Stylish Contemporary Bedding Ideas

Creating a stylish, inpiring contemporary bedroom doesn't stop when you've chosen the decor and picked out the furniture - in fact, one of the most striking elements of a bedroom design can often be seen as an afterthought. Bedding has the ability to change the atmosphere of a room quickly and simply, and by having several alternate bedding options, you can create a variety of looks.

Buying bedding online can be significantly cheaper than on the high street, so search your favourite online stores for discounts. mydeco.com has a great selection of contemporary bedding available, so why not explore their site?

The important thing to consider when selecting your bedding is the colour - a badly chosen duvet cover can create clashes that ruin the relaxing qualities of your bedroom, while a well chosen set can make your bed even more inviting and create a sense of calm and restful elegance. However, choosing a colour isn't always straightforward, and some concrete guidance is often useful. If you need help to decide on your colour, why not check out the BBC's interior design colour wheel, which helps to sort calamitous clashes from complementary accents.

If you need some expert colour advice, head
over to the BBC's Interiors site, and try out
their interactive colour wheel.

One way to avoid the problem of colour clashes is to choose a monochrome colour scheme for your bedroom, with a white painted bed and bedside cabinet. This classic look is hard to get wrong, and can result in a fantastic room that is both invigorating and relaxing, such as this one, designed by Sir Terence Conran:

A monochrome look is always stylish

If you like Sir Terence Conran's design, you may be interested in reading this interview with the man himself, conducted by mydeco.com

Of course, as well as colour, there are other things to look out for. First among these is the feel and texture of the fabric - do you like velvety soft brushed cotton, or do you prefer the crisp and refreshing feel of expertly spun Egyptian cotton? This is a situation in which online retail can fall short - it's hard to get a sense of the feel of a fabric from a photo on a website. What you can do, is to visit the high street and check out the feel of the various materials avaiable. Then, armed with this knowledge, you can scour the web for the best deal.

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Bring A Little Romance To Your Bedroom For Valentine's Day

With Valentine's day fast approaching, it can seem like a desperate rush to get your presents, cards and romantic plans in order, but in all that bustle, it can sometimes be easy to forget the little things that really help to create a romantic atmosphere. Check out these handy tips to turn your bedroom into a romantic getaway, and let the one you love know that you really care.

1 Set the mood with some seductive lighting

Nothing creates a romantic atmosphere like soft, low lighting, so it's worth taking a little time out to make sure that your lighting options fit the mood - If you're limited to a bedside light and the main bedroom light, why not invest in some free standing dimmable lighting, such as paper-shaded floor lamps, to really set the scene.

Chocolates are always a hit, especially
when they're kept next to the bed!

2 Use bedding to add to the romantic atmosphere

One way to make Valentine's day special is to break out some new, sumptuous bedding to bring your bed to life, either in cool, crisp Egyptian cotton or silky and seductive satin. Bedding will also provide an inviting look to the room.

3 Get your music choices ready ahead of time

Music is the food of love, so it's a good idea to pick some romantic choices and get them set up in a playlist ahead of time - after all, you don't want to spoil the mood by having to fiddle with CDs or an iPod. Choose soft music that won't get in the way of conversation - if you really want to create some romance, why not line up a playlist of classical music, such as Chopin, whose Prelude in E Minor is a long standing romantic favourite.

This room is perfect for a Valentines Day to
remember - check out the soft lighting

4 Don't forget the details

Once you've got the basics in order, think of a couple of extra touches that will really show your partner that you care - why not set a some champagne in an ice bucket on the bedside table, with some expensive chocolates or other nibbles to share.

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Using Bunk Beds to Create a Beautiful Kids' Room

Picking beds for your childrens' room can be daunting, especially as kids grow up so fast - will the bed you pick today meet their needs in a year or two? A great way to get some versatility is to choose bunk beds, which can be separated when your kids outgrow them.

Bunk beds are a great way to maximise the floor space in your childrens' rooms, and even if your kids' room is on the large side, using a bunk bed can help you to create space for them to play in, or to get their homework done, without cluttering the room with furniture. When they're old enough, you can split the beds, giving each child their own separate bed, so it can be a good idea to order two matching bedside cabinets when you buy your bunk bed, so that when you split the beds you will have matching furniture.

bunk beds can be stylish as well as practical

If you need a bunk bed to make the most of a small room, why not look for a bed that includes some storage, allowing you to keep the room as clear of clutter as it can be. If the bed does not come with its own storage, you can buy under-bed storage drawers that slide out on wheels, letting your kids keep their toys carefully stored and safe from damage.

Sharing rooms can be a chore for a lot of kids, but bunk beds can be easily customised to reflect your childrens' personalities and allow them a little privacy - you can create a cosy little reading nook by mounting a curtain beneath the top bunk, allowing the bottom bunk to be curtained off into its own little room. You can also put curtains above the bed on the ceiling to allow the top bunk some privacy too. Try selecting fabrics that feature some of your kids' favourite cartoon characters to really make them feel like they have their own space.

If you need some more inspiration on how to use bunk beds to create a beautiful room for your children, check out this great feature from about.com

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How To Give Your Home Office A Traditional Look

There's nothing like an old-fashioned study to make you feel at the same time relaxed, comfortable and businesslike. In today's age of flimsy flat-packed home offices, wouldn't you like to bring a little of the sense of solidity and timelessness of times gone by into your study?

To get the look start with the walls - wood panelling is the most desirable option, but can be prohibitively expensive. A cheaper option is wainscoting, but if you're on a budget, even this can be a bit much. A cheap option is to use a dado rail to split the wall in half, and then either paint or paper the lower section a darker colour, accentuating the open space above.

A traditional study is a great place to think

The most important item of furniture in any study is the desk, and in a traditional room, it is even more important to find the right desk. Think heavy, chunky furniture in solid dark-stained wood. If, however, your room is a little on the dark side, you may want to opt for lacquered oak or ash to bring a bit of light to proceedings. Keep the look goinf by using matching wooden shelving and filing cabinets.

If you find yourself writing letters by hand, there is no more comfortable and luxurious writing surface than leather, and a desk with a green leather writing surface is the definition of this look. However, leather inlay can be tricky to keep in good order, especially if you have children who might draw on it. Choose a solid wooden desk, in dark oak or stained beech, and invest in a separate leather writing surface. This allows you to leave space for a computer, which could permanently mark leather.

A rug is vital for the look, especially if it's a Turkish woven rug, which helps to give the room a professorial feel and provides a focal point around which to arrange the furniture.

Nothing evokes that timeless study
feel like a banker's lamp

The ultimate finishing touch for a traditional study is a green glass banker's lamp, which casts a warm glow over the room, and especially complements leather and dark wood tones. Search online for antique lamps, or if you're on a budget, look for a cheaper reproduction, and get the look at a fraction of the price.

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How To Turn Your Living Room Mexican

Today, January 25th, is reported to be the most depressing day of the British year, so what better time to bring a little sunshine and good cheer into your home? With this handy guide, you'll soon be able to transform your living room into a delightful, Mexican inspired space that is filled with warmth, character, colour and style.

The basis for Mexican style is found in a colour palette comprising of cactus-like greens, adobe red and desert-toned neutral hues, with accents provided by bursts of bright yellow, dusty orange and deep turqoise or teal.

Check out how the colour of the walls
brings out the warmth of the wood

One of the best ways to get that spicy Mexican feel is through the use of distressed wood. If you have any exposed wooden features, such as beams or panelling, in your living room, then strip them back and gently abrade the surfaces until they are rough, and then rub in some dark pigment wax to bring the unusual shapes of the wood into relief. Wipe off excess wax with a dry cloth. You can also use a little sandpaper to abrade the highest points to provide highlights.

The distressed theme should be continued to the furniture - you can buy beautiful hand distressed wooden furniture, or, for more ecological brownie points, furniture that has been made from reclaimed timber, to give your room that glorious lived-in feel.

Leather chairs and sofas, especially elegantly worn ones, really help to bring the relaxed, organic feel of a Mexican room to life. It looks especially good if it has an exposed wooden frame, which can match the rest of your furniture, bringing your sofa into close style proximity with your coffee table.

Mexican style rooms can take colour
combinations that would clash elsewhere

The Mexican look is all in the details - hang striped fabrics from the walls, and find Mexican or South American designed vases and ornaments. There are many little projects you can do to help with your Mexican theme - if you have a fireplace and a bit of spare time, why not check out hgtv.com's guide to creating a Mexican-style fireplace screen, perfect for bringing your new look together.

These antique Mexican vases
make great accent pieces

If you've been bitten by the Mexican style bug, why not check out Donna McMenamin's book on traditional Mexican design, available through Amazon.

So take a fresh look at your living room, and decide whether it might benefit from a bit of spicing up!

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Top Green Decorating Trends For 2010

2010 has arrived, and the styles of the last decade are in the process of being refreshed and challenged by a whole host of new eco-friendly decorating trends, so check out this handy guide and discover what will be hot in the year to come.

It's a new decade, and time for your home to go green, and we don't mean painting your walls - in 2010 there will be a huge number of environmentally conscious ideas for the home, that will allow you

This recycled bath makes a great sofa

Bamboo flooring is predicted to be a huge hit, both in terms of style and as a truly eco-friendly product. Bamboo grows at a phenomenal rate, and by using it to replace more slow-growing trees, forests can be protected. Look out for bamboo ornaments and accent pieces to harmonise your new bamboo floor.

Bamboo flooring is both stylish and eco friendly

Energy efficiency is a real concern in the modern world, and with the arrival of the new decade, designers have begun to produce new heating and lighting options for your home that combine an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency with a real eye for style. For information on eco friendly heating, check out the Green Consumer Guide's report on heating.

Recycling has really taken off over the last few years, with almost all of us doing our bit to re-use our plastics, glass and paper, but recycling as a style choice has arrived - check out Web Urbanist's guide to some cool retro pieces that are entirely made from materials as diverse and overlooked as pens, shopping trolleys and tin cans.

One of the hot new trends predicted to take off in 2010 is the use of room dividers to separate areas off, so you can have a sofa and coffee table in one part of the room, and a desk and shelving in another, without the place appearing cluttered. Tinydecorblog.com has a fantastic piece detailing how to find eco-friendly room division ideas, so why not get ahead on a hot new fashion and do your buit for the environment, all at the same time.

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How to use doors to enhance your furniture

When you're decorating a room to make the most of new furniture, it's easy to stop when you've seen to the most obvious jobs - the walls, floor and curtains - but why not take a look at our guide to some of the creative ways that you can make the most out of your doors, using them to enhance the look of your room and make your new furniture really look its best.

Whatever the style of your room, there are ways to make your doors do more than keep out draughts. First you just need to decide on the kind of look that you want to achieve.

By matching the colour of doors and walls,
you can achieve a striking effect

If you want to maximise your space, consider removing internal doors for an airy contemporary feel. Of course, if you don't have central heating, this can be an impractical option, so why not try painting doors to match walls, using emulsion paint to help the door blend in. If you're really feeling adventurous, you could even wallpaper a door to match the wall, with a funky transparent doorknob to complete the effect. This makes furniture really stand out, and allows you to emphasise the lines of modern sofas, coffee tables and shelving units.

These ultra-modern wooden doors are perfect
for bringing out the best in wooden furniture

If you have furnished your room with wooden furniture, you can achieve a harmonious, flowing and organic look by having a bespoke door made in the same wood as your furniture. Oak furniture has beautiful colouring, and by investing in an oak or oak veneer door, you can draw attention to the distinctive colouring and sttractive grain. If you can't afford a bespoke door, why not head to the auction house and see if you can snap up a cheap antique door, though make sure you measure up before you buy. If the door's a little big, don't worry, any carpenter will be able to cut it down for a reasonable fee.

You can also use antique door furniture, such as doorknobs and bolts, to give your room a traditional feel and to accentuate any fittings on your furniture. Auctions are great places to snap up doorknobs for cheap. If you need guidance on how to fit an antique doorknob, check out this video which provides detailed instructions.

So take a fresh look at your doors, and see if you can use them to really bring out the best in your furniture.

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Leather vs. Fabric Sofas

Investing in a new sofa is an exciting selection process, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. It really depends on your home, style and needs. When choosing furniture, people have difficulty choosing between leather and fabric. The answer depends on you. Here are a few factors to consider.

Style

Fabric sofas can be purchased in a wider variety of colors and patterns, so there is greater style potential with a wider variety available. Leather couches, however, come in a range of solid shades, though they can be artfully distressed to change the style of the furniture for a little variation. Fabric gives you more of a range, although you can get imaginative to a certain extent with leather. Both leather and fabric furniture can be accessorised with lamp tables and other wooden furniture for a refined and sophisticated look.

Comfort

The comfort level of fabric depends on the type of fabric you choose. You can purchase fabric furniture ranging from thick, casual denims to fine, formal fabrics. Many people find fabric couches to be more comfortable as leather tends to be hot and stickier on the skin. Leather warms to your body when you sit, creating a heated effect. Fabric feels more like a soft jacket or clothes.

Fabric sofas can create a cool contemporary look

Easy Cleaning

Leather features a protective, nonabsorbent surface, so it is easier to clean. Dust and hair sits on the surface of the leather, so it's easier on people who have allergies or pets. Fabric furniture absorbs spills and stains, making it harder to clean. Pet hair tends to stick to fabric furniture, which may pose a problem to allergies. Leather tends to last longer for this reason.

Durability

Much stronger than man-made fabrics, leather will last. Not only will it last longer than fabric, its appearance generally improves with age. You don't need to retire a leather couch if you keep it in good condition. Fabric doesn't last as long, but you'll get more use out of it if you choose a thick, dark fabric that’s easy to clean.

Leather makes for a smooth, sophisticated look

Cost

Leather usually costs much more than fabric furniture, so some may avoid buying leather for this reason. On the other hand, many are attracted to the look and durability, knowing they'll get much longer use out of leather furniture than they would with a fabric option. Fabric generally costs less, although this is not always the case, depending on the quality and thickness of the fabric. By opting for a cheaper fabric sofa, you may save enough for a new coffee table or sideboard.

Factors to Consider

How long of a use do you want out of the furniture? If this is a temporary decoration fix and you don't want to invest a lot of money, you can get a quality piece of furniture without too much investment. If you plan to hand the furniture down the generations, however, leather is probably the way to go. Instead of looking ragged with age, it actually improves with age.

Also consider the climate of your home. If you live in air conditioning during most of the summer, leather is not a bad option. If you enjoy open windows to let in the summer air, fabric furniture may be more conducive to naps. It all depends on your purpose and taste considerations.

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Must Have Items For Your Bedroom

If the new decade has inspired you to jump feet first into modern life, then check out our run down of the bedroom essentials that will help you rest, relax and be entertained and inspired, and transform your bedroom into an up-to-the-minute sleeping space, perfectly in tune with the needs of modern life.

In a modern bedroom like this, practicality meets style

Alarm clock

Sadly, every good night's sleep must come to an end, but modern technology offers a host of ways to say hello to the new day. Digital radio alarms let you wake to the sound of any one of hundreds of stations, while more unusual options, such as the Flying Alarm Clock from firebox.com which flies around the room until you get up and catch it, let you take control of your sleep patterns in more creative ways. Check out The Independent's guide to the top ten alarm clocks, and prepare to be surpirised by some of the quirky selections.

The flying alarm clock makes
oversleeping all but impossible

Bedside Lamp

There's nothing more relaxing than settling down in your bed with a hot drink and a good book, so it's important to get the lighting right - not too bright, but not too dim. You'll also really want to have something stylish for your bedside table. You might think that bedside lamps couldn't change much, but there are a surprising range of far-out lighting options, including the Mathmos Airswitch, available from gadgethub.co.uk, that can be dimmed and brightened by the movement of a hand, letting you set the mood with the minimum of effort. For more ideas, you could also check out Living Etc's gallery of the best bedside lamps on the market.

iPod Dock

Whether it's to set a romantic atmosphere, to get you in the mood for a night out, or just to unwind after a long day, the bedroom is the perfect place for music, but you don't want to have a bulky stereo ruining the calming, relaxing atmosphere. That's why an iPod dock can help - choose a slimline designer dock that will continue the look of contemporary elegance, and you'll have your whole music collection at your fingertips. Make sure you pick an option with a remote so you can listen in bed without getting up. Some docks also function as alarm clocks, allowing you to combine two devices in one, but be careful - alarm clock iPod docks rarely have the same standard of sound quality as a dedicated dock, so you may want to stick with separate units for now. Check out The Times' list of the top ten iPod docks, and see which will fit into your room's style.

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How To Turn Your Home Office French

Home offices and studies can be neglected when it comes to style, leaving them drab and uninviting, and preventing you from using them to their full potential. The answer is to treat a home office or study exactly the same as you'd treat a living room, and to give it as much attention to design. This handy guide is intended to help you to use the classic elegance of French-influenced design and craftsmanship to create a welcoming and inspiring home office.

The best way to get the look of a chic Parisian apartment in your study or office is to start with a classic French colour for the walls and woodwork, and then pick a few carefully chosen pieces of furniture that will meet all your more practical needs while still allowing you to focus on a luxurious feeling of space and elegance.

This room has all the simplicity and
classic elegance of French design

The classic French look calls for a chalky white paint for both the walls and woodwork, although if this feels a little cold to you, you could try going for a celadon blue for the walls, matched to a deeper blue for window frames and skirting boards.

When it comes to picking furniture, think classic wooden pieces with elegant curves and expansive surfaces. White painted wooden furniture is especially effective, and can be complemented by dark-stained lacquered wood pieces. Try pairing a painted desk with a dark lacquered chair for a refreshing, eclectic look.

This miniature home office favours
Parisian simplicity over any hints of opulence

Accessorising a French-style office is a breeze - invest in some simple narrow black picture frames and frame either French film posters or black and white photographs. Choose a black and white patterned fabric for cushions, and, if you can afford to, replace your curtains with wooden shutters, and you'll really feel like an intellectual on the left bank of the Seine.

Ideal Home Magazine have a brilliant feature on French-style home offices, while styleroom.co.uk have a report on a simple, affordable approach to turning your whole house French, so if you love the idea, but are a bit short on inspiration, why not head over and check out their stunning images?

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Things To look Out For When Choosing A Chest Of Drawers

There is such a huge variety of chests of drawers available today that it can be
hard to decide what style is best for you. A well-chosen chest can really make an impact, helping to dictate the feel of a room as well as providing some useful storage. By selecting the right style of chest, you can really make a difference in any room.

The shape of the chest of drawers hasn't changed too drastically over the years. The chest began life in medieval Europe, in the homes of the nobility. Known at the time as a coffer, the chest was, at this time, little more than a wooden box with a hinged lid, often mounted on feet. Next, a drawer was added beneath the main compartment, then two, and finally the hinged top was phased out so that objects could be stored on top. If you'd like some more information on the story of wooden furniture, check out finewoodworking.com's brief history of the chest of drawers.

This chest is a twentieth century
reproduction of a sixteenth century piece

In the last few hundred years, there have been many distinct furnishing styles,
and most have featured interpretations of the classic chest of drawers. If you're going for an opulent traditional look with flowing textiles and dark, rich wood, then look for an antique-styled chest that has been stained and lacquered to give it the old-fashioned grandeur it needs. To maximise the sumptuous elegance of this style, look for chests with long, tapered legs and ornate drawer handles. You can also pair the chest with a matching dressing table, mirror and stool for that truly opulent feel.

Solid wooden chests combine
practicality and appealing looks

If you're after a more modern look, then try seeking out chunky, contemporary-styled chests. These often feature recessed handles instead of metal, and prioritise sleek, unbroken lines and expansive surfaces. This kind of chest looks best when given a matt wax finish.

This chest dates from the 1700s,
yet would fit in with a contemprary
minimalist look

Of course, there are many styles between the classic and the modern, and there is a nearly infinite variety of looks available, from chests that have been distressed to bring warmth to a shabby-chic modern home to quirky painted chests for kids' rooms. This is why it's important to have a good look around before you decide which chest to buy.

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How To Find The Right Bookcase

When choosing shelving for your home, it's important to consider what it will be called upon to hold. This may sound obvious, but over its lifetime, shelves often have to serve several uses, so it's worth making sure that you find a piece that is versatile enough to meet your needs. Take into account not just the size of your DVD, CD or book collection, but also how much it is likely to grow.

If you buy enough shelving to contain your collection at its current size, you may find that in a few years it is no longer enough, so it's worthwhile giving your collection room to grow rather than cramming it into a storage solution that is only just big enough.

This room really makes the
most of its bookshelves

To help your bookcase look its best, why not choose a matching sideboard or coffee table to compliment it?

The key feature for a versatile shelf is adjustability. Most shelves come with a rigid frame and are supplied with a simple method of adjusting the shelves yourself. This allows you to accommodate large format books or tall ornaments. Before you order a shelf, remember to make sure that it has at least one adjustable shelf.

If you are a real bookworm, and want to use your hobby as a great way to decorate your home, why not invest in enough wooden bookshelves to cover all the walls of a room? You can mount them directly onto the walls to create a relaxing, supremeley inspiring room.

If you are taken with the idea of using bookshelves as more than just storage, why not check out this great article from about.com's interior decorating guide? They have interviewed several designers for their ideas on how to make the most out of your bookshelves.

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How To Create A Contemporary Bathroom

There's nothing like the serene, relaxed feeling of slipping into a deep bath in a beautifully designed bathroom. We've prepared this handy guide to help you to create a contemporary style bathroom that is alive with elegance and style.

It's a good idea to take the time to consider different arrangements in your new bathroom, so why not use a piece of chalk to mark out potential positions for your bathroom suite, and let your whole family contribute suggestions? By taking the time to consider your options, you can be more certain that you will pick the right one, and avoid having to redecorate in a few years' time.

This bathroom uses wooden panelling
to give its sleek lines a touch of warmth

Contemporary bathrooms have an emphasis on space and sleekness, so it's worth while spending some time working out exactly what you do and don't need. Many modern bathrooms do away with traditional cabinets, and if you decide to go this way, but later find that you need more storage, you can choose a wooden bedside cabinet or small chest of drawers for the room without compromising on style.

The key to a contemporary bathroom is the bath itself - modern manufacturing techniques allow far more interesting shapes to be created than the traditional bath design, and if you want to get inspired, simply check out the range of bathroom suites that are available online.

The innovative shape of this bath is
contrasted with the natural wood shelves

In order to make your room relaxing, and prevent it from looking too cold, it's worth contrasting the sleek white textures of your bath and sink units with natural wood, which both brings a touch of traditional character to the room and also allows you to be creative in your storage choices. Why not use a wooden blanket box to provide storage for towels and guest toiletries?

Channel4.com have a great page filled with ideas for a contemporary bathroom, so if you're still on the lookout for inspiration, why not check it out?

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How To Protect Your Pine Furniture

Pine is a soft wood which continuously 'respires' when there are changes in the temperature and the environment. Pine will always feature some small irregularities, such as slight shrinkage and minor defects like small cracks in the wood's surface and knots, although many of these apparent imperfections actually enhance the look of the wood, making furniture unique.

The first thing to remember when caring for your pine furniture is that sunlight can have a dramatic effect on both the colour and surface of the timber. It's a good idea to keep untreated pine out of direct sunlight, although lacquered or waxed pine has much better resistance to cracking and discolouration.

In order to prevent the wood from bowing or cracking, it's a good idea to make sure that it is in an area with a constant temperature, as rapid changes can cause the wood to dry out, expand, and crack. It's also advisable to avoid placing hot or cold items directly onto the wood.

Rubber protectors can prevent moisture
damage, as well as damage to floors

As well as temperature, pine is susceptible to damage from moisture. If you are planning to place your furniture in a room with a tiled or laminate floor, make sure you use rubber protectors placed under the feet to stop the wood from soaking up any accidental spills or condensation, as moisture can cause splitting and discolouration.

Always be gentle when cleaning your pine furniture

When cleaning your pine furniture, it's important not to use soap or detergent, or any polish that contains silicone, as this can affect the appearance of the grain, and may in some cases cause staining. For general cleaning, use a damp duster and gently buff the wood to a shine. If you need to give your furniture a deeper clean, then try looking in your local hardware shop for lemon oil or another soft polishing oil treatment.

If you are using an oil based polish, it's worth testing it out on an out of sight area in order to make sure that it doesn't alter the natural colouring of the wood. If you need a bit more in depth advice on finding the right products for your furniture, check out Ronseal's website, which features some really handy how-to-guides that will help you get the most out of your pine furniture.

Properly cared for, pine can be a beautiful presence

One of the most effective ways to keep your pine furniture looking its best is to use a furniture wax. Much pine furniture will come ready-waxed, although it's worth reapplying the finish every year or two to ensure that the wood remains fully protected, especially if it is a feature piece such as a coffee table or dresser.

Of course, with all the preparation in the world, it's impossible to avoid accidents, so here's a handy tip to deal with minor dents, especially useful for dining tables - boil a kettle, and pour a very small amount of hot water onto the affected area then mop up excess water with a cloth. The moisture should cause the dent to plump out. If the wood swells too much, place a heavy, flat object on top of the bump, and give it a day to dry out.

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