9/14/2007

A Quick Guide to Children's Furniture for the Bedroom or Playroom

by: Chris Robertson

Whether you are looking for bedroom furniture or family room play furniture you will find many conventional and unusual choices.

Where to start

If you would like to look at the products, take your child to the local department stores and see if they have what you want. If you don't have time to shop or don't live conveniently close to stores, there are many online catalogs with endless choices and unique designs.

If you are decorating the child's room, decide what color paint you want and what theme you will use. You could let the child choose these so they will enjoy their own special room. Choose fabrics for your children's furniture that will take wear and tear, and wood that matches your other furniture. Functionality and durability are important in choosing the style you will buy. Buying good quality furniture is important if you want it to last for many years. If you have more than one child using it this is especially important.

Making Choices

Children will feel very grown up with their own seating such as kid's rocking chairs, kid's recliners, beanbags, and even small kid's size sofas! When choosing the children's chairs, pay attention to the craftsmanship and make sure they are sturdy. Also, make sure they don't tip over easily or have a high back that the child can tip over. Having their own chairs will give them a place to play video games or watch their favorite movie.

For more seating, you might want to add a child size table and chairs. This will give the children their own place to eat, color, make crafts or look at books. These come in formal wooden table and chairs or more casual styles such as picnic tables or brightly painted sets.

Durability and Safety

When buying children's bedroom furniture it is again important to look at the quality of the furniture. Make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand children playing and the normal "monkeys jumping on the bed." If you buy furniture that is plain and not overly ornate, you will be able to add pieces to it as your child grows. For instance, when they are little you might want to buy a toy box with it. Later, when they are older, you might want to add a computer desk and chair. Or, if you were not able to purchase all the pieces you want the first time, you would be able to add more as you desire.

It is also important when selecting children's furniture to notice any safety hazards. Some toy boxes have lids that are heavy and do not have a way to hold them up. Check these carefully because harmful accidents have occurred. If you see any other possible hazards look carefully before buying.

Keep these tips in mind when buying children's furniture and you'll find safe, enjoyable furniture that will endure years of child's play!


About The Author

Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com

To learn more about subjects like children's furniture please visit the web site at: http://www.kidschairs.com

For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Home Furnishings directory: http://www.majon.com/directory/Home_Furnishings

Wicker Furniture For Sunrooms

by: Adam Peters
Wicker sunroom furniture can help to enhance the beauty and relaxation of your sunroom. There are many different pieces that you can choose from to create the feel that you want.

Sunrooms just seem to call for wicker sunroom furniture. This room has been the ideal setting for wicker furniture for many years, due to its durability and wide range of colors available. Wicker sunroom furniture helps to add to that feeling of openness and airiness that a sunroom has and it can make your room feel more tropical and beachy. You can imagine that you are in a tropical location when you are relaxing in your wicker sunroom furniture. The good news is that there are more furniture options than the ordinary wicker loveseat and chair set. From furniture to accessories, you will be amazed at what you can find to use in your sunroom.

Even during Biblical times, wicker was a material that was used for tools and other creations. Egypt was the home of the earliest artifact made of wicker and it was dated at approximately 1400 B.C. Wicker was first used to make tools that were used in daily tasks, such as building shelter and/or fishing. As trading became more widespread, more and more people began building things with it, including furniture and other accessories. It was popular to build with, because it was inexpensive, but able to hold up well to wear and tear. Wicker can describe many different materials now, including bamboo, reads, willow, rattan, and peelcane. These materials are woven into strong shapes and patterns to make furniture and other items.

When searching for wicker sunroom furniture, you will find that there are many different pieces that you can choose from. Sets are the most common wicker sunroom furniture that is sold and these sets include a sofa or loveseat, along with lone or more chairs and maybe even a table. There are other pieces that you can choose from, too, including loungers, rockers, wing chairs, swings, and ottomans. All of these pieces can help to make your sunroom more relaxing to be in. There are accessories that you can purchase, as well, that are made of wicker. These include baskets, wall hangings, pot stands, end tables, mats, and fans. All of these items will help to enhance your tropical or beachy feel.

Wicker Alternatives

Other material options will give you the same look, but will be stronger. These include wood framed pieces that are combined with the wicker to give you the same look and feel, but making it stronger for larger and heavier people. Some pieces that look like wicker may actually be a vinyl or plastic material that is made to look like wicker. These pieces are inexpensive and easy to take care of. PVC pipe is being used to create this furniture, too, due to its strength and price.



About The Author

Adam Peters is a syndicated editor of http://www.allsunrooms.com . A focused website that offers articles on patio furniture, read more here: http://www.allsunrooms.com/wicker_furniture.html.

9/08/2007

Collectables And Home Decor

By : Bob Bastian
There many people who consider themselves collectors, but they just don't know how to approach the home decorating. You will want to keep in mind that there are a lot of people who will collect movie themed items or they will have a collection of some sort.

Many people will collect beanie babies or even Snow babies, however, you will want to think about a way that you can incorporate your collectibles, but not junk up the place.

First, you will need to make sure that you keep yourself organized. You should never collect more than one or two items. This means that you can't have a hundred different collections, but you will need to consider having some home collectibles that are easily blended into a home.

This means that you might want to get a display case for some of your collectibles and you will want to think about ways that you can show off the collection to others, but also not clutter the home. You will find that the solution to most people's problems is the curio cabinet. This is a great way to place your knickknacks on display, but not ruin the integrity of the home.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of ways that you can allow the collection to grow and keep your home looking good too, however, you will find that there will come a time where enough is enough and you are going to have to stop the collection.

You may want to take the opportunity to sell some of your least favorites or less valued items of the collection and then proceed to purchase more and more of your favorite pieces that come out.

However, you may have to sell before the value of what you purchased because you may mean more to you then what it does to someone else.

When it comes to trying to keep your home looking good and your collections in order, you will need to know your limits in space and learn how to find a good curio cabinet that will not cost a lot of money so that you can put your collection in a order fashion and neatly display them.

Collections offer hold people back from having a home of their dreams, however, if you learn to control the collection and not allow the collection to rule you, then you'll be able to use the collections in the design of your home and not have clutter.
Author Resource:- Finally! Step-by-step guidebooks show you exactly how to create beautiful and inspiring rooms, even if your time and budget are limited...100% guaranteed! Find out now at http://www.palalu.com/interior/

Article From Article Tower

Decorating Your Home With Wicker Furniture

By : Adrian Adams
Wicker is a special type of fiber that is hard woven and used to form a variety of different objects, including baskets. Perhaps the object that wicker is best known for making, however, is furniture. The creation of wicker furniture dates all the way back to ancient Egyptian times and many experts believe that wicker was used extensively during the Iron Age and had a major impact on the development of Celtic Art.

Although wicker furniture has been around for such a long period of time, its appeal has not faded. In fact, became even more popular during the 20th century as arts and crafts enthusiasts began to experiment with even more ways to use wicker to create objects such as furniture.

Traditionally, wicker furniture was made with wicker that was created from plants. Today, most furniture is created from plastic fibers instead. Nonetheless, it is still possible to find pieces that are made with the traditional plant fiber method.

When making wicker from plants, any portion of the plant can be used in the process. The canes or the cores of rattan stalks are commonly used, though entire portions of a plant may be used as well. For example, willow switches may be formed to make wicker furniture as well. Reeds and bamboo are also popular materials for creating wicker furniture made of plant material.

Although the outside of the furniture makes it appear as though it is made entirely of wicker, most furniture has an inner core made of stiffer materials. More pliant material is then used to fill the frame, which helps make the furniture both lightweight and sturdy at the same time.

Since wicker furniture is generally lightweight, it is a good option for use in rooms where the furniture needs to be moved often. Therefore, it is commonly found being used as patio furniture or being used on a porch. Wicker furniture is also often found in sunrooms because it is easy to move about while also helping to create a light and airy feel to the room.

Although wicker furniture is often associated with porches and other rooms that transition from the outdoors to the indoors, it can be used in sitting rooms and other spaces as well. One aspect that many wicker furniture owners enjoy is the fact that pads and other coverings can easily be added to the furniture. Not only does this make it more comfortable, it also makes it easy and inexpensive to change the decor of a room by simply changing out the pillows and other coverings.
Author Resource:- Find quality wicker furniture at http://www.rattanland.com/

Article From Article Tower

How to Choose Deck Furnishings

By : Richard Vande Sompel
No matter how lovely it looks every deck needs some kind of deck furnishings to look complete. These furnishings give any outdoor living space a sense of style and create a feeling of it being homey and inviting. They possess a remarkable influence upon how homeowners feel about the space as well as how often they, their family members and guests use it.

Deck furnishings should in some manner reflect the purposes of the deck. Chairs for a deck structure that are adjacent to an intimate dining area should be quite different than furnishings on which children will play in an activity area. It is very important to think about the relationships that do exist as well as those that could exist between seating and lighting, grilling facilities and accessories. These considerations and the decisions made as a result will go far to reflect the outdoor lifestyle of a family.

Outdoor furniture is an important investment so it is wise to select durable materials that may be used during the entire year where possible depending upon climate. The following questions can be a practical guide in making wise choices regarding furnishings:

1. Is it weatherproof and will it last for a long period of time before it needs replacement?
2. Are the pieces sturdy but light enough to be moved around without difficulty?
3. Are the cushions and pads removable for easy cleaning?
4. Can the furniture under consideration be stored outdoors during the winter months?
5. Is the furniture comfortable and does its style fit in with the look of the deck?

Outdoor furnishings should be carefully chosen in order to be proportionate to the space occupied. If the outdoor room is small then use a round table as it takes up less space than a square or rectangular one. Within larger deck spaces, arrange conversation areas with groupings of tables and chairs or even loungers and side tables. Another good idea is to include a serving cart on wheels or casters. Be sure to leave lots of room to enable anyone to walk around the furniture.

Movable seating is an excellent choice for any deck. It comes in a wide variety of forms from hammock chairs, loungers and bar type stools to dining sets with cushioned chairs. Freestanding furnishings such as these increase the flexibility of a deck. They can be shifted around or moved out of the way in order to change the nature of the space. Everyday seating needs are generally done well by most deck owners. However,it is very important to consider additional types and forms of seating for larger social gatherings and activities. A stack of folding canvas chairs can be handy for impromptu events because they are lightweight and easily stored out of sight till needed.

Built-in seating may not be portable but it has advantages over freestanding furniture. It takes up less floor space than movable chairs. It can also serve as storage where hinged access panels built beneath seating cushions or pads can provide an entry point for storing items that do not get used each and every day. A trellised garden bench can be created to provide an attractive resting spot or conversation area. Raised planters and retaining walls can become bench substitutes when their components are built wide enough and low enough. So can freestanding stone walls where the last course of stone is wide enough to double as seating. Top the wall with pillows, cushions, lounge pads or even finished bench slats for extra comfort. If the wall borders a raised planter install low ground covers, perennials or shrubs next to the seating area. Place taller, more rigid plants farther back in the bed to encourage people to sit on the wall.

Combining permanent built-in seating with a portable table and chairs can make it possible to have a cozy brunch with a small group or use the space for a party occasion.

Built-in seating around a firepit, hot tub or spa can be a wise deck design decision while at the same providing extra seating opportunities for casual seating during the day and entertainment situations during evening hours. The same applies to built-in seating around a deck water feature.

Stairs offer another alternative opportunity for casual seating. In crowded settings where seating is limited a wider set of stairs will make a great choice especially if the steps are so wide that up and down traffic flow is not interrupted.

With such a wide range of deck furnishings and related possibilities available homeowners can do much to ensure that their deck looks complete and reflects the style and tastes of its owners.
Author Resource:- Richard Vande Sompel is a professional deck builder of 35 years and over 850
decks built and is the author of "How to Plan, Design and Build a Deck from
Start to Finish". To Discover More About
Deck Furnishings and Claim your 2
FREE Deck Plans, Insider Report, MP3 Audio and discover everything to know about
building a deck visit: http://www.DeckBuildingRevealed.com

Article From Article Tower

9/07/2007

Best Furniture Around - The Chaise Lounge

By: Paul Graham

A home just like any other building is a physical structure where one may work or rest in. It is place that one can be alone with people he or she is comfortable with. A home is made of many things. It has a kitchen where one cooks food, a bedroom where one can rest, a living room where one can watch TV or read a magazine but the most important pieces that make it all possible is the furniture that is used to make that dream come to life. A very good example of furniture that adds both style and comfort to one’s home is a chaise lounge. A chaise lounge is an upholstered reclining chair that has legs that are outstretched so one will be able not just to sit on the chair but also lie down on it to take a short nap.

1. Just Like Freud

This kind of furniture similar is very similar to a sofa and the nice thing about this chair compared to the normal chair is that it can seat 3 people at a given time unlike the regular chair where it can only seat one. The chaise lounge is usually seen in a psychiatrist’s office where a patient lies down and discusses his or her innermost thoughts with the doctor as the patient is being evaluated. At home, one can also use it to think about things that are on the persons mind.

2. Truly Great Relaxation

For those who want to get a tan or just read a book and watch the day go by, another ideal spot where one can use it in the home is in the patio or by the pool. The chaise lounge as pointed out can be used either indoor or outdoor. This has been used in a variety of places both private and public like the local country club or resort. Through the years, the chaise lounge has evolved. Some models are not upholstered anymore and are made of wood, steel and plastic. For mobility, wheels have been added on certain models that make it easy to transport or relocate. Since it is a reclining chair, one can now adjust the angle of how inclined one wants it to be.

3. Leather, Plastic, Wood?

Before one will go out and choose the right chaise lounge, one must ask if the chair one chooses to buy will require low or high maintenance. As mentioned earlier, such models are no longer just made out of wood. Plastic chairs require low maintenance. If it gets dirty, one can simply wash off the dirt and wipe it clean. Wood on the other hand would require a bit of maintenance since it takes a little work to keep the varnish intact and sparkling. This will require one to buy a spray and cloth to keep it in good condition. Steel chairs even those made out of aluminum could rust and requires high maintenance. If one should decide on an aluminum chair, one must make sure this model is be rust-proofed and kept out of the rain.

4. Budget

There are pros and cons in choosing what type of material one wants to buy a chaise lounge. Each has its own characteristic benefits and features at the same time have its own drawbacks. The last thing one needs to consider before buying is to check if it is within the person’s budget. The price of the material used dictates the price of the kind of chaise lounge one can afford to buy. If one has a limited budget, one won’t be able to buy one with the best material since it is expensive. However if one is rich and money is not a problem, one will be able to buy the best quality-made steel, wood or plastic chair available. The chaise lounge is available in the local furniture store. If one is lazy to go out, one can just log on the web since there are a lot of retailers who offer the same items online with prices and discounts that are both reasonable and competitive.

About the Author:

For more great chaise lounge related articles and resources check out http://www.domain.com

Read more articles by: Paul Graham

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Why Is Log Furniture So Popular?

By: Tom Heatherington

Can anyone explain what makes a simple log table more appealing to many of us than a finely carved mahogany table? Is it merely a matter of style or taste? To be certain, some log or rustic furniture pieces do not blend well with every decorating theme, and few of us would place an Adirondack chair with a Chippendale kneehole desk, but in many settings log furniture has no equal.

In the traditional sense, most furniture is made from wood (which is nothing more than logs that have been "tamed"). However, log furniture is the antithesis of most conventional furniture. Traditional furniture makers favor pristine wood planks without knots or blemishes, while log furniture builders emphasize knots, diseased patches and even tree bark.

Oftentimes conventional furniture will feature graceful lines and delicate legs, while log designs boast thick, powerful verticals and cross members. Log furniture makers often rely on hand tools more than machines. The drawknife and spokeshave are essential tools used to peel logs and make tenons. Handsaws, chisels, hatchets and other hand tools are found in every log furniture crafter's workshop.

Log furniture is practical and it stirs our appreciation of human genius and resourcefulness. Unlike conventional mass-produced furniture, log furniture is particularly distinctive in that no two pieces look the same. The uniqueness of the logs and slabs ensure that every piece presents a singular appearance. Log furniture is a form of natural, hand-made freeform art.

It is this author's opinion that it is the bold and unique character of log furniture that speaks to us so intimately. Log furniture has a soul that whispers to us about our past when people produced furniture from the raw materials nature provided. Early pioneers built log furniture out of necessity, and it retains a romantic charm that inspires thoughts as daring as that Westward expansion. Log furniture is bold and gutsy - yet warm and inviting. It can be massive, yet graceful and it offers us a way to introduce nature into our homes.

The numerous answers to "why log furniture is popular" are as varied as the craftsman who produce these works. Simplicity, elegance, boldness, history, natural beauty... there is a difference between style and character. And that's the reason log furniture is so popular.

About the Author:

Tom Heatherington is an author, Internet consultant & co-founder of the Webunet Group. He is founder & editor of the "Log Furniture Directory" (http://www.logfurnituredirectory.com) and the "Log Cabin Directory" (http://www.logcabindirectory.com) To learn more about log furniture and rustic decorating, visit the Log Furniture Directory at: http://www.logfurnituredirectory.com

Read more articles by: Tom Heatherington

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

By: Samantha Birch

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence. It's been around for hundreds of years and probably existed when the cave people got tired of squatting on the dirt floor of their caves and looked around for a better way.

The woods that are fashioned into furniture fall into three categories:

1. Hardwoods
2. Softwoods
3. Composites

Even the term 'hardwood' or 'softwood' is deceptive. Hardwoods aren't necessarily harder, denser material. For example, balsa wood is one of the lightest, least dense woods there is, and it's considered a hardwood. Technically, lumber is classified based on how the tree reproduces. As a general rule, though, softwood trees are evergreen year round while the hardwoods create the gorgeous autumn foliage that we all love so much.

Hardwoods are considered the highest quality and are the most expensive. Their natural colors vary from the darkest woods to the lightest ones and and they can be stained or painted for even more variety. Hardwood furniture is least likely to warp or bend and is prized in all high quality homes. The five woods most commonly used in furniture production are cherry, walnut, oak, maple and mahogany.

Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, but they require extra care. Because they are less durable, it's much easier to scratch or dent softwood furniture. In addition, they often don't have the beautiful grains of a hardwood, and therefore don't stain as beautifully.

Pine is an example of a softwood that is commonly used for furniture. These woods are often used in construction as well so the choicest pieces are reserved for furniture. In construction, knots and splits are common. Lots of construction lumber will not accept paint and this kind of wood is used for shelves or packing crates.

The softwood used in furniture is designated as "Appearance" lumber and includes most softwood lumber that has been custom milled to a pattern or otherwise surfaced on all four sides.

Composites are the cheapest form of wood and are literally manufactured, rather than grown.

1. Plywood: multiple layers of thin wooden sheets are glued together and pressed. Plywood is strong and resists swelling, shrinking and warping. There is some furniture made directly from plywood, but generally it is only used as a support when incorporated into furniture.

2. Particle board: sawdust and small wood chips are mixed with glue or resin which is then shaped and pressure treated. When used for inexpensive furniture, particle board is usually covered with laminate or veneer. This is necessary because particle board splits easily and the laminate prevents splitting. However, the downside is that the laminate may separate from the wood because the particle board responds to temperature and pressure changes by swelling and shrinking.

3. Hardboard: is made like particle board but it's placed under higher pressure so it's stronger.

4. MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard: wood particles are bonded with resin and compressed. It is harder than particle board or hardboard, and can be cut like plywood although it isn't as strong as plywood. Some MDF is covered with melamine which is a durable plastic in a variety of colors. The exposed edges of MDF are rough and need covering with molding or some other decorative material.

Technically, furniture made from all of these wood products is "real" wood furniture, even the composites. Prices and quality range from the hardwoods down to the composites. The higher you go up the spectrum, the more you can expect to pay for your wood furniture. The good part, of course, is that with proper care hardwood furniture will last for decades or even generations. If you can afford it, always choose hardwood furniture.

About the Author:

Read dozens of articles & constant new information on home decorating, furniture, unique home decor, home interiors & gifts, including a home blog, books on decorating and weekly specials. http://online-home-shop.com

Read more articles by: Samantha Birch

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

9/05/2007

Get Ideas for Decorating your Bedroom Furniture for any Decor

Author : Roger King
Your bedroom is the most important room in your home and that is why you should only decorate it with the best bedroom furniture you can find. Whether it is sleeping or curling up with a good book, you can only do these things if you are in a comfortable place.

Your bedroom is where you spend a lot of quality time. Some people enjoy modern bedroom furniture, while others enjoy a mixture of new and old. You don't want to decorate your room with colors and fabrics that you don't find pleasing.

When looking for bedroom furniture to decorate your bedroom, you should be thorough in your search. Be sure to look at all of your options before settling with one. If you know all the styles that are out there, you will be in a position to make a very educated decision.

Check out furniture stores, in your neighborhood and on the Internet. Talk with decorators; they will be able to help you figure out the style of bedroom you want. You can also read books on interior decorating and see what is said about bedroom furniture.

Your bedroom is where you spend a lot of quality time. You can never be too careful when buying furniture for your bedroom. You will find, however, that the Internet is cost-efficient and a much more convenient venue for furniture shopping.

About The Author:

Roger King is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-home-decor.com. Bedroom furniture and ideas to showcase your homes.

Save Money on Furniture

Author : Jeff Lakie
Buying furniture can be very expensive. After all, next to your house and your car, furniture is one of the priciest things in your home. So any time you can save money, you should! Here are some tips to buying furniture inexpensively.

Look in the Yellow Pages for a furniture wholesaler or a liquidation or discount store. Often, their furniture is as good as the kind you will get in a retail outlet, but usually cheaper because of a minor flaw (and usually you won't notice that flaw!).

You can also buy from a furniture warehouse where the salespeople are paid by commission. Using a number of purchasing tactics you can often get it at a better deal. For example, if you buy a couch, but would really like to own a couch and a chair, ask if you could get a deal if you buy both.

Another good way to save money when you're buying furniture is to go in toward the end of the month. Most retail companies operate on a month by month basis, measuring sales, running promotions, and introducing or winding up furniture lines on a monthly basis. At the end of the month, furniture companies may be closing out a line of furniture they are no longer looking to stock. They may be willing to give you a great deal if it's the last one in the store and they don't want it taking up any more room. As well, since salespeople are often paid by commission or given sales bonuses, at the end of the month they may be looking to put themselves over the top to be eligible for a reward or to make enough money to pay for the mortgage. You can take advantage of this eagerness to make a sale by showing that you want to buy, but you need a deal.

Many large furniture warehouse companies offer an in-store credit card and will give you a discount if you apply for the card when you purchase their furniture. Use this to your advantage: apply for the card, buy the furniture, get a discount, and pay off the card the next day with the money you're going to spend in your furniture anyway.

Another money-saving option is to buy used furniture and get it reupholstered or refinished by a carpenter. Often, the cost of the furniture plus the finishing will still be cheaper than buying new furniture, and you may even be happier with the result since you are able to be more specific in the kind of furniture you're looking for.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Furniture Information a website providing information on Furniture

Take Care of Your Furniture

Author : Jeff Lakie

Your furniture is a huge investment! So is your car and your house. So if you put a lot of work into your car or your house, like getting oil changes or putting in new floors, why would you not do the same with your furniture? Your furniture gets used a lot and you can help maintain its value by following these ideas.

Keep your furniture clean. If it's cloth furniture, you should vacuum it regularly. If it is leather furniture, you should wipe it down and use leather treatment regularly. And if it's made of wood, you need to keep it polished. But what if it has already taken a beating? What can you do then?

If you have wooden furniture you have a few options. Painting is one idea. In fact, two dressers from different manufacturers can be made to look like they are part of a set with a paint job and a new set of handles!

If you do not want to paint your furniture you still have other options. If it has been badly abused, you can sand off the finish, sand out the nicks and scratches, and then varnish it. Or, if it is not badly scratched, you can use children's crayons in a color that matches the wood (like light brown) and color in the scratch. Scratch filler is available at hardware stores but children's crayons can work just as well.

Another way to revive your tired furniture, like couches and chairs, is to get them re-upholstered. After all, you have probably painted your living room a couple times, so having furniture that matches again will make your room look that much better. Instead of buying brand new furniture, just get your furniture re-upholstered.

And yet another way to revive tired looking furniture is to simply move your room around or switch the rooms that your furniture are in. Take the armchair that has been in your living room since you bought the house and move it to the bedroom. Take the unused chair in the spare room and move it by the front door. Simple changes like this will help you cycle your furniture from heavy use areas to light use areas, which will help maintain their life, and will help you enjoy them as if they were new.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Furniture Information a website providing information on Furniture

9/04/2007

Tips For Buying Kid or Baby Furniture

By: James Hunt
Kid furniture and baby furniture are something that every parent needs to think about buying and there are several things that you should keep in mind. When it comes to kid furniture you’ll want to make sure that it has more than one function. If you buy shelves for your child’s room one of the things that you should do is make sure that you can use the entire shelf unit for storage and not just for books. When you’re buying tables and chairs you may want to consider buying kid furniture that is smaller in size so that it fits your child’s needs. One of the newer kid furniture ideas on the market are large closets that open to reveal a desk area and a storage area for toys and clothes. If your child has a computer this is the perfect place to keep it, since the armoire makes a great area for studying.

Baby furniture is of course very different to buy than furniture for your children. You’ll need to have several necessary items to make your life with a new baby easier. There are many great cribs that you can choose from, in all styles and colors. You’ll also want to have a changing table with additional storage underneath for all your baby’s diapering needs. Don’t forget about a rocking chair for you to sit in when you put your baby to sleep. There are so many cute and fun furniture items that you can buy today to make your baby’s and your child’s room as whimsical as possible. A great idea is toy bin that pulls out on wheels and can be put anywhere in the bedroom. This is a great way to keep all your child’s toys in one storage unit and out from under your feet. Check online and at your local furniture dealer for more great ideas for kid furniture and for baby furniture.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com


About the Author:
James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.baby-furniture-center.com

Tags: home-and-family, babies-toddler, kid furniture, baby furniture, child room, toys, bed, desk

Many Don’t Like Victorian Furniture

By: Frank Henderson
Can you imagine that many people don’t like Victorian furniture? Once it was thought that Victorian furniture was great, but it seems that over the years that idea has changed. But still for some Victorian furniture is something of great value, and many still enjoy having a little piece of Victorian in their home.

Did you know that there are even 3 types of Victorian furniture? Many people probably don’t know that. But yes there are different types of Victorian furniture. The first is very large and highly decorated, the second is smaller but still highly decorated, and the third is smaller and is hardly decorated.

But the first type is rarely seen on the market, because they are found in Victorian homes. Even if the home is sold it is likely that the furniture will stay in the home. One reason is that it would be too hard to remove it from the home, as it will be too large and heavy.

The second type is more popular and many people are buying them these days. The furniture is a lot smaller yet it still looks like the first type of Victorian furniture. This way it can fit better in your home and be better to transport. It is also decorated and carved very well like the first type, which appeals to many people.

The third type of Victorian furniture is simpler and less decorated of the other two. Yet it still looks pretty nice and appeals to some people, because it is a lot less expensive then the first two types of Victorian furniture. Good places to look for these are at auctions and antique shops.

So if you really love Victorian Furniture, there is one that can fit your budget. You won’t have to compromise the style for a cheaper piece of furniture.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com


About the Author:
Frank Henderson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for www.log-cabin-plans-n-kits.com/ . His articles have also been featured on related sites such as www.ezkitchensupplies.info/ and www.furnituremadeez.info/

Try Using Teakwood Patio Furniture For The Ultimate Yard Décor

By: Ann Marier
You look at your yard and it seems to be missing something. If you don’t have patio furniture, then you are definitely missing something as no yard should be without some type of patio furniture. After all, if you ever have guests over and it’s a nice day, how are you all going to sit outside? If you have a pool then you should definitely have some patio furniture. What patio furniture should you choose, however? If you’ve ever seen teakwood patio furniture, then there should be little choice as to what kind you should get. Teakwood patio furniture looks beautiful, it’s sturdy and it will last a long time as long as it’s properly maintained. For information on how to maintain your teakwood patio furniture, ask the dealer where you bought it and they will let you know exactly what to do.

Wherever Patio Supplies Are Sold

Teakwood patio furniture is sold wherever patio supplies are sold. You can find teakwood patio furniture to suit your tastes. You can buy teakwood chairs, tables, lounges and more. Decorate your entire yard with teakwood patio furniture. Once you see how it looks, you’ll want to fill your entire yard with as much teakwood patio furniture as you can.

You Get What You Pay For

Shop around for the best deals but just remember that you get what you paid for. Before you buy your teakwood patio furniture, inspect it to make sure that it’s properly made and that the proper precautions are taken to ensure that your furniture lasts for a very long time.

What Kind Of Precautions Are Necessary

As with any outdoor furniture, your teakwood patio furniture is going to be outside. It’s going to be exposed to inclement weather and constant sunshine. The first thing you want to do is make sure that it’s been protected with some kind of waterproofing solution. After all, you don’t want your teakwood patio furniture ruined after its first rain. You want to be able to not worry about your teakwood patio furniture no matter what the weather is like.

You also want to make sure that the patio furniture is crafted well. You don’t want furniture that’s well put together. You may not be able to tell on first examination but on closer inspection, you should be able to tell good craftsmanship from bad.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com


About the Author:
Ann Merier has written many articles on family health problems and useful house and garden Topics. More Custom Outdoor Furniture articles

Tags: furniture patio teak, aluminium patio furniture, bamboo patio furniture, brown jordan patio furniture

9/02/2007

Create Your Own Exotic Paradise With Teak Patio Furniture

by: Adam Peters
Teak patio furniture may be expensive to purchase but it will last for a lifetime. The richness and texture of this exotic wood will help you create the ultimate relaxing retreat in your own backyard.

If you are looking for a distinctive, high quality set of patio furniture you may want to give serious consideration to a set made of teak. Originating from South East Asia the warm tones of this closed-grained hardwood are guaranteed to make any piece of furniture stand out. It can very successfully bring an understated touch of the exotic to your backyard, blending in to perfection with the garden. You will find that its texture sets out foliage and flowers to perfection, allowing you to create the relaxing and opulent outdoors haven you deserve.

Looking after your new set of teak patio furniture could not be much easier. The wood itself is extremely durable and weather resistant and should last a lifetime. The only special care you may consider is to sand it down three or four times a year and work in some teak oil with a piece of cloth to maintain the golden color of the wood and prevent it from dulling over time. Teak is in fact such a long lasting wood that you never need worry about creaks and breaks: it is extremely resilient and will survive the most violent weathers unscathed. In that sense it is more than just another purchase to deck out your backyard.

The truth is that such outstanding qualities do come at a price, but in the end you really get your money’s worth. Buying a set of teak patio furniture is a long lasting investment, as the beautiful furniture is designed to provide year after year of stylish comfort. It may be worth building up your set piece by piece if finances are a bit tight, adding such pieces as loungers and a glider to enjoy the lazy summer afternoons from. There is no need to clean up your bank account all in one go and you can still enjoy the luxury of teak furniture by building your ideal set as and when you can afford to acquire new pieces. Teak may be on the expensive side but with a set of teak patio furniture in your backyard you will feel like you are on a far flung exotic island simply by stepping out into the garden, for a fraction of the cost of a long haul family vacation.

Teak is the ultimate exotic luxury. With a teak patio furniture set you can escape your day to day world and relax in your own private corner of paradise. The richness and texture of teak will indulge your senses every time you step outside.


About The Author

Adam Peters is an online entrepreneur and writes for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . A website with tips on outdoor teak gliders, and many related topics: http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/swings-gliders-guide.html

Rta Furniture Is Europe’s Savings Solution For Fine Furniture

by: Chris Spears
Ready to assemble furniture, known as RTA furniture to retailers, has been popular in Europe for years but is only now becoming popular in the United States. The popularity of RTA is now rising quickly, however, because it offers a practical, money-saving way to invest in high quality home furnishings.

Purchasing high quality bedroom or dining room sets can set you back thousands of dollars when you shop at a high end furniture store. When you add in the difficulty in finding what you really want (often visiting several stores before deciding), the lengthy time involved before receiving an order and the high cost of shipping, furniture shopping can turn into a nightmare. Europeans have known the solution for years – RTA furniture can be shipped much more quickly because it isn’t pre-assembled and the cost is much less because there are no assembly fees and the shipping is much more reasonable.

Most RTA furniture is sold online, giving you a world of options and styles to choose from. Rather than spend weeks trying to visit different traditional furniture showrooms and trying to fit them into your schedule, you simply spend an evening online. Greater variety is available because you can look for particular woods, grains and styles and most furniture sets are available in several finishes. Since everything is shipped from large warehouses, there’s no waiting for a “special order” that could take weeks or even months.

RTA Provides Quality at Lower Cost

Is RTA furniture of the same quality as pre-assembled furniture? It depends on the company you order from, but in most cases the only difference lies in the fact that you will be assembling the furniture yourself rather than relying on the factory to do it for you. This can save you hundreds of dollars on a dining room set, which takes only a few hours to assemble. In most cases, the only tools you may need are included with the furniture.

RTA furniture is generally made of the same high grade wood and other materials as its pre-assembled counterparts. When assembled, the joints meet as cleanly and the hardware is just as strong and attractive. In fact, the trend toward RTA home furnishings has contributed to even more attention to detail.

When you order RTA furniture, it is shipped “knocked down,” or packed flat with all of the pieces and hardware included in a flat shipping box. This greatly reduces the cost of shipping and allows you to save even more money. If you live in an apartment or move frequently, you can simply disassemble your furniture and repack it for easy transport to your next home.

The styles available in RTA furniture are more contemporary and up-to-date than what you may find in some traditional showrooms as well. Because manufacturers of RTA furnishings know that most purchasers tend to be younger, they respond by designing and making furniture that fits the latest home decorating trends, steering clear of the furniture you would see in your grandparent’s formal rooms. Which leads us to one more advantage of RTA furniture – since you’ve spent less, you can change your d้cor more often – and you ca be sure there will be lots of gorgeous new RTA styles waiting for you!


About The Author

Chris Spears is an interior designer. Chris frequently recommends using http://www.airbediq.com/rtafuretoas.html RTA Furniture when redesigning your home space. Chris prides himself in finding the perfect http://www.airbediq.com/hoac.html home accessories for all of your project needs.

8/26/2007

Choose The Right Furniture For Your Outdoor Retreat In 3 Easy Steps

Choose The Right Furniture For Your Outdoor Retreat In 3 Easy Steps
By: Summer Hewitt
The great outdoors is the place to relax, but with everyone’s busy schedules, no one has the time to do that weekend trip to the mountains or the beach. After reading this article you should be able to create your own weekend retreat, right in your backyard. With a little bit of guidance on decorating themes, furniture selections, and placement, you should be on your way to have the backyard everyone envies.

STEP 1
The first step is to find the Decorative Theme. At this point you may want to determine what kind of theme or style you want your backyard to take on. Some examples may include, creating a touch of Paradise, Bohemian Chic, French Country, Southern Plantation, Classic Cottage, Shabby Chic and the list goes on forever. The main focus is to find the look that reminds you of relaxation and comfort. For this article, we are going to go with a Southern Plantation look.

STEP 2
The second step is to find the furniture that goes with your outdoor theme. While searching for the perfect furnishings, keep in mind that comfort should always come first before the appearance. Also, make sure to always do some research on the type of wood used in the construction. Wood choices to consider:

Southern Yellow Pine
Provides a long-term protection from rot, decay and termites. The yellow pine is from the southeast region, where temperatures range from extreme cold to extreme heat, this allows the wood to adjust to any climate. All wood patio furniture is subject to a natural process called "checking". Checking occurs when the wood releases its moisture through its growth rings. This is a normal process and occurs only on the surface of the wood. Checking does not affect the wood’s structural integrity.

Teak Wood
Contains natural oil and Silica (sand), which makes it impervious to insects, and wood rot. These substances also help it to maintain its luster for many, many years. Teak will turn to silver gray if left unsealed.

Cedar
Is a softer wood, but repels insects and rot just like the other types of wood. With Cedar being a very lightwood, it is easy to work with and will always have that uncommon smooth-surface. The two most used types of Cedar are the Western Red Cedar and Northern White Cedar, both known for their great color. Left outside in its natural state, cedar will change to silver gray. You can also stain cedar in the color of your choice to match your decor.

Cypress
Is extremely resistant to decay and insects. With its 'grown-in-the-wood' preservative oil, there is no further chemical treatment needed, unless the cypress lumber is in direct contact with the ground. It is dimensionally stable and naturally resistant to splitting and warping. If left unsealed cypress will turn silver gray.

Redwood
Is a natural alternative to pressure treated lumber. It is known that Redwood resists decay caused by the environment and insect infestation. Over time Redwood will weather to a natural silvery-gray tint.

Once you have chosen your decorating theme, the furniture selection should come naturally. Today’s interior designers have made it simple for people to find what they want, by making collections under a particular design theme. Since, we have chosen the Southern Plantation theme as the model, we need to look for furniture that represents the Old South. Rocking chairs or primitive furniture will give the look of old, yet classic.

STEP 3
The third and final step is to place the furniture to complete the atmosphere. Furniture placement is very important and one really needs to put some thought into the best place. If you put your furniture to close to the noisy neighbors, you will lose the feel of relaxation and maybe even privacy. The arrangement of furnishings should be tucked away in a spot where you can escape from the outside world. You want your nights of family dinners or reading a book to be enjoyable. Another issue is, if you plan to entertain, positioning the furniture to make a more welcoming setting is the key. Putting the furniture away from the house will make an open invitation to the glare from the sun or the army of insects at night. You want to create a feeling of comfort, so by doing that with the theme chosen, you would put the rocking chairs facing each other for the look of open conversations. By putting all the furniture in groups you are allowing guests to feel at ease to have a chat and the party will be a hit.

About the Author:

TotalBackyard.com is your complete source for patio furniture, rocking chairs, hammocks and more.

Read more articles by: Summer Hewitt

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

8/07/2007

The Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture Review

Today there are many types of materials to choose from when buying your furniture. It is no longer necessary to strictly think of wood when you think of furniture. Among many great and popular choices available on the market, there are: aluminum, brass, alloys, cast iron, etc.

Is Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture Superior to the Rest of the Materials?

There are mixed opinions regarding which material to choose when buying patio furniture. Some people believe that there can be no better choice for furniture than the cast aluminum patio furniture. This is because it is extremely light and easy to fashion into any type of model, even if only a limited amount of time is available before summer starts. The fact that aluminum never rusts gives a great advantage over all the other materials, and this means there is relatively low to no maintenance. It will be durable and look brand new after many years have past, making you happy to see and use it, just like when you bought it.

In order to keep your cast aluminum patio furniture functioning well, you will need to have stainless steel rivets and screws that will ensure the furniture does not grow skewed after a few years of use. There will be a lot of trouble if the screws rust, because the furniture will loose its original shape and comfort.

The best pieces are usually powder coated and colored in different colors to enhance its effects. It is beautiful to see, cheap to buy, and maintenance free. Can anything be better than that?

Aluminum came onto the market in the 20th century, and since its arrival no one can dispute the many advantages the material offers. Hence, the cast aluminum patio furniture is indeed the best choice among all the materials that are available today.

The cast aluminum patio furniture is elegant, easily movable from one place to another, can be bought in any color or texture whatsoever (powder coated), and is very strong and durable. Not even an elephant climbing of a patio chair made of aluminum could change the shape (as actually experimented). That just goes to prove how strong this furniture can be.

In terms of beauty too, there is nothing that can beat aluminum, because it can copy any type of material or texture. Hence, why should you settle for anything less?




Free Article Content Directory: http://www.articlefair.com


About The Author


Masni Rizal Mansor provide tips and review on patio furniture sets.

Office Furniture: Things you Need to Take Care of

Office is a place where an office goer is supposed to spend most of his time of the day. Office is a place which, after your home, gives you a place to relax and make some bond with a place. It is like your second home where you are assigned to perform your professional job efficiently. Beyond all the friendship and intimacy you share with colleagues, it is furniture of your office with which you spend many hours every day. Office furniture, be it chairs, desks or reception furniture, it plays an important role in your life, as it is in which you get a companion for long by the time you are in office.

For management of an organisation willing to take care of an office, there are several points need to be taken care of while planning to have office furniture. The first and most important thing that require good consideration is comfortability of the furniture. Be it office chairs or desks, each of the furniture of an office ought to meet the standard of comfortability. A comfortable chair and desk in an office assure the workers a space to work better. Health surveys, be it UK or any other country, state that serious health problems like headache, body ache, mental stress or other psychological disorders are caused by poor sitting posture in office due to uncomfortable chairs. Thus, comfort level should come first.

Affordability and style come next. It is important that furniture have to be bought as per as the budget. And likewise, while buying office furniture, it is important that style of the chairs, desks, etc. are meeting the modern standard style. Furniture meant to be kept at reception has to be much more stylish than the one used at workplace. Thus, considering some of these points put the management of an organisation at ease while managing furniture for office.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/small-business-articles/office-furniture-things-you-need-to-take-care-of-188138.html

8/03/2007

Choosing The Perfect Sofa

Let's take a little quiz: What is probably the largest piece of furniture that you have in your home right now? What item of furniture in your home probably says more about you than any other? What item of furniture is usually the first item that guests will see - and use - when they are in your home?

Did you guess the answer -- it is the same for all the questions. The answer? The humble sofa! Did you get it right? That little quiz highlights the critical importance of a sofa as a home furnishing. For yourself, your family and your guests, you need a good sofa.

This means that when it comes time to buying a new sofa, you must make your choice carefully and thoughtfully. A sofa can make or break your home decorating efforts.

No two homes are the same. As well, no two homeowners are the same - and for this reason there is no type of sofa that is 'right' for everyone. There is only the sofa that is right for YOU and your home. When you shop around for a new sofa you can examine them from a design perspective (their appearance), or from a functional perspective (how they work and their components).

>From a functional point of view, you have several choices in sofas. A perennial choice is the sectional sofa. With a sectional you can move the sections all about as you please. You can also buy sleeper sofas (that unfold into a spare bed), recliner sofas, and even outdoor sofas for your porch or deck area outside. It is best to consider functional aspects first: what you will you need your sofa for? What will you need it to do (if anything)? Where will it be used - and how often? And just how much space do you have? The fact is that once you have a handle on the TYPE of sofa that you need, you can then move on to consider design options.

As far as design (appearance) is concerned, your choices are almost endless. You can choose sofas with a traditional feel - literally, using thick, pillow-like fabrics, with deep, restful cushions that you can just get happily lost in (I guess you know which ones I like for napping!). Or you can go with a more contemporary type - crisp lines, taut fabrics, simple color schemes.

A few recommendations seem in order: First of all, when selecting a sofa get one that matches your room decor, if the rest of your room has been outfitted. In general, don't try to place a contemporary-style sofa in a room with traditional decor. The reverse holds true as well: don't stick a fluffy, floral-pattern traditional-style sofa in an ultra-modern living room. If the sofa style does not match your room decor it will stick out like a sore thumb.

Some further recommendations: If you occasionally need extra bed space (for guests and kid friend sleep-overs), I advise purchasing a sleeper sofa. And by all means get a very sturdy sofa if you need it for a den or playroom. Kids have a way of turning a sofa into a trampoline, and husbands can be very messy when eating during the big game, so make sure your sofa can take it. As always, buy furniture that is good quality - good materials, solid craftsmanship - from a reputable dealer. Make sure to get a good warranty (in writing). Do your best and pick the best sofa that you can afford. Maintain that sofa - care for it properly - and you will get many years of comfort from it.


Article Source: http://www.article-buzz.com


Information about the Author:

Author: Catherine Olivia is a sofa expert. To learn about sofas and leather sofas visit this sofa site.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.

8/02/2007

Wood Furniture Care – Looking After Your Wooden Floors

It can be a great investment to any home by installing wooden floors, whether you have new floor boards laid, have old ones renovated or whether you have laminate flooring. It helps to add warmth, character and personality to any room that it is in but depending upon what option you take, it can cost a lot of money. That is why looking after the wooden flooring in your home is extremely important. By ensuring that they are properly cared for, they will look as good as possible for as long as possible.

Accidents happen all of the time whether you drop some sauce or other food onto the floor, or if you spill some water on it and forget to mop it up. Things easily happen and without sorting it out, it can eventually turn into a problem for your wooden floors. The reason is dirt and grime may not seem like a problem, but if it is left it can cause marks, scuffs and scratches because it could get dragged around.

Applying Proper Wood Care Techniques to Your Wooden Floors

If things are spilled onto the floor then there is no problem usually, depending upon what it is. Most stains are easy enough to get out, whilst others may need a bit more work and because of this it will determine what type of product you will need to use. However something that you need to do is to find out what wood care products you can get to help to clean your floor. Not all products will be safe to use and without finding this out you could easily cause damage to the floor.

To determine what product you will need will depend entirely upon what type of finish is on the flooring. One type of wood finish would be either varnish or shellac, which is mainly used in older floors. If you have a varnish or shellac finish then you just need a simple dust mop as well as regularly sweeping and vacuuming up. If you do have any spills you should try and mop them up as soon as possible. By applying this simple form of cleaning then you are protecting the floor as much as possible by giving it the proper care that it needs.

Something that you need to keep in mind on most wooden floors is not to use a soaking wet mop as this can easily cause serious damage to the wood. It can cause discoloration as well as maybe causing the wood to warp, so that is why it is not a good idea to use a wet mop.

Overall by taking the time to find out about what type of finish is on the wood and by taking extra care, you can ensure that the floors are kept in good condition. It is not hard to look after your flooring and you should find that it will look as good as new for years to come if you give it the proper care which it deserves.



About The Author

Adam Peters is the copywriter of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about furniture care at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/wood-furniture-care.html

7/31/2007

Porch Furniture Has Pull

Summertime has an amazing effect on people. No one knows exactly why, but perhaps it’s the progression of our moods, in relation to the seasons. Although some of us love the cold weather, most people feel oppressed and restricted by the severity of winter. Then, the spring, with its promise of warmer weather, renews our hope and our spirits. So, by the time that summer arrives, we’re bursting at the seams to go out and conquer the world. At the end of a day’s adventures, however, one of the most important rituals of summer is coming home and relaxing on our comfortable porch furniture. Whether it’s a swing, glider, rocker, or an Adirondack chair, our favorite piece of porch furniture holds a magnetic charm that keeps us coming back, day after day. It’s a part of our summer that’s just as important as anything else we’re planning to do, including taking a vacation. In fact, no matter how luxurious the resort where we’re staying, or how long we’ve looked forward to going there, odds are that each of us will miss sitting in our favorite chair while we’re away. Furthermore, it will probably be one of the first things that we head for when we get home. The best part is that, these days, with the increasing number of enclosed porches, patios, and gazebos, instead of having just a season or two to enjoy our porch furniture, we can use it all year long. This has created a new attitude toward outdoor furniture, which, instead of simply being a part of our summer, is a part of our homes, and, in many cases, central to the décor. In fact, it’s evolving in many ways. Besides being used throughout the year, and being incorporated into the motif (or, perhaps, because of that), porch furniture is now available in many revolutionary styles and colors. There are also several new materials, as well as improvements in the old ones. If you’re not familiar with all of the current choices, all you have to do is to visit CedarStore.com. From conventional to contemporary, their selection of porch swings, chairs, gliders, garden benches, ottomans, coffee tables, end tables, picnic tables, and dining, bar, and bistro sets, is astonishing. The wide range of materials is quite impressive as well. While you will, of course, find all of the classic wood furniture, in cedar, pine, cherry, teak, and oak, CedarStore.com also has beautiful aluminum porch furniture, available in a rainbow of colors, that won’t rust, bend, fold, break, chip, or crack, even if it’s left outside all year long. There’s also a selection of gorgeous, maintenance-free polywood and vinyl furniture that’s practically indestructible. To find your new favorite porch furniture, in sizes, styles, and colors to fit every space, décor, and budget, visit CedarStore.com today. If you wish to contact a design consultant, or customer service representative, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@cedarstore.com.

Article Source: http://add-articles.com


Outdoor Furniture | Patio Furniture | Porch Furniture

Types of Bathroom Furniture

Although most of us might not consider the bathroom a place for furniture, more and more designers and decorators are planning this part of the house with furniture in mind, and there are many options available to you for furnishing your bathroom with everything from chairs to stools to cabinets, to make the room more functional and more attractive.

When considering what kind of bathroom furniture to put in your house, don’t fail to remember that furniture in the bathroom will be subject to levels of moisture or humidity not found in other rooms of your house, and that the furnishing your choose should be able to stand up to the difference in moisture, without being harmed by it. For instance, you may not want to use the same kind of fabric in your bathroom that you may have chosen to use in other rooms in the house, if those fabrics are not more mildew and moisture resistant. And you may also take into consideration that people may be in the habit of leaving wet towels draped over bathroom furniture, so that you don’t want to use furniture than might rust or otherwise create problem under such circumstances – after all, that would be not only a problem for the finish on the furniture, but you might wind up having to deal with rust spots on your nice white bath linens, too.

There are many lines of bathroom furniture that are made specially for the bathroom, and these are made with materials that you will not have to worry about using, even when subjected to high levels of exposure to water and the steam from your shower. Plus, choosing these kinds of furnishing is usually more efficient, because they are designed with the small confines of a bathroom in mind, and are also manufactured in colors and materials suitable for decorating your bath.

For lots of information on baby baths and other bathroom related topics, visit Bathroom Info at http://www.bathroom-info.com

Bar Furniture For Your Home

Looking for stylish bar furniture for your home? This article will provide you with information on picking the right barstools and bar table for your home.

Need home decorating advice? Looking for stylish bar furniture for your home? Then you have come to the right place. The addition of bar furniture in homes is becoming more frequent. Everyday people are looking for bar furniture to buy so they can add more fashion to their homes. What can bar furniture do for you? It could be a place where you can take a break from everything and relax with friends and family and enjoy a drink. Having bar furniture in your house, you will be able to entertain friends and guests more easily. Socializing becomes more fun, especially with a great bar table and relaxing bar stools for everyone to enjoy. The sheer beauty of bar furniture with stylish glassware and spirits will add class to your home for the holidays. Imagine stirring a martini in your home with the look of bottles and glassware all lined up on your bar table! Buying the right bar furniture for your home, will definitely keep you and your family entertained this Holiday Season. It would be perfect for the kitchen counter, the family room, game room or anywhere you desire.

How do you pick the right bar table and barstools for your home? Well, the size and the design of the bar furniture you are looking for should depend on the available space you have at home and the budget you want to spend on your bar furniture. If your looking for something simple, then a bar table with a couple of barstools would be sufficient. A bar table and a couple of barstools are not very expensive and they would make a great addition to your home. But how do you pick the right bar furniture? You can choose from contemporary, chrome, swivel, metal and more. What's important is that it fits with the overall decor of your home. If you decide to set up your bar in the living room, then make sure that the bar table and the barstools don't change the whole design of your living room. There are also several colors and styles to choose from, so finding the right one won't be a problem. You just need to decide which style fits your home best.

Let me first start with the contemporary bar furniture. Contemporary bar furniture will add a modern look to you home because they are sleek and stylish. Usually contemporary designs can fit with the existing decoration of your home very easily too. Another advantage to contemporary bar furniture is that they are very easy to clean and because of the aluminum or chrome design, they always look good. So if you're looking for something that is stylish and comfortable, then contemporary barstools and a bar table would be the right choice for you. Contemporary bar furniture will give your home an exciting and appealing look, creating a great atmosphere for the holidays.

What kind of barstools would one recommend? I would highly recommend swivel barstools because of their decorative element and sense of style. Swivel barstools are great for homes because they have a swivel mechanism in their design that allows for one to save on space by allowing the person to sit and turn in the stool very easily. They are lightweight, practical and durable. They are also built of the highest quality of metal and fabrics and best of all they are inexpensive when compared with our barstools. Finally height adjustable stools allows you to set the size you need. This way the adjustable stool can be converted from table height to bar height very easily. So if you need another seat at the table, you can easily adjust the barstool. Our Modern Barstool is a swivel barstool made of a chrome base, and a metal footrest. This barstool is ideal for your bar, kitchen, counter or table and is easily adjusted. We also carry the bar chair, contoured barstool, high back barstool, and L barstool. All our barstools are swivel barstools built to add joy and comfort to your homes. They also come in a variety of colors to choose form. So finding the right swivel barstool won't be a problem.

What kind of bar table should one order? Since individual preferences differ, it is highly recommended that one measure the space available before ordering or deciding on a certain style. According to One Way Furniture, it is usually most comfortable to have between 9 to 13 inches of leg room space between your barstool and the height of the bar table. There are a variety of bar tables to choose from when shopping for bar furniture. We carry the modern bar tables that are sure to spice up any room. The mirror finish chromed metal base and high gloss tabletop enhance its beauty, making it perfect for game rooms, the bar, the kitchen or anywhere else you can imagine. If your looking for a bar table that will set your home apart with style, then the modern bar table is the right choice. The table is contemporary, versatile and sophisticated.

Our barstools and bar tables are innovative and stylish. The swivel barstool has an adjustable gas piston that allows you to adjust your seat easily. They also are available in several colors, so you can mix and match when picking out your bar furniture. Our modern bar tables will set your home apart by adding style and elegance to your home. Throughout our site, you will find a large selection of barstools and a couple of bar tables to compliment your home. Currently, our web site is running a promotion for the holidays. Buy a bar table with 2 barstools and save $50 off your purchase. Visit the special's page for more information. If you do not find what you are looking for on our site, then shop around to constantly compare prices, in order to find the best deal. Good luck!

Author: My name is Sari El-Dajjani, marketing director for Coconutz Home and Garden, your source for inexpensive home and garden products from around the world at reasonable prices. I currently live in Orlando, Florida.


http://www.coconutzhomeandgarden.com

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_16605_34.html

Selecting Appropriate Baby Furniture

Are you excited about the upcoming baby? It’s nice to have a baby, but a baby involves many extra care and many things that you have to purchase. One of these is the baby furniture.

A future parent has many worries. Especially if the baby is the first borne. There are many things to settle before the baby comes. One of these important things to settle is the baby furniture: what type of furniture to buy, where from, how expensive it can be, what colors the furniture should have. The baby will need a crib and other pieces of furniture, toys and lots more. However, if you organize yourself a bit and take one step at a time, you will have all things ready by the time the baby comes to the world.

So, when you are looking for baby furniture, start your search online at the various furniture selling web sites. You can find various types of furniture online. You will find furniture manufactured of all sorts of materials such as wood, metal, even artificial materials in all different models and colors. Even if you are hunting for discounted furniture, the Internet is a good place to look for. So, after you have browsed through the numerous listed links that offer you baby furniture, enter a web site that appeals to you the most. Then see the offer and the possible discounts. What are you looking for? A crib, a mattress, or an entire furniture set? If you had a baby before, you might recycle the furniture that is left and purchase only the items that are needed. Check out the photos and the description of each piece that you are interested in. The price can be one of your interests as well. However, make sure that you visit several web sites before ordering a piece of furniture. You might find great deals if you click on more than one link. In addition, you get the chance to compare prices and models and get the exact furniture you want your baby to have. All parents want their babies to have nice furniture, and it is in your interest to get informed on the available offers and discounts.

The future baby involves a lot of spent money, so you might want to get some baby furniture for free. Many parents search for second hand baby furniture as this can be found in a good condition, and this means great savings. You can find free baby furniture online or in the local ads. To find the right furniture for free might take some time, so make sure you reserve some time to look for the pieces that you need.

More resources from the author:
Discounted baby furniture
Second hand baby furniture online
Garden and patio furniture

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_173948_40.html

Nursery furniture for your toddler!

As children start to grow their belongings go through a drastic change, they start owning a lot of new things, which they did not possess as children. Increase in their belongings is not what you buy alone, things are added from all sides, there are gifts, which can be numerous in number at times. Therefore by the time they are two years old, their belongings have increased hundred folds and you require large storage spaces to keep what they have.



The main addition is the toys, these can be stuffed toys or sports related stuff, which will increase in number of from now on. In an addition to this they have their own library, books worth reading, which we have bought for them, for reading or for us so that we can read interesting and interactive stories to them.



Whatever may be the reason, these items go on increasing and you will be buying more and more nursery furniture to store these till your child becomes at least ten years of age this will be the time for you to buy an addition to already available storage space.



For toddlers and preschoolers there is a large range of nursery furniture available, you can select from different types of nursery furniture pieces. However, these should be able to accommodate large storage pieces like big stuffed toys or tennis and badminton rackets or cricket or baseball bats.



There are innumerable things that your child will own; this will make his room cluttered if there is no proper storing space inside the home. So you can think of buying a storage space, which will qualify the needs of your child as he grows up.




You can even think of getting a cupboard custom made, this way you can give your own design and try to accommodate all the features in the cupboard all those which you require. You can also think of getting unique and tailor made compartments in the cupboard according to your child’s special requirements. Any carpenter, who has a good knowledge about sizes of the nursery furniture, can create nursery furniture. This way you can get unique custom made nursery furniture, prices can vary depending on the material you use.



Nursery furniture storage qualifies to be a good one if it is durable and has unique storage factors like the drawers where you can store your baby’s bibs, napkins, medicines, etc. Large storage compartments to facilitate storing of diapers, nappies and other compartments to store toys, bed sheets, pillows, soft cloth, etc.



This storage should enable you to store everything that belongs to your baby without hassle, if this storage matches other nursery furniture in room, it will be a pleasure to show off to your friends and relatives since yours will be ideal nursery furniture, and also an ideal place for the baby to grow in style.



If you are in the mood of personalizing, you should try to find a good carpenter well in advance and decide what all items you require made in nursery furniture, so that he can start working on it well in advance and you get the furniture on time, you can also discuss the designs with the carpenter.

Gary is an expert on childrens furniture and baby accessories and owner of stylish kids shop Monkeyshine





This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_168519_40.html

Dining Room Furniture Style Guide

Dining Room Furniture Style Guide
The obvious focal point of any dining room is the dining set. Dining room furniture can instantly transform the overall look of your dining room, so it’s important to select a dining set that closely parallels the style or design scheme that you’re looking to implement. Certain styles may work better than others in your home, so consider all of your options carefully before making a final selection.
Casual Dining Furniture
Casual dining furniture consists of more modern design elements, crafted in a very non-traditional approach. Glass, wrought-iron, and other unconventional materials are used frequently in casual dining furniture design, creating unique and diverse dining sets. In addition to the greater variety of materials, casual dining furniture also provides a larger variety of shapes and sizes than most formal dining furniture. Modloft’s “Beekman” dining set is a great example of the ingenuity and style of casual dining furniture. Notice the simple, clean lines as well as the frosted glass panels which are a far cry from the traditional designs commonly seen in formal dining sets.

Casual dining furniture: Modloft “Beekman” dining set
Formal Dining Furniture
As opposed to casual dining sets, formal dining furniture favors a much more traditional design, free of modern elements and eclectic styles. Traditional dining furniture is much more ornate, and is commonly made using heavy woods. The sophisticated makeup of most formal dining sets is created by an oversized construction that often features polished surfaces and long, sharp edges. The “Barcelona” dining set made by Homelegance is a great example of the opulent design that is the core of today’s formal dining furniture. This dining set boasts a classical acanthus motif that decorates the pedestal bases, as well as ornate ironwork. A warm cherry finish adds to the formality of this dining set.

Formal dining furniture: Homelegance “Barcelona” dining set
Things to Consider When Purchasing Dining Room Furniture
Besides the style of dining set you prefer, there are some other factors which should influence the decision-making process when it comes to purchasing new dining room furniture.
Size. The size of your dining set will be determined by the size of the actual dining room. If your dining room is very big, you’ll want to purchase a larger table to fill up dead space. If the room is smaller, you’ll obviously need a smaller dining set to conserve space. Generally speaking, you should aim for somewhere between 36 to 48 inches of clearance between the seats and the walls to allow people to pass by easily.

Shape. While rectangular dining tables are the most common, circular dining sets will allow for a more intimate atmosphere where conversation can open up. If you have a smaller group and are looking to create a social atmosphere, round tables a great choice. For larger groups, rectangular tables are usually the better option.
Capacity. Although the size of the table will be largely determined by the size of the room, you’ll obviously need to consider how many people you’d like to seat comfortably. If you rarely host large groups, you might want to consider buying a smaller table that includes “leaves” that fold out to increase the seating capacity.

Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com

7/30/2007

Tips for Choosing Log Furniture

If you just love that rustic look, and are finally ready to finally buy log furniture for your home, there are a number of “rules of thumb” that can help you in making good choices.

Begin by considering the overall style of your home. Do you have a log home that is overwhelmingly rustic? Or are you seeking to add a rustic touch to one or more rooms of a more conventional home?

Size is Everything

Homes that feature large logs, spacious ceilings or are roomy in general require a different flavor of rustic furniture than their more conventional counterparts. If large logs make up the walls of your room, or you have a fireplace made from monster rocks from Montana, you’ll need a massive log look for your furniture as well. Otherwise, your log furniture will seem dwarfed and insignificant.

Even if the home for your log furniture is a cabin with 8-inch logs, a few large pieces of furniture will look better than many small ones. Larger furniture makes a room feel full without being cluttered.

If your bedroom has a high cathedral ceiling, a log canopy bed can help fill out the dimensions. There is also much you can do with artwork and lighting to make the best use of your space.

Types of wood

A variety of wood types are used to create rustic furniture. Following is an overview of several which are available on our website:

Steam-bent Hickory

Hickory is a very durable, flexible wood. Many a child has climbed to the top of a green hickory sapling to ride it down as it yields to the weight without breaking. When heated with steam for a period of time, Hickory poles can easily be formed into various unique pieces of furniture. The steamed poles are placed in a jig and left to dry. They will become very rigid and retain this shape when dry.

Steam-bent hickory is strong enough to be used for tools such as hammers and axes, and unpeeled hickory accounts for one of the best-selling lines of log furniture. The Amish use steam-bent hickory to make dining room chairs, as the legs for dining room tables, coffee tables, and rockers.

Northern White Cedar

Northern White Cedar grows in Northern Michigan and Canada. It withstands the abuse of seasonal elements without breaking down or rotting like other woods. It is a beautiful light tan color when freshly milled.

It turns silvery-gray with age, but can be treated with a good quality finish to help retain its color. You will notice cracks- some small and some larger in your rustic furniture. This occurs naturally in the drying process and adds to the rustic look of our products. These cracks do not diminish the function or design of our furniture. They are not a manufacturing defect, just a natural part of seasoning, enhancing the beauty of the wood.

Red Cedar

The most surprising thing about Red Cedar (also know as Aromatic Cedar) is that it is not a member of the cedar family at all, instead belonging to the juniper family. Everyone knows the deep aromatic smell of the red cedar. The wood is heavy, and naturally insect and rot resistant.

Clothes stored in a chest made of red cedar will be protected from moths. Red cedar has tight knots that add character and beauty. It is sometimes purple, but most often a brownish red that will in time become browner even when preserved. Furniture built with red cedar will last a long time and can definitely be handed down from generation to generation.

Shopping for Quality

Not all log furniture is created equal—no matter how stylish or comfortable it may be. The quality of the materials used in log furniture, and the craftsmanship employed, vary widely—and this is often reflected in the price. While there are always some bargains to be had, it is quite true that you get what you pay for in log furniture.

With this thought in mind, buy the best furniture you can. It will look better and last longer if you do. In addition, look for all-wood or solid-wood furniture (as opposed to veneered plywood or particle boards). Solid wood furniture tends to show less wear at the joints and fittings, and also reacts better to seasonal moisture changes.

Look for well-fitted, carefully crafted connections. Dove-tailed drawers are especially known for holding together well. If you want your furniture to be finished, look for a long-lasting, tough and evenly applied coating. A word to the wise: unless you are experienced in applying furniture finish, leave the finishing up to the furniture manufacturer.

Choosing a Log Furniture Store

Let the buyer beware—there is a wide variety of customer service between log furniture stores. If you are looking to buy on line, look for a store where quality furniture and customer service are both top priorities. I have seen log furniture manufacturers and stores that always deliver late, and I have seen some who deliver on-time with shoddy quality.

Look for testimonials on the site you are considering. Call and talk to a salesman at the log furniture store. A word to the wise—log furniture websites that merely drop ship log furniture have a lot less control over quality than those who building, finish and/or ship the furniture themselves.

The ideal online log furniture store has many repeat customers who not only purchase again from their store, but recommend them to others. Quality stores are interested in more than a quick sale. They understand the value of delivering top-quality log furniture—furniture that will last a lifetime and add a truly rustic touch to your home.

About The Author

Cari Haus has been successfully selling log furniture on the Internet since 1997. Copyright 2003 by Cari Haus, website http://www.logcabinrustics.com/ Permission is granted to reprint this article, either online or in written publications, as long as the copyright information, this paragraph, and a link address or a link to the Log Cabin Rustics website is attached at the end of the article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cari_Haus

A Guide To Good Furniture Care

During my long career in the furniture business I’ve often been asked, “What is the proper way to care for my fabric?” After all, you’ve purchased your dream furniture piece but you’re terrified to use it out of fear of damaging it. But you don’t have to live in fear! After extensive research and testing I have found the following guidelines and suggestions to be helpful.

Upholstered Furniture
Because of the wide variety of fabrics and fiber combinations, there is no guarantee that these methods will be completely successful and I recommend that a professional upholstery cleaner be contacted in particular cases. However, these simple solutions will keep your new upholstery crisp and clean for years!

• Vacuum at least once a week to remove grit that can cause abrasion, and be sure to dust vacuum the top surfaces as often as possible. Professional cleaning is the best way to make a slightly soiled sofa look new again, but weekly vacuuming will make professional cleaning a less frequent event. (Never brush any fabric with a stiff fiber or metal brush, since they’re destructive to the fibers. Instead, use your vacuum attachments like the upholstery brush or the attachment for dusting draperies and furniture. The latter brush has longer bristles and is less abrasive to your upholstery fabric. It may be your best option if your fabric deserves a softer brushing.)

• Reverse the cushions each week after vacuuming. Rearrange the furniture occasionally to ensure even wear of the cushions and other areas. Cushions and pillows filled with down or similar cushioning material should be hand-fluffed and reversed regularly to retain their original softness and resiliency.

• Protect fabrics from the sun. Fabrics should not be placed in direct sunlight because the ultraviolet light will cause the fibers to degenerate and colors to fade. Occasionally dyes can fade from impurities in the air as well, but protection from the sun is a good way to prevent premature loss of color.

• Keep pets off the furniture. Pet urine and pet body oil can be difficult to remove.

• Use proper care with structural weave fabrics (where the design is created by the weave) to protect against snags. These fabrics may be cleaned by sprinkling dry powder cleaner over the fabric, spreading it uniformly and letting it stand for the recommended period before vacuuming with gentle suction. (However, I do recommend professional cleaning with stains on a woven fabric.)

• Caution those wearing clothing with transferable dyes, such as blue jeans, that the dye could transfer onto light-colored furniture.

Fabric Cleaning Guide
Today’s new fabric treatments improve the chances of your fabric’s survival. Fabric protection products are usually applied by the retail store for an additional cost. Most of the various brands work the same way by causing spills and soil to sit on the surface of the fiber instead of migrating to the fiber’s interior.

Today’s fiber protection products are free of ozone damaging chemicals, and most are hypoallergenic and invisible to the eye. Some even provide additional UV protection from color fading caused by intense light. One of the greatest benefits of fabric protection products is that they come with specific written warranties that provide peace of mind.

Whether your new upholstery has been fabric protected or not, you should follow the same basic guidelines in cleaning liquid spills or surface soil that can’t be brushed off (such as newspaper ink).

Fabric Cleaning Codes
Before attempting to clean a spill or spot on your furniture, you should identify the fabric and the correct cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer. This information is represented by a cleaning code (W, S, WS, or X) often found under a cushion, on the bottom of the furniture or on the manufacturer’s tag. If you cannot find this information, contact your salesperson at the furniture store where the item was purchased.

W – Spot clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner.

S – Spot clean only with water-free cleaning solvent. Do not overwet. DO NOT USE WATER.

WS – Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not overwet.

X – Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic brush. DO NOT USE WATER OR DRY CLEANING SOLVENTS. Do not use a foam or liquid cleaner of any type.

Never apply cleaning solutions to visible areas of your upholstery fabric without first testing on areas that are not visible. It is important to pretest for color loss and fabric compatibility.

Cleaning Instructions
As a general rule, when a spill occurs, it is important to clean the fabric immediately. The longer a spot remains, the harder it is to remove. It may even become permanent.

Blot, don’t rub. If the spill is still “fresh”, use a clean, dry and very absorbent 100% cotton cloth. Should you have to use paper towels to blot out spills, be sure the paper towel (or cloth) is white, as colors in the towel may, when applied to a wet surface, fade onto the upholstery. Color from one fabric can rub off onto another fabric, even when dry -- a process known in the industry as “crocking”.

If blotting with a dry cloth doesn’t quite finish the job and you have cleaning directions from the furniture manufacturer, follow those. If none are available, use the instructions provided here.

I hope this information has been insightful. Use these tools when necessary, but most importantly, enjoy your upholstered piece -- it was meant to be used!

IS-002




About the Author:

Holly Linington is a designer and the owner of Planet Sofa (http://www.planetsofa.com). For over 15 years Planet Sofa has been providing customers with stylish, high quality furniture at affordable prices. They are committed to offering pieces that combine aesthetics and utility with ergonomics and comfort.

Read more articles by: Holly Linington

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Can You Update Bedroom Furniture Decor While Keeping It Classic?

Are you comfortable with your bedroom furniture? Do you feel that it can last you another ten years, but see that the colors are fading or that the surroundings are less than satisfactory for the 21st century? How can you update the furniture and bedroom decor in your home so that it brings you into the modern era without doing away with all of your classic objects? Here are a few places you can start to maintain your style and still make it appear more modern.

Start Small.

Don't ditch your furniture or knock out walls. Start with small changes. For example, you can update a room by simply adding a few accents, such as a throw rug to bring more color into a room full of earth tones. Pastels and earth tones are very classic colors, and adding splashes of bright reds, golds, greens, and blues can update the area without getting rid of the furniture style. To bring the room together, add matching throw pillows so that the splash of color carries over to the couch or bed (depending on the room).

Stop Thinking Big.

Classic style doesn't have to mean huge and imposing furniture, and it certainly doesn't have to include expensive antiques. Go to a modern furniture store and choose a design that mimics the old Victorian bed your grandmother had but is much smaller in size. Remember, the original designers of classical furniture were often working with much larger rooms than you'll find in a home now, and trying to stuff furniture this size into a single room will make it feel cramped or even be difficult to maneuver in. Also, faux antiques can look very real without costing a great deal of money.

Look for the Design.

Rather than looking for furniture that matches the original classic style that you like, shift your focus to what it is about that style that pleases you. For instance, do you like your classic couch and loveseat because of the size of the units, or is it the design on the material? Perhaps you like the material itself, or you like the intricate carving on the wood of the arms of the unit. Whatever it is that you particularly enjoy, you can most likely find that element implemented into a more modern design. You can do the same when it comes to window dressings, kitchen hardware, and restroom accessories.

Learn to Compromise.

You may not find exactly what you are looking for when you go shopping for new décor or furniture because you have the idea in your head that you must have a specific color and style. If you find something pleasant that is a shade off, this can still be a good addition. As an alternative, you could always recover the furniture or sand and refinish any wood. If you can't seem to find furniture you can easily locate other elements to update your room without giving up your clearly classic sense of style.

Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com