Tag Archives: Tips & Advice

Bedroom Carpets
News

How to Choose The Right Carpet For Your Bedroom

Carpets mean comfort, and that’s exactly what you want when choosing flooring for your bedroom. Wooden flooring can be stunning, while tiles are stylish and practical, particularly in a Mediterranean climate. But if you live in the UK, you’ll want the room you sleep in to be warm and luxurious. That’s why a carpeted floor is the obvious choice.

If you’re looking for flooring in Huntingdon, you’re in the right place. PH Gammons have been supplying loyal customers with stylish, high-quality carpets for over 60 years. We’re glad to share our knowledge and experience, because our mission is to keep our customers happy. So, here are some useful tips on choosing the perfect flooring for your bedroom.

Why choose carpet?

The bedroom is the one room in the house where you’re most likely to move around in bare feet. That makes it the perfect candidate for a plush, luxurious floor covering. Your bedroom should also be a place of peace, quiet and tranquillity. Clearly that’s more difficult to achieve with a hard or polished floor surface. What’s more, studies have shown that a carpeted floor can reduce the number of allergens in the atmosphere. When it comes to bedrooms, breathing cleaner air is a huge health benefit. For carpets in Huntingdon, take a look at our extensive range to find the perfect choice for your bedroom.

What sort of pile?

For areas like living rooms or hallways, a loop pile carpet is generally more durable and hard wearing. Because the bedroom isn’t a high traffic area, you can indulge your desire for luxury. A deeper, cut pile option will feel warmer and much more comfortable underfoot. That said, a well chosen loop pile carpet can look stunning in a contemporary style setting.

Choosing the colour

In recent times there has been a shift towards floor coverings in darker shades. Opting for a longer pile as well can help to create a more luxurious ambience in the bedroom. The most important thing is to make the right choice. Changing your mind once the flooring has been laid could add unnecessary expense. If you’re not planning to redecorate, you need to take into account the existing decor of the room. Consider the style and colour of ornaments and fittings, too, unless you’re planning to replace them. Most rooms have a focal point, be it the bed or a favourite picture. Try and choose a floor covering that will complement that.

Choosing the material

Carpets are available in a range of different materials, so it’s important to know what you want. Pure wool has always been popular, and it’s a natural and sustainable material. It also provides great insulation and is easy to maintain – though it may not be the most cost-effective option. With developments in technology, synthetic carpets have improved significantly. Now softer and more luxurious, they are also durable and easy to clean.

Visit our showroom to explore our wide range of choices in a variety of styles and materials. Or, speak to one of our friendly team for more information or advice today.

Made to Measure Blinds
News

Why Your Room Needs Made to Measure Blinds

If you’re considering new blinds for a room, you’ll first have to decide between off-the-shelf or made to measure blinds. Off-the-shelf products might seem like a convenient choice. However, made to measure blinds offer some great benefits that shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re looking to redecorate a room, bespoke blinds will help you create a look that really ‘wows’ friends and family. Getting hold of made to measure blinds doesn’t have to be difficult either.

The Benefits of Made to Measure

Generally, the greatest benefit of made to measure is the fit. A bespoke blind will match the specific measurements of your window for an exact fit. This will ensure that they block out as much light as possible, as well as offering more privacy. In some cases, a perfect fit can even have a positive effect on a home’s insulation, keeping cold draughts out.

Blocking out light and keeping in heat goes hand in hand with the customer’s choice of lining. Being able to choose a suitable lining is another advantage of made to measure blinds over off-the-shelf options. In choosing a lining, you can take into account the unique needs of a room. A blackout material may be more necessary in one room, such as a bedroom, and less so in another, such as the kitchen.

Of course, bespoke blinds don’t just give the customer control over size. You’ll also be able to pick from a great range of fabrics and styles. Rather than settling for a pre-made design, the choice you have over fabrics with bespoke blinds means you can pick fabrics, colours and patterns to complement the existing look of your room. In this way, your blinds can complement the style of the home that you’ve worked so hard on.

Of course, getting the best made to measure experience depends on where you shop. Peter H Gammons is on hand to help customers get the best in bespoke blinds in Peterborough.

Bespoke Blinds from P H Gammons

Peter H Gammons work hard to turn customers’ designs into made to measure reality. One benefit that can set made to measure blinds apart from all other options is their quality. This greater quality means that they will last for longer; which can help save money in the long term, and help make back the short-term cost of design.

With the help of the expertise on offer at P H Gammons, you’ll have your designs off the ground in no time. There’s lots of inspiration to be found in our previous work, as well as helpful advice from our expert team.

If you’re looking for made to measure blinds in the Cambridgeshire area, enquire now with our friendly team at P H Gammons. Whether you’re after Venetian or vertical, Roman or roller, we have the skill to create your dream pair of blinds.

PH Gammons - Mattresses
Beds, News

Which Mattress is Right For You?

When shopping for a new bed, you will need to make sure that you choose the right mattress. Mattresses are more than just something to sleep on. Good quality mattresses are important for your overall health as well as for getting a sound night’s sleep. Your mattress should deliver comfort as well as guard against health issues such as back pain from developing. Many beds feature their own unique mattress design, so it is helpful to look at the various choices available. Listed below are the different types of mattress you can find when you shop at our bed shop.

Children’s mattresses

A good night’s sleep is important for the development and long term health of both children and teens. Poor sleep can lead to problems involving brain function as well as emotional and physical well being. A good children’s mattress should be firm enough to support your child’s body as well as encourage healthy sleeping positions. Make sure to also consider beds that are antibacterial with a breathable mattress cover, as well as being free of any harmful interior components.

Memory/latex mattresses

A memory foam mattress is designed to conform to the shape of your body. The flexible polyurethane material will maintain the impression of your body even after you get up. This adds to the comfort and support provided to beds and is ideal for those with joint or back pain. Latex, by contrast, returns the mattress to its original shape quickly, and is often lighter and bouncier than memory foam. A latex mattress can hold more air, preventing the bed from getting too hot at night. They are also firmer and more eco- friendly than other types of mattresses.

Everyday open coil mattresses

One of the most common types of mattress, these beds consist of an interconnected spring system. The thickness of the springs determines its gauge: the lower the gauge, the firmer the mattress. A well-made open coil mattress will have good support and orthopaedic qualities, especially the low gauge ones. In addition, this type of mattress is lighter and easier to turn than others.

Full foam mattresses

A full foam mattress combines various types of foam to evenly distribute body weight across its surface. This allows it to relieve pressure as well as provide more support as you sleep. A full foam mattress can also include different types of foam to increase firmness and durability according to your needs.

Why PH Gammons Is Perfect For Finding Your New Mattress

Since 1959 we at PH Gammons have been supplying homeowners with a range of excellent home furnishings at competitive prices. Whether you are looking for beds, sofas, carpets or more, we have an extensive range of products that will suit all tastes or living arrangements. Our bed shop in Peterborough is open six days a week, and we offer free delivery on all furniture purchased. For a free quote on your new mattress, speak to our friendly team at PH Gammons today.

Trendy sofas for your living room
News

Trendy Sofas For Your Living Room

Often the social hub of family life, your living room is one of the most frequented spaces in your home. (Yes, you spend a lot of time in the bedroom, but mostly asleep!). The living room is also where you are likely to entertain. This important room needs to reflect your good taste, and offer an inviting and comfortable welcome. Sofas are integral to the way your own living room makes you feel; a reputable sofa shop will help you to achieve this.

Peter H Gammons is a family-owned business founded in 1959. Over the years we have acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of home furnishing. Feel free to use our guide to help you choose the right sofa for your home.

We can help you choose the right sofa

Looking for sofas in Peterborough? Not sure where to turn? Relax, you’re in safe hands with PH Gammons. Below are our top tips on choosing your new sofa.

Slipcovered sofas: Slipcovered sofas have many advantages, not least of which is the fact that they are easy to keep clean. Simply remove the covers and put them through the wash. This is an important consideration in a home that includes animals and/or children. Covers also make your sofa highly adaptable if you decide to redecorate your living room. A change of style or colour can easily be matched with a new set from your sofa shop. You can also use slipcovers to blend your sofa with other furniture.

Leather sofas: Not only does a leather sofa look beautiful and stylish, it also offers terrific durability. Certainly, this is important where children and pets are concerned. Leather will retain its appearance for far longer than fabric, being more resistant to wear and colour fade. A leather sofa will even improve with age, acquiring an attractive shabby chic appearance that ageing fabric simply cannot match. Leather can also cope with the majority of spills, and is easy to wipe clean.

Sectional sofas: Not everyone’s living room is a conventional shape. A sectional sofa provides an effective solution to this problem, offering more flexible positioning. In a small room a sectional sofa will help create space by fitting within corners. In an open plan space you can use a sectional sofa to define your living area and your dining area. Sectional sofas are also great for naps, and provide additional comfortable sleeping space for stay-overs.

What to look for in a quality sofa

A traditional timber frame is strong enough to withstand the rigours of everyday life. Along with robust, craftsman-made joints, this will allow the sofa to hold its shape. Cushion fillings should offer comfort, but also provide a good level of support. Good suspension is also important, and quality sofas are tested for their resistance to frequent use. Finally, the upholstery (or leather) should feel luxurious and of high quality.

Here at PH Gammons we have a range of quality sofas in stock. Pay us a visit for some ideas or friendly advice, or call us for more information.

Huntingdon furniture for your living room
News

Using Furniture to Bring the Most Out of Your Living Room

Sourcing and arranging the right furniture for your living room can seem like a daunting task, but with a bespoke furniture shop in Huntingdon, P H Gammons make the task that bit easier. With our great range of furnishings, you’ll be sure to find the perfect materials and finishes. After sourcing the right furniture, bringing the most out of your living room comes down to arranging it correctly. Not only will the room be more functional, but it will also feel more spacious and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some tips for choosing and placing furniture that will breathe new life into a familiar space.

Sourcing the Finest Wooden Furniture in Huntingdon

When picking your furniture and upholstery, you may be wary of diversifying wood tones. With the variety of furniture in Peterborough for sale, there’s no need to restrict your decorative options. Mixing different woods and wood tones is a good decorative decision. However, it’s best to establish one wood as the dominant tone. As a starting point, this could be the same tone as the wooden floor if you have one, or simply the largest piece of wooden furniture in the room. With a main wood tone anchoring the room’s aesthetic, you can then opt for smaller furnishings with different tones for variety. One way to ensure wood matches is to choose the same undertone, whether it’s warm or cold. Though this may not be an exact match, the two different, yet complementary tones will prove a stylish addition to the living room.

Perfecting the Placement of Huntingdon Furniture

With tones picked, it’s time to think about placement. One especially important thing to consider is the room’s focal point, whether this is a fireplace, window, or television. Establishing a focal point will help you arrange sofas and tables. As well as this, it’s advisable to keep furniture away from the walls. After all, upholstered furniture often looks just as good from the back as the front. Leaving space between the walls and your sofas will help a room feel, well, roomier.

Alongside this, you need to think about the corners of a room. Empty corners will be a conspicuous part of any living room, so it’s important to make use of this space. Whilst keeping furniture away from sidewalls is a handy tip to follow, placing small furniture into corners is a great way to use the space. A small seat or corner shelf is a popular option. Even simpler things like a plant, a screen, or even just a leaning object can work wonders too.

Whatever your furniture needs and living room plans, PH Gammons have the bespoke furniture in Huntingdon to meet your design needs. From fine wood furniture, to luxurious upholstery, you’ll find everything you need to get the most out of your living room’s space. Please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team at PH Gammons.

bedroom furniture suffolk
Furniture, News

Can Wood Improve Your Mood?

Wood has plenty of benefits in the home, even improving your mood.

Wood is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices of material for homeowners looking to renovate. As many of us start looking to more environmentally friendly ways of living, sustainably sourced wood is a great way to refresh the look of your home without increasing your carbon footprint. But there are even more benefits to wood – did you know it can actually be good for your mental health?

Helping your mood

Research has shown that a reduction of man-made materials lowers your anxiety and stress levels when you’re at home. Wooden furniture in the home has a similar effect to being in nature, with a calming effect caused by wood causing a feeling of being close to nature, warmth, and homeliness.

Lowering your carbon footprint

This isn’t the only benefit of wood. When taken from sustainable sources, wood has less of an effect on the environment. It’s one of the most naturally renewable sources of energy, and with forests in Europe growing by 661,000 hectares every year, we won’t be running out any time soon. It also absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, again lowering the carbon footprint.

Since it lasts so long, it’s also great for recycling. If you use recycled wood, your carbon footprint will be even lower, with current natural timber being preserved for use elsewhere. Using recycled wood has another great benefit – reclaimed wood furniture has plenty of character with an authentic rustic look that you can only get from timeworn wood.

There’s less waste produced by wood products, and any waste that is produced is completely biodegradable, meaning that it eventually decomposes back into the earth.

Durability

Wood is a durable, strong material that will last for plenty of years in your home. Although, how long it will last is dependent on the location in your home, the treatment it’s had and the type of wood it is, any wood in general will be one of the longest-lasting materials you can use.

It’s also great at retaining heat, up to seven times more than ceramic. As the wood absorbs heat, it creates a naturally warmer home, saving you money on your heating bills and reducing your energy usage.

Find the perfect wood furniture at PH Gammons

If you’re looking for sustainably sourced wood furniture to improve the look of your home and your mood, then a visit to our Huntingdon showroom is a great place to start. Find us here or get in touch with us today if you have any questions about our furniture and services.

carpet fitting suffolk
Carpets, News

Carpet Cleaning 101: Understanding When, How, and Why

The humble carpet has been a part of domestic life for so long. It is easy to underestimate its value and function. When it comes to flooring care and maintenance, we’re used to thinking about materials like wood and tiling. And, for the most part, it is true. Carpets are one of the cheapest and easiest flooring options to keep.

However, all high traffic floors require care, even if it’s just a deep clean once every twelve months. For carpets, especially, regular cleaning is important. This is because the fibres can collect dust, mites, crumbs, and pet hairs. If you have beautiful carpets in Peterborough, make sure that they stay that. Give them a little love and care every now and again.

This guide to carpet cleaning will explain why it is important, when it needs to be done, and how often it is required.

The Importance of Clean Carpets

There are lots of reasons why homeowners favour carpets over other flooring options. For one thing, they are cheap. They offer excellent value for money, because they are inexpensive and will last up to a decade if cared for properly. However, they do collect dirt and stains a little more quickly than tiling, laminate, and wood floors.

This is why they need to be hoovered regularly, throughout the week, and deep cleaned once or twice a year. The hoovering will pick up surface dirt and debris, so that the carpet always looks stylish and pristine. The deep cleaning will work below the surface to dislodge and remove allergens, dust, and grime from within the fibres.

This small amount of maintenance will prevent carpets from becoming troublesome from allergy sufferers. It will also make sure that they always smell clean and feel soft on the feet. With the cost of deep carpet cleaning now more affordable than ever before, it’s never been simpler to take care of the flooring in your home.

The Ins and Outs of Deep Cleaning

If you’re currently considering upgrading your flooring, for high quality carpets in Peterborough, set up a deep cleaning schedule as soon as possible. Pick a company that is reliable, experienced, and respected within your local area. It is up to you how often you want your carpets deep cleaned (twice a year is more than enough).

Once you know who you’re working with, you can pick dates on the calendar that suit you best. Depending on the size of the room, deep (or steam) cleaning will take a couple of hours, so you’ll need to steer clear of the treated carpet until it has completely dried. You’ll be amazed at how quickly deep cleaning can reinvigorate even the most tired and worn out carpets.

One thing to keep in mind is the relationship between cleaning and quality. The higher the quality of your carpets in Peterborough, the more effective all types of cleaning will be. For very low quality carpets, intensive cleaning can actually damage the fibres, so pick products that are strong, durable, and long lasting. High quality carpets should always be able to stand up to the pressures of a deep clean.

For more information and advice on picking the perfect carpet, visit Peter H Gammons today. Or, call 01487 812275 to get directions to your nearest Peterborough store or showroom.

sofas for sale suffolk
News, Sofas

3 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Sofa

There are certain household necessities that aren’t always much fun to buy. Take washing machines, for example; shopping for an appliance of this size can be stressful, because there are so many different factors to take into consideration. The same can be said for things like fridges, curtains, and faucets. You can’t really start enjoying them until they arrive at home and take their proper place.

Sofas are a little different, as it’s possible to test a range of options before you even have to think about making a final decision. Shopping for a new sofa can be lots of fun, because it’s an investment that most of us can easily get excited about. In fact, just imagining the perfect armchair is enough to elicit a big grin from those who love their creature comforts. The downside, however, is that this can cause some homeowners to rush into a decision and pick the wrong sofa for their lifestyle.

This guide to the most common sofa shopping faux pas will help you avoid the pitfalls and take home your dream couch.

Choosing the Wrong Size

You’d be surprised at how many people head out shopping for sofas in Cambridgeshire, without measuring the size of the room first. This is a mistake that you don’t want to make, because it could leave you with a brand new couch that doesn’t even fit into the space. It is a good idea to fully measure the length and width of the room or, alternatively, take a roll of masking tape and ‘map’ out the size of your ideal sofa on the ground.

Also, think carefully about how your preferred design will fit into the space. Even if you’re sure that you’ve chosen a sofa that physically fits, consider what kind of impact the style will have. For instance, chunky sofas with big, broad arms are likely to dominate smaller rooms and make them feel poky and restricted. On the other hand, a sleeker, thinner sofa might make a very big room look curiously mismatched.

Prioritising Style over Comfort

If you’re shopping for high quality sofas in Cambridgeshire, you’re going to want a product that is stylish and attractive. It should fit well with the existing décor, but also hold its own as a statement piece. However, it is important not to let the pursuit of style stop you from picking a sofa that is comfy enough to ease your tension at the end of a long day. Comfort should be the number one priority when picking a new sofa, because that is its main job.

So, as well as considering colour palettes and patterns, think about what you want from your sofa. Does it need to be wide enough to cater for the whole family or should it be perfect for curling up as a twosome in front of the telly? Do you want to be able to lie down on it without your feet sticking over the ends? Would a sofa bed be useful? If the cushions are very deep, will you have trouble getting up and out of the chair? Keep an eye out for style, but don’t forget to prioritise comfort.

Forgetting to Check for Signs of Quality

If you’re pretty sure that you’ll only be using your new sofa for a couple of years, you can probably get away with a few compromises on quality. However, if you plan to get as much wear out of your couch as possible, do take the time to pick out a reliable product that is made out of robust, dependable materials. There are lots of sofas in Cambridgeshire that come with quality guarantees; pick one that has a warranty and make sure that the materials are genuine.

It is common to find, in cheaper products, that shortcuts have been taken with the materials. For instance, low quality leather sofas often have genuine seat covers, but fake leather on the back panels and sides. This is not always the case, but it is worth enquiring just to make sure. If in doubt, trust your instincts and keep looking for a better quality product. If you shop carefully, you can expect your new sofa to last a number of years.

For more advice on shopping for the perfect sofa, visit Peter H Gammons. Or, you can call 01487 812275 to get directions to your nearest Cambridgeshire store or showroom.

Beds, News

5 Top Tips for Buying a High Quality Sofa Bed

In many ways, the humble sofa bed is a woefully underappreciated piece of furniture. It has the ability to turn any space into an extra bedroom, yet most homeowners rarely clean or properly care for their own. There are certainly advantages to be had from carefully maintaining a sleeper, sleeper sofa, or pull out.

For a start, high quality sofa beds will last a very long time if given the chance. As they are designed for temporary use, they do not undergo the same amount of wear as regular beds and can be kept for a long time without needing to be replaced. Plus, modern sofa beds are extremely comfortable things; long gone are the days when ‘pull out bed’ meant a sore back and a poor sleep.
These handy tips and tricks for buying a great sofa bed will help you know what to look for when browsing in your local furniture shop in Cambridge.

Invest in a Hardwood Frame

The toughest and most durable frame type for any kind of sofa is hardwood. This includes sofa beds, so it is a good idea to invest in a sturdy, long lasting product. It can be made out of kiln dried hardwood or a combination of hardwood and plywood. However, pine frames may be a little soft for a bed which needs to be moved around a lot.

Look for Top Notch Mechanisms

The mechanism in a top quality sofa bed will lift up and outwards with one smooth movement. It will not stick or make any kind of squeaking sounds. When you are shopping at your nearest furniture store in Cambridge, ask the sales representative if their sofa beds come with lock down bars. Essentially, this is just a metal bar at the front of the opening mechanism, which slots inside the sofa bed and locks the rest into place.

Search for a Comfy Mattress

Ultimately, the mattress on a sofa bed cannot really be of the same quality as a standard mattress, because it needs to fold and bend in a completely different way. However, there are mattresses which come close. Either way, it makes sense to look for one which is comfortable, provides plenty of back support, and will keep guests happy. If you get your sofa bed home and still find the mattress too comfy, you could pick up a specially designed sleeping mat, pad, or roll for added softness.

Give it a Test Drive

If you are heading out to a furniture shop in Cambridge, you should have no problem testing out a few of the best sofa beds. It is generally better to shop for this kind of furniture in person, just because it is easier to judge quality. However, all reliable retailers operate fair and practical returns policies. It is worth asking about the details, no matter whether you are buying online or in store. If possible, test the opening mechanism; make sure that it works smoothly.

Take the Measurements

This is something which many people forget when shopping for a sofa bed, but it is essential. What happens if you get the furniture home and find that it is too wide or too long for the room? To avoid this, make sure that you know for certain whether the sofa bed will fit comfortably in the space before you buy it. You can do this by measuring the size of the room, jotting it down on paper, and taking it with you to the furniture shop in Cambridge. Once there, the sales reps will be able to give you the measurements for different products.

To find out more about shopping for the perfect sofa bed or to locate your nearest furniture shop in Cambridge.

Carpets, News

Important Things to Ask When Choosing a Carpet Retailer

If you want to invest in a top quality carpet, you need to remember that your choice of retailer is just as important as your choice of design, colour, and material. In fact, the support of a friendly and reliable sales and installation team can make a huge difference to how happy you end up with your purchase. The question is, what should you look out for when it comes to picking a carpet retailer?
For homeowners on the hunt for new carpets in Peterborough, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The benefit of being able to speak to a retailer directly (in store, online, or on the telephone) is that you can ask anything which might be on your mind. So, do not be afraid to find out the difference between an Axminster and a Wilton or ask for expert advice on colour palettes and pile choices.
For the lowdown on all of the important questions which you need to ask when shopping for new carpets in Peterborough, read this in depth guide.

How are your carpets priced?

When shopping, it is useful to keep in mind the fact that not all retailers price their carpets in the same way. The first thing that you need to find out is whether the price advertised (or displayed) is the cost per square foot, yard, or metre. This is important, because you will use the figures to estimate the overall cost. Next, ask your retailer exactly what is included in the advertised price. So, you are trying to find out whether the cost includes extras like underlay and installation. Whilst it can feel a little fussy to haggle over these little details, it is much better to know exactly what you are getting before you hand over any cash.

Who carries out your carpet installations?

It is not a problem if the retailer outsources its carpet installations, as long as it is willing to oversee and take responsibility for the job. Even if a third party is brought in, a good retailer accepts liability for any problems, mistakes, or risks which might be involved. If your retailer seems far too keen to charge you for carpet installation, but offer you little support, you might want to think twice about your choice.

Are the installation experts fully insured?

You should only let installers (third party or otherwise) who are fully-insured in your home to carry out the work. This insurance is protection against any kind of damage which might occur as a result of the carpet installation – without this, you may not be compensated.

Can I see some testimonials/reviews?

Once you have found a reliable retailer selling high quality carpets in Peterborough, feel free to ask if you can see some testimonials or reviews. It is fairly common for carpet companies to keep portfolios, so it is certainly worth asking if you can see some pictures of previous installations. Plus, most carpet retailers list testimonials on their websites anyway, so you can always take some time and have a browse through customer reviews. This is one of those situations where personal contacts can mean a lot – if you know friends or family members with superb recommendations for carpets in Peterborough, go ahead and give them a look.
For more information and advice on shopping for the perfect carpet or to arrange for a consultation why contact us here at Peter H Gammons today or call us on 01487 812275. And to keep your new carpet in tip-top condition, read our guide to carpet cleaning.