Simple ideas can produce big benefits in home’s comfort level

Some simple ideas can make big differences in home comfort. For example, when choosing a nightstand for the bedroom, pick the biggest one that fits comfortably in the room. The bigger the better so it can accommodate a lamp, reading glasses, telephone, note pad, books, magazines, a favorite family picture and any other creature comforts that are personally enjoyed.

Get the plushest bathroom towels available. The thicker they are, the better they feel. This is a simple pleasure that goes a long way. The expense of buying more plush towels is worth it in the long run as the less expensive ones not only feel less luxurious, they often don't dry as well and you will probably need to replace them sooner. Remember, you get what you pay for.

In the family room, be sure to have an ottoman for each chair. There is nothing like putting your feet up after a long day's work. The ottoman can be of the same print as the chair or a coordinating one. The coordinating fabric is a particularly good idea if the chair is light colored. The ottoman could be a darker or printed pattern so as not to show dirt if any shoes are placed on it.

A recliner or two can be a variation on the ottoman idea. If the room is too small to accommodate an ottoman for every chair, try using a large ottoman in place of a cocktail table. If that ottoman needs to be used as a cocktail table, use trays on the ottoman for the snacks or drinks.

If you have enough ottomans in the room, another good piece of furniture is a great big cocktail table. Ever eat in front of the television? If you sit on the floor with the sofa or chair as a backrest, the cocktail table becomes a dining table.

Why not have a decent sized "eating" table so the food and plates aren't crowded and there is plenty of room for the glasses and family-style eating. When it comes to entertaining, the larger cocktail table can hold hors d'oeuvres as well as cocktail glasses, napkins, nuts and a few candles for ambience.

In the kitchen, be sure the lighting is good. Lights under counters are not just for night ambience. They illuminate shadowed areas for tasks. And good lighting over the stove helps prevent accidents.

While we're in the kitchen, be sure the chairs around the table are very comfortable. Often the space is limited so chairs are selected that fit the space but offer little or no comfort.

Use fewer chairs if necessary. Who says there must be four chairs (unless there are four people always using the table)? Three comfortable chairs or even just two are better than several metal ones that are utilitarian but not very inviting.

When decorating, think of what the room is used for, then think of how to make it really accommodating and comfortable for that purpose.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color."