Antique furniture

For many people, antique furniture creates a special, unique theme for their interior decorating. Of course, you need to know how to select antique furniture first.

Furnishing your home with pieces of antique furniture is a decorating option that has always been popular. And now, with all the instant and global methods of communicating and sharing information that are available, it is easier than ever to learn about and locate the antique pieces that will perfectly complement each room in your home. Of course there are, just as in any project you undertake, a few strategies that can make your experience progress more easily and more smoothly.

To begin with, it is important at the outset that you are very clear about what you want. Are you looking for a bedroom suite, a chest, some garden and lawn furniture, or a sideboard? Are you looking to buy a piece from a specific period, and if so, which one? A quick glance through various popular antique guides shows upwards of twenty different periods or styles in American furniture manufacturing alone. Are you also familiar with the different terms used to describe the characteristics of antique furniture? Another glance through those same guides lists almost twenty different types of feet found on American antique furniture alone. Do you know exactly where you’d like to place this piece in your home, and have you measured the space to know exactly what sized piece will fit in that spot? All of these are important questions to be addressed before you make your antique furniture purchase.

Once you are ready to go shopping, there are also specific things you can look for that can help you identify an authentic, high-quality piece of antique furniture. For example, if you are looking for a chest, look for pieces that have been constructed from a small number of wide boards, usually from soft woods such as pine or poplar. Additionally, there should be very few knots in the wood, and the hinges should be in the style of cotter-pin hinges, long, wrought-iron flat face hinges, or square-angled butt hinges. The backboard of the chest should also show traces of rust where the iron of the hinges has rested against the wood of the chest.

If you are looking to buy a type of painted furniture, there are also specific characteristics to look for there. The most obvious characteristic is the type of paint used. Acrylic paint was not invented until the 1940’s, and was not widely available until the 1950’s, so if you see acrylic paint then most likely you are looking at a reproduction, not a genuine antique. Another difference between a genuine antique and a reproduction is that the wood workers of the 18th and 19th century only painted the exposed surfaces of a piece, and did not paint the areas that weren’t visible, such as the inside of drawers. Finally, old paint is very hard and brittle, and should show signs of wear and tear from everyday life. If you find a piece whose wear appears to be regular or in patterns, chances are that it is a modern reproduction that was “distressed

Dinning Room Furniture

The term wicker actually refers to a weaving process. Wicker dinningroom furniture comes in numerous styles, designs and price ranges. Wicker furniture is made of reed and paper fibers. Rattan or rotan wicker, reed wicker, cane wicker, bamboo wicker, paper fiber rush and Lloyd Loom paper fiber rush are some of the materials generally used in the production of wicker furniture.

Wicker furniture originated from southeast China and Japan, and first came to America about a century ago.Wicker dining room furniture lends subtle and natural charm to the dining space. This extremely lightweight furniture is easily movable; hence, one can change the décor by merely moving them around.

With a plethora of styles ranging from the majestic exuberance of the Victorian era to the more functional modern pieces, they offer an eclectic choice catering to all. Apart from this they are highly popular for their affordable price. Along with the local market, the online options like www.wickerparadice.com and www.wickerwarehouse.com also abound. Many sides provide free shipping along with the purchase. Apart from the convenience of shopping from home, one can also make use of the room planners, which help individuals choose the right kind of dining-room furniture for themselves.Wicker dining room furniture is not only for poorer customers. Its unmatched elegance makes it an alternative for the affluent as well. Antique wicker dining furniture is not just durable (with the right kind of maintenance) but also an extremely appealing choice. Cheap productions like resin wicker can be a preference for the price hunters but they rate low on durability. Wicker dining room furniture should be dusted and vacuum cleaned frequently. These pieces should not be exposed to too much heat or water.

Kitchen Furniture

Buying kitchen furniture is not always an easy thing to do. With the wide variety of kitchen furniture available, the possibilities are endless. If you are like most people, you probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. You want this space to be comfortable, welcoming and serviceable. There are several things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect kitchen furniture.The first thing to remember is that the kitchen is a very functional room, but you don’t want it to look that way. You can purchase kitchen furniture that is warm, beautiful and inviting and at the same time practical and efficient. For instance, you can choose from an assortment of lovely microwave carts or kitchen carts that fits well with the décor of your kitchen. It can also give you space to display items or extra cabinet space where you can tuck away pots and pans and other kitchen utensils. A kitchen island is another item that gives extra workspace, but with the addition of a few bar stools can turn a functional kitchen into a comfortable and inviting space.You’ll also want to think about who will be using your kitchen and choose your kitchen furniture accordingly. Are you planning a cozy, warm spot where your family can gather? Items such as baker’s hutches and pie safes can give you extra storage and counter space while adding to the charm of your kitchen. You will also want to be sure to choose comfortable dining chairs that will make your family want to linger over their morning coffee. Are you planning on using your kitchen for more elaborate entertaining? Bars and bar stools may be exactly what you need. These items will create the perfect atmosphere for your guests and also provide extra seating.Consider your own personal style when choosing your kitchen furniture. Whether it is country, Tuscan, or a more retro style that appeals to you, you can find kitchen furniture to meet your needs and tastes. You can choose kitchen furniture in a variety of finishes that will compliment whatever style you choose.Choosing kitchen furniture can be fun if you follow these rules. If you keep in mind the fact that a practical kitchen can still look inviting and appealing, what you plan on using your kitchen for, and your own personal style, you can’t go wrong. You will be amazed when, with the help of some carefully chosen kitchen furniture, your kitchen becomes everyone’s favorite spot in your home!

Bathroom Furniture

Bathrooms are probably the most used rooms in the house. More expensive bathroom furniture is now widely available. People are spending money for quality bathroom furniture that fits their demands, their decorative themes and their lifestyle, too.

In choosing bathroom furniture, you must consider several salient factors. First, take into consideration the size and the shape of the room. How big or small your room? What is its shape and dimensions? These factors should affect your decision on what furniture pieces to put in it.

The next consideration should be the people who will be using the room and how often will they be using it. Will it be the only bathroom in the house? These questions are essential in identifying not only what furniture to put inside your bathroom, but also what material it must be made from and whether fitted, modular or free-standing bathroom furniture would best fit your needs.

There are two types of bathroom furniture finishes available. Wood is a popular choice. Aside from its durability, it has long since evolved to less traditional, more modern dimensions. Natural wood furniture also evokes warmth and a sense of being welcomed in a room. Expect to pay more, though, since it entails more tedious work and craftsmanship to construct. Since wood is a natural material, expect changes in color and grain as time goes by.

Bathroom furniture with manmade finishes is also acquiring steady popularity due to the wider range of designs and colors available that account for its flexibility and edge. Do not expect them to be cheaper than wood though, or even less durable. Manmade finishes are made from composite materials and textured finishes and can withstand tough knocks and scratches. Just as with wood, excessive spillage causes damage to even the toughest manmade finish.

For those who need a lot of storage space and detest clutter, fitted bathroom furniture is the answer. Although fitted furniture caters to the more traditional décor theme, there are different finishes and accessories available to fit your theme.

If you move furniture around to change the appearance of your rooms often, then freestanding furniture would suit you well. Freestanding furniture is not affixed to the wall or any other furniture making it easy to move around.

Modular bathroom furniture is the product of putting together fitted and free-standing furniture. They offer diverse styles with massive storage that can fit contemporary décor themes.

Bedroom Furniture

Contemporary bedroom furniture is the perfect fit for modern homes, as it has been designed for functionality as well as comfort. The Bedroom Furniture includes stylish dressers as well as mirrors, nightstands and bedroom benches. What sets contemporary furniture apart from traditional furniture is that the latter consumed a lot of space and was quite elaborate in design, whereas contemporary furniture makes the best possible usage of space.

The material that is usually used in Contemporary Bedroom Furniture is wood or metal, especially aluminum. You can choose from a range of styles and colors that are available on the market. The products have been designed to make an optimum usage of the space. Thus, you can come across a set of drawers fitted with a seat on top, that serves as a bench and as a storage space. Then there are armoires that cannot only take good care of your clothing and accessories, but also doubles as storage space for your TV. You have scores of colors to choose from, be it ebony, lighter shades of brown or an elegant white.

There are a number of styles of beds, so you can choose from sleigh beds to metal beds to platform beds to king-sized beds. The platform beds are for those who like their furniture to be without any frills and fancies. These beds are quite easy to assemble and are liked by people due to their understated elegance. The sleigh beds spell sophistication and class.

The bedroom is also the place where one can dress at ease; thus, having a mirror and a dresser is an absolute must for your room. Accentuate the sense of space in your room by getting a wall-mounted mirror designed in the contemporary style. You can also get the mirrors designed in elegant wrought iron with a beautiful patina finish. The designers of Contemporary Bedroom Furniture have put their imagination to good use and come up with great designs. They boast excellent craftsmanship and fit with as much ease and élan in your home as in your budget.

Periods In Furniture

PERIODS in furniture are amazingly interesting if one plunges into the story, not with tense nerves, but gaily, for mere amusement, and then floats gently, in a drifting mood. One gathers in this way many sparkling historical anecdotes, and much substantial data really not so cumbersome as some imagine!

To know anything at all about a subject one must begin at the beginning, and to make the long run seems a mere spin in an auto, let us at once remind you that the whole fascinating tale lies between the covers of one delightful book, the "Illustrated History of Furniture," by Frederick Litchfield, published by Truslove et Han-son, London, and by John Lane, New York.

There are other books many of them but first exhaust Litchfield and apply what he tells you as you wander through public and private collections of furniture.

If you care for furniture at all, this book, which tells all that is known of its history, will prove highly instructive.

One cannot speak of the gradual development of furniture and furnishing; it is more a case of waves of types, and the story begins on the crest of a wave in Assyria, about 3000 years before Christ! Yes, seriously, interior decoration was an art back in that period and can be traced without any lost links in the chain of evidence.

From Assyria we turn to Egypt and learn from the frescoes and bas-reliefs on walls of ruined tombs, that about that same time, 3000 B. C., rooms on the banks of the Nile were decorated more or less as they are today.

The cultured classes had beautiful ceilings, gilded furniture, cushions and mattresses of dyed linen and wools, stuffed with downy feathers taken from water fowl, curtains that were suspended between columns, and, what is still more interesting to the lover of furniture, we find that the style known as Empire when revived by Napoleon I was at that time in vogue.

Even more remarkable is the fact that parts of legs and rails of furniture were turned as perfectly (I quote Litchfield) as if by a modern lathe. The variety of beautiful woods used by the Egyptians for furniture included ebony, cedar, sycamore and acacia. Marquetry was employed as well as wonderful inlaying with ivory, from both the elephant and hippopotamus. Footstools had little feet made like lion's claws or bull's hoofs.

According to Austin Leyard, the very earliest Assyrian chairs, as well as those of Egypt, had the legs terminating in the same lion's feet or bull's hoofs, which reappear in the Greek, Roman, Empire and even Sheraton furniture of England (eighteenth century).

The first Assyrian chairs were made without backs and of beautifully wrought gold and bronze, an art highly developed at that time.

In Egypt we find the heads of animals capping the backs of chairs in the way that we now see done on Spanish chairs.

The pilasters shown on the Empire furniture, Plate XVI, capped by women's heads with little gold feet at base, and caryatides of a kind, were souvenirs of the Egyptian throne seats, which rested on the backs of slaves possibly prisoners of war.

These chairs were wonderful works of art in gold or bronze. We fancy we can see those interiors, the chairs and beds covered with woven materials in rich colors and leopard skins thrown over chairs, the carpets of a woven palm-fiber and mats of the same, which were used as seats.

Early Egyptian rooms were beautiful in line because simple; never crowded with superfluous furnishings. It is amusing to see on the very earliest bas-reliefs Egyptian belles and beaux reclining against what we know to-day as Empire rolls, seen also on beds in old French prints of the fourteenth century. Who knows, even with the Egyptians this may have been a revived style!

One talks of new notes in color scheme. The Bakst thing was being done in Assyria, 700 B.C.! Sir George Green proved it when he opened up six rooms of a king's palace and found the walls all done in horizontal stripes of red, yellow and green! Also, he states that each entrance had the same number of pilasters. Oh wise Assyrian King and truly neutral, if as is supposed, those rooms were for his six wives!

In furniture, the epoch-making styles have been those showing line, and if decorated, then only with such decorations as were subservient to line; pure Greek and purest Roman, Gothic and early Renaissance, the best of the Louis, Directoire and First Empire, Chippendale, Adam, Sheraton and Heppelwhite.

The bad styles are those where ornamentations envelop and conceal line as in late Renaissance, the Italian Rococo, the Portuguese Barrocco (baroque), the curving and contorted degenerate forms of Louis XIV and XV and the Victorian all examples of the same thing, i. e.: perfect line achieved, acclaimed, flattered, losing its head and going to the bad in extravagant exuberance of over-ornamentation.

There is a psychic connection between the outline of furniture and the inline of man.

Perfect line, chaste ornamentation, the elimination of the superfluous was the result of the Greek idea of restraint self-control in all things and in all expression. The immense authority of the lawmakers enforced simple austerity as the right and only setting for the daily life of an Athenian, worthy of the name.

There were exceptions, but as a rule all citizens, regardless of their wealth and station, had impressed upon them the civic obligation to express their taste for the beautiful, in the erecting of public buildings in their city of Athens, monuments of perfect art, by God-like artists, Phidias, Apelles, and Praxiteles.