t want our guests to be late for any plans. Just remember if you purchase a clock test its noise level first, no one wants to lie awake all night listening to a loud tick-tock.

Use a deep basket to store guest towels, a robe and extra blankets. Place it visibly in the room, so guests have everything they need upon arrival. This also keeps them from having to rummage around or ask you.

Five-star hotels have the right idea when it comes to stocking the room with cups, coffee/tea, and snacks. Do the same for your guest room. Stock a couple of mugs, a teapot and small packets of coffee and tea so guests can help themselves to a warm cup whenever they'd like. A dish of easy to eat fruit, late night snacks, and bottled water is always appreciated. You can even customize a snack tray for each guest.

Because we all (almost all of us) forget at least one thing when traveling, consider stocking a few travel-size essentials. Have an extra blow dryer, trial size shampoo, toothpaste, and hairspray handy in the guest room closet or dresser drawers.

Bedside lighting is always nice. Some guests like to read or check their email before going to bed, and a low light desk lamp is perfect to set the mood and keep other guests from sleeping.

Let's not forget the windows. Inexpensive blinds, roller shades or ready-made draperies do wonders in blocking out the early morning sunlight. Guests will appreciate a dark room for sleeping in. You don’t want the room to be too bright to sleep in or become extra hot or cold.

A Furniture Store with Everything You Need

There is nothing like spending the night in a cozy guest room and getting the best sleep of your life. At Peirce Furniture Gallery in Abilene, TX, we stock everything you need to turn your guest room into a 5-star hotel. We offer everything from mattresses to bedding, floor lighting to table lamps, and even wall accents. Our friendly sales staff will help you find everything you need to make your guest room look and feel great!

How Much Sleep do You Get?

How Does Your Bed Treat You?

We are supposed to, on average, spend a third of our lives sleeping. Eight hours out of a 24 hour day is what you should dedicate to allowing your body to rest and recuperate. Of course, everyone is different and everyone has different needs so the number can change a little bit for individuals. As a whole, though, most people spend a considerable amount of time in bed. The quality of your sleep can play a vital role in your body's health and well-being.

Losing Sleep

Ask yourself this question: What happens to me when I don't get enough sleep? Then ask yourself this question: What happens to me when I don't get quality sleep? The answer to both of those questions is probably the same thing. When you lose sleep, you suffer from a variety of negative things including fatigue, irritability, forgetfulness, and drowsiness. Long term sleep loss can have an adverse effect on your health including, high blood pressure, soreness, mood swings, and even neurological disorders. When our bodies rest, it's the time that we repair tissue and filter toxins from our systems. With that being said, it's very important to get the right amount of rest. 

One thing that is overlooked by many is that the quality of rest you are getting is just as important as how much. If you are sleeping for eight hours, but you aren't entering into the deeper stages of rest, you can still have side effects as if you aren't sleeping long enough. Now, there are many factors that can play a part in the quality of your sleep. Stress, worry, and other things may keep you up at night, but things like restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea may be affecting you at night. Problems like those are something that you have to have diagnosed, but one thing you can do for yourself is to make sure you have a new quality mattress. 

Mattresses For Sale in Abilene, TX

A Pierce Furniture Gallery, we've got a great selection of mattresses for you to browse. You should replace yours every 5-10 years. Ask yourself when the last time you bought one was and if you can't remember, it's probably time for a new one. Financing options are available to help make your purchase even easier. Don't let your rest suffer any longer and come by for the sleep you deserve.

Do you have an Area Rug?

How to Clean an Area Rug

For a lot of us, area rugs make a big difference in our room. It can add color for function; keep a cold floor warm on your feet. Rugs provide a soft place for family and friends to sit and play games, watch movies, or just sit and have a good visit with a glass of red wine. Rugs can be a big investment for many of us and we want it to last as long as it can. But at some point, our area rug is bound to suffer a few stains. And while you could send it off for a professional to care for it, it won’t be cheap. If you are willing to put in the time and energy, you can care for your rug at home. Here is a handy dandy do-it-yourself** guide that will help keep your area rug lasting you and your family for many years.





Materials and Tools Needed:

Vacuum

Rubber gloves (if you want)

Rug cleaner or mild dish detergent

Bucket

Sponge

Soft bristled brush

Squeegee

Water—lots and lots of water (get that water hose out!) or Power washer

Tarp



DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare Your Rug

You are going to want to thoroughly vacuum your rug Do this on both sides to remove any loose dirt, hair, fur. Also, You will want to check and see what the care instructions are for your rug. Knowing what type of material it is made of is half the battle!



2. Test for Colorfastness

Be sure to follow the mixing instructions on a store-bought rug cleaner or you can add a couple of capfuls of mild dish detergent to a bucket of warm water. It would be best not to use hot water, as it may shrink fibers or fade color. Test the solution on a small part of the rug to make sure it doesn’t make the colors run. If there is a part of the rug that typically stays hidden, this would be the best place to test.  Proceed to the next step if everything is okay and if not, hand it over to a professional.



3. Cleaning

You can use a sponge or brush for this step depending on the stain or condition of the rug. Work a lather of shampoo or detergent deep into the rug. Allow the solution to sit on the rug and work for several minutes before rinsing.



4. Rinsing

Use a garden hose and thoroughly rinse the rug. You will want to make sure the water is running off the rug clear to ensure all of the cleaning product is rinsed out. If you own one, a power washer would work great as well. Just be sure to rinse out all of the cleaner or soap before drying.



5. Remove Excess Water

Grab the squeegee to squeeze out as much water from the rug as you can. Be sure to work only in the direction of the rug’s nap.



6. Drying

Lay your rug flat to dry, you can use a tarp to lay the rug on so it does not get dirt or grass on it. Once the top side is dry, flip it over so the bottom can dry as well.



7. Vacuum

Use a vacuum or soft-bristled brush to loosen up the fibers on the rug. This will bring new life back to it. Return your rug to the room and enjoy! Follow these steps to revive all of your rugs, large or small, in your home. Daily foot traffic can make a rug look dingy, but this simple remedy can make it easy to make look like new again.



Home Decor and Accessories for Sale in Abilene, TX

Tying a room together can sometimes require that one little thing. You may not even know what it is until you see it. At Pierce Furniture Gallery in Abilene, TX, we have a vast selection of home accents for sale that you can browse until you find that special item. From rugs and throw pillows to sculptures and decorations, we are sure that you will find what you need to compliment any room in your home.

**Please understand that not every rug is exactly the same and, depending on the type of material, the specifications for safely cleaning it can change from this guideline. As with any how-to guide, there is a chance that some damage may occur so testing all products, techniques, and tools on an inconspicuous spot before using them on the rug as a whole. Also, as a disclaimer, this blog was written by a third party who is not affiliated with Pierce Furniture Gallery. The Pierce Furniture Group is not responsible for any damages that may occur during the cleaning process. **