(Part 3) Top products from r/malelivingspace

I live in Chicago and have tried all three types of humidifiers. One thing to consider is the size of your space. I've listed the pros & cons below based on my experience.

1. Ultrasonic: PROS: ultra quiet, humidifies quickly. CONS: potential to leave a fine white film over surfaces - unless you use distilled water, pricey & tends to only last a couple of seasons (ultrasonic mechanism breaks due to hard water. - Things may have changed with build quality over the years but a few years back this was my experience). Uses ultrasonic waves to turn water into vapor.
   
2. Warm Mist: PROS: longer life, white noise. CONS: white noise, hard water will scale the heating element - maintenance required, typically only good for smaller spaces. Boils the water to create steam.
   
3. Cool Mist/Evaporative: PROS: large reservoir models available, ideal for whole house humidification. CONS: need to purchase disposable wick - typically lasts one season, reservoir can develop mold & bacteria so need to use a bacteriostatic treatment in the water. Air is pulled through a wet wick to disperse water molecules in the air.
   
   Out of all three, I use the Cool Mist/Evaporative only because I got tired to having to constantly fill the water chambers of the other types multiple times a day. Also with the ultrasonic, I've had white powdery film develop on surfaces near the humidifier's stream.
   
   The Cool Mist/Evaporative takes care of my entire apartment and I only have to mess with filling it once a day. The disposable wick becomes covered in calcium over time, its nice to be able to toss it after the winter is over. The only downside is that with each water filling, I need to add a small cap full of bacteriostatic treatment to prevent the wick from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
   
   Hope this helps!
   
   ​

I'm in small room myself, trying to make the best use of space.

Consider a Japanese futon. I've been using one for the last five months and I love it. It is...maximally firm. Personally I like the "primal sleeping" aspect, and it helps a bit with my sciatica.

I'm using: https://www.amazon.com/Rolling-Bed-JFM-36080-Black-60inch-Mattresses/dp/B009EEMH3Q

Lately I've been considering a bit more padding.. possibly going with a legit tatami mat, otherwise a firm 1" foam pad.

The futon folds up quickly and fits in the closet. Plenty of room for a narrow bench sofa to use during the day.

Lots of people buy soundbars because they are convenient. They're small, don't require much wiring, and are inexpensive.

However, they never match the sound quality of real speakers. Music is meant to be heard on a stereo (2 speakers) so soundbars will never sound as good.

http://www.cnet.com/news/before-you-buy-a-sound-bar-speaker-read-this/

If you're on a tight budget then I personally recommend the Andrew Jones Pioneer bookshelf speakers. Mr. Jones is a well regarded speaker designer and they sound great. Not only do I like the speakers, but they are always recommended in the hi-fi world. Plus, with a stereo you can always upgrade to better parts later on. Over time, you could get better speakers, a subwoofer, center channel, and eventually you'll have a kickass 5.1 system if you want it. Soundbars don't allow any room for upgrading

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/89-speakers/1278774-pioneer-s-speaker-genius-hits-low-price-point.html
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-bookshelf-speakers/
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B008NCD2LG

if you learn what to look for, craigslist

for new speakers, pioneer sp-bs22-lr's look aight with the grilles off and are unmatched at their price point quality-wise

for vintage, JBL 4312mk2s look and sound awesome imo, but they're pricey

pioneer cs-a700 (also known as cs-e700) also has a good combination of looks, sound and price. evidently the stones had a pair back in the day

I'm personally on the hunt for a pair of yamaha ns-500m. their bigger brothers, the ns-1000m and ns-2000, go for a lot of money. the ns-500m shares the same tweeter as the 1000m, and supposedly sounds really close when A/B'd, though the 1000m edges it out.. but at a much higher price

anyway audiokarma is my favorite forum for finding info about vintage speakers (as well as the amps you'll need to power them with), but there's a LOT to dig through

I believe I can help! I used to do voice acting many moons ago and I went out and bought a few pieces of ply wood, wrapped them in moving mats I then went and bought some cheap flat sheets, and then wrapped them in that, stappled them together and put them on the walls and in the corners. I also used this just for a little extra dampening. My floor was also stone tile so I got a huge rug from good will for that. If I had pictures I would post them. Best of luck

Frames: LINK

Albums (left to right):

Top row:

• Random Access Memories
  
  
• Black Sands
  
  
• Kid A
  
  
• Run the Jewels 3
  
  
• There is Love in You
  
  Middle row:
  
  
• Guero
  
  
• Hesitation Marks
  
  
• My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
  
  
• Map of What is Effortless
  
  
• [Living Things](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Things_(Linkin_Park_album%29)
  
  Bottom row:
  
  
• Damogen Furies
  
  
• The Ecstatic
  
  
• Rescue and Restore
  
  
• [II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/II_(Moderat_album%29)
  
  
• [Long Live](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Live_(Atreyu_album%29)

Hey! Thanks for you input, I’ll definitely be looking for something dramatic! Maybe some abstract art. The nightstands are from amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C1A5BMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IGoACbVX1MZ37 they are amazing quality and not a bad price!

Tapestries! I have [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Joy%C2%AE-Wave-Indian-Tapestry/dp/B004RI3H7O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376428487&sr=8-4&keywords=tapestry+wall+hanging) on my wall and I love it! They bring so much color to the room and they're HUGE! There are a bunch on Amazon and they are all like 30 bucks.

Mine was pretty pricey. I bought this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092UCN0Y

You can definitely find cheaper ones though, like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/LUCID-Inch-Plush-Memory-Mattress/dp/B0088YV7XY

I know you want to be able to move things easily and for free, and I was in the exact same boat, but seriously... the $50 you'd pay someone to move your bed for you will be worth it compared to sleeping on a futon pad. A nice thick memory foam mattress is so, so, so very worth it.

EDIT: This one's only $220 : https://www.amazon.com/LUCID-Inch-Memory-Foam-Mattress/dp/B00474X5DO/ref=sr_1_7?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1481050459&sr=1-7&keywords=memory+foam+mattress

Here's the original post.
http://www.reddit.com/r/malelivingspace/comments/2044jr/just_moved_into_an_apartment_any_ideas_for_the/


I got some stuff to fill the space.

A work in progress and i like how it's going. These huge walls are killing me. I'm waiting for a matching book case to land on craigslist for the other side of the desk. Also waiting for a unique awesome coffee table to catch my eyes. More updates to come!

Oh yea... the bed is off the ground on this.
http://amzn.com/B005XC5UR8

I'll be replacing the legs on that couch to some of these.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/117585026/mid-century-style-replacement-sofa-legs


Any comments? I'm totally willing to build off recommendations!

Yeah no problem, it's this one here

Unfortunately it's a bit of an investment as you can see! Basically it fills your bedroom with 'natural' light gradually (over 20 mins or so), to simulate waking up to a sunrise. And then it can do the same at night time, where it'll fade out to help you sleep to a sunset.

And it's got birdsong, radio, gentle tunes etc to wake you up. I'd recommend it, but it works best when you sleep in a dark room, not sure how effective it would be in a room like this with those blinds, but I could be wrong. Also it works as a bedside lamp too, with levels of brightness if you need that.

This is for the LED Lights
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040FJ27S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is for the desk lamp which i highly HIGHLY recommend it is an excellent desk lamp that also has a usb plug in!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00APAQSP6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It would be really cool if you could program it to gradually brighten before you wake up, simulating a sunrise. Kind of like a DIY wake-up light.

Purchased the foam blocks off Amazon for like $30 because I liked the maroon color. But you can get just grey ones for cheaper. Though it looks like the ones I purchased and linked are currently out of stock.

They really did help the room become less echoy and the room mate next to me said it helps block some sound, too.

Maybe less industrial and more... belongs in a hotel or something.

But this one is a good evaporative one, meaning it won't leave the mineral dust like Ultrasonic ones will: https://www.amazon.com/Essick-Air-MA1201-Whole-House-Console-Style/dp/B004S34ISA/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1550085331&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=humidifier+whole+house&dpPl=1&dpID=41HVijlwa7L&ref=plSrch

However this one is much easier to work into the design of a room, while still functioning as funiture: https://www.amazon.com/AirCare-EP9-500-Whole-House-Pedestal-Style/dp/B00B5U8GJ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1550085331&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=humidifier%2Bwhole%2Bhouse&th=1&psc=1

My interior designer girlfriend had one of these foldable coffee tables and I picked one up too and loving it. It's pretty sturdy, foldable, and relatively affordable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0077HY08M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I love white and black colors heres what I was thinking for a comforter

http://www.amazon.com/Chezmoi-Collection-Alternative-Comforter-Corner/dp/B00635VODS/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1382412962&sr=1-1

This is my super budget setup because I like sleeping on the floor.

The bottom http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009EEMH3Q
Memory foam topper http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AR5X92

Yep. mattressunderground and sleeplikethedead were my go-to resources for researching mattresses. I bought this about a month ago and have been very happy so far.

I'm thinking maybe do three maps across the wall - NYC, LA, and my local San Jose. That'd be pretty cool.

Another thing I was thinking was sound-proofing the wall with foam. Not so much the sound proofing, but using the foam as wall art. Like this stuff but a color combo I like.

We had a tapestry that also hid the fact we didn't have a headboard. It takes a while to find one that doesn't make your bedroom look like you're too much into smoking weed, but there are a few fun ones.

We used to have this one.

these cable ties could be put to good use. You can use them to wrap the HDMI cords to the back of the poles that hold the monitors. As for the cords bellow the desk, you can wrap them all together with a tie or get something like this to run along the wall.

This is clean and not crazy expensive. Looks to be sturdy as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Leggett-Fashion-Murray-Platform-Mahogany/dp/B005XC5UR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456983444&sr=8-1&keywords=leggett+and+platt+wood+frame

I use these and they work great.

Pasow 50pcs Cable Ties Reusable Fastening Wire Organizer Cord Rope Holder 7 Inch (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0154MS9Q0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RtCwCbSN8YA27

Amazon, actually! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XEV1G2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For the price, I really like it.

One thing I did to "spruce up" my place was to get a cat tower that wasn't covered in carpet... having a wooden one makes it look more like furniture and a little classier, plus it stays cleaner!
https://smile.amazon.com/Vesper-Furniture-Walnut-V-High-Base/dp/B00SOTG05S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520271062&sr=8-1&keywords=vesper+cat+tower
this is the one I have.

It's mostly the nightstand and the open rack by the window that I would replace.. your desk and bed are fine to stay

I would get something like this and a wall shelf to replace that stand:

https://www.allmodern.com/Varick-Gallery-Sandoz-1-Drawer-Night-Stand-VKGL4769-VKGL4769.html

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Walnut-White-Nighstand-Drawer/dp/B01C1A5BMS/ref=sr_1_1?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1480714959&sr=1-1&keywords=mid+century

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/malm-drawer-chest__0393747_PE562529_S4.JPG

Amazon. It's a little taller than I wanted, but overall I like it.

Use this for the laptop. Try to find a tray to keep your desk organized (and dresser).

None of your posters are framed. They're cheap from walmart or you can find them on Amazon.

I'd go for a different blanket than the one you currently have. A light color like gray to contrast with the bed you have.

Ninja edit: Stick a small plant on your dresser.

Thanks! http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Design-10032-mStand-Laptop/dp/B000OOYECC

I bought a relatively cheap duvet from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00635VODS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and have been very pleased with it, although it's not the warmest in the winter. And I get to use different duvet covers for the seasons or just to change the look. I'll never buy a basic comforter again.

One of these would make a nice glow behind the tv if you're looking to get something to replace the net

https://www.amazon.com/Antec-Lighting-HDTV-51-1-Inch-increase/dp/B007TG5EG8/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1469744165&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Antec+Bias+Lighting+for+HDTV

I used a couple websites, this one lets you find high res album art from itunes: https://bendodson.com/projects/itunes-artwork-finder/

I used this one to choose which album covers I wanted to use and how I wanted to arrange them: https://xsaardo.github.io/Album-Art-Collage-Creator/

And here are the frames I used: https://www.amazon.com/MCS-12x12-Format-6-Pack-65625/dp/B00ZW8JEBQ

The hardest part was finding somewhere to print 12x12 pictures for a decent price, big stores like Staples don't do it. I was able to get them done for about a dollar each at a local printing place.

Vesper Cat Furniture, Walnut,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SOTG05S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It’s cute but the cats haven’t taken to it yet. I’ve had it for maybe 2 weeks

thanks! coffee table is from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XEV1G2

table runner is from Bed Bath and Beyond. I can't remember the name of it :(

here

All reusable -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0154MS9Q0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_IZoKDbDQE1SPG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MBTSTLL/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_z1oKDbJZ5XP99

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D31RV4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_N4oKDb2DD8WXV

Got you man

It is the Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand.

AZUMAYA Folding Coffee Center Table TAC-229 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077HY08M?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

This one folds down so that it's out of the way

Dealing with sound in a room is extremely difficult and the the cost/return on sound quality is extremely high.

I would suggest getting a rug if the floors are not carpeted, yes, curtains if you don't have them on the windows, and get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/CAD-Audio-AS32-Acousti-Shield-Enclosure/dp/B006YTZOOS or one of the ones that is similar. They work amazingly well and treat the problem at the most critical part of the sound path -- the mic.

One of my friends records a multi-platinum artists' vocals in his home office using one of these. They work.

I got this one. It looks pretty decent, too bad my cat won't even touch it.

Replica Eames Rocker until we get the real one. And authentic Eames low table.