One of the great advantages of collecting antique furniture is that it is not only a good investment, but it is something that can be used and enjoyed every day. To protect your investment and insure it’s continued value, it is important to care for it properly.

There are three areas to consider when caring for antiques: proper cleaning, proper protection and maintaining a proper environment. When it comes to caring for antique furniture, dust, direct sunlight and improper environment are furniture’s worst enemies.

Regarding dust, if it is allowed to remain on the surface of your antiques, it can actually damage the finish of wood, brass and other surfaces. Therefore, it is critical to make dusting a part of your weekly routine. You should dust every few days, and at the very least, once a week. How often you dust may also depend on your environment and location.

When dusting, it is important to “do no harm”. Never dust with anything that may scratch the finish of your furniture, whether a dusting or cleaning compound or cloth that may have abrasive properties. Use only a soft cloth, and avoid sprays of any type, including furniture polish. The chemicals used in many of these products that are designed to repel dust and dirt may cause a weakening of the antique’s finish or even stain the wood. Remember, cleaning should protect and preserve your pieces, not cause damage. No matter how good one’s intentions may be, efforts to clean antique furniture, if done improperly, may actually do damage.

Spills should be removed immediately. Water may be simply wiped off with a soft cloth until the surface is dry. However, other spills should be treated more carefully. Rather than wipe away the spill, dab at it with a soft cloth until the spill has been removed. Wiping the spill may damage the finish of the furniture by spreading the spilled liquid over a wider area.

Another enemy of virtually all antiques is direct sunlight. To protect the surface and fabrics of antique furniture, keep them away from windows – especially windows with a southern exposure. Sunlight will not only fade or discolor upholstery, but it is hard of wood surfaces as well. If a piece of furniture such as a table is exposed to sunlight, it is very important to take care when placing lamps or other objects on them. Be sure to change the position of these objects. This will prevent spots from forming where a lamp or other object has been sitting. Once a piece of furniture has faded or been discolored by sunlight, no amount of cleaning or polishing can restore it to its original color and beauty.

Finally, to preserve and protect your antique furniture, it is important to control environmental factors inside your home. Because wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature, it is important to keep temperature changes to a minimum, and take great care to avoid temperature extremes during summer and winter months. However, even more important than controlling temperature is controlling humidity.

Air that is too humid may cause wood to warp, drawers and doors to stick and veneer to swell. In extremely humid conditions, mold and mildew may occur and cause costly damage. Extremely dry air may cause wood to crack and joints to become loose.

If you live in a climate that is prone to temperature and humidity extremes, it is a good idea to invest in a humidifier and dehumidifier. During cold winters when temperatures plunge below zero, the humidity level inside a Home can easily drop to as little as 5 percent. Room humidifiers are not expensive, and can easily protect your antique furniture from unnecessary damage due to dry air.

In extremely humid climates, humidity may be controlled by a home’s central air conditioning system. However, when outdoor temperatures are not high enough to make it necessary to use air conditioning, a room dehumidifier will help maintain a safe humidity level.

Antique furniture can be more than just an investment or hobby. Many believe it is best when used and enjoyed. When properly cleaned, maintained and protected these pieces can be passed on for generations.

Copyright © DC Riggott Inc.

Don Riggott
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/caring-for-antique-furniture-306281.html

Can someone tell me what occasional furniture means? Does case goods mean a whole set of furniture for a room or furniture that you can store things in like cabinets or both? And what exactly is upholstery, what kind of furniture is included in upholstery (sofas and…? )

Occasional furniture is typically tables and chairs. They are used occasionally (ha ha ha). Seriously, it really is tables and chairs, but specific types. Occasional tables are console tables, coffee tables, end tables. And occasional chairs are the uncomfortable looking side chairs often located in a corner of a room. Here are some examples:

Many small retail businesses have only 10 or 20 people per day through the doors. Many of their websites were built to bring more people in the door or to sell their products online. Most of these websites do not even come up in a search with the hometown in the search. The oportunity to sell your SEM services is huge. I can tell within five minutes of looking at a website whether or not I can be of service to this company. It is so quick to tell if the website is even halfway optimised or not. Many very expensive websites have been built that are not web optimized at all. SEM Business Blueprint is a very interesting program. Selling Search Engine Marketing services to local businesses. This an outstanding very low overhead Businesses to start.

Chairs:
http://www.homeportfolio.com/catalog/Listing.jhtml?superCatId=1&catId=147

Tables:
http://www.westcoastfurnishings.com/subcat.asp?main=344&cat=176&cp=204

Now, case goods are furniture designed for storage, as cupboards, chests of drawers, or wardrobes.

Lastly, upholstery is the materials used to cushion and cover furniture.

Shopping for new furniture is always an exciting experience. Wood furniture is some of the most versatile and popular furniture of all. If you’ve decided to fill your home with wood furniture, here are a few useful questions to ask yourself before you make the purchase.

How much do I want to spend?

This is a great starting question. Even if you consider a budget to be more of a guideline than a rule, you need to have some idea of how much money you can comfortably spend on your new wood furniture. The cost will depend on several factors, of course. For example, there can be a considerable price difference between new furniture and antiques; between rare woods and common ones; and between designer brands and off-name pieces. You might also be able to find great discount pieces that just need a little refurbishing. If you’re willing to finish the furniture yourself, you can save even more. The good news for wood furniture buyers is that there’s something to suit every budget.

Which style do I like most?

Now that we’ve tackled the question of money, let’s move on to the question of style. Look at your existing furnishings and the construction of your home. Are you working with a small space? Then you might be better off choosing a few large pieces of wood furniture rather than a lot of smaller ones. Is your home decorated in a traditional or modern style? That, too, should dictate the design of your new wood furniture. If you’re starting from scratch, choose the wood furniture that appeals to you the most, and design your rooms around it. Rich finishes and detailed carvings lend elegance to any room.

Where and how will I use the furniture?

This is an important consideration when you select any piece of furniture. In particular, you’ll want wood furniture that’s sturdy enough to stand up to the kind of use you intend it for. If the furniture will be frequented by Pets and children, look for strong construction and less ornamentation. You’ll also want a finish that is resistant to stains and scratches. Formal dining chairs that will only be used on special occasions can be more fragile and artistic. In general, look for form in low-use pieces, and look for function in pieces that will be used on a regular basis.

How long will the furniture last?

We all want furniture that lasts a while, but only truly exceptional or sentimental pieces will need to last for generations. Bedroom and dining furniture are frequently passed down through families. Other pieces, such as wooden cribs and glider-rockers for nurseries might have more limited use. You can opt for less expensive pieces if you’ll only be using them for a few years. Or, to make the most of your purchase, select pieces that can serve multiple purposes later on. For example, choose cribs that can be converted into youth beds and rocking chairs that are attractive and resilient enough to serve as patio furniture.

You’re probably excited about the prospect of new wood furniture, and with good reason: it not only represents a new beginning, but also an opportunity to let your personality shine through your home furnishings. Once you’ve answered these questions for yourself, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed and enjoyable purchase.

Jessica Whittaker
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/what-to-ask-yourself-before-buying-wood-furniture-576311.html

I am moving and will have roommates. I am bringing my two year old cat. They do not want him to go on the furniture. He is used to going onto the furniture at my apartment that I am moving out of. Is there a spray or something I could use on the furniture that will not harm the furniture (from suede type couches to wooden things)? I don’t have the heart to spray him with water as he is very skittish. Thanks!

I trained all three of my cats not jump on counters or furniture by using double sided tape for a couple of weeks, and it works and does not hurt them in any way, they don’t like the stickeyness of the tape and then jump down, I have also used a spray bottle with water and this works too. I also put the double-sided tape on my couch corners just to keep it protected but it also deters them from using their claws to tear it up.

Many small retail businesses have only 10 or 20 people per day through the doors. Many of their websites were built to bring more people in the door or to sell their products online. Most of these websites do not even come up in a search with the Hometown in the search. The oportunity to sell your SEM services is huge. I can tell within five minutes of looking at a website whether or not I can be of service to this company. It is so quick to tell if the website is even halfway optimised or not. Many very expensive websites have been built that are not web optimized at all. SEM Business Blueprint is a very interesting program. Selling Search Engine Marketing services to local businesses. This an outstanding very low overhead businesses to start.

I have one really nice idea already, but im getting more ideas so i can have a nice batch of choices. so what colors/furniture would go with a zen theme room or a indian theme room

and which theme do you prefer?

Indian – lots of fabrics, textures, beautiful colors & intricately carved furnishings & patterned area rugs:

Many small retail businesses have only 10 or 20 people per day through the doors. Many of their websites were built to bring more people in the door or to sell their products online. Most of these websites do not even come up in a search with the Hometown in the search. The oportunity to sell your SEM services is huge. I can tell within five minutes of looking at a website whether or not I can be of service to this company. It is so quick to tell if the website is even halfway optimised or not. Many very expensive websites have been built that are not web optimized at all. SEM Business Blueprint is a very interesting program. Selling Search Engine Marketing services to local businesses. This an outstanding very low overhead businesses to start.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_bedroom/article/0,1793,HGTV_3366_4156223,00.html

Zen – austere, minimalist design, not fussy, earth colors:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_bedroom/article/0,1793,HGTV_3366_4155150,00.html

I think I like the indian room. it’s more inviting.

hich is also fitted with weather resistant cushions that afford users peaceful hours of rest and relaxation while enjoying the beauty of nature from their home-space.

The same company also offers a wide range of other types of outdoor furniture that is perfect for garden use, such as benches, decorative items, tables, different kinds of seating arrangements that make it a popular choice for many patio furniture buyers looking for beauty, practicality and durability. Besides outdoor furniture, the same company also offers a wide selection of indoor cast aluminum furniture for the discerning buyer so that inside-outside is just as beautifully presented to guests and for personal use of the home-owner making the smart purchase of good quality patio furniture from One Way.

Another company known for its quality and style range in the patio furniture department is the Front Gate Company, which offers hand-applied finish to the all-weather furniture range for the patio, including table and chair sets that withstand all the vagaries of rain and sleet admirably.

Many small retail businesses have only 10 or 20 people per day through the doors. Many of their websites were built to bring more people in the door or to sell their products online. Most of these websites do not even come up in a search with the hometown in the search. The oportunity to sell your SEM services is huge. I can tell within five minutes of looking at a website whether or not I can be of service to this company. It is so quick to tell if the website is even halfway optimised or not. Many very expensive websites have been built that are not web optimized at all. SEM Business Blueprint is a very interesting program. Selling Search Engine Marketing services to local businesses. This an outstanding very low overhead Businesses to start.

You can order a free catalog from them or simply log on to their website to get an idea of their exclusive range of cast aluminum garden furniture and also to perhaps, pick up some great bargains in the deal.

Two other reputed companies that manufacture outdoor furniture of considerable quality are Garden Oasis and Garden City Furniture Company, both of which use cast aluminum as the main material for producing unique and comfortable patio furniture designs. The first company’s best product is the Napoli garden bench and others that are powder coated for weather-resistance while the second has enough products to decorate an entire sunroom beautifully.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/aluminum-garden-furniture-practical-choice-for-your-patio-753687.html

I’m leaning towards burnt orange and peach or light pink accents throughout the apartment. I have a black coffee table and side tables and I’m not sure if I should switch those out for brown or another color. Would the black furniture be a good fit for the look I’m going for? Or would brown pieces be redundant since I already have a brown couch?

Your Furniture can be brown or black also. Just make sure you have color ( I suggest light blue) on your walls and accent to lighten it up. I love chocolate brown. I find it goes well with burnt orange, light blue or even a lime green for accent. Something bright:)

I’d like to start a Furniture wholesaler business. At the moment I have a silly question in mind. How do furniture wholesalers find their customers when they first starting? Please help me on this. Many thanks!

Wickerchina.com is the first vertical wicker industry B2B marketplace, mainly help buyers and suppliers of wicker industry to find the right partners and achieve more business by internet.

As for global wicker buyers, we provide free purchasing agent service, free registration, price quotations, industrial trends, brand wicker enterprise interview, industry training, exhibition information, latest products list, popular products news, latest industry news, best wicker suppliers, buying guide, and so on. What is more, there is a unique advantage that other B2B platforms do not have (even Alibaba). All suppliers on our website are manufacturers only in wicker industry, so they afford cheapest selling prices without any surcharge and intermediary fee.

When you register as a wickerchina.com member, you have the right to post your demand information or search the right suppliers you need by yourself. It is very easy just like ABC. There will be a large number of wicker suppliers around the whole world that provide all kinds of wicker products you need. Also you can choose "purchasing agent" service and we will find the best suppliers you need for you. And it is free now.

To register a free account member on wickerchina.com, please click the following register link below:
http://www.wickerchina.com/reg.php

To come to know wickerchina.com please click the following link:
http://www.wickerchina.com

Special Notes:
All service we provide nowadays is free. You should not miss it. Or simply provide your register information such as your email address, company name, telephone number and country ID, we will help you to register, as always we value your privacy or just simply send us your buying request, we will provide free buying agent service for you. Join us from today and we are sure you will find your right supplier of wicker product here.

Best regards
Helen Zhang
Wicker Information Technology (HK) Ltd
Room 006A, 3 Floor, Tianxia IC Industrial Park,
No.115, Yiyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518052, China.
Tel. No: +86 (755) 86604166
Fax No: +86 (755) 2609 2388
Email: helen@wickerchina.com
Website: http://www.wickerchina.com

My boyfriend and I are finally moving into our first place on our own. It’s a great little duplex, and the only thing I don’t like about it is the ugly brown carpet that all of the cheap apartments and duplexes have. The dark brown. The walls and everything are painted white.

What colored Furniture should we start looking for? I want it to look CLEAN, but it seems like it’s going to be hard with such dirty, ugly carpet…

Go for an aqua blue color with white and tan accents. Use light colored wood like teak; no darker than oak.

Teak is the perfect material for outdoor garden Furniture. It’s a dense, coarse-grained hardwood that contains oils that repel insects, resist heavy moisture, and prevent the drying effects of hot weather. The teak tree is native to parts of India, Burma, Thailand, and Java. It’s also grown in Africa, the Caribbean, and Brazil.

For centuries, teak was a standard material used to construct of sailing ships and clippers, and many 100-year-old park benches in English parks and gardens come from the wood salvaged from ships after they were dismantled. Today, teak is a major material for the construction of modern yachts, sailboats, and luxury cruisers. Boat owners prize its beauty and durability. During the second World War, teak was even used for the landing decks of aircraft carriers.

Oddly, teak is not a tropical rain-forest product. It grows best on hillsides with good drainage. Dutch colonists established many teak plantations in the early 1800s that are well-managed by the Javanese government today. In the plantations, it takes about 55 years to grow a mature teak tree to its peak of 150 feet tall and from 3-5 feet in diameter. Because there are so many well-managed teak plantations around the world, teak wood and outdoor garden furniture made from it will likely be available for centuries to come.

Known for its durable strength, teakwood has a beautiful golden hue, and it’s natural finish seldom needs stains or paint. Exposure to sun and rain, produces a silver-gray hue that is equally attractive. Due to its inherent oils, teakwood outdoor garden furniture needs little care, though natural discoloration can be uneven. Your teakwood outdoor garden furniture will be knot-free and smooth, and you’ll never have to replace it – unless you want to.

If your teakwood outdoor garden furniture has already been treated, you need do little more than wipe it to remove dust and rain spots. But you can leave it untreated up to six years without damaging your outdoor garden furniture. At five to six years, you might apply teak oil to maintain moisture. You can also use olive oil, but it evaporates more quickly than natural teak oil.

The designs of teak outdoor garden furniture are simple, elegant, and comfortable. It’s built to be durable, and most teak outdoor garden furniture is available at prices comparable to other outdoor garden furniture. Of course, you can select cushion materials and accessories to coordinate with your garden’s existing decor.

Teak’s natural elegance lends beauty to its durability. You can find a variety of designs and ensemble sets that will compliment your landscaping and deck or patio layout. Teak outdoor garden furniture is lightweight and easily moved, unless more traditional wrought-iron pieces. You’ll find a wide variety of pieces to beautify your outdoor entertaining space – tables, chairs, outdoor sofas, benches, storage bins, swings, bars, and barstools. Most sellers provide coordinated waterproof seating cushions and furniture covers that only add to your furniture’s attractive appearance.

When you purchase teak outdoor garden furniture, you’re making a wise investment in your future and in the beauty of your surroundings. Beautiful and durable, the natural beauty of teakwood is enhanced by its minimal care requirements. You’ll find a wide variety of teakwood outdoor garden furniture on the internet as well as in your local stores.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/teak-outdoor-garden-furniture-an-excellent-decision-753676.html