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Tips & advice

Corner sofas are increasingly popular thanks to their size and the cosy corners they offer. However, with so many options available, how is anyone to choose? Well, to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite corner sofa living room ideas. Premium corner sofa living room ideas This corner sofa is part of our Eton collection. With beautifully plump cushions, chrome legs and a modern silhouette, we reckon it’s perfect for contemporary homes. If you’re lucky enough to have a large living space, position the sofa away from the walls in the centre of the room. Plus, for a truly modern look, try positioning a statement floor lamp over the corner sofa. Not only will this provide a valuable source of light, but it’ll make the sofa the centrepiece of the room. Curved corner sofas If you’re looking for something a little different in your living room, opt for an out-there corner sofa. Think gentle curves, modular seating and colourful upholstery. In a space like the converted barn in this shot, the Luna Sofa adds and extra flourish of modernity. Alongside the glass windows, ethereal lamp shades, coffee table and wood burner, the refurbished space looks incredibly contemporary. Stand-out corner sofa Like the saying says, go big or go home. This Matera Corner Sofa with vibrant rust-red upholstery sure went big. It has space for all the family and a timeless silhouette that won’t go out of style any time soon. Whilst it looks great in this modern home, it will look equally impressive in more traditional spaces as an added touch of modernity. Designer corner sofa living room ideas If you’re searching for bold corner sofa living room ideas, look no further than the Togo Corner Sofa. This design icon is popular in homes across the world and has been for over forty years. The best thing? It’s modular. So, you can switch up the sizes, colour and configuration depending on your room. If yellow isn’t quite your colour, no fear, there are plenty of other options available. If you’re after something slightly more subtle, perhaps opt for some textural grey or cream upholstery. Modern chaise sofa If you’re somewhat short on space but still want the comfort of a corner sofa, perhaps consider a chaise sofa. Instead of curving around the corner, a chaise sofa features an integrated ottoman so you can still put your feet up. Often, they’re left or right facing, but the Brunel Sofa in this shot is adjustable. The footrest can be moved from left to right according to your space. Velvet corner sofa living room ideas If you’re looking for something that strikes the right balance between a chaise and a corner sofa, consider our Cumulus Sofa. This spacious sofa has space for all the family without being too overbearing. Blue velvet upholstery adds an extra touch of luxury to the design. However, other upholstery options are available if velvet doesn’t suit your tastes or needs. Not keen on this design? There are plenty others available so have a shop around. Traditional corner sofa living room ideas If your space and tastes are slightly more traditional, that doesn’t mean a corner sofa is out of reach. This Tailor Sofa looks right at home in more classic homes without being too dated. Its sumptuous cushions and elegant silhouette mean it looks and feels incredibly comfortable. Plus, it’s spacious enough to offer room for all the family. Like what you see? Shop corner sofas at Heal’s.
Black is undoubtedly one of the most versatile colours around, meaning it goes with almost anything. So, when it comes to black sofa living room ideas, it comes as no shock that there’s plenty of choice. To help you decide, we’ve compiled five of our favourite black sofa ideas. Each one is styled creatively and can be adapted to suit your home. Go big or go home Painting a room in a dark blue, brown or black hue is a statement in itself. When paired with a black floor, black leather sofa and dark accessories, it’s bound to make a splash. Brass and glass accents throughout enhance this living room’s luxury feel and make it a great place to unwind. The key thing about these black sofa living room ideas is that the rooms are often flooded with light. That doesn’t mean to say this look wouldn’t work in a darker room. Just make sure you choose the right lighting to make sure it doesn’t feel gloomy. Mid-century black sofa living room ideas When it comes to mid-century design, our mind normally turns to tan leather. However, a black sofa can offer an equally refined look with added versatility. Our Hepburn Sofa in this shot embodies mid-century design. The addition of dark wooden legs ties it in with the rest of the room and adds to the mid-century feel. It’s also the perfect canvas for adding colour. Like in this shot, we recommend keeping the colours tonal and muted so as not to look cheap. Plus, note how the grey concrete floors lift the room and ensure it doesn’t look to dark. Lap of luxury The Eton Sofa with velvet upholstery is one of our favourite black sofa living room ideas. Undoubtedly glamorous and perfect for formal living spaces, a black velvet sofa is a refined choice. Paired with the light wood herringbone floors and natural light streaming through the window, this look puts a modern edge on tradition. Opt for brushed brass accents throughout the room for an added touch of opulence. Keep it light A black sofa can be quite a bold addition to a living room. So, unless you’re after a darker vibe for your space, balance it out with some lighter shades. Think cream cushions, light wood floors and neutral carpets. Similarly, an off-white wall is a great choice if you want to brighten up the space. However, we recommend avoiding bright white colours as this may make it look a bit monochrome. The addition of a carefully positioned plant alongside the Torino Sofa in this shot also helps to lift the space. Industrial black sofa living room ideas If you’re after an industrial look for your home but don’t want to compromise on comfort, we recommend our Matera Sofa. Like our other black sofa living room ideas, this sofa is very versatile and would work in many different homes. We love it in this shot with the whitewashed brick walls Crittall doors and plum-hued accents. Like what you see? Shop black sofas at Heal’s.
Unless you’ve been sent a wish list or a specific request, buying a housewarming present can be a difficult feat. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite, most thoughtful housewarming gift ideas. An important thing to remember is that you aren’t shopping for yourself. Always consider the style of the new homeowner and if they would prefer something more traditional. If you do choose for something with a more traditional aesthetic, don’t be afraid to go vintage. Scour your local antiques shop and see if anything catches your eye. This way, you may be able to find something that suits their tastes perfectly. Housewarming gifts for couples Moving house is all about new beginnings, so why not choose housewarming gift ideas that help them to settle in. Something like a bulb planter is a great idea. That way they can track their plant’s progress by how long they’ve been living there. Another nice gift to give is a candle or room diffuser. A fresh scent in a new home will make it feel more inviting and add a touch of personality to a space. Especially considering they may not have fully unpacked yet. If you know what candles they prefer, then err or on the safe side as scents are hugely personal. If you’re taking a wild guess, then we advise keeping it fresh and light. Deeper, muskier fragrances tend to be a bit like marmite. Urban Apothecary creates sophisticated home fragrances inspired by memories, places and moments, translating them into beautifully balanced scents that enrich everyday living. From elegant candles to reed diffusers, each piece makes a thoughtful housewarming gift, helping couples create a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment they move in. Alongside its considered approach to fragrance, the brand is committed to continually improving its manufacturing processes and sustainable practices to reduce its impact on the environment. Discover Urban Apothecary home fragrances here. For couples who embrace bold colour and playful design, Block Design offers homeware that's anything but ordinary. From sculptural vases and vibrant glassware to contemporary jugs and candle holders, each piece brings a fresh perspective to everyday living. Designed to stand out while remaining beautifully functional, these colourful accents make thoughtful housewarming gifts that help transform a new house into a home full of personality. Discover the Block Design collection here. Practical housewarming gifts Practical housewarming gifts are often the ones that are used and appreciated every day. Beautiful tableware is a thoughtful choice, giving couples the opportunity to build a collection they'll enjoy for years to come, whether it's for everyday meals or hosting friends and family. Broste Copenhagen's Nordic Sea and Nordic Sand collections are ideal examples. Crafted from stoneware with distinctive reactive glazes, every piece has its own unique finish, bringing character and warmth to the table. Inspired by the colours of the Nordic coastline, Nordic Sea features rich blue-grey tones, while Nordic Sand offers a softer, neutral palette. Designed to mix, match and layer, both collections make timeless housewarming gifts that are as practical as they are beautiful. Discover Broste Copenhagen tableware here. For something with a more exclusive feel, the Heal's x Surrey Ceramics collection celebrates British craftsmanship through timeless, everyday tableware. Handmade in Surrey using traditional techniques, each piece is finished with a distinctive glaze that gives every plate, bowl and mug its own unique character. Designed to be mixed, matched and enjoyed daily, the collection is perfect for couples creating a home centred around shared meals and relaxed entertaining. Beautifully made and built to last, it's a thoughtful housewarming gift that will become part of everyday rituals for years to come. Discover the exclusive collaboration here. Traditional housewarming gifts Traditional housewarming gifts were chosen to symbolise comfort and prosperity, with bread, wine and coal offered to wish a household lasting food, drink and warmth. Today, these thoughtful gestures can be reimagined with a more contemporary approach. Instead of a bottle of wine, consider a beautifully crafted decanter or elegant set of glassware that can be enjoyed for years to come. Pair it with their favourite vintage for an extra-special gift, or take inspiration from tradition with a handcrafted bread board, artisan serving pieces or a sculptural candle and holder to bring warmth and atmosphere to their new home. Whether they're celebrating their first dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, Georg Jensen's glassware makes a sophisticated housewarming gift. Founded in Copenhagen in 1904, the Danish design house has become renowned for combining exceptional craftsmanship with timeless, functional design. From elegant champagne flutes to beautifully balanced wine and cocktail glasses, each piece reflects the brand's enduring Scandinavian aesthetic, bringing a sense of occasion to everyday moments and celebrations alike. Discover the Georg Jensen collection here. Housewarming gifts for first homes If this is their first home, then it can be quite difficult to judge someone’s style. So, when choosing housewarming gifts for first homes, we advise selecting something that isn’t too out there. Keep it simple and buy them something they’ll need but may not be at the top of their priority list. Think a vase, wine glasses or some nice serving bowls. Of course, if you know the new homeowner well, then it may be easier to predict their style. In this case, you could opt for something a little more exciting, like wall art or a throw. Housewarming gifts ideas for design lovers For couples with an eye for contemporary design, HAY offers everyday objects with a playful twist. Believing that good design should be accessible to everyone, the Danish brand collaborates with leading designers to create pieces that combine colour, functionality and timeless appeal. The Flare Candle Holder brings sculptural form and a warm glow to a dining table or mantelpiece, while the Tint Glasses add a subtle pop of colour to everyday dining and entertaining. Thoughtful, practical and beautifully designed, they're gifts that will become part of daily life in a new home. Discover the HAY collection here. For those looking to give an iconic design piece, &Tradition's lighting collection offers a thoughtful balance of heritage and innovation. Working with renowned designers including Verner Panton, Arne Jacobsen and Jaime Hayon, the Danish design house creates enduring pieces that are made to be lived with and enjoyed. The Flowerpot VP9 Portable Table Lamp, designed by Verner Panton, is one of the brand's most recognisable designs. Cordless and rechargeable, it moves effortlessly from dining table to bedside or garden, making it a versatile housewarming gift that combines timeless style with everyday practicality. Discover &Tradition lighting here. Like what you see? Shop all housewarming gifts at Heal’s.
Orthopaedic mattresses are specially designed to offer support and pain relief to those suffering from back ache. Finding the perfect orthopaedic mattress can be life changing so it’s worth doing your research before investing. Here we’ve laid out everything you need to know to help you find an orthopaedic mattress for back pain. What difference does an orthopaedic mattress make? Orthopaedic mattresses offer maximum support all night long and are normally extra firm to support your back properly. The firmer your mattress, the more evenly your body weight is distributed. This can help to alleviate stress on the spine and unnecessary pressure on the neck, lower back and hips. Scientists estimate that we spend upwards of 26 years of our lives sleeping. So we should all be trying our best to make the most out of our sleep. Many people suffer from aches and pains that can find them tossing and turning all night. Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to prevent discomfort by providing improved support. Should I get an orthopaedic mattress? Before deciding on an orthopaedic mattress, consider what it is that’s disturbing your sleep. If it’s due to an aching back or joints, then more orthopaedic support could be the answer. If you can’t try out one out in person, try reading orthopaedic mattress reviews. Reviews can be really insightful as they offer lots of impartial views. However, it’s worth remembering that every body is different. The perfect mattress for someone may not be right for you so we always recommend trying mattresses out in store. Orthopaedic mattresses specially cater to people suffering from discomfort. So, whilst you may struggle sleeping, orthopaedic mattresses won’t help if the reasons for your tumultuous sleep aren’t physical. If you don’t suffer from any aches or pains then reconsider if what’s disturbing your sleep. The reason you’re struggling to sleep could be diet-based or related to stress or anxiety. An orthopaedic mattress isn’t always the solution to getting a good night’s sleep. Consulting your doctor or a dietician could help address this. Orthopaedic vs pocket-sprung mattress Many people want to know what’s better between orthopaedic mattresses and pocket springs. Well, you don’t need to choose between them because many orthopaedic mattresses contain pocket springs. Pocket springs adjust and respond to the sleeper’s movement, helping to provide independent support and minimise roll together. How firm should my orthopaedic mattress be? There is no specific firmness that makes orthopaedic mattresses perfect. However, an orthopaedic mattress for back pain will tend to be slightly firmer. If you prefer the feel of soft mattresses but need firm support, then consider a mattress with a pillow top. This will give you a soft feel without compromising on support. In general, our Sleep Team would recommend choosing your mattress’ firmness based on your weight. People weighing under 11st often opt for soft tension and those over 16st tend to find firmer mattresses more suitable. This may not be the case when looking for an orthopaedic mattress so check with our consultant for their recommendations. Read How to Choose a Mattress and What to Consider When Buying a Mattress for more tips on finding the right mattress. Did you know we’ve been making premium mattresses since 1810? Discover our mattresses here.
Before purchasing one, it’s worth considering how to clean sheepskin rugs. Genuine sheepskin rugs are actually very easy to care for. Washing your rug using the proper methods can make it look as good as new. It’s important to note that every sheepskin rug is different and that submerging your rug in water normally leads to some shrinkage. So, it’s always best to consult any instructions that arrived with your rug or the brand’s website before beginning. Prepare your sheepskin rug for cleaning Step number one is to prepare your rug for cleaning. You want your sheepskin rug to be in the best possible condition before washing it. Start off by shaking it outside to dislodge any dust, dirt and animal hair. Give it a light ruffle using your hands as well. Don’t worry about removing every molecule of dust; this step should just remove any large pieces of dirt. Next, use a wide-tooth comb or a sheepskin brush to remove any knots or tangles. This is also a good way to remove hair and extra dirt from the rug. Be sure to work slowly so as not to damage the sheepskin. If you have a pet, using a clean grooming brush for this step could work. Wash your sheepskin rug Step number two is washing your sheepskin rug. The first thing to do here is to check the instructions that accompany your rug. They might be sewn into the rug’s underside, displayed on the brand’s website or enclosed when you receive your rug. If your rug didn’t come with any instructions on how to clean sheepskin rugs then always hand wash, just to be on the safe side. Some rugs should be cleaned by professionals only. If you are washing your sheepskin rug at home, we recommend buying a natural sheepskin detergent and hand-washing it. Hand-washing your sheepskin rug First, choose where you’re going to clean your rug. Depending on the size of your rug, you may use a bathtub, sink or large bucket to clean it in. Second, fill your chosen vessel with the recommended quantity of detergent and cool or lukewarm water. Hot water could damage your rug so it’s important the water isn’t too warm. If you aren’t sure, err on the side of caution and make the water colder. Third, use your hands to move the rug around in the water for about five minutes. This should be long enough to dislodge any dirt. Use this time to target any stubborn stains you might have using a clean rag. Do not wring it and try to be as gentle as possible so you don’t create lots of knots. Finally, drain the water and refill the container with cool, clean water. Swish the rug around the clean water to remove any excess detergent or dirt. Repeat this process as many times as it takes until the water runs clean. The drying process When drying your sheepskin rug, tumble dryers are out of the question. The most important thing to do it let it dry flat. Whilst it’s drying, regularly brush out any knots that may have been created in the cleaning process. This helps your rug be as fluffy as possible once dry. Be careful not to wring or twist the rug as this may affect its shape. Instead, squeeze it or blot it using a towel. Leave the rug to dry flat in a warm environment. It should be out of direct sunlight and not directly next to a heater. Looking after your sheepskin rug Once it’s clean, there are a few things to remember when it comes to everyday maintenance of you sheepskin rug. All rugs like a bit of TLC every now and then, so treat it well to get the best out of it. Consider where you are placing your rug. Never position it on a damp surface as this can encourage rot over time. Long-term exposure to sunlight may discolour your rug. To avoid this, turn it every couple of months so that all corners are regularly exposed to sunlight. Arrange it carefully alongside your furniture. Coffee table and sofa legs will leave indentations on rugs and crush the carpet fibres. To avoid damaging your rug, add some form of protection under the legs and move your furniture around regularly. Protect it from insects. More specifically, protect your sheepskin rug from moths. Moths love to eat natural fibres. Lift your rug every six months or more regularly if possible. This will discourage insects from settling. How not to care for a sheepskin rug Don’t place heavy items of furniture on it. If you must, make sure you move both the rug and the furniture regularly to avoid damaging its natural fibres. Never use biological washing powders when cleaning a sheepskin rug. Only use specialist shampoo. Try to wash it as rarely as possible. Washing a sheepskin rug can lead to shrinkage so only wash it when it’s essential. If there are small marks, try spot cleaning them instead of cleaning the whole rug. Never dry your sheepskin rug in hot places, like on top of a radiator, in bright sunlight or in a tumble dryer. Our sheepskin rugs are crafted by The Organic Sheep. To discover more about the brand and its heritage, read Behind the Design: The Organic Sheep.
Decorating a children’s bedroom can be hard. More specifically, finding the right balance between your design taste and your child’s is a difficult task. Whilst you might find pared-back, pastel hues to your taste, it’s worth considering some vibrant hues to inspire little ones. It’s also important to consider the longevity of your design choices. If you’re eager to redecorate every few years then choosing a trend-driven décor isn’t necessarily a problem. However, if you want this redesign to last for years then choose pieces that will grow alongside your child. Clearly you know your child best. So, consider each investment purchase you make and decide if it’ll still be right for them in six years’ time. To help you out, we’ve selected some of our favourite children’s bedroom ideas. Scroll down to be inspired and read our top tips to consider when decorating. Iconic design in a children’s bedroom Iconic design doesn’t just belong in adult spaces. There are plenty of scaled-down design classics that would look right at home in a children’s bedroom. Take these miniature Panton Chairs from Vitra for example. You could also opt for Ligne Roset’s iconic Togo Sofa or Philippe Starck’s Ghost Chair in child sizes. The major benefit of all these designs is that they’re fit for play. Crafted using sturdy plastic and hardwearing upholstery, these chairs are all perfect for children’s bedrooms and play areas. Plus, their vibrant hues are great for creating an inspiring space. Space for sleepovers Whether it’s with school friends, cousins or siblings, spare duvets and mattresses are essential for hosting the ultimate sleepover. When you aren’t entertaining, then it’s good to have somewhere to store all the extra bedding. That’s why we recommend our Storabed. This easy-to-operate single bed has a second bed and mattress neatly stowed underneath it. It switches from one to two single beds within a matter of seconds. If you already have perfectly good bed and aren’t looking to upgrade, then there are still tons of options. Consider a sofa bed, folding bed or bed in a box. Most of these options can be stored out of the way when sleepovers aren’t in session. Toys or accessories? Toys are such important parts of a child’s youth, with favourites being kept for decades. These designer toys will last them for childhood and beyond thanks to their design kudos. Both the miniature and regular-sized Eames Elephants can be clambered on, join in play and attend important tea parties. They also come in plenty of vibrant colours, ideal for colourful bedroom schemes. Other designer children’s toys include Alexander Girard’s Wooden Dolls. These dolls are so iconic and beautiful you almost won’t mind them not being tidied away. Each one is crafted using wood and hand-painted, meaning they definitely don’t want to join in for bath time. But their smiling faces and colourful designs make them coveted attendees of the latest toy concert. Simple storage Baskets are a saving grace when it comes to children’s bedrooms, playrooms and living spaces. These Restore Baskets from Muuto are particularly great. Each basket is stackable and feels great thanks to its recycled felt construction. Plus, their large cut-out handles mean they’re great for transporting toys from one room to the other. The added bonus of adult-friendly storage is that you can adopt it as your own once you’re child no longer uses it. Rugs in a children’s bedroom Rugs play many important roles in our homes, particularly in child-friendly spaces. A carefully positioned rug in a living room creates the perfect place for little ones to play. Plus, it’ll help keep their toes warm if you have wood flooring. Similarly, in a children’s bedroom, a rug provides a great space to play. In particular, rugs with patterns and shapes are extra fun as they can be used as part of creative play. Rugs in bedrooms also help make the space feel cosier and warm, ideal for difficult bedtimes.

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