Making a House a Home

Care tips for all types of furniture
Most of us spend a high amount of money on our furniture, so it makes sense to care for it in a way that will ensure it lasts a long time and looks new for years to come.

Upholstery Care

Maintaining clean and beautiful upholstery may seem tricky, but there are things you can do on a regular basis that don’t take up a lot of time and will keep all your fabrics looking lovely. First of all, make sure you plump up and rotate seat cushions on a daily basis so that they wear evenly and that you aren’t left with indentations. Also remember to vacuum upholstered furniture with an upholstery brush as often as you can.

To get rid of ugly stains, you’ll have to do some spot cleaning, although it’s always a good idea to stay away from chemical cleaners. Instead stick to tried and tested cleaners you know how to use so you avoid damaging the furniture. But no matter what cleaner you end up using, always spot test it before applying to the affected area. Simply turn over an unexposed section of the fabric (the bottom of a chair, for example) to ensure the product doesn’t permanently ruin the material.

For badly soiled upholstery (wine stains), you might want to call in the experts. The same goes for light-coloured furniture. Some other tips: don’t wash movable pieces, such as cushion covers, as extra washing may cause the colour to fade or the fabric to shrink. Keep dark fabrics, and silk, out of direct sunlight to avoid fading as well.

Always try to by upholstered furniture that comes with a stain guard!

Wood Furniture

Dust wood pieces using a soft, slightly damp cloth run under lukewarm water. Dry the surface after wiping to avoid cracking.

To maintain the wood’s beauty, wax or polish it once a year, but avoid chemical products.. Although wood polish is usually a good thing, make sure to use wax polishes that are vegetable-based , paraffin and beeswax also work well. Apply using a soft cloth with the grain of the wood, and then buff. Never use window cleaners on wooden furniture, as most of them contain ammonia, which can damage the finish.

If you want to get rid of unsightly nicks and scratches, a wax scratch remover stick should do the trick, or you can use a colour-matching furniture polish. Dents can be hidden using specialized wood cleaners that raise the wood grain.

Finally, place wood furniture away from direct sunlight and heating vents, to avoid discoloration of the wood.

If you follow these simple tips, your furniture will continue to look beautiful throughout the years.

The Furniture & Interior Design Market

Home Sweet Home, this is something people love to say affectionately for their lovely homes. Everyone used to have some dreams about a perfect house, their dream house. People arrange several things to decorate their homes. They take help of Interior Designers, expert painters or architects to make a wonderful and best of the best homes.

Home Decoration

To decorate their home people use several things, some important and some decorative materials only. Furniture’s play vital role in interior designing of homes, and these are a necessity for every person. Every part of home needs special furniture like dining room furniture, Bedroom, Living Room, Drawing Room, Study Room, and Kid’s room all section has different use and importance. Therefore, the furniture should be different for all these different subsections, specially designed to suit your needs exactly. The furniture market is being bigger and bigger than ever. The demand for furniture is increasing. People want latest, customised, durable, and stylish furniture for their home to make it unique and more attractive than their neighbours do.

Earlier furniture market was based on the work by local carpenters only. People used to order them in advance for customised furniture, else used to purchase readymade furniture. Later by the time, the trend changed bit by bit and currently there is huge market demand for designer furniture. There are several well-known designer furniture manufacturers engaged in designing and making furniture according to customers demand, their budget, ease of use and convenience in mind.

Wood if one of the most versatile raw material in the world. Since the ancient times, wood has been used to create all sorts of objects - buildings, furniture, toys, etc. The possibilities are endless, and can only be limited by a lack of imagination. So whatever type and form of furniture you can imagine, you are sure to find them, if you know where to look.

Wooden furniture has been around for ages. They can be placed outside or inside the house. For a piece of wooden furniture to be suitable for the outdoors, this means that the wood has to be protected with weather resistant paint. To enhance the lifespan of any piece of wooden furniture, the type of finish adopted is very important.

There are many types of wood available for making furniture - teak, mahogany, oak, pine, and so on. Each type of wood has its own unique qualities. But mostly, when it comes to furniture, many prefer wood that is strong, durable and naturally beautiful. Hence the higher demand for solid hardwood furniture.

High quality wood furniture can be found easily if you know where to look. Visiting online wood furniture directories is a good way to start. Online websites not only offer helpful information about wood furniture, they also provide many different sources of contacts from all over the world. These are contacts of wood furniture manufacturers, specialised wood furniture retailers and wholesalers, and sometimes, you may even find contacts of wood furniture repair service providers.
With such a wide range of furniture, you will never run out of ideas when deciding what type of wood furniture you want to place in your office or home.

Baby furniture:

You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what type of nursery furniture you will need to make your life easier and your little one comfortable. You will find that there are an array of cots and cots in all types of designs, styles and colours to fit with any décor you choose for your nursery.
The main nursery furniture items you will need include a cot, changing table, a chest or dresser with a hanging space, and a rocking chair.
Finding the right nursery furniture will be fun and exciting. You just need to know how to shop for furniture that will be right for you. When looking for a cot, you will want one that you will be able to place a sleeping baby in without needing to hassle with the sides of the cot. You will want a firm mattress and adjustable mattress heights for when your baby gets older and may try to crawl out of the cot. Look for durability. How easy does the cot shake? You want your cot to last at least until your new little one is ready for a toddler bed. As he gets older he will stand and shaking the cot and trying his best to learn to climb out of it.
You may decide on a 3 n 1 cot for your nursery furniture choice. These are very unique cots that can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed and then into a day bed or full size bed. These cots are designed to last. Conversion is usually pretty simple and the hardware and all needed parts are included for each bed when you purchase the cot.
The changing table is one furniture item you are sure to enjoy in the line of nursery furniture. It is great to place your infant on a comfortable table with all the necessary items close at hand. Most changing tables have shelves under where you can keep everything you need for changing your little one.
You will be able to find matching dressers or chests in the nursery furniture line for holding all the new baby clothing. The chest should have enough drawers for fitting all the babies clothing and accessories nicely. Baby clothing can usually snare very easily and if the drawers inside are rough you can snag the outfit causing them to look tattered.
What nursery would be complete without a rocking chair? The rocking chair is a wonderful experience for both you and your baby. You will be able to sit and enjoy reading to, cuddling up and just holding your new baby will rock away the time. Choose one that is comfortable for you.

Looking for Outdoor furniture

When looking for quality outdoor furniture, look for the same features you would in fine indoor furniture. Quality structure of furniture that will be at the mercy of the elements is of utmost importance.
Look for features such as brass or stainless steel screws which will not rust. All screws should be inset and not visible or exposed. Extras such as support brackets under armrest and adequate tendons on legs increase stability. Choose furniture with “cut” curvatures rather than steamed and bent. This will eliminate warping overtime from constant seasonal changes.
In addition to structure, choice of wood is very important for outdoor furniture. The most widely used wood for exposure to weather is teak. It has been the wood of choice for use on boats as well as outdoor furniture due to its high oil content and density. This all translates into high weather resistance.
When choosing outdoor furniture, find out the source of the wood. Many exotic woods including teak and Brazilian cherry have been exploited because of their beauty and high value worldwide. Many such woods in the wild are rare outside of national parks and preserves. When purchasing outdoor furniture, or any furniture, make sure the company does not buy endangered species from the wild. This usually means the company should buy through the Department of Natural Resources of from a commercial tree farm. Make sure their practice for getting wood for their products is environmentally responsible.

Home decoration justifiably ranks among the top priorities of British society. With varied change in the choices of furniture, people have the option to choose from amongst the best. And wood furniture is the top choice for most furniture items. The pride in owning a priceless piece of excellent quality wooden furniture is unmatched and addictive.
The furniture made of oak, cherry, cedar, rustic pine and their ilk adds value to your dream home. In particular, Oak made furniture items are the big sellers if you love the art and craft on your furniture. The Oak handcrafted furniture is a delight to gaze and pride to possess. If you want your home to depict a picture of your true self, Oak furniture is the way to go. Oak furniture is available at all the major furniture retailers. However, if you are looking to strike a good bargain, try to find a reputed wholesale Oak furniture dealer who can also offer extended guarantee along with attractive prices.
Hardwood is a privileged and most preferred choice. Available in varied natural colours and ranging from darkest to lightest ones, hard wood is considered as most durable among the kinds of woods used to make furniture articles. Moreover, hardwood requires least amount of care among all the other woods. Due to its sturdiness, it is long lasting and largely maintenance free.
Extreme caution is, however, required before you buy wooden furniture. This is because of the fact that a number of trick dealers have emerged in the market that will sell you fakes in the name of wooden furniture. As a general rule, heavier wood furniture ensures better quality and durability. So, the best way to check its authenticity is try to lift it. If it is genuine, you will feel considerable weight.
Make the most of your wooden furniture and always buy cheap! You can buy cheap and still get excellent quality!

The most vital and yet the most ignored piece of furniture in your home is perhaps the dining room furniture. People tend to overlook the fact that your dining room furniture is responsible for creating correct ambience for the eating ritual of your family. Not only your family, the guests can also feel uncomfortable dining at your place with unsuitable piece of furniture in the dining room. If the guests are evading having lunch in your house or the appetite of some family member is off, perhaps it is time to get your dining room furniture in order!
The most important piece of furniture is the dining table itself. Your dining table should not only emit positive vibes for the hunger pangs, it should also reflect some sense of class associated with your social status. And needless to say, the chairs accompanying the table must be comfortable for at least half an hour of continuous dining session. The proportionate height of the table and chairs must be comfortable enough for a normal built person to enjoy the food without any unease.
The type of furniture used for your dining room also plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall appeal of your dining room. Sturdy Oak made furniture in the form of elegant dining tables and chairs could be your ideal choice. The durability of Oak furniture is its biggest selling point. It lends comfort and style to your dining room. Additionally, the variety available with wholesale Oak furniture dealers will make your job of selecting the appropriate furniture for your dining room a lot easier. Dining tables come in all sizes and shapes – so there is plenty for you to choose from!
The dining table is not the be all and end all as far as dining room furniture is concerned. In fact, dining room is never complete without the accompanying and equally charming furniture articles. The barstools, cabinets, sideboards and buffets are also important pieces of dining room furniture that cannot be ignored.
Due to the immense importance attached to dining room furniture, it is available at all kinds of prices. Depending on the quality, prices vary. It’s always better to make a thorough market research before finally settling for the furniture of your choice. Look at certain other factors, like warranty and home delivery etc, should be looked at as a plus point!

Even the most house proud owner cannot prevent accidents, accidents with your wooden furniture are bound to occur, especially when there are kids around the house! Or even accidental damage caused when entertaining guests.
They invariably tend to spill something on or drag something across your wooden tables or your precious furniture causing stains and scratches which soon become eyesores.

But there is a lot you can do amend all that. A kind of wooden furniture first aid. Below is a guide I have prepared for the most common stains and problems that may arise with your wooden furniture.

Wax or Dirt:
To clean wooden furniture of wax or dirt, dampen a clean rag with some mineral spirit and wipe across the wooden surface. Do this until all the dirt is picked up into the rag. To remove the dirt that collects in the grooves and crevices of carved areas use a cotton swab dipped in spirit.
Water Stains:
For recent and mild stains, cover the stain with a clean, thick blotter and press down hard for a few minutes. If that doesn’t work, rub with salad oil, mayonnaise or white toothpaste and leave it on for about 15 minutes. For older or tougher stains leave it for more time, even overnight if required. Then wipe dry with a clean cloth.
Milk or Alcohol:
For milk or alcohol stains rub it with a paste of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone with the grain. Substitute pumice instead of rottenstone for dull finishes. Or rub with a cloth dampened with some ammonia. Wipe the surface dry and wax or polish.
White Marks:
Rub the stain with a clean cloth dipped in a mixture of cigarette ash with salad oil or lemon juice. Once the stain has been removed, wipe the surface dry and wax or polish.
Light Cigarette Burns:
Rub the stained surface with scratch-concealing polish. If that does not work you could try rubbing it with a paste of linseed oil and rottenstone with the grain until the burn mark is completely gone.
Nail Polish:
Yes, all of us women have done this at some point - spilt either nail polish or nail polish remover on a table whilst glamming ourselves up! If this happens try to blot the spilled nail polish as soon as possible while it is still wet. If it has become dry, rub it with fine steel wool dipped in wax. Wipe the surface dry and wax or polish.
Heat Marks:
This may be slightly tricky. Rub gently with dry steel wool soap pad or a cloth dampened with camphorated oil or mineral spirits. Be careful not to cause scratches. Use the finest steel wool available. Wipe the surface clean and wax or polish.
Paint Marks:
If the paint is still wet, it can be removed with water or oil-based paint solvents with mineral spirits. If it has become dry, put some boiled linseed oil on the stain and wait until the paint softens and scrape carefully with a knife or wipe with cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil. Wipe the surface dry and wax or polish.
Scratches:
Rub a shoe polish closest in shade into the scratch. This is a very effective and easy solution. You could also use a felt-tip pen of a matching shade to fill into the scratch.

In the next two part series we will look at the often overlooked impact a sideboard or desk can have on a hallway or lounge, providing a functional purpose as well as being a focal point of its environment, making a lovely piece of living room furniture.

Evaluating Style

The key to a great sideboard is a combination of several factors. Principally, the sideboard you choose should be stylish and look good in your home. It should complement and harmonise with the décor of the room; either your sideboard could stand out as a decorative but bold feature or blend with other furniture to provide an understated, sophisticated piece of furniture.

The sideboard should be of a classic design and as well as considering whether to purchase birch or oak furniture, it is important to note whether the handles, the shape and any patterns match the decoration of your room as well. Positioning in the room is also important, to find the ideal place that will showcase your sideboard but not impose too much into the centre of your room.

Birch, Indian or oak furniture?

A great sideboard should also be designed to last a long time, and be made of a quality wood. Birch, Indian solid mango and oak furniture are strong and durable. They can be easily maintained and kept in good condition if they are regularly treated, cleaned and polished. The joints used in the sideboard should be strong and well crafted such as dovetail joints. Oak veneers last a much shorter time than solid oak furniture although the quality of a solid oak sideboard is likely to cost significantly more. The strength of your sideboard is important particularly if you plan to place something heavy such as a television set on top of it. A veneer is much less likely to stand up to the weight and will be quickly damaged over time compared to the solid version.

In our next post we will look at the function and carefully choosing you new sideboard to ensure you get value for money, and most beauty piece for your home.

Many people want to get hard wearing furniture. Furniture built of substance and beauty. After all furniture doesnt usually come cheap so if you’re going to spend you may as well invest in something thats going to last.

Its highly important that you chose a verstile range that can accomodate changing fashions. Hardwood furnture is good for this. Quite often people will redecorate every 10 years or so (sometimes more!) Furniture whoever isnt usually changed so frequently. Hardwood furniture comes in all types of shapes, sizes and shades.