# Help me decorate my new apartment in VA **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 6, 2021, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307 "2021-02-06T02:18:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/1 "2021-02-06T02:18:09Z")
Just got approved for a place, the size I wanted and the price I wanted to pay. I can’t believe the differences in prices here compared to NJ, well I guess I can believe it but am happy. $550 less than what I was paying, with electric included, and it has central air. First choice is TV stand. I want a retro look. For the first one, it would be either walnut, or walnut/white. For the second, only one color choice > **[Wayfair.com - Online Home Store for Furniture, Decor, Outdoors & More](https://www.wayfair.com/)** > > Shop Wayfair for A Zillion Things Home across all styles and budgets. 5,000 brands of furniture, lighting, cookware, and more. Free Shipping on most items. > **[Wayfair.com - Online Home Store for Furniture, Decor, Outdoors & More](https://www.wayfair.com/)** > > Shop Wayfair for A Zillion Things Home across all styles and budgets. 5,000 brands of furniture, lighting, cookware, and more. Free Shipping on most items. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/2 "2021-02-06T02:26:39Z")
The Brody has a more timeless look. The Wightman looks like crappy 50s. In fact my Grandmother had a piece similar to that. Most states compared to New Jersey will seem cheap. New Jersey is very expensive. We’re top 10 by most methods of looking at it. But hey, we’re cheap compared to Hawaii and California. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/3 "2021-02-06T02:50:08Z")
I knew it was less expensive here, but not 33% less for a better apartment. I agree about the Brody, overall aesthetics are better. But I just looked more closely at the dimensions, it’s 70 inches across, which will leave me with 1.5 feet on either side of my TV. I don’t put objets on my TV stands, I want a clean background. I will not hang a picture over my TV. In my apt in NJ, the TV was in front of one of the windows. When I first moved in, I put in black curtains, extending a couple of feet beyond the TV edges. But that was just too grim, so I replaced them with a light grey. So that one is already out. But maybe can find a similar, smaller one I want a 50s look, but not crappy 50s. When I was decorating a house I bought years ago in RI and decorating, my BIL said, “You are the one who is going to have to look at it every day.” And my opinion is the most important, but I don’t want someone to come into my apt and think “What a crappy TV stand”. We’ll see what others think. ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/4 "2021-02-06T03:11:18Z")
Not what you asked for, but the one with thefront slats will be a PITA to dust all the time, and look shitty if you don’t keep at it. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/5 "2021-02-06T03:11:59Z")
I hate dusting. Had not considered that. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/6 "2021-02-06T03:59:13Z")
the other question is what color areaa rug. The place has carpeting which I don’t like but so does every other place I have looked at. I imagine if you are building an apt complex, it is cheaper to use cheap wood and cover with cheap carpet. When I finished a basement in my RI house, I think it cost me about $800 to have the cheapest carpet available from Home Depot installed down 15 or so steps and a 20x15 room. Much less for apt owner. Below is similar to the loveseat I bought today, but mine is less puffy and has those silver studs along the edges. Love silver studs, the grey armchair that I am sitting in now has them. > **[Enderlin Loveseat | Ashley](https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/p/enderlin_loveseat/1780135.html?cgid=loveseats#sz=80&start=2)** > > A brilliant take on urban chic styling, the Enderlin loveseat in vibrant blue makes high design highly affordable. Distinctive elements include quilted channel stitching for clean-lined allure and a velvety soft fabric you'll love living with.... My first thought was to get a lighter blue rug but would like to be a little bolder. But not so bold as to get a blue and yellow rug, I am not a Rams fan, and although I am an unfortunate Mets fan, not getting orange. Or bright red. Kinda narrows it down, doesn’t it? Maybe a rust red - [Wayfair | Area Rugs You'll Love in 2023](https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/janet-rust-red-area-rug-lrfy3085.html?0=p&1=i&2=i&3=d) ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/7 "2021-02-06T04:10:27Z")
missed the edit window, no way on the rust red. IMHO the last thing you should notice when you walk into a room is the rug, unless it is a thousand dollar Persian, in which case it should be hanging on a wall. Rugs must be almost subconsciously noticed. That is when they truly tie the room together. ---
**Author:** ![FriendlyCurmudgeon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friendlycurmudgeon/32/5786_2.png) [@FriendlyCurmudgeon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriendlyCurmudgeon)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/8 "2021-02-06T22:54:17Z")
I like the first one. Blends in better. ---
**Author:** ![FriendlyCurmudgeon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friendlycurmudgeon/32/5786_2.png) [@FriendlyCurmudgeon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriendlyCurmudgeon)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/9 "2021-02-06T22:55:02Z")
Feather duster will clean that up in 60 seconds or less. ---
**Author:** ![FriendlyCurmudgeon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friendlycurmudgeon/32/5786_2.png) [@FriendlyCurmudgeon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriendlyCurmudgeon)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2021, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/10 "2021-02-06T22:56:51Z")
Don’t forget to get [one of these](https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/593288500/brownfolds-diy-paper-wall-trophy-origami?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_ca_en_ca_christmas_Home+and+Living&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQiAmfmABhCHARIsACwPRACyLDCndHhp8I1hWcPD4E_UV_hlOJhLT57D7ApNv00KcUZoWL1DS_EaAnqqEALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_1714047793_65405058165_333532176664_pla-303628061699_c__593288500enca_172959183&utm_custom2=1714047793) for your new place. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2021, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/11 "2021-02-07T04:36:52Z")
The Brody has more of the look I remember from my 60s childhood. The Wightman has just that much more storage space, should you need it. Since my family chore was dusting, I definitely agree that the Brody would be more challenging to dust, but vacuum attachments work well for this purpose and it does take less floor space. However, I prefer the look of the Wightman, but that is just personal preference. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2021, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/12 "2021-02-07T05:20:15Z")
which one is the Brody and which is the Wightman? I have looked at so many TV stands and couches and rugs in the past few days I can’t see straight. Example, I considered the walnut/white briefly. Seriously, I have decided on the Brody. Now I will obsess on the 8x10 rug I will need. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2021, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/13 "2021-02-08T22:41:29Z")
I could obsess over rugs for a long time. Here’s the design guidance I was taught at about age 16. Every room needs a focal point. From that point, you can pick things that go with it or contrast. Example, I was given a gorgeous Russian babushka (scarf) with rich yellows and russets. I decided to display it on the wall of a guest bedroom. It was placed to be the first thing you would see when you walked into the room. I went with the color scheme of it for everything else. The room ended up being a very pale yellow, with a brown carpet, darker yellow window treatment, and wrought iron daybed frame and decor. I painted an old bookcase in the russet tones and found decorative boxes with eastern Europe floral look that matched the browns, blacks, russets and yellow. (You could call that dumb luck but it took two years to find something that had all the colors. It was at a going-out-of-business sale.) A focal point could be anything. An interesting light sconce, a family heirloom dresser, or a “different” couch, or a collection of prints. Make it something that has a story (or make up a story) and highlight it. Everything else just sort of falls in place around it. But be sure that it interests you, and don’t worry about impressing others. ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2021, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/14 "2021-02-12T00:44:20Z")
> [@Mike\_Mabes](#): > > which one is the Brody and which is the Wightman? I have looked at so many TV stands and couches and rugs in the past few days I can’t see straight. Tell me about it. Ever since I looked at your links, it seems EVERY ad I see on line is for television stands/entertainment consoles/etc. And I don’t even need one! ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2021, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/15 "2021-03-18T17:34:35Z")
Place is finally all together. Had several delays with shipping and assembly. It all fit together the way I expected, which shows they are right - measure twice, buy and place furniture once. [https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/161820344\_10218800398666046\_5571800224252608863\_o.jpg?\_nc\_cat=109&ccb=1-3&\_nc\_sid=730e14&\_nc\_ohc=AgMjUTkgp7gAX-02SOM&\_nc\_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=f552b25eda18fbb95abcf2c516ee17cd&oe=607940A4](https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/161820344_10218800398666046_5571800224252608863_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=AgMjUTkgp7gAX-02SOM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=f552b25eda18fbb95abcf2c516ee17cd&oe=607940A4) [https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/162126592\_10218800428586794\_6716745912358779231\_o.jpg?\_nc\_cat=110&ccb=1-3&\_nc\_sid=730e14&\_nc\_ohc=yDZfRbwxUgEAX-lkDza&\_nc\_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=4a067aefa305c599f5bebf612a5d6156&oe=6078C7C5](https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/162126592_10218800428586794_6716745912358779231_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=yDZfRbwxUgEAX-lkDza&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=4a067aefa305c599f5bebf612a5d6156&oe=6078C7C5) ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2021, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/16 "2021-03-18T21:35:28Z")
You know what would really set that room off? A cat! Not a kitten, a dignified adult cat. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Mabes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mike_mabes/32/1782_2.png) [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2021, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/17 "2021-03-19T06:00:54Z")
with a tuxedo, I have one ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2021, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decorate-my-new-apartment-in-va/932307/18 "2021-03-19T06:24:04Z")
Purrfect! Your apartment looks very comfortable, btw. Congrats on being able to make a nice nest with all the shopping/shipping issues.