Monthly Archives: August 2011

How to buy furniture

When is the best time to buy furniture? Now is the right time to buy furniture because you never know what you’re going to unravel in antique stores and furniture stores. This is the right time because furniture deals are best at this moment because of the struggling economy.

Buy furniture online?

If you are planning to buy furniture, whether for a new home or you just want something for your home, you will find that there is a wide selection of furniture that you can find. It comes in different styles and designs that you can choose from. You can choose from antique furniture or a modern furniture. Whatever you desire, you will surely find furniture that will be perfect for your home, office, shop and other places.

The World Wide Web also offers furniture. In fact, more and more people are shopping online for furniture because it holds a wider selection of furniture. However, to buy furniture online, one must be very cautious as there are plenty of scammers out there. That is why it is very important that you only purchase from a reputable website or seller. You can do this by asking for referrals from friends who have bought furniture online already. Always insist on the full contact details and see detailed pictures of furniture that you wish to buy. There are also some furniture forums that you can join and you can ask forum members where you can buy furniture online.

Before you buy furniture, consider these tips first.

To buy furniture whether online or offline, the cost must be greatly considered. The cost depends on what type of furniture you want to buy. If you want to buy antique furniture, then you should prepare your budget as this will cost you thousands of dollars. However, buying modern furniture doesn’t necessarily mean that it is much cheaper because it can be the same as the price of the antique furniture.

Doing your research before you buy furniture is very important. This will help you determine and assured that you are getting the right furniture that you want and is fit within your budget.

All about bentwood chairs

Bentwood chairs – explained

What are Bentwood chairs? This a type of furniture that is made by bending wooden rods into the required shape after they have been heated with steam. Michael Thonet is the famous Austrian cabinetmaker who experiemented with designs that are based on birch rods that are bent into curvilinear shapes. His bentwood chairs are among the most successful examples of the early mass-produced furniture.

Bentwood chairs are known to be light, comfortable and inexpensive, it is also known as strong and graceful and because of this, these chairs were widely used in clubs, hotels, shops and restaurants. The early bentwood chairs were stained black or dark brown and seats were commonly made of cane or plywood and were the only portions not made by the bentwood method. The Thonet rocking chair is one of the most aesthetically pleasing example of bentwood chairs.

Variety of bentwood chairs

There are a number of designs and shapes from which you could choose. You will find that each design is unique and stylish. There are scroll accents, open heart shape or simply heart shape, v shape or inverted v shape. Also, the curved spoon back should not be forgotten.

Bentwood chairs are often made out of oak wood. This is the best wood as it gives an antique look. Oak wood is also known for its great preservation and aging. Aside from this, oak wood also gives the chair or bentwood chair its antique value making it more valuable as time goes by. Walnut and mahogany are also used in the making of bentwood chairs and these are more valuable than oak wood. You will also find bentwood chairs made out of ash, birch, beech etc.

The cost of bentwood chairs depends on the value, age and history behind it. You should also consider its current condition. Old chairs will show some damage or aging but this can be repaired. There are many sellers of bentwood chairs in the market today. You can start searching online for antique stores and other furniture stores in your area that sells these chairs.

The beauty of bedroom chairs

Bedroom chairs are very essential but most people don’t find it essential in their bedrooms. This is because bedroom chairs have been associated with the more extravagant outfits such as hotels and high-class dwellings.

Bedroom chairs can be very multi-fucntional. It can be used as conventional chairs or it can also be used as a chair for your dressing table when you are applying your make-up. Bedroom chairs are also ideal for reclining when friends or family visit. It is a convenient and a comfortable place for people to sit when it is not appropriate for them to sit on the bed. You will find that bedroom chairs nowadays are very fashionable, stylish and convenient.

Having bedroom chairs is wonderful. You don’t have to lie in your bed all day. In fact, do you want to plop down your bed after a long day? Of course, you would want to but if you still got some reading to do or you want to watch TV, then a comfortable bedroom chair will help a lot. It can serve as your relaxation center for reclining, sleeping or reading a book.

Popular bedroom chairs

The most popular among the bedroom chairs if the lazy boy chair. It is very elegant and stylish and it comes in a wide range of styles, colors and material. This is perfect for any bedroom. It comes in the color white, silver and black. There are also many versions of this. Some comes with a for rest and some people have gone a step further and installed foot massagers as extra enhancements.

There is also the beanbag which is included in the selection of bedroom chairs. It gained popularity all because of its comfortable nature. This is very comfortable and at the same time, it gives off a touch of class. Others find it cheap-looking and uncomfortable but clearly, it is not. There are some beanbags that cost hundreds of dollars and are very comfortable.

Finding bedroom chairs isn’t difficult as there all furniture stores offer them. You just have to find something that will give you maximum comfort, beauty and budget-friendly.

All you need to know about Asian furniture

Asian furniture will provide your home a traditional look. Also, it is also known that Asia has great diversity which reflects in the furniture that are available in different parts of Asia and being exported to different continents.

Different types of Asian furniture

Asian furniture are available in various types. You can choose from ancient and antique furniture to modern types. If you want Chinese furniture, it is more based on bamboos and other cane types. It is durable and it will give an oriental look and feel to your home. Asian furniture such as Chinese furniture is available all over the world and you can also get one online. If you want something Indian, there are Indian furniture that is very diverse as well. It is mostly wooden made and is highly durable.

Asian furniture are very durable and can last for a very long time. Buying furniture exactly from where Asian country it is made is best because you will get it in the best price and you will be assured that it is really made from there. However, not everyone can travel that far. The good news is that furniture stores hold a collection of Asian furniture that will catch your interest. Aside from this, the World Wide Web has a lot to offer as well.

The cost of Asian furniture

If you want a traditional look and feel to your home, Asian furniture is the best. It is not necessary that you fill your whole house with Asian furniture, you can concentrate on just one room. You will really be awed by the effect that it will give and there is something relaxing and peaceful with oriental pieces that Asian furniture evokes. It is like going to the spa, relaxing and being at peace with the world and at the same time, in touch with Mother Nature.

When it comes to the cost of Asian furniture, there is really no need for you to spend that much because you can find affordable ones. You just have to keep your eyes peeled and your ears perked just in case.

Asian furniture

Authentic Asian antiques

Looking for Asian antiques is not difficult, the difficult part is finding a genuine antique. Since there are a lot of reproductions out there and Asian antiques are extremely popular these days, you have to be cautious and knowledgeable on how to find genuine Asian antiques.

Finding genuine Asian antiques

If you want to be 100 percent sure that you are getting genuine Asian antiques, then visiting auctions is the best place for you to bisit. You will definitely come across a lot of genuine antiques. It is very difficult to sell a reproduction or a fake on in auctions because dealers, appraisers and experts are bound to come to determine the authenticity of each antique that is being auctioned. However, the starting bid for these antiques will definitely create a hole in your pocket, so come prepared.

Finding genuine Asian antiques will not be too difficult if you do your research. If you’re buying apiece of Asian antique online or in an antique store, you should know about the history of the specific piece you want to purchase. Purchasing online is trickier because you don’t get to hold and examine the item personally, so you will need to ask the seller to post or send you pictures with all the important details of the specific piece of Asian antique.

Other ideas to get genuine Asian antiques

If you really can’t do it, you could always hire an appraiser. The appraiser will charge you with a fee but you will be assured that you will get authentic Asian antiques. It is also a good thing if you have an antique dealer for a friend, this way, you won’t need to hire an appraiser but he or she can do it.

Asian antiques are beautiful and if you want the real thing, keep these tips in mind. You will surely get a valuable Asian antique if you do. There is no need to settle for reproductions if you can afford the real thing. Owning genuine Asian antiques is more rewarding and will be much appreciated by a lot of people and especially, yourself. Pride your home with Asian antiques.

Asian antiques

Asian antique furniture

Asian antique furniture has always been beautiful and charming. If you are thinking of adorning your home with Asian antique furniture, then you are on the right page. Asian antique furniture gives off a traditional and ethnic look. Very Asian yet at the same time, very lovely and evokes elegance. Here are some ideas of Asian antique furniture that you might want to try.

Suggestions for Asian antique furniture

For Asian antique furniture, why don’t you start looking at low tables. Low tables are very Asian, in fact, these are usually the tables of most countries in Asia. Low lying tables will be your start to make that specific room or even your whole home Asian-inspired with this particular piece of Asian antique furniture.

When it comes to cabinets, a small wooden cabinet was a popular Asian antique furniture. There are small cabients in Tibetan-style that are very popular among Asian furniture. It is very traditional and doesn’t look out of place in the living room. The next thing that you might want to buy for your home is a wooden bench. Benches were the old times’ sofa sets and there are wooden benches that were furnished with Asian prints in silk and other soft fabrics. Owning a wooden bench is one step for you to give your home an Asian feel.

Finding and buying Asian antique furniture

Making your home Asian inspired is not difficult with Asian antique furniture. There are a lot of antique stores that can provide you with such furniture. The World Wide Web also holds a wide selection of Asian antique furniture that you might want to consider looking at. However, you will need to prepare your budget because these lot don’t come cheap. Whether you are buying only a piece of furniture or a couple of pieces of furniture, you are bound to spend a hundred dollars to a couple of thousands.

Finding Asian antique furniture will also be much easier if you ask antique dealers or you join different forums that talk about antique furniture. From there, you will be given a lot of suggestions or recommendations from fellow antique collectors. On the other hand, if you are not an antique collector yet you want to start collecting or you want to start decorating your home with Asian antique furniture, you can do this as well.

Asian antique furniture

Arts and Crafts furniture

Arts and Crafts furniture – Something you don’t see everyday

Looking for Arts and Crafts furniture? You might have heard of this already but for those who haven’t and are wishing to know more about it, you have come to the right page. Arts and Crafts furniture making is a movement that is based on dedication to quality and integrity. They offer furniture in a number of categories such as Mission, Craftsman, Stickley, Quaint, Handcraft, Green &Greene, Prairie style and Roycroft. The idea behind these categories is the same, hand made furniture that is made attractive by its structure which is usually made of white oak or red oak.

History of arts and crafts furniture

The Arts and Crafts furniture was very popular in the early 20th century. However, its popularity diminished when new forms of modernism were introduced. The Mission design and Prairie Styles has both earned loyal advocated even though the movement became less popular. This is not the end, because the start of the 21st century revived Arts and Crafts furniture.

Arts and Crafts furniture offers a lot of different styles of antique furniture. Not your usual antique furniture, something more different and more rare than what you normally see in most antique stores. You will fall in love with the wide collection of furniture that is very simple yet at the same time made with integrity of design and workmanship.

Arts and Crafts furniture revolves around notions of quality materials, practicality and superior craftsmanship rather than fancy, detailed ornamentation. This makes their furniture stand out and draw people.

You can really see the hard work and the intricate details of these furniture offered by Arts and Crafts furniture. There is no doubt that the movement has gained more advocates or supporters. Antique collectors are flocking to get a piece of furniture from them. This is really not surprising because they really have the best quality of antique furniture.

Choosing the right apartment furniture

If you have recently moved in a new apartment, then you will need apartment furniture. Apartments are not too big except if you’re living in the penthouse. Since you have a small space, you have to maximize it and not make it look more cramped. That is why you have to choose wisely when you are looking for apartment furniture.

What to remember before you purchase apartment furniture

There are many stores out there that will provide you apartment furniture. Before you purchase apartment furniture, you have to assess the whole area first. You must keep in mind the space that you will be working on. Big furniture is a no-no. That is why you need to invest on small ones as these are more practical. What’s the use of having over-sized furniture if you can’t move around so much or you can’t even ask friends to come over because of the small area.

Tips when buying apartment furniture

Putting on mirrors will help a lot. Full-length mirrors will make the area or the whole apartment larger. It gives an illusion of a larger space and this will also serve as an ornament. There are decorative mirrors that you can find and mots apartment furniture stores have this. Also, go with lighter paints on the wall as this will make the whole apartment more airy and at the same time spacious. No one wants to live in a small and dark apartment. It’s too depressing.

You can also find apartment furniture that is double-purpose. For example, there are sofa beds that can convert into a bed or a sofa. This will be great especially if you are renting a studio type apartment. Aside from this, you might have been lusting over standing lamps but wall mounted or lights or lamps that can be attached to the ceiling will be more practical.

Another apartment furniture that you should stock up on are shelves. You can put these shelves in the kitchen to provide storage for your kitchenware, aside from this, it can also hold books and other items that you are bringing to your apartment. Apartment furniture isn’t difficult to find, the hard part is actually buying furniture for YOUR apartment. That is why you will need to assess the whole apartment first before you purchase apartment furniture.

These simple tips will guide you when buying apartment furniture. There are many cute apartment furniture that you can purchase and make your home feels like home and the way you want it to be.

Antiquing wood

Antiquing wood is a painting technique that will turn your furniture into antiques. It can also create interesting color effects. Antiques are expensive but if you want it yet you can’t afford it, you don’t have to save up for it because you can turn your wood furniture to an antique. Saves you a thousand dollars!

Step-by-step guide in antiquing wood

The first step in antiquing wood is to clean and dry the surface. Make sure that there is no dirt or oil on it. Next, you have to distress the wood. If you want the same look that beat up antique pieces have, choose a hammer, keys or rocks. Chisel to shave off some spots to represent wear and tear. Then, sand the piece in order to dull the surface.

Antiquing wood, the next step is to apply a base coat of flat or gloss enamel. Let it dry completely. The next step is to lightly brush on a dark brown glaze. While the glaze is still wet, use the steel wool to wipe it off and spread into the recessed areas or you can apply a transparent antiquing glaze. Let it dry only when it starts to dull. Wipe it off with a soft cloth along the grain of the wood. Always remember to work from the center out to the edges.

Let it dry completely and then sand certain areas to expose the wood. Seal the piece with semi-gloss or high-gloss varnish. Always make sure that the varnish is compatible with the antique finish as this will protect the surface.

When antiquing wood, distressing the wood, choose cheap furniture and not real antiques. You can also find antiquing kits in paint and hardware stores. Also, you have to keep in mind that the greater the contrast in color between the base and the glaze, the more obvious it will be that the furniture is antiqued. Also, you must keep in mind that antiquing glazes set quickly, so don’t do an area too large. Do not sand against the grain of the wood as it will scratch your piece.

Antiquing wood is really easy. Following this step-by-step guide will help you when it comes to antiquing wood.

Buying antiques for sale online

Antiques for sale online are gaining more and more popularity these days. This is because the World Wide Web has made antiquing a more exciting hobby because of the access it gives for people all over the world. You can get that antique furniture that you really like but cannot find in antique stores online. The good news is that there is no need for you to step out of your home, you can do everything from the comforts of your own home.

However, even though antiques for sale online have introduced an alternative for antique shopping, more caution is recommended. There are a lot of possibilities online when looking for antique furniture but ley’s not forget that the online world also holds a lot of scammers, taking advantage of the huge volume of online buyers.

Antiques for sale online – Avoiding scammers

To avoid scammers when looking for antiques for sale online, it is very important that you do your research. Researching includes knowing the history and reputation of the company that sells antique furniture online. You should also be familiar with their processing procedures. If the specific company/seller is not willing to give you direct contact information, then it is definitely a no-no. Aside from this, always ask for extra pictures of the antique you wish to buy if they can’t provide you with that then move onto the next site. A reputable company or seller online will be more than happy to talk with you and send you detailed pictures of a particular antique piece. Always make sure that they send you pictures of the front, back, top, underneath and inside. Also, they should have a refund policy and you should be able to return the item within a reasonable amount of time.

Distinguishing real antique and reproductions when buying antiques for sale online

There is another thing that you should worry about when it comes to antique furniture for sale online. Since you are looking for genuine antiques, then you must know how to identify reproductions. The difficult part when shopping online is that you are not given the ability to hold and examine the item. Hence, you must learn some ways to distinguish the piece if it’s a reproduction or a genuine antique.

The first thing that you have to do is to look for signs of age. Not all antiques for sale online that looks old are antiques. Signs of cracking, warping and fading are the three signs that you must look for. You should also look for imperfections. However, looking for these qualities depends on what type of antique you are buying. For furniture, a few imperfections will determine that it is an antique. When it comes to books or china, you should not see imperfections as this will lower their value.

These are simple tips that you have to keep in mind when looking for antiques for sale online. Following these tips will lead you to finding the best and authentic genuine and will also help you avoid scammers.