Furniture Design Trends By Michal Kanon

When the recession first began to bite last year it was as if people thought the world was about to stop. They were caught like rabbits in the headlights of the abyss. As it has turned out the world did not stop turning, the stars did not go out, and not everyone went out of business. Instead, since then there have been subtle shifts and changes, more emotional than physical, whose waves have resonated and rippled through all areas of our lives, including that of design. Affecting consumers, manufacturers and designers.
Until this moment the phenomenal popularity of makeover shows and the focus on celebrity lifestyles managed to produce an anxiety in people who thought their existence would be validated if they bought the right "stuff". Magazines encouraged people to "get the look for less", and this all fed in to people's insecurity. They hoovered up anything that glittered, and the trend became that people were happy to pay £500 for a "classic design" copy which had no intrinsic value, rather than spend £1,000 on an original which might actually be worth £1,000. Manufacturers were ready to feed this appetite by rushing to China and the Far East where they could churn out the numbers and maximise their margins, without a thought for the more emotional/cerebral part of the consumer experience. It was money for old rope, leaving the consumers with possessions that were often of no real value - without any originality, or integrity in either design or manufacturing.
But since the new dawn of the recession we have started to enter an era of what one might call "considered consumption". One where people are not rushing out to buy the latest this or that because they have read about it or because someone else has got it. They are looking inwardly and discovering the confidence to buy what they want for themselves, and to live the life that they want to live rather than the life they should live. This is evidenced by the new trend for kitchen designs, and a realisation that people actually want to live in their kitchens. We are starting to see a move away from the architect designed spaces look like science laboratories (or mortuaries?) to kitchens that are spaces to live in - somewhere that is the heart of the home - with warmth and comfort, a place to spend time, rather than money.
They are trying to find things for their home that are of real value and have real integrity. They do not want to be smothered by the spreading wings of global companies - they want to get in touch with the story behind the products and the narrative of the brands they are investing in. It is as much an emotional investment as much as a financial one, and consumers are looking for something new, some less tangible value than pounds shillings and pence, their desires are for items of beauty and intrigue, pieces made with love, passion and care. Purchasing for the home has gone beyond being a purely commercial transaction.
And the idea of "Buying British" (or UK) is suddenly something that is chiming with the spirit of the times. Consumers are feeling they can "do their bit" for the wider economy by investing in local. "Made in England" has not had so much marketing clout (in England) since 1974.
A definite trend we noticed early on in the recession was not an increase in sales of our less expensive pieces, but more an increase in sales of bespoke pieces or a rise in people asking for modifications on existing pieces, special finishes, and different materials.
With the growing consumer self confidence, designers are going to have to come up with more exuberant, more colourful, less conservative offerings. Consumer confidence in their own judgement is making them more discerning, and therefore more demanding. Designers and manufacturers will have to keep up and interior designers will have to watch out.

Please visit our website for top-quality coffee tables, dining room chairs, contemporary beds, glassware, console tables and many more.

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Cabinet (furniture)

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This article does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2008)
Glass display cabinet.
Oriental cabinet.

A cabinet is usually a box-shaped piece of furniture, either standing alone or built into or, like a medicine cabinet, attached to a wall. It is typically made of wood or, now increasingly, of synthetic materials, and used for storage of miscellaneous items.

Cabinets usually have one or more doors on the front that are mounted with door hardware and occasionally a lock; and may also contain drawers. Short cabinets often have a finished surface on top that can be used for display, or as a working surface such as the countertops found in kitchens.

A cabinet intended for clothing storage is usually called a wardrobe or an armoire (or a closet if built in). In previous centuries, such a cabinet was also known as a linen-press. In British usage, a wardrobe was occasionally referred to as an oakley[citation needed], because of the oak wood used in its construction. In India, a cabinet is often referred to as an Almari.

Bookcase

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For the reference software by Microsoft, see Microsoft Bookshelf.
Bookcases in Chetham's Library, Manchester
A bookcase filled with books
A public library interior in Singapore
Wooden shelving at the National Library of Malta
Parallel arrangement of bookshelves
Mobile aisle shelving
Steel shelving at the University Library of Graz
Fort Worth Library public computers (note area of library shelving in background)

A bookcase, or bookshelf, is a piece of furniture, almost always with horizontal shelves, used to store books. A bookcase consists of a unit including two or more shelves which may not all be used to contain books or other printed materials. Shelves may be fixed or adjustable to different positions in the case. In rooms entirely devoted to the storage of books they may be permanently fixed to the walls and/or floor. Bookcases frequently have doors that should be closed to protect the books from air pollution, and bookshelves are open-fronted. These doors are almost always glazed, so as to allow the spines of the books to be read. Especially valuable books may be kept in locked cases with wooden or glazed doors. A bookshelf normally stands on some other piece of furniture such as a desk or chest. Larger books are more likely to be kept in horizontal piles and very large books flat on wide shelves.

In Latin and Greek the idea of bookcase is represented by Bibliotheca and Bibliotheke (Greek: βιβλιοθήκη), derivatives of which mean library in many modern languages.
Contents
[hide]

* 1 History of the bookcase
* 2 Oldest bookcases
* 3 Designers and manufacturers
* 4 Library shelving
o 4.1 Systems of arrangement
* 5 Barrister's bookcase
* 6 Writing about bookcases
* 7 See also
* 8 References
* 9 Further reading

[edit] History of the bookcase

When books were written by hand and were not produced in great quantities, they were kept in small boxes or chests which owners (usually the wealthy or clergy) carried with them. As manuscript volumes accumulated in religious houses or in homes of the wealthy, they were stored on shelves or in cupboards. These cupboards are the direct predecessors of today's bookcases. Later the doors were discarded, and the evolution of the bookcase proceeded. Even then, however, the volumes were not arranged in the modern fashion. They were either placed in piles upon their sides, or if upright, were ranged with their backs to the wall and their edges outwards. The band of leather, vellum or parchment which closed the book was often used for the inscription of the title, which was thus on the fore-edge instead of on the spine. Titles were also commonly written onto the fore-edge.

It was not until the invention of printing had greatly reduced the cost of books, thus allowing many more people direct access to owning books, that it became the practice to write the title on the spine and shelve books with the spine outwards. Early bookcases were usually of oak, which is still deemed by some to be the most appropriate wood for an elegant library.
[edit] Oldest bookcases

The oldest bookcases in England are those in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, which were placed in position in the last year or two of the sixteenth century; in that library are the earliest extant examples of shelved galleries over the flat wall-cases. Long ranges of book-shelves are somewhat severe in appearance, and many attempts have been made by means of carved cornices and pilasters to give them a less austere appearance. These attempts were most successful as in the hands of the English cabinetmakers of the second half of the eighteenth century.
[edit] Designers and manufacturers

Both Chippendale and Sheraton made or designed many bookcases, mostly glazed with little lozenges encased in fretwork frames, often of great charm and elegance. In the eyes of some, the grace of some of Sheraton's satinwood bookcases has rarely been equalled. The French cabinetmakers of the same period were also highly successful with small ornamental cases. Mahogany, rosewood satinwood and even choicer exotic timbers were used; they were often inlaid with marquetry and mounted with chased and gilded bronze. Dwarf bookcases were frequently finished with a slab of choice marble at the top.
[edit] Library shelving

In the great public libraries of the twentieth century the bookcases are often of iron, as in the British Museum where the shelves are covered with cowhide, or steel, as in the Library of Congress at Washington, D.C., or of slate, as in the Fitzwilliam Library at Cambridge.
[edit] Systems of arrangement
The Octagon Library, George III's original library at Buckingham House, showing wall bookcases
Examination in Cosin's Library, 1842, showing wall bookcases and bookcases at right angles


There are three stationary systems of arranging bookcases: Flat against the wall; in stacks or ranges parallel to each other with merely enough space between to allow of the passage of a librarian; or in bays or alcoves where cases jut out into the room at right angles to the wall-cases. The stack system is suitable only for public libraries where economy of space is essential; the bay system is not only handsome but utilizes the space to great advantage. The library of the City of London at the Guildhall is a peculiarly effective example of the bay arrangement.

For libraries where space is extremely tight there is yet another system, usually called mobile aisle shelving. In such systems rows of bookcases are mounted on wheels and packed tightly together with only one or more aisles between them. It is possible then to visit only two bookcase sides at a time, all the others being pressed close together. A gearing mechanism allows users move the bookcases and open the aisle in the desired location. Because of the danger of tripping on the floor mounted rails or being squashed between bookcases these systems may have electronic sensors and/or recessed track, or are reserved for closed stacks where access is restricted.
[edit] Barrister's bookcase

A barrister requires the use of many law books and may frequently move to new chambers. A specialised form of portable bookcase has thus developed to meet their needs. A barrister's bookcase consists of several separate shelf units that may be stacked together to form a cabinet. An additional plinth and hood complete the piece. When moving chambers, each shelf is carried separately without needing to remove its contents and becomes a carrying-case full of books.

As most high-quality bookcases are closed by doors, but also to retain the books when being carried, a barrister's bookcase has glazed doors. As the shelves must still separate it's not possible to provide the usual hinged doors opening sideways and so instead they use an "up and over" mechanism on each shelf. The better quality cases use a metal scissor mechanism inside the shelves to ensure that the doors move in a parallel fashion without skewing and jamming. Many of this style, exported worldwide, were made by the Skandia Furniture Co. of Rockford, Illinois around the beginning of the 20th century.[1]

This style of bookcase was either made in a Dickensian period, or harkens back to the style of such times, so they're most commonly glazed with a leaded light and small panes of glass.

The true barrister's bookcase must be capable of each shelf being carried with a heavy load of books. The more robust examples have folding handles at the ends of each shelf. Modern "decorator" copies of these may look the same, but are often too lightly constructed to be carried whilst loaded, or may even be simply a single fixed case as per a normal bookcase, but with separate doors to each shelf to give the appearance of a barrister's bookcase.
[edit] Writing about bookcases

* The construction and arrangement of bookcases was learnedly discussed in the light of experience by W. E. Gladstone in the Nineteenth Century for March 1890, entitled "On Books and the Housing of Them". An early type of mobile shelving made of steel is sometimes said to have been invented by Gladstone.
* The Book on the Bookshelf by Henry Petroski (New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 1999) also discusses the shelving of books in some detail.
* Living with Books by Alan Powers (London : Mitchell Beazley, 1999) deals with accommodating books at home.
* Lunacy & the Arrangement of Books by Terry Belanger (New Castle, Del.: Oak Knoll Press, 2003) also deals with the subject.
* The Pictorial Catalogue; mural decoration in libraries: the Lyell Lectures, Oxford 1972-1973 by André Masson (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1981) deals with the systems used in early modern European libraries.
* See also Sympson the Joiner and the early glazed bookcases made for Samuel Pepys; Cottonian Library where each bookcase was named after a prominent figure in ancient Rome whose bust stood on the top.
* In several stories, a secret area is hidden behind a bookcase built into the wall. The entrance is typically opened when a particular book on the shelf is pulled off or uses a switch in a statue, usually under the head. One particularly humorous example is found in the film Young Frankenstein, when Doctor Frankenstein's laboratory is opened via a bookcase triggered by a candle.
* H. C. Bunner wrote a comic poem "Shake, Mulleary and Go-ethe" "I have a bookcase which is what / Many much better men have not / There are no books inside, for books / I am afraid might spoil its looks, etc." [2]


[edit] See also

* Angus Snead Macdonald, businessman, developed improved types of cast iron library shelving.

[edit] References

1. ^ Greef, Jeff (September/October 1992). "How to Build a Barrister's Bookcase". Fine Woodworking: 51–55.
2. ^ The Penguin Book of Comic and Curious Verse, ed. J. M. Cohen 1952

* This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domai

List of furniture types

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Furniture includes objects such as tables, chairs, beds, desks, dressers, cupboards, etc. usually kept in a house or other building to make it suitable or comfortable for living or working in.
Contents


* 1 Storage
* 2 Seating
* 3 Surfaces
* 4 Sets
* 5 Sleeping or lying
* 6 Entertainment
* 7 Other
* 8 See also

Storage

* Bookcase
* Cabinet
* Chest
* Credenza
* Cupboard
* Curio
* Dresser
* Nightstand
* Sideboard
* Wardrobe
Seating

* Bean bag
* Bench (furniture)
* Chair
* Chaise longue
* Couch
* Fauteuil
* Footstool
* Love seat
* Ottoman
* Recliner
* Settee
* Sofa (couch)
* Stool (type of chair)
* Tuffet
* Watchman's chair

Surfaces

* Coffee table
* Desk
* End table
* Folding table
* Gateleg table
* Table
Sets

* Bedroom set (group)
* Dinette (group)
* Dining set (group)
* Vanity set

Sleeping or lying

* Bed
* Headboard

[edit] Entertainment

* Gramophone
* Hi fi
* Piano
* Radiogram (furniture)
* Television set
* Wireless set

[edit] Other

Definition 1: Objects usually kept in a house or other building to make it suitable or comfortable for living or working in.

* Built-in furniture (see: Frank Lloyd Wright)
* Folding screen
* Garden furniture
* Headboard (furniture)
* Lamps are covered under furnishings or lighting.
* Radiogram (furniture)
* Clothes valet

Definition 2: Accessories or fittings that are required for a particular function, situation, or setting.

* Aquarium furniture
* Door furniture
* Hutch
* Park furniture (such as benches and picnic tables)
* Stadium seating
* Street furniture
* Sword furniture - on Japanese swords, (katana, wakizashi, tanto) all parts save the blade are referred to as 'furniture'.
* In firearms, parts aside from the action and barrel, such as the grip, stock, butt, and comb.

How to Remove Rust From Wrought Iron Furniture By Muhammad Aseem

After a particularly damp winter patio metal furniture can start showing signs of rust. Rust is a general term used for the oxidation of iron or metal. It is formed through a reaction of metal in the presence of water and air, mainly oxygen. Prolonged rust can cause permanent damage to wrought iron furniture and outdoor cast furniture, cause it to weaken and disintegrate.

Cleaning rust, or rather removing it is a daunting task to many, and not surprisingly since most people don't realise that rust is easy enough to remove with everyday household items that can usually be found around any kitchen. This includes everyday white vinegar, or lemons for smaller areas, or rubbing oils, wire wool and some time on your hands. Baking soda is another everyday household item you can use to remove rust.

Removing rust from wrought iron furniture is as easy as one, two, three.

First, put some rubbing oils, or plain white vinegar on the areas effected with rust. It is a good idea to concentrate on small areas at a time to remove the rust quicker and with better effectiveness. You may also use lemons and rub them at the area that is rusty. Lemons have the same effect as vinegar does. When using baking soda, make a paste of baking soda and water pasty enough to stick.

Second, leave the furniture for a few minutes soaking in the vinegar to allow the vinegar or the oil to loosen up the rust, as rust is not part of the metal itself, but a layer on top of it, leaving it for a few minutes will enable the rust to loosen from the metal and be easier to clean. When using baking soda leaving it for enough time to let it loosen the rust.

Third, use the wire wool to scrub the rusted area. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, and you will definitely need some elbow grease to get the tough rust out of the furniture. The rust is going to give you a fight, but if you keep putting vinegar leaving it for a bit and then scrubbing you should be able to get all the rust out of your furniture. The vinegar loosens the rust, and the rubbing removes it. If the rust is really stubborn you may want to use sandpaper to really get it off.

Remember you can prevent rust from returning by keeping your patio metal furniture dry. It is a good idea to keep your metal furniture dry, however, it may not be possible if you live in an area of heavy humidity. In this case, attack the rust as it arises and it will be easier and quicker to get rid of rust and your furniture will last longer. Remember rust become harder to remove the longer it is left on the furniture and causes greater damage.

Another way to avoid rust is to get good powder coated iron wrought furniture. Find high quality, powder coated furniture delivered to your door step. To know more, visit http://www.metalpatio-furniture.com.

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

Canopy Bed Nettings - A Great Way to Make Your Canopy Bed Look Better By Nazimabee Woozeer

Many persons appreciate the functionality of canopy bed nettings but still skip the same because they feel it will make the bed look ugly. Well, there are numerous solutions and alternative that will help you protect yourself from mosquitoes and other pests even as you make your bed look better with the help of canopy bed nettings.

Unlike other beds where the nettings are fitted in an ad hoc manner, there is sufficient scope for the netting to be fitted properly in case of canopy beds. This is because the bed already has a roof and four poles attached to four sides. You just have to choose the right way to proceed. One option is to go in for a fine and almost transparent netting that will be fitted to all the four sides. This will give a glow like feeling from far and will be perfect if you are not worried about the looks and aesthetics.

If you want to go in for good looking bed nettings, you should avoid the traditional white and go in for different colored nettings. Just as you have different colored covers for the bed, you can have different colored nettings which can be replaced again and again. The easiest way to replace the netting is to attach it to the top and let it flow downwards. Rather than tying the netting to the pole, you can just have it fitted at the top and let it remain loose. If you want to replace the netting, you just have to undo the knot at the top and replace the netting. This will make it very easy to switch between different colors of canopy bed netting.

Further, this will give a tent like feeling and will not make your canopy bed look boring and old fashioned.

Another option is to go in for oversized canopy bed nettings. Rather than having a netting that ends at the edge of the bed, you can go in for really big netting which will flow over the sides. This will make it feel as if the bed has been covered in a translucent fine fabric. Sleeping in the bed will be a very fun affair and you will never feel as if it is just an addition made to keep the mosquito out of your sleeping area.

You can find many more useful tips and hints online. You can also check out home improvement magazines and other such solutions before you make the final purchase.

For more information on Canopy Bed Site and Metal Canopy Bed please visit our website

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5 Places to Find Free Sideboard Plans By Luke Patel

1. The internet. You can do an online search for all types of free plans and patterns. Make sure the plan is complete, and instructions are clear and easy to follow. Look at several sets of plans before choosing one; some may be simpler than others, or require different tools.

2. The library. You can find all kinds of books with free plans for home projects. Again, look at the details, not just the pictures.

3. The used book store. Most used book stores have a whole section full of project plan books and magazines. Many times, older books are a better source of project plans, because they don't require expensive specialty tools.

4. Your local home center. Many home centers offer free plan brochures to help sell the materials. Some even offer Saturday classes. And while the classes are usually teaching simpler projects than a sideboard, they can help you brush up on building skills before beginning your sideboard project. Be aware that these plans may call for more expensive cuts of lumber as well as specialty tools.

5. Project magazines. There are many magazines, like Family Handyman, that offer free project plans in every issue. Sometimes they have an annual index listing projects by type, along with a form to order back copies with the specific project you want. These projects may assume an intermediate or expert skill level.

You can build your own sideboard. Your best bet is to find a good basic plan for a simple sideboard. Once you've completed the basic construction, use your creativity to trim it and dress it up to suit your fancy.

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Wooden Furniture Care - Home Remedies For Wooden Furniture Problems By Roy Daniel Dsilva

All furniture undergoes a fair share of wear and tear during its lifetime, and loses its beauty and gloss over time. However, with some right homemade tips and tricks, you can actually add life to your furniture. Here are some quick tips to make your furnitue made of wood looking new and hide the blemishes that everyday wear and tear gives them.

Polish the Furniture Twice a Year:

Polishing wooden furniture is a very good idea, because it adds a lot to the health of the furniture and also makes it look good. However, keep in mind that the polishing should not take place more than twice a year, or else there will be sheen and unwanted layer on the furniture and it will look weird. While using the polish, make sure that it is not silicone or alcohol based, as alcohol is used in many strippers and will damage the wood itself. You can also make your own furniture polish, by mixing one part of lemon oil to three parts of olive oil. To keep the finish of the furniture intact, use bottled shoe polish, so that you can hide the stains and marks on the furniture.

Use Table Cloths:

Table cloths are good news for wooden furniture as well its users. Whenever you are using the wooden furniture as a dining table, or basically a food table, make sure to put a table cloth before you put any hot vessels on the furniture made of wood. Heat will damage the wood of the furniture, so you have to be a bit careful around wood and hot vessels.

Use Coasters:

Water rings not only take away from the look and feel of wooden furniture, but it also damages the wood. The best way to solve this use is to use coasters whenever you are drinking any liquid, or placing any vessels with liquid on the wooden furniture. If, however, waterspots do occur, let them dry completely and then apply some mayonnaise to them. More often than not, the waterspots will disappear.

These are just some of the tips to keep your furniture made of wood look young and beautiful even after a while of use.

Indian Furniture Outlet is a manufacturer and exporter of Indian Furniture. Browse our website & order our exquisite Indian Wooden furniture and Indian handcrafted furniture.

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What is the Perfect Height For Kitchen Bar Stools? By Josh Lear

Bar stools that are 24 inches high is often a good choice for a stool, 24-inch bar stools have many applications outside the typical commercial use. These chairs are useful for low and medium counters to grab a quick breakfast or entertaining, office or worksheet for children to do their homework. A 24 inch bar stool can even be useful for maintaining or working area.

If you have children, then these places are twice as effective if children can not always sit comfortably on the high stools in drawing, painting or eating lunch, so with less chair: the whole family can enjoy. Presidents of all kinds are usually designed with adults in mind, bar stools, so that more children will find difficult to sit comfortably just a bad idea. Bar Stools variety of 24 inches are ideal for children aged between 6 and 12.

As you can see, 24 inches is an industry standard when it comes to height and this is the safest bet when you are considering which item to buy for your own dining area. Most modern stools come with advanced gas-lever height adjusters, which makes choosing a seat based on height alone, in some cases, somewhat obsolete.

This viewpoint goes hand in hand with many leading online retailers who suggest that height is a secondary factor in choosing your item over style. Another group of people who will benefit from the industry standard gas-adjustable 24 inch bar stool are artists. You could envisage an artist sitting for hours on end, stooped low over an easel, creating masterpieces and in these cases, the draughting stool would be most useful. It is height adjustable, fully rotating and most importantly, comfortable - which is an essential attribute.

Sculptors and artists would also benefit from smaller sized stools because they go down less when working on a project and a rotating stool makes things more convenient.

Another great use case is that of the factory worker. In many modern factories where a seating position is required there are people sitting around tables or Workbenches and you'd find that the majority of stools used in these arrangements are 24-inch height-adjustable ones. Again, they are ideal for lower positions when the crank will come to just below the table height so that adequate legroom.

Above all others, however, is the kitchen. The most important room in the house and one where comfort is absolutely paramount. Smaller bar stools may be advantagous in these rooms due to the children that could well be sitting at the table.

The perfect bar stool, therefore, is not one selected for height, but one that comes at an industry standard height but has the all-important gas-lever height adjusting mechanism to make sure that your stools are suitable for every person in your house, not just the tall ones.

Josh Lear is managing director of UK-based bar stools comparison site, Bar Stools UK. He has worked in retail for over 10 years and is now applying his experience to a new price comparison venture based online.

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Mango Wood Durability - Are You Giving Up Quality? By Oliver Wilson

The fruit of the mango tree is no stranger to anyone who is familiar with exotic cocktails, fruit juices and cake recipes. It is popular for its sweet taste and characteristic texture, but is far from being the only produce the tree gives during its life time. If you are in the middle of doing up your home and looking for hardwood furniture you will be impressed by mango wood durability.
The wood of this tree is particularly important export of eastern countries, the fruit comes from only that many years, but the tree can be timbered and used for everyday household items. Sustainability makes mango a very important raw material and allows for future generations to enjoy both the fruit and pieces of furniture coming from it.
The price range of tables, chairs and beds made of this material often fall behind that of other hardwood pieces for various reasons. First of all, the wood itself is cheaper. Mango grows extremely quickly compared to teak or oak, and it makes it easy to obtain for manufacturers. Second most important factor is that these furniture are often crafted to perfection by local craftsmen which allows for lower price.
The durability is very good, no wonder this wood is considered hardwood. Properly prepared and processed pieces don't wear quickly, they keep their original texture for a long time. Beds, tables are manufactured not unlike lamp tables and drawers.
One of the most fascinating attributes is the texture these boards give to the final product. The material ranges from light brown to dark tones in color, quite often having a hint of pink. It borrows a bit of life to any room and gives something intriguing to look at.
Be aware of the fact that mango wood is extremely prone to fungal attacks. Proper manufacturers treat the material against these risks and use only the highest quality boards for long lasting and durable furniture.
The wood is good enough to make heavy duty pieces, such as beds and tables. With the right technique these can be made long lasting and protected against deterioration.
Demand for durable mango wood furniture raise sharply in the United Kingdom, and with the low price and sustainable source they will be able to keep their value to price ratio about the same while other non-sustainable sources will dry out and price for oak and teak will rise. They are not available everywhere just yet, but taking a look online will give you a general idea if it's worth it to pay the shipment to where you live.
To read more about Mango Wood, Click Here!
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On Top of the World - Space Saving Bunk Bed Frames
By Allen Taigom
Bunk beds are a wonderful space saving way to fit two beds in the space of one. These beds are an ideal way to have more space for two children sharing a room or to provide an extra bed for those overnight guests of your child. Bunk bed frames come in many styles, colors, and materials and some of the latest innovations even allow for day time sitting and night time sleeping.
Frames for bunk beds can be made out of wood, wrought iron, brass, other metals, or composite material. These frames are usually designed so that a mattress is used without the need for a box spring. They consist of some type of upper bunk usually with a ladder to get onto the bed and rails on around the top frame. The bottom frame is usually without rails as there is less chance of injury when falling out.
Traditional bunk bed frames are made up of two twin size frames that sit atop one another. Many are attached by the head and foot board although there are some frames that can be made into separate twin beds for later use. The newer frames have all sorts of additions that can be used in a variety of ways or can save even more space.
Some bunk beds consist of a full size bed frame on the bottom and twin size frame on the top. Which means an older child can have a bit more sleeping room while a younger child can occupy the top bunk. Some bunk beds frames come with trundle beds to provide extra sleeping and others have under the bed storage as well as built in alcoves in the head boards for easy storage without taking up more floor space.
Teenagers like the bunk bed frames that feature a bed on top and and a futon underneath. That way they have both a comfortable couch on which to sit and lop while studying, listening to music or watching videos. The bottom futon can then be changed into a bed for the overnight guest to use allowing the bunk bed to perform double duty.
Loft beds are sometimes considered bunks as well although many loft beds consist of only a upper bed frame. The area under the loft bed then can be used for storage, a dresser, a computer desk and chair or for whatever furniture you need to put into a very limited space.
There are some companies that make bunk bed frames for young children where the bottom frame consists of a bed with a tent surrounding it that can serve as an indoor playhouse. Other models simply consist of the top bunk with the tent underneath minus the bed. Some of these frames even have slides to go from the top bunk to the floor. These beds provide a wonderful play experience for young children making their bedroom a fun place to be.
They can provide for a lot of space saving in a variety ways, making them an ideal choice for smaller rooms. However, keep in mind that young children could be injured if they fall from the top bunk so it is best these beds be used for older children or younger ones occupy the bottom level.
I write about Bunk Bed Frames at http://www.todaysbedframes.com
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Cherry Glass Coffee Table - For a Nice Wood Coffee Table By David Gore

They said that when guests and friends enter your living space the first thing that catches their eye is your coffee table. Besides a living area is not a living area without a coffee table for this table is one of the vital parts in the room.
Imagine your home without one to some it might be ok but most people will find the room lacking. Your guess would also notice that your room is not complete. A coffee table is important in a room because the purpose of this table it to be the center of socialization when you have parties or gatherings in your house.
Without one where would you and your friends put your coffee of drinks when you're having your bonding time together? Aside from you could serve drinks in your table you could also use it in other ways like you could do your assignments or your work on it.
You could also eat their while watching your favorite show on your television, plus your small children can lean on them to help them stand.
There are many types of coffee table they differ in their shape, designs, size especially in the materials that they are made off. The most common coffee table is made out of wood and they don't only use one kind of wood but different kinds of wood.
Aside from the famous oak wood they also use the cherry wood in making tables. Here are some tips and advice about cherry glass tables.
If you want to buy a cherry glass coffee table first thing you have to do is you have to gain knowledge about it, you have to know its different types, styles and designs.
Next is to know what you need to consider, one is the age of your son or daughter that is if you have children. It is important to consider your children and their age for if they are still in the process of learning how to walk, or is in the age where in they love to run around the house then you need to find a coffee table that is safe for children.
Next are you have to consider your family, it is best to find a table that reflects you and your family. You also need to ask the opinion of your husband and your children if they are older.
You also need to consider the other furniture in the room this is important so that the furniture in the room where you want to put your cherry glass coffee table will complement each other. It is important to choose a table that will suit with the other furniture so that they would look good.
A cherry glass coffee table has a glass top framed with cherry wood and a cherry wood base it can also have a glass top and a cherry wood base. You could choose which of this style you like most and will fit in your home and your family. Also remember that when choosing furniture it is also important to see its durability and not just the physical beauty it.

You can find many different cherry glass coffee table designs and styles online. You can also find other types of wood and glass coffee tables that better suit your home too. Click on the links above to get started or visit David Gore's website. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Gore

Oval Glass Coffee Table - Buying One Online

By David Gore

Outfit your living space with an oval glass coffee table with a powerful appeal. There are many table designs with gorgeous styles. The oval coffee table is a simple but yet elegant and a long standing favorite design.
These coffee tables can be place anywhere in any room that is suited for a coffee table either formal or casual. One of the specific things which people notice is the pedestal that supports the glass of the oval on the table. Some are visible to make sure that you choose the right design elements that suit your home decor.
One of the most beautiful things to be added in your home is the oval shaped table, especially when it has a high quality glass top and material use, since no one wants to have an accidental breakage. One of the best oval glass models is with a wooden frame with dark color. No danger for the children, since it does not have sharp edges unlike in square or rectangular models
This unique contemporary oval glass, have some features with sleekly curved lines and combined with brilliant chrome metal legs which create a stunning looks with art. Some have exquisite details designs and stunning style where one cannot resist in staring it.
They are also unique in shape, with a black glass on top it can be sophisticated even in a simple style or designs. This has a timeless work of art and has wide variety of oval glass coffee tables with modern glass color available. Other oval glass coffee tables have futuristic styles where it is unique from other common oval tables.
When you think of decorating your living room, side from curtains one must have a table in front of your couch to hold beverages, cup of coffee or magazines. Some are designs to fit most every decor and come equipped with a variety of tops either tiles or glass. Glass is so cozy and classy to every one's eyes. Modern generations prefer the glass coffee table in different shape of their choice but the oval is one of the unique shapes in regards to glass tables.
The oval glass coffee table depending on the space you have usually suits in the living room. Sizes varies and colors too, since the common shape you can see in most home are the rectangular shape which is one of the common shape people has in their living room. Why not go for the oval glass table this time, for sure you will be satisfy not only in its unique shape but it is stunning in any part of your room where you want them to place.
Most families have a low table in front of their couch where in it serves as a place to set a tea or cup of coffee, magazines and some candles place on the coffee table. Why not have another one that is beautiful to look at, with oval shape glass where in you can place some accent to make more sophisticated and where you do your conversation with your friends and visitors and have a cup of coffee, where in you are more relax and spacious to lend your hands while reading your news paper.
If you want to find different sizes, designs and style of oval glass coffee tables, you can log in through the internet where in you can explore conveniently with easy access.

You find sites specifically oval glass coffee tables and others that feature more general round glass coffee tables. Yet, before you buy pay special attention to any and all shipping costs. The table can be a great deal online but shipping costs can really add up. Click on the links above to learn more or visit David Gore's website. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Gore

Various Uses of a Steel Bollard

Various Uses of a Steel Bollard

By Simun Danel

 

The use of a steel bollard for variety of purposes such as tying canons has been prevalent for centuries. Nowadays, such a bollard is used for acting as a short post in various places such as homes, traffic signals or for defending vital structures. Such a bollard can even be put to disparate purposes such as stopping a shopping cart in a supermarket. A shopping cart is usually made of a roll cage made of metal and used for carrying items which are bought by a buyer.
Regardless of your purpose of buying a bollard, you need to keep a few things in your mind about it. First, you need to define your need; whether you want it for lighting purposes or demarcating an area. Besides that, you will need to get hold of installation instructions before buying it. Afterwards, do check out the metalwork on such a bollard. Though the design of a bollard doesn't involve any intricate details, but it should look decent without any visible scratches etc.
If you aren't sure about which design to go for, it is advised to visit numerous stores and manufacturers. You will get plenty of ideas regarding the design of a bollard in this way and you can go for the one which suits the ambience of the area where you are going to use it. If you are going for buying it for landscaping or designing purposes, you will find a plenty of designs with cool colors which will catch everybody's attention.

A shopping cart is usually made of a roll cage made of metal. Check more details about metalwork at Steel Bollard Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simun_Danel

Fall in Love With Big Bean Bag Chairs - They Are Trendy Again!

Fall in Love With Big Bean Bag Chairs - They Are Trendy Again!

By Zach Bradshaw 

Beanbag chairs are no longer for the hippies back in the 1960s! They are now being sold in stores all over the world and you can find an enormous selection of them online. It doesn't matter how old you are, you are never too old to enjoy big bean bag chairs.
Many people are now using big beanbag chairs for stylistic flair. Rather than isolating them to a child's room or a play room, they are now being found as fashion statements and accents to overall room décor in all rooms of the home. Besides giving a very casual, laid back feel to a room big bean bag chairs can offer a lot of support for your body as well.
Big beanbag chairs are actually ergonomically correct and offer a lot of support to your spine. They are the most comfortable chairs to kick back in at the end of a long day and can actually help relieve tension in the body. This is due to the materials used to stuff the outer bags. These materials conform to your body's unique shape so every ounce of you is properly supported.
Vinyl big bean bag chairs are the most common type purchased since they are easy to wipe down and are more suitable to young children, but if you want to make a real fashion statement in your home or bring out your personality, consider big bean bag chairs made from velvet, leather, denim, and other luxurious materials. These big bean bag chairs may not be as easy to keep clean but they can give that needed sense of luxury without sacrificing comfort.
When selecting big beanbag chairs for smaller children, make sure to consider the size of the chair in relation to the size of their bodies. Bean bag chairs are made so large today that some might completely swallow up a child or be too tall for a toddler to climb up into. Go with something smaller and made from an easy to clean material.
Placing a patch over the zipper on a big beanbag chair is great if you have curious toddlers who may be interested in pulling out the stuffing. You should also consider purchasing beanbag chairs that are suitable for bigger members of the family as well.
Big beanbag chairs will become a favorite hang out point for all members in your household. Don't be surprised if you have children fighting over them while adults pout that they never get to rest their backs in the bean bag furniture. You may need more than one to keep everyone happy!

If you have questions about Bean Bag Furniture, or you want to buy a beanbag chair, come check us out at buybeanbagfurniture.com.

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

furniture design

furniture design center blog is for sharing about design and article etc.
may be some times is festival about furniture

furniture design center,furniture design center is for sharing and see model furniture design by wood,
baby furniture
green furniture
outdoor furniture

festival...on wikipedia

A festival is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community.
Among many religions, a feast is a set of celebrations in honour of God or gods. A feast and a festival are historically interchangeable. However, the term "feast" has also entered common secular parlance as a synonym for any large or elaborate meal. When used as in the meaning of a festival, most often refers to a religious festival rather than a film or art festival.
In the Christian liturgical calendar there are two principal feasts, properly known as the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas) and the Feast of the Resurrection, (Easter). In the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican liturgical calendars there are a great number of lesser feasts throughout the year commemorating saints, sacred events, doctrines, etc.
For a list of festivals in the USA, please see List of festivals in the United States.

Etymology

The word fest derives from the Middle English, from Middle French word festivus, from the Latin word festivus. Festival was first recorded as a noun in 1589. Before it had been used as an adjective from the fourteenth century, meaning to celebrate a church holiday. The etymology of feast is very similar to that of festival. The word "feste" (one letter different from "fest") comes from Middle English, from Middle French, from the Latin word festa. Feast first came into usage as a noun circa 1200, and feast was used as a verb circa 1300.^[1] A festival is a special occasion of feasting or celebration, that is usually religious. There can be many different types of festival, like Halloween and Christmas.

Function

Festivals, of many types, serve to meet specific needs, as well as to provide entertainment. These times of celebration offer a sense of belonging for religious, social, or geographical groups. Modern festivals that focus on cultural or ethnic topics seek to inform members of their traditions. In past times, festivals were times when the elderly shared stories and transferred certain knowledge to the next generation. Historic feasts often provided a means for unity among families and for people to find mates. Select anniversaries have annual festivals to commemorate previous significant occurrences.

Types of festivals

There are numerous types of festivals in the world. Though many have religious origins, others involve seasonal change or have some cultural significance. Also, certain institutions celebrate their own festival (often called "fests") to mark some significant occasions in their history. These occasions could be the day these institutions were founded or any other event which they decide to commemorate periodically, usually annually.

Seasonal festivals

Almabtrieb in Kufstein, Austria

Ewe on display at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

Paleo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland

Seasonal festivals are determined by the solar and the lunar calendars and by the cycle of the seasons. The changing of the season was celebrated because of its effect on food supply. Ancient Egyptians would celebrate the seasonal inundation caused by the Nile River, a form of irrigation, which provided fertile land for crops. In the Alps, in autumn the return of the cattle from the mountain pastures to the stables in the valley is celebrated as Almabtrieb. A recognized winter festival, the Chinese New Year, is set by the lunar calendar, and celebrated from the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice. An important type of seasonal festivals are those related with the agricultural seasons. Dree Festival of the Apatanis living in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh is one such important festival, which is celebrated every year from July 4 to 7 praying for bumper crop hurvest.

Further information: Category:Festivals

• Arts festival
• 
  
• Comedy festival
• Japanese Cultural festival
• Esala Perahera festival
• Film festival
• Fire festival
• Folk festival
• Food festival
• Literary festival
• Mela Festival
• Music festival
• Peanut Festival
• Religious festival
• Renaissance festival
• Rock festival
• Science festival
• Sindhi festivals
• Storytelling festival
• Theatre festival
• Wine festivals
• Winter festivals

How To Find Your Style

By Abe Abbas, About.com Guide

How can you tell what your style is? Maybe you have a faint inkling, but you would really like to define your style more fully. And, can you have a preference for a style and not know it?
Here's an easy way to find out by simply going through what you already have, because the clues to your real style are everywhere!

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 2-3 hours

Here's How:

1.      Look at the furniture you already own. Do you have something you cannot bear to part with such as a rickety chair, a table that has outlived its usefulness, or a nightstand that doesn't match anything. What makes you hold on to it? What made you buy it in the first place?

Jot down the reasons as they come to you and don't revise too much.

2.      Walk around and note what you have on your walls. Old family photographs? Abstract art posters from the museum? The quilt that you made?

The content, colors, and textures are saying a lot about what you really like. Note down what they suggest to you.

3.      As you take your walk around the house, look at your latest purchase. Is it along the lines of what you usually buy, or do you sense a departure? Something radically different could tell you that you are ready for a style makeover, and willing to venture into new territory. A single piece that is different from all the rest can also be telling you this.

Take a good look at this piece if it is different. What do you like about it?

4.      As you walk around your home, do you like one room more than the others? Do you tend to spend more time here than in other rooms?

Chances are you decorated this room in a style that speaks to you and puts you at ease. Look at the elements that make up this room, and see if you can repeat them.

5.      Do you notice a lot of repetition of a certain color, shape or texture? Do you see a lot of objects that are related?

Sometimes you can build collections without really being aware that you are doing so and they are a clue to what you really care about.

What if you have many collections and they are all different? You will still see a theme running through them. It could be a color, or shape, or something more subtle like texture, or a mood that these objects evoke.

6.      Make a note of your favorite store. Not just the one where you buy your furnishings, but where you buy other things, such as clothes. Where do you like to browse, where do you go when you want to window shop?

7.      Finally, think about where you like to go when you travel. What do you like to bring back from there? What if you could travel anywhere? Where would you go? What would you do there? What would you bring back? This can tell you a lot about what really excites you, and can help you in putting together a look for your house.

8.      Look through the stash of magazines. Don't dwell too long on anything, but tear out pictures that appeal to you.

9.      Go through your notes, and look through your pictures. You are bound to see certain descriptions and themes come up again and again. And that is what determines your real style.

Tips:

1.      Your style is traditional if you see a preference for rich, dark wood finishes, and carved details. You may like fabrics such as chintz, jacquard, damask and brocade.

2.      Your style is modern if you prefer clean lines, little or no ornamentation, and a range of finishes. Leather and microfiber appeal to you more than damask and brocade.

3.      Your style is coastal if you like natural fibers and sea-themed prints, seashells, and finishes that are light, weathered or painted.

4.      If a homespun quality appeals to you, your style is country. You may prefer florals, checks, calicoes and stripes. You may also like mid-toned woods or painted finishes and vintage fabrics.

5.      An eclectic style will have elements from different cultures and eras. Strong patterns, colors, and textures dominate.

What You Need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Travel and design magazines.
• An open mind.

Top 10 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Entertaining

By Abe Abbas, About.com Guide
To get your home ready for entertaining, some simple tweaks to your furniture arrangement and home furnishings can do wonders. It takes just a little to make your space more guest-friendly and attractive. Some tips you might want to consider for a holiday or dinner party:

1.     Make Room:

Open up your floor space by arranging furniture to allow guests to move around freely. Remove furniture pieces you will not be needing to a temporary holding place. This might even be a good time to consider whether you need it at all.

2.     Formal or Informal?

Decide beforehand whether you want a formal or informal look. For a more formal arrangement you need more symmetry in how you arrange your furniture and accessories. Go with more muted or deeper colors. For a more casual look, go for more of an informal balance or asymmetry. You can be more playful with your colors and textures.

3.     Introduce Order

Take a look around to make sure that your room looks comfortable and does not present a haphazard look, no matter how casual you want it to be. Mixing too many sizes, scales, colors or textures can make a space seem confusing and even uninviting.

4.     Introduce Nature:

Bring nature indoors with arrangements of leaves, branches, twigs, or other natural elements that emphasize the season or your theme.

5.     Introduce a Theme:

Having a theme helps you unify your decor, and could add to a more festive atmosphere. Continue your party’s theme from room to room to give an uninterrupted flow to the ambiance.

6.     Use Your Walls

Hang artwork or mirrors to dress up your walls. Wall hangings or artwork that go with the season or occasion can continue the theme of your party, and make your space more festive.

7.     Lighting:

Lighting is crucial in setting up the ambiance of a room. Make sure you use it to create the effect you want. Multi-layered lighting lets you adjust the amount of light you need at different points in your evening.

8.     Focus:

Have a focal point in the room to anchor the space, and decorate around your favorite item or feature giving it the place of honor.

9.     No Crowding:

Remember to have enough room at the table without crowding your guests. Either use a table with leaves or set up another table. You can extend the one you have by adding another table instead of crowding people around it. If none of these options are available, consider doing away with a sit down dinner or have fewer guests.

10. Make it Personal:

Don’t hesitate to give your space your own personal touch. Everything does not have to match, and unusual furnishings will make your place more interesting, and personal. Just remember to arrange it in a way that makes sense instead of chaos. In the end, do what feels right to you, because it is your home.

Top 10 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Entertaining

By Abe Abbas, About.com Guide
To get your home ready for entertaining, some simple tweaks to your furniture arrangement and home furnishings can do wonders. It takes just a little to make your space more guest-friendly and attractive. Some tips you might want to consider for a holiday or dinner party:

1.     Make Room:

Open up your floor space by arranging furniture to allow guests to move around freely. Remove furniture pieces you will not be needing to a temporary holding place. This might even be a good time to consider whether you need it at all.

2.     Formal or Informal?

Decide beforehand whether you want a formal or informal look. For a more formal arrangement you need more symmetry in how you arrange your furniture and accessories. Go with more muted or deeper colors. For a more casual look, go for more of an informal balance or asymmetry. You can be more playful with your colors and textures.

3.     Introduce Order

Take a look around to make sure that your room looks comfortable and does not present a haphazard look, no matter how casual you want it to be. Mixing too many sizes, scales, colors or textures can make a space seem confusing and even uninviting.

4.     Introduce Nature:

Bring nature indoors with arrangements of leaves, branches, twigs, or other natural elements that emphasize the season or your theme.

5.     Introduce a Theme:

Having a theme helps you unify your decor, and could add to a more festive atmosphere. Continue your party’s theme from room to room to give an uninterrupted flow to the ambiance.

6.     Use Your Walls

Hang artwork or mirrors to dress up your walls. Wall hangings or artwork that go with the season or occasion can continue the theme of your party, and make your space more festive.

7.     Lighting:

Lighting is crucial in setting up the ambiance of a room. Make sure you use it to create the effect you want. Multi-layered lighting lets you adjust the amount of light you need at different points in your evening.

8.     Focus:

Have a focal point in the room to anchor the space, and decorate around your favorite item or feature giving it the place of honor.

9.     No Crowding:

Remember to have enough room at the table without crowding your guests. Either use a table with leaves or set up another table. You can extend the one you have by adding another table instead of crowding people around it. If none of these options are available, consider doing away with a sit down dinner or have fewer guests.

10. Make it Personal:

Don’t hesitate to give your space your own personal touch. Everything does not have to match, and unusual furnishings will make your place more interesting, and personal. Just remember to arrange it in a way that makes sense instead of chaos. In the end, do what feels right to you, because it is your home.

Common Construction Terms for Wood Furniture

Hardwood, Softwood, or Engineered Wood?

By Abe Abbas, About.com Guide

There are some common construction terms for wood furniture that come up again and again. What does it mean when the manufacturer says it is made of hardwood? Softwood? Engineered wood? Here is your chance to find out before you buy wood furniture next time.

All wood construction:

All wood construction simply means that all parts are made of wood. However, the piece of furniture may include some combination of solid wood and engineered wood.

Artificial laminate:

An artificially laminated surface consists of plastic, foil or paper that is printed with a wood grain pattern. This is then bonded to a composite such as particleboard or medium density fiberboard.

Engineered wood:

There are two kinds of engineered wood: plywood and particleboard, which is also called fiberboard. When wood is engineered from slices of lumber it is called plywood. Plywood can have 3 to 5 thin slices of wood glued together under high pressure.
When chips and fibers that remain after a tree is milled into lumber are combined and glued together it is called particleboard or fiberboard. Medium density fiberboard is made by breaking down wood chips into fibers, mixing the fibers with glue, and fusing the resulting mixture under heat and pressure to produce a board.

Hardwoods:

Wood from broad-leafed trees that lose their leaves in winter, such as oak, ash, cherry, maple, walnut and poplar is known as hardwood. Hardwood is generally considered better for furniture construction than softwood (see below) as it has strength and stability. Conversely, it can present difficulties in carving or detailing. There are many tropical hardwoods that come from tropical forests, such as mahogany, teak and ipe.

Inlay:

Inlay is a decorative technique that is used to create designs in wood by placing pieces of contrasting wood into a surface, usually at the same level, to form a design. A design or pattern created by using this technique is also known as inlay.

KD or RTA:

This term is used for furniture that is sold unassembled or partially assembled which is known as "Knocked Down." furniture It is also called often referred to as RTA furniture which stands for “Ready to Assemble” furniture.

Kiln dried:

Kilns are large ovens or in which wood is dried or cured through carefully controlled heat and humidity. Kiln drying removes about 93% of the moisture from wood. Wood that has been kiln dried resists warping splitting and cracking.

Softwoods:

Softwood comes from needle-bearing trees that remain green in winter, such as pine or cedar. These are fast growing trees and have a loose grain. These woods are easily carved or worked. Because the wood surface is often quite soft, they are more susceptible to damage such as marks and dents, which may not guarantee a very long life for your furniture.

Solid wood:

Solid wood can mean that all exposed pieces of the piece are solid, but areas hidden from view may be another material. There can be one single board or plank of wood, or also several wood boards or blocks that are glued together.

Veneer:

To veneer is to apply thin sheets of better quality wood to a core, usually of less expensive material, which could be solid wood or engineered wood, for decorative effect. The thin sheets are also known as veneer. Veneers make it possible to match grain patterns or create designs. Wood veneers should not be confused with faux veneers that are basically reproductions, and may lack the individuality and beauty of real wood veneers.

How to Buy Green Furniture

Buying Sustainable, Green Furniture Demystified

By Abe Abbas, About.com Guide

As a responsible person trying to lead a green lifestyle, you may be wondering how to buy green furniture. After all buying green means that you are doing your part to help keep the planet healthy. By buying green furniture you also keep your home healthy, because you are bringing in furniture that doesn’t put harmful substances in the air you breathe every day.
Here are some ways you can buy green furniture:

Look for FSC Certified Wood

The easiest thing to do is to look for FSC certified wood, which is now widely available. FSC certified wood is sustainable wood that has been harvested responsibly. It means that forests are being maintained and precious ecosystems are not destroyed.

Buy Bamboo Products

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass and is widely used by green conscious manufacturers and designers. It is versatile and you can find it in many products from flooring material to furniture. Being so quick to grow back, it can be a never ending resource. Sometimes there is a concern about pesticide use, so if you are intent on buying green, make sure to ask.

Buy Reclaimed Wood Furniture

Reclaimed wood is usually reclaimed from old furniture, buildings, and bridges, basically anything that used wood in its construction. It comes from other sources, too, such as discarded factory scraps, or logs that are reclaimed from rivers. Barnwood furniture is extremely sought after, and rightly so, as aged wood has its own richness and patina.

Buy Furniture Made from Other Recycled Material

Furniture made from recycled metal and plastic is another option. Basically, anything that can be reused in any form can be said to be eco friendly. While this might seem to be too sweeping a statement, consider this: recycling means you are using fewer resources, and not condemning something to the landfills. With constantly improving technology you can be assured of quality as well. Repurposed furniture is also a good option.

Buy Furniture With Non-Toxic or Low-Toxic Finishes

Buying furniture that is low-toxic or non-toxic, you cut down on toxic off-gassing. Toxic off-gassing can be even more of a hazard in a well insulated home, where toxins cannot escape easily. Look for Greenguard certification as a guideline. While you can always ask around about the materials used in making your furniture, looking for certification can save you time while providing you with guidelines.

Buy Locally Made Furniture

Buying locally made furniture instead of imported furniture is amongst the greenest choices you can make. Remember that being green is all about sustainability. Buying locally made furniture cuts down on energy requirements to ship it from one place to another since the nearer home it was made, the less it had to travel. Added advantage? You support the local economy by supporting local craftspeople and small businesses. If you look around you will find plenty of resources

Buy Durable Furniture

This is an easily overlooked, but important part of being green. When you buy good quality, well made furniture, you are buying green furniture. It will not have to be replaced for a long time. Even if you get tired of it, you can easily give it away or re-sell, and somebody else can use it. Poor quality furniture may be cheap, and seem like a good buy at the time, but you and the environment end up paying a price pretty quickly.

Buy Recyclable Furniture

Green furniture lends itself to easy recycling or disassembly. If a piece of furniture can be easily disassembled at the end of its life, the pieces can be recycled easily. Look for C2C certification such as found on Herman Miller office chairs.

Buy Used or Vintage Furniture

Buying vintage furniture could be the easiest way of buying green. Maybe the it wasn’t originally made from FSC certified wood, or comes without Greenguard certification, but used furniture has certainly been around long enough to finish off-gassing. Since you are saving it from a potential fate in a landfill, you are protecting the environment. Additionally, high quality vintage is always sought after, so it could potentially resell for close to the same price you bought it.

How to Buy Outdoor Furniture

By Abe Abbas, About.com Guide

if you want to buy outdoor furniture, you must give it the same consideration as buying indoor furniture. After all, your objective is the same: you want a comfortable and attractive space where you can relax or entertain, maybe do both.

Consider Your Weather

Is your weather hot and dry, or do you live near the coast. Does it rain often? All these are important considerations for selecting outdoor furniture. Hot, dry conditions can make some wood splinter and crack. Strong winds can send aluminum furniture flying, and wicker will not withstand constant exposure to moisture.

 

IMeasure Your Space

Consider how much space you have, and how it is shaped. Is it a long and narrow balcony or a broad and wide terrace? Use the area and shape of your balcony, patio or porch to determine the size of your outdoor furniture. Make sure to leave enough space around your furniture to be able to walk comfortably. Apply the same principles for traffic flow that you would use indoors.
For a small space, a bar table set may work better than a regular dining set, because bar stools can also save you room. You can also take a look at café or bistro tables and chairs as they have a smaller profile.

Determine Where You Will Place Your Furniture

Is your patio or outdoor space exposed to the elements or do you have an overhead covering? Will your furniture rest on soft ground and grass or on a hard surface such as a wooden deck or a paved patio? Make sure to get materials that will be a good match for your environment.
Do not place soft woods such as pine on a grassy surface and in an exposed area. The moisture from the ground can cause the wood to rot. On the other hand resin furniture is impervious to it.
Consider patio umbrellas for shade if you get too much sun.

Decide on Material

What kind of materials do you like for outdoor furniture? Don’t just base your decision on how it looks, although that is a big consideration, too. Your weather plays a big role in determining if a material is good fit.
So does the amount of care that a material needs. Some outdoor materials such as aluminum do not need too much care, neither does teak or resin furniture. Wrought iron can last for a really long time and can take heat and moisture.

Pay Attention to Comfort

You will be using your outdoor furniture to relax, so make it comfortable. Even if your chairs don’t come with cushions, you can buy or make your own cushions and pillows. Just make sure to use good quality outdoor fabric that is fade and mildew resistant. Your pillows will stay looking their best if you store them when you no longer use them outdoors in cooler months.
Chaise lounges, rockers and recliners are also great for relaxing outdoors. Make sure to try out your furniture before you buy it. For stretching out you may also want to look at hammocks and daybeds.

Have Storage Space

Make sure that you can provide storage for your outdoor furniture for winter. Sometimes even covers will not provide enough protection, especially for materials like wicker. Either have storage space for your furniture or buy something that you will be able to use indoors during the winter months. Another option to cut down on storage space is to buy outdoor furniture that folds flat for storage.

Consider Your Budget

In the end your budget determines what you can buy. I cannot stress enough the importance of buying the best furniture you can afford. If you are economizing, there are some options you have that can ensure you get the best quality for your money.
You can get very attractive patio furniture for less by the end of July and August as fall approaches.
Consider materials that are less expensive such as aluminum or resin, or look for inexpensive woods.
Check out yard sales or thrift stores and buy the best quality that you can find. Refurbish and cleaned it can look better than new. You might also consider changing pillows and cushions to update old patio furniture.

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