One of the more interesting trends we are seeing in wall murals today is their installation in "basement bars."
When a family purchases a new home, the basement is usually unfinished. Typically it becomes the first place for general storage (along with the garage), until permanent storage solutions are made to closets, shelves, and attics. Once the "major purchases" such as appliances, furniture, and landscaping are taken care, the family home-spending often plateaus off.
After being settled in to the new home for a few years, many homeowners do want to get the basement finished or refinished. It is very popular these days for basements to include a home wet bar, or basement bar. Having a home bar is great for entertaining such as large house parties or impromptu get-togethers with friends to watch the big game (or latest installment of American Idol).
A home bar can be custom installed or do-it-yourself, depending on taste preferences and budget. A well designed home bar incorporates electrical elements such as outlets and creative lighting with plumbing and durable cabinetry. It is recommended that the bar height be around 42 inches. The patron side of the bar will have bar stools or seating of some kind. The bartender side will abut a wall which supports a top and shelves.
It is this very wall that is customarily adorned with a large mirror. The addition of a sports themed wall mural is a unique and cost effective alternative to the usual bar mirror. A chair rail sized wall mural can also compliment an existing mirror, if the bar is large enough.
If you are a huge fan of a particular pro team or NASCAR and plan on using your bar for watching sporting events, you will want to decorate with sports equipment and memorabilia. A chair rail sized wall mural will work nicely in this situation.
Sports themed wall murals are being considered more and more these days as a unique and fresh accoutrement to basement bar decor. Sometimes the plain old bar mirror is just that—plain and old.
Labels: basement bar, chair rail sized wall mural, home bar, home wet bar, NASCAR, wall mural
Functional, timeless, and versatile. Daybeds can be used for seating in the day and sleeping in the night - day 'bed'. They are beds with a back and sides that always come in Twin Size (38" x 75"). This clever combination is by no means a contemporary invention but dates back nearly to the 5th century. Why reinvent the wheel, just give it a new spin!
Today daybeds come in many varieties (wood, metal, wicker, upholstered, trundle or a combination of materials) and styles (traditional, transitional, contemporary, canopy, mission to sleigh). They make a great sofa/bed combination in your home; be it the guest room, den, office, sunroom or kid's room.
For wooden daybeds, the options are maple, oak, pine, mahogany, cherry, walnut or rosewood. These also come in colors ranging from black, dark (medium, light) to natural wood finish. While cedar will provide a rustic atmosphere, oak may spell elegance. There is something about the metal bed that makes it score over others easily. A choice in heavy metal like iron would lend itself well to a traditional home design.
The varied finishes in metal offer fantastic design options to suit your home, whether styled with contemporary, traditional or transitional looks. While a wicker bed would brighten up any decor since its adornment lies in the mattress, cushions and daybed linen (would generally include one daybed comforter, daybed cover or bed skirt and three standard pillow shams). The daybed cover or bed skirt (often frills) is the fabric that drops all the way from the mattress top to the floor on the front three sides. This just makes it look more neat and tailored.
There are two types of daybed trundles, a pop-up trundle or drawer trundle. The drawer or roll-out trundle simply rolls out from under the daybed to create another twin-size sleeping space, perfect for kid's sleepovers. Pop-up daybed trundles are also extremely popular, as they can transform your twin size daybed into a king size bed (76" x 80"). In the lift-up or pop-up trundle you roll out the bed and unfold the legs for support.
The ever-popular daybed continues to be on a roll, what with its multi-tasking abilities to play the role of a bed, couch and a bed within a bed!
Labels: bedroom furniture, beds, daybeds, drawer trundle, pop up trundle, roll out trundle, sofa, trundles
Recently my wife and I went shopping for patio furniture. I did not think it would be that difficult. I mean, it is just a table and chair set for your backyard. Well, let me tell you I did not realize there were so many choices. We looked at different styles, colors and materials. When purchasing patio furniture you must think about what your specific needs and desires are. What will be the furniture's use? Will you use it often or infrequently? Do you live in a region with extreme weather or is it a mild climate? Do you want patio furniture that requires a lot of care? On the other hand, do you want something that is easy to care for?
So, are you overwhelmed now with all the questions? Well, I certainly was! It would seem that searching for the right patio set is a daunting task. Patio furniture can come in the following materials: wood, aluminum, plastic, metal or wicker. All wood furniture is just not the same. If you want something that will last and look great then wood is the way to go…specifically Teak Wood.
Teak wood patio furniture is versatile, elegant and durable. Teak is definitely the best choice you can make for your patio furniture set. It is perfect for casual gatherings and nice enough for the fancy gatherings. Whether in an urban setting or against the backdrop of a forest or mountain range Teak wood patio furniture blends in seamlessly.
Teak wood is extremely durable; it is one of its best qualities. Teak wood contains natural oil that protects it from the elements. Due to the natural oil's you can leave your teak wood patio furniture outdoors without having to worry about it being weather damaged.
Teak wood patio furniture is prefect for any home and for any occasion. Teak is an excellent choice for your patio furniture. What could be better than a beautiful piece of teak wood furniture that is weather resistant, durable, splinter-free and affordable?
There is a saying: "you can't rush quality." Whoever thought that up must have had teak wood patio furniture in mind. Teak wood is a high-demand product of a limited supply. Since it takes teak wood approximately 50 to 60 years to grow into maturity, it can be expensive. However, because this is such a high-demand product that takes a long time to grow, the governments in which they are grown—Thailand, India, Indonesia and Burma—have instituted regulations to protect the wood from being cut down too quickly.
Labels: Teak deck furniture, teak garden furniture, teak outdoor furniture, teak wood, teak wood patio furniture
Walnut, an attractive light brown wood with distinctive dark patterns, came into use in the later years of the seventeenth century. Much of it was grown in England, but the imported French variety was usually preferred because it was better marked. The esteemed markings or figurings are to be found when a tree is cut across the base where the roots start to spread, and at the point (the crotch) where a branch springs from the main stem. The equally popular burr wood (marked with innumerable tiny dark curls) is found near burrs or lumps by clusters of knots.
Although a certain amount of furniture was made from walnut in the solid piece, it was used mainly in the form of a very thin sheet—veneer. This was glued down on to the main carcass of the piece; the carcass usually being constructed of pinewood (deal) or oak. The use of veneers enabled the craftsmen to select the best-marked portions and arrange them in patterns; a familiar form being known as 'quartering', where four successively cut rectangular pieces are laid on a surface so that their markings coincide evenly. Equally popular were 'oysters', circular pieces cut across a branch.
A severe winter in 1709 was responsible for the destruction of a great number of walnut trees in Europe, and was followed by the French prohibiting the export of the wood. To replace this source of supply, the American variety of the tree, which was already being sent to England in increasing quantities, was used instead. American walnut is not unlike European, and often cannot be distinguished from it. Some of it is quite free from markings, and this variety is often mistaken for mahogany when used in pieces of furniture made at the time mahogany was being introduced—about 1730-40.
The use of walnut declined quickly when the merits of mahogany were brought to notice, and it is rarely found in furniture made after 1740 until it came into fashion once more about a hundred years later. Then, it was used, as before, in the form of veneers on cabinets, tables and other pieces, and in the solid for chairs. These latter have come into rapidly increasing favour during the past fifteen years, and while pre-1939 they could be bought for a matter of a few dollars a set, will now cost something nearer $100 for six.
Walnut furniture of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries is not easy to find. Veneered pieces were extremely popular in the late 1920's and fetched high prices. This fact proved an irresistible temptation to a large number of skilful cabinet-makers, who attempted to make the supply meet the demand and poured out large quantities of fakes of varying merit. The best of them are very difficult to detect; the poorest were so badly made (in a vain attempt to make them look as though they had suffered 200 or more years of handling) that they have mostly fallen to pieces. Apart from making fakes entirely from new timber, much ingenuity was exercised in making them from bits of old furniture that were then worthless. This deception calls for a lot of knowledge to detect it. Walnut furniture must be bought with caution, and, preferably, from a trusted source.
At one time Queen Anne walnut furniture was very popular in the United States, but it was soon found that central-heated rooms caused glue to dry up and veneer to fall off in an alarming manner. Consequently, veneered furniture is no longer looked on with affection in America.
Labels: antique book, antique book collecting, antiques, vintage antique
Contemporary and authentic, antique writing desks could serve a multifunctional purpose as side tables, dining tables, coffee tables, foyer tables or bathroom vanities. Let's examine the style and function of these 12 works of art: Wooten, Cylinder, Armoire, Slant Top, Bureau a gradin, Pedestal Desk, Bureau Plat, Bureau Mazarin, Ergonomic Desk, Carrel Desk, Carlton and Cheveret desk.
1. Wooton desk: Wooton desks were probably not the costliest desks in series production, but they were possibly the ones with the most drawers, nooks and crannies imaginable. A Wooten Desk is a variation of the Fall Front Desks.
2. Cylinder desk: This desk has small stacked shelves in front of the user's main work surface, and a revolving cylinder part that comes down to hide and locked work.
3. Armoire Desk: Often referred as a computer desk, it has a writing table built within a large cabinet closed by doors to hide any clutter and give the room a tidy appearance.
4. Slant top desk: This type of desk is practically a secretary desk, without the massive bookcase on top of it.
5. Bureau a gradin: An antique desk resembling a writing table with one or several tiers of small drawers and pigeonholes built on part of the desktop surface. It is usually placed in front of the user.
6. Pedestal desk: A large free-standing desk made of a rectangular working surface nestled on two pedestals or small stacked drawers of one or two sizes, with support around the bases.
7. Bureau plat: A series of drawers directly under the surface of the table (desk), to contain writing implements.
8. Bureau Mazarin: Many of these desks are kneehole desks that are meant to be used sideways, with one knee only beneath the work surface.
9. Ergonomic desk: related to the computer desk, it is designed to comfortably and aesthetically provide a working surface and conceal office and computer equipment and their peripherals.
10. Carrel desk: A predecessor to the cubicle desk that is small and features high sides meant to visually isolate its user from any surroundings either partially or totally.
11. Carlton House Desk: This desk is similar to a normal writing table. The small drawers above the surface form a U shape around the user instead of being set up in front.
12. Cheveret (or Sheveret) desk is very small and features a single drawer under the writing surface. In some cases small drawers and pigeonholes are built on top. It is also written with an "S": Sheveret. Some variations of the Cheveret are much taller and meant to be used standing up.
Here are a few resource books to delve into the origins of antique writing desks:
1. Portable Writing Desks (Paperback) by David Harris
2. Desks, Tables and Chairs by The Woodsmith Collection
You can also find a wide variety of antique desks and affordable reproductions online from sites like eBay and Leonard's Direct.
Classical desk forms we are presently familiar with evolved from the 17th and 18th centuries. Desks of this period were typically massive structures. Not all desks have the form of a table. The generic concept of a desk is the pedestal desk, which is also referred to as an executive desk. Desks were designed with slots, nooks, crannies, pigeonholes and hooks for the convenience of storing writing implements. These built in storage units were always an attractive feature to the functionality of a writing desk.
Labels: Office Furniture, Office Furniture Architectural Designs, Writing Desks, Writing Desks Designs
Not too long ago as I was driving around in my Chevy pick-up, I saw an old couch just sitting on the side of the road. I suppose someone just set it outside for the garbage man to pick it up and take it away to the dump. If that was the case, I couldn't blame them; the couch was pretty run down looking. The cushions looked like they lost their fluff, the fabric looked dirty and stained from many spilt cups of coffee, and the upholstery had a gaudy pattern that included a combination of greens, oranges and purples. A much acquired style indeed, but at least the two matching pillows were included.
Since I lacked any furniture in my apartment, I figured I would give this pathetic looking couch another chance at life and decided to load it in the bed of my truck and take it home. After getting it home and unloading it, I tried to figure out what I could do with it to make it look a bit more…appealing. Of course, I washed it out as best as I could and even used two bottles of disinfectant and fabric fresheners just to get the weird thirty day old coffee smells out. Smelling like roses and mountain breeze, my new couch still needed a makeover, stat.
After a couple hours of watching home improvement shows on cable television, I decided that the easy fix-up for this broken down couch would be to reupholster the cushions and tie a fabric slipcover over the entire couch. Lucky for me the foundation and overall structure of the couch was still in good shape and I didn't need to tweak anything other than adding some touch up shellac to the feet.
Reupholstering the cushions wasn't as hard as I thought it would be; like most old couches, the cushions had zippers where you could easily take out any old fluff and re-stuff it. Seeing that the old fluff consisted of old acrylic like material, I went out and bought a natural cotton filling like the ones used in futon mattresses. I opted to use cotton mainly because I know it's durable and will last me for quite awhile.
After I was done stuffing the third cushion, I was ready to move on to slipping a fabric slipcover over the couch. I purchased an affordable one from a local fabric and home store in a solid, navy blue color, complete with tie strings at the bottom to prevent it from coming off easily. Fitting it over the couch and cushions, I was able to reinvent this run-down, decrepit looking couch and give it a new personality just by adding new stuffing and a slipcover. To top it off, I purchased two matching pillow shams for the pillows in a slightly lighter navy color and completed the look of my new couch.
Needless to say, I was quite happy that I decided to take it upon myself to give this couch another chance. Perhaps I should go driving around the neighborhood more often, maybe then I'll find a suitable coffee table and bed.
Labels: bed frames, bedroom sets, coffee tables, dining room furniture, dining tables
Anyone with even the most minimal knowledge of antiques will know that they have to be treasured and well looked after. Being over a hundred years old, they will need regular restoration as well as routine cleaning whatever your use for them. Eventually they will also need antique furniture hardware product restoration to save them from irreparable damage. Think of it as surgery for furniture!
Antique furniture hardware product restoration is a chore simply because it may prove impossible to get hold of the parts needed to actually complete the process. Doorknobs, latches, hinges, hooks and chest lifts are all rare unless you manage to get lucky and find a dealer with a similar piece that is irreparable. Despite the availability status of the parts you need, there are still some essential nuggets of knowledge you should know before attempting antique furniture hardware product restoration.
1. Always search for the materials you need for antique furniture hardware product restoration from home. Availability may mean that trawling the various shops is a complete waste of time. Try calling local antique dealers and stores and then contact those further away if need be. You could also try searching on the Internet. Always narrow your search to those that specialise in the era of your particular piece first as they will often yield more success.
2. Be prepared to travel to pick up the materials you need for antique furniture hardware product restoration. You may want to have the parts mailed to you if they are found in another country, but always be prepared to do anything to protect your investment.
3. Ask a professional for advice. Antique furniture hardware product restoration is a complex process and it only takes one small mistake to permanently ruin your piece so make sure that you seek advice and maybe the services of a professional. Several experts would be prepared to give you quotes so check up on them before selecting a man for the job if you do not want to attempt it yourself.
4. Be prepared to pay out. Antique furniture hardware product restoration is an expensive business. It is usually worth every penny to save your investment but you should be prepared for a hefty bill.
There is one golden rule when it comes to looking after your pieces of antique furniture. Prevention is better than cure. This is the golden rule and following these tips may just help you to prevent the need for antique furniture hardware product restoration arising:
1. Establish a routine and stick to it as far as cleaning goes. Always use a soft cloth to wipe down antique furniture once or twice a week.
2. Wax every antique piece you have every two months with a small measure of furniture wax. This will prevent build up and keep your furniture healthy.
3. Keep antiques out of direct sunlight because they may fade.
4. Do not use any harsh solvents, detergents or polishes because the chemicals may just stain it permanently.
Labels: Antique Furniture Dealers, English Antique Furniture, Italian Antique Furniture
Furniture is the basic essence of every home. Whatever the kind of furniture - bedroom furniture, patio furniture or , all go a long way in giving your house that special look. The furniture is amongst the very first things to get noticed the moment someone enters your house. After all, the furniture you choose is a reflection of your personality and gives an insight into your outlook towards life. Not only the essential furniture, but also the seemingly insignificant add-ons like rugs, lamps and tables give the onlooker a fair idea what you are all about. Beds, bunks, tables, chairs, couches, and spreads for all of them, clearly indicate the behavioral traits of the creator of that setup.
Picture a scene when you enter a friend's flat. The is bare except for a used plate, and the dining chairs scattered around aimlessly. A piece of clothing lying on the dirty looking rug, and a bare look accentuated by a couple of poorly polished cane chairs. A centre table that looks like it came straight from a garage sale. What comes to mind? A bachelor's pad, no doubt, and one who is not too concerned about the way he lives. If this is the way he keeps the furniture in his home, this is probably how he will treat all who come in contact with him- a casual, laid back attitude that whatever is, goes. Neatness is the last thing I'm bothered about. Let me live my life- others don't really matter.
Cut to another view. A neat, plush black leather sofa set inviting you to just sink into its depths. Promising to envelope you in comfort the moment you decide to settle into it. A dining set including an etched glass top dining table covered with a handsome , with smart looking, matching dining chairs to complement its beauty. A neat bar in the corner sporting all the latest and exquisite labels. Matching curtains to complement the entire set of the living room. What comes to mind? Obviously someone who doesn't like to take things lightly. A perfectionist who would go out of his way to achieve that special something. Comfort matters to this man, but class is equally important. And we haven't even entered the bedroom yet.
Which one would you like to be identified with? Take your pick.
Of course, what I have cited are two extreme examples, just to put across my point. While you may not fit into either of these, what matters is that you understand the immediate effect the look of your furniture has on the people whose opinion matters to you.
So when you decide to go in for that smart rocking chair in the home-décor exhibition, be sure to first give it a long, cool thought. Does that attractive looking piece in the show window really go with the theme of your home furniture, or is it looking attractive, yet would do well to continue sitting there itself? Take your time choosing your pieces, and you will never be the loser.
Labels: bedroom furniture, chairs, dining, dining set, furniture, patio, table pad, tables, traditional.
Baby furniture is more like an investment for both you and the baby which will last for at least a few years. It would thus be prudent to research and buy furniture that is sturdy, lasting and which suits you the best. Moreover, the nursery is the room where the baby and you will be spending a majority of your time; it is where the baby will form his first impression of the world he has been born into. The nursery has to be hence designed in a practical and pleasing manner.
When you start looking for baby furniture to buy, you will come across a large variety of choices and a wide range of designs. The essential factors that you need to take into consideration are your budget, style, comfort and most importantly safety.
The essential pieces in the baby furniture ensemble are as follows:
Baby cribs and crib mattresses
Every parent first needs to buy a good baby crib. These come in a variety of styles like canopy, convertible and sleigh among others. They also come in various colour schemes to fit the theme of the nursery, should you choose to have any. Mattresses secure comfort for the baby and typically come in two types – foam or innerspring coil. Accessories with mattress include bedding, crib sheets, crib wedges and waterproof mattress pads.
Cradles and bassinets
The advantage of a cradle is that you can rock it from side to side to ensure comfort and security for the baby. A cradle is used from birth until four months or till the baby begins to roll. A bassinet can also be used up till the baby is four months old and includes a hood cover, bumper and fitted sheet.
Changing tables
Not only should the changing table be well padded but must have guardrails and safety straps for the baby. It normally comes with dresser drawers, open shelves or a combination of both. Accessories on a changing table include changing pads, organizers and wipe warmers.
Moses baskets
Are a unique piece of furniture and are occasionally given in the baby shower. Often considered to be heirlooms, they are treasured as such and passed on through generations.
Rocking chairs
For both the parent and the child. A rocking chair for the mother is a welcome gift as it will enable her to spend lots of quality time with her baby in the nursery comfortably. The rocking chair for the baby can be added to the nursery as the child starts to grow.
Playpen
Every nursery is equipped with a playpen, which comes in three different styles. One is a basic kind which can be used as a playpen or a crib, the second that has a bassinet built in for the newborn and the third which is a canopy style to shield the baby from the elements. A changing station, netting for outdoor use and sheets can be added to the ensemble if needed.
Baby dresser
Every nursery needs a baby dresser or chest of drawers for the new born. It can be coordinated with the colours and themes of the nursery as well.
Portable travel crib
This is very useful for overnight trips or weekend getaways.
High chair
This is needed as soon as the baby learns to sit. There are several types of high chairs including adjustable, conventional, booster and wooden. The most important part of a high chair is the safety index which should include an adjustable tray, locking mechanism, restraint and rolling castors which can be locked easily. If it has a fully reclining feature, it can be used for feeding as soon as the baby is born.
Car seats
A car seat is a must, as the baby has to be restrained while in the car. These come in several styles such infant care seat, convertible and booster.
Stroller
A requisite item as it facilitates the mother to go about her tasks of shopping, walking etc with the baby comfortably seated in the stroller. They come in a standard variety, single and double, or even one that combines as a car seat. Most strollers have a canopy, front bar, harness, recliner and a storage space.
Baby monitor
A monitor can give the parents added reassurance that their baby is safe. There are several types: audio, audio/movement and audio/video monitors.
Labels: baby, baby furniture, car seat, changing table, cradle, cribs, different furniture, high chair
Furniture is the basic essence of any home. Whatever be the kind of furniture, it is the soul of the house. Whether it is a simple iron garden chair, an exquisite leather sofa set or the delicately carved wooden bar you always wanted to adorn your dining room with, the furniture at display contributes in an immense way to the overall appearance of the house. Not only is it a reflection of your tastes, but also of the kind of efforts that have gone into making your house a good place to live in.
To plan the décor of your house, primarily decide on a broad outline. Picking a theme will help you decide on the nuances of what all should go into the nitty-gritty of the plan. What would you like it to look like at the end of your efforts? Archetypal to reflect your specific tastes or something generic that everyone would like? Traditional or modern? Rural settings or a more modern, chic city look? Would you prefer a conventional layout or something more adventurous to reflect your free spirit?
Having decided on the overall look thus, it is time to look around for available items to satisfy your requirements. A quick look at any routine interior designing magazine will give you a fair idea of the items available for sale. A search on the internet is likely to yield similar results, as most of the modern stores today have an online presence and give you the convenient option of placing orders online. If you have some money to spare, hiring a professional interior designer to give you a comprehensive plan would definitely be a worthwhile investment.
Let us take one case – buying a suitable table for your dining room. The choices available are many. Depending on the overall theme you decided, you could go in for traditional , handcrafted to perfection. Known for its simple, functional designs, Amish gives an ideal time-honored look. is a rage amongst traditional furniture lovers, and is sure to add that extra grace to your bedroom.
Looking for something more modern? Try out the wrought iron bed with matching side tables available at sale nearly everywhere. Strong and sturdy, it is ideal for homes with small children who can jump around with gay abandon without having to look continuously over their shoulder. Generally available in black or other dark shades, the furniture is mostly carbon-black painted. Be sure to confirm that you are getting the proper quality, as cheap variants with low cost and lower lives abound.
Decided to go in for the rural look? Straight, simple pieces are then for you. If you are talking rural, size definitely matters. Broad, straight cut, sturdy looking beds are what you should be aiming at. Thanks to the oodles of space in rural areas, the size of the furnishings is generally large. A bed for two would generally happily accommodate at least three ordinary city folk! Look around for a couple of large earthen pots, which could be modified as lamps to complete the overall look.
These are just a small selection of the possible settings. Others like Leather upholstery, Italian wood, Wood laminates, are just a few of the large variety available. Choices abound like never before. Just decide on the basics and step out – the world is your oyster.
Labels: Amish, decor, furniture, garden chair, handcrafted, Italian wood finish, wooden, wrought iron
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