Group: http://groups.google.com/group/publish-these-articles/topics
- Creating the Casual Living Room Furniture [1 Update]
- Patio Furniture Clearance Sales Year Round [1 Update]
- Patio Furniture Design Tips From the Pros [1 Update]
- Living Room Furniture Sets That Set You Apart [1 Update]
- Teak Patio Furniture a Solid Choice [1 Update]
- Patio Furniture Covers Essential to a Long Life [1 Update]
- Design Ideas For Your Living Room [1 Update]
- Outdoor Patio Furniture for the Ages [1 Update]
- Great Ideas For Arranging Living Room Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Antique Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Stain Wood Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Hold Down Patio Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Care For Teak Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Clean Leather Furniture [1 Update]
- Tips on How to Distress Furniture [1 Update]
- Tips on What to Use to Clean Cloth Patio Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Remove Stains From Patio Furniture Cushions [1 Update]
- How to Clean Light Colored Wood Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Clean Patio Furniture Cushions [1 Update]
- How do I Remove Crayon Marks From Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Decorate a Room With Antique Furniture [1 Update]
- How to Lock Patio Furniture [1 Update]
- What to Use to Clean Mold From Cloth Patio Furniture [1 Update]
- Furniture You Can Use as a Vanity [1 Update]
- How to Stain Furniture [1 Update]
- "Jesse Akre" <submissions@isnare.net> Apr 30 10:40PM +0800
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Article Title: Creating the Casual Living Room Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 660
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Living rooms don't have to be the formal affairs they once were, with the overstuffed sofas, expensive lamps and grand window treatments. Living rooms in recent years have gone casual, looking more and more like the family rooms of old.
Casual living room furniture has been a big reason why this has happened. Manufacturers have found that casual living room furniture can really brighten up a home and create a space that gets far more use than the living room of old.
Creating the look you want with casual living room furniture isn't that difficult, if you follow some basic guidelines.
First, the emphasis is on comfort. The furniture needs to be welcoming and above all comfortable. While formal living rooms are all about style and statement, you want to create a casual environment that is soft and supple in color, style and design. You want visitors to sink into the casual living room furniture, instantly relaxing and feeling at home.
The space shouldn't be overly loaded with furniture; instead it should feel cozy. Even a cavernous great room can have that casual feeling, if you create sensible groupings of casual living room furniture. Don't be tempted to create a singular seating space in the case of a great room. Break it down visually into one main entertainment space and one or more smaller conversation groupings.
Instead of going with darker, more formal colors, go with neutral tones accented by brighter pillows and walls. Make it lively and energetic, mixing and matching tones and fabrics in your casual living room furniture. Same goes for the walls. Go bright, not dark.
Use area rugs to define the different spaces. Make sure that each piece is inside or at least touching the area rug. This ties everything together visually. In fact, area rugs are one of the easiest things you can do to give a room an instant makeover.
There isn't a single style of furniture called casual living room furniture. Instead, it is more about the ambience you're creating in the room. Think of the ideal vacation home when coming up with design ideas. If you look through home and garden magazines, study what these homes look like. You want to recreate the feeling that you are on vacation or on a retreat. This is what makes a living room feel casual as opposed to formal.
When shopping for the right furniture, balance your efforts between brick and mortar and online stores. Often it's easier to shop online for casual furniture as you can use search words to narrow your search. For example, you can enter phrases like "tropical living room furniture" or "overstuffed sofa" and get just those items. In a traditional brick and mortar store it may take time before you stumble on a casual approach to living room furnishings and even then your favorite pieces may be in entirely different rooms, making it hard to see how they go together.
With online stores you can copy and paste the different pieces onto a single page and print them out to get a better sense of how they tie together.
Keep in mind that when you're trying to create the ideal casual living room space you want to avoid the dark colors, dark woods and ornate embellishments that can make a room seem more formal.
That said, don't avoid color all together. While you can never go wrong with neutral colored stuffed pieces – the sofa, sectional chairs – you can use brightly colored pillows to kick them up a notch. This is also a smart use of your budget since the neutral furnishing never go out of style and should you want to go with something more formal down the road, you only have to change the accents, not the furniture itself.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.ekitchentables.com
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- "Jesse Akre" <submissions@isnare.net> Apr 30 10:30PM +0800
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Article Title: Patio Furniture Clearance Sales Year Round
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 637
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If you've ever tried to get the patio furnishings of your dreams during the short spring and summer selling season, then you know how hard it can be. The pickings at your neighborhood store can be downright slim. And even if you do find the perfect piece, it can cost you an arm and a leg.
However, there is a better way to get a deal while still getting top quality furniture: the patio furniture clearance sale.
The best ones are online and many furniture sellers offer nice discounts on fashionable, top quality furnishings that may be just what you're looking for.
Yes, the words "patio furniture clearance" can strike fear in the hearts of many a homeowner. Thoughts of poor quality, scratch and dent pieces come to mind – furniture you wouldn't be caught owning, let alone relaxing in.
But "patio furniture clearance" doesn't have the same meaning when you're shopping for quality furniture. Rather, it could simply mean the seller had an overstock of a particular piece or style or they may have to make room for new furnishings.
If you're interested in shopping patio furniture clearance sales, you'll want to consider both in-store and online sales. If you live in a location with seasonal sales, you'll want to start shopping for a sale in July. By August everything will be gone as retailers enter the holiday shopping season. All the patio furniture clearance items have to make way for Halloween and Christmas.
Online is another matter. No matter what the season, there always seems to be a sale going on somewhere. Entering the keywords "patio furniture clearance" is a great way to start your online search. You can also enter phrases like "patio furniture sale" or "patio furniture discount". It may take a few tries to find exactly what you're looking for.
And what will you find? While you can always find an assortment of your run of the mill plastic chairs and tables, you can also find gorgeous pieces that will turn your deck or balcony into a showcase of style, beauty and comfort.
One of the great things about online patio furniture listings is that you can shop by style, material or color. In other words, you can find matching teak pieces quickly and easily, including many accent pieces that you wouldn't normally find, even in a well-stocked outdoor furnishing store.
For example, you may find a lovely sofa and loveseat set as well as a matching storage chest and even a trash receptacle in matching teak. Many times these furnishings come from nationally known manufacturers, not a low-end exporter.
Best of all, they come with an attractive price tag. In contrast to the height of summer where you will pay top dollar for your purchases, patio furniture clearance sales may mark down that same item anywhere from 10% to 50% or even more.
When shopping for clearances, pay particular attention to the shipping and handling fees. Some online retailers tack on shipping, which can reduce your savings. Try to find those who offer free shipping or really reduced rates. They are out there. You just need to do your homework.
Finding patio furniture clearance sales is relatively straightforward and can even be an adventure. By investing just a little time and effort, you can find top quality items at very competitive prices, often without leaving the comfort of your own home. Not only do you end up with some gorgeous furniture in the process, but you also can save quite a bit of money, enough to spring for a nice cookout with friends and family so you can all enjoy your smart buys.
About The Author: Jesse Akre owns Edenvale Shoppes and hosts numerous furniture and furnishings for any home whether it be http://www.eknobsandpulls.com drawer pulls or http://www.simplyendtables.com end tables styles and designs.
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- "Jesse Akre" <submissions@isnare.net> Apr 30 10:20PM +0800
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Article Title: Patio Furniture Design Tips From the Pros
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 796
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In many ways a patio, balcony, deck or even a garden is an extension of today's home, whether it's in the backyard of your home or on the 20th floor of a high rise. Having the right patio furniture can really make an outdoor space feel more like home, too.
While some parts of the country have a traditional summer in which to enjoy the great outdoors, other parts can enjoy the beauty of their patio or balcony year round. Regardless of the length of season, the décor of any outdoor space needs to be cohesive, comfortable and welcoming. If it's not, it will go unused as family and guests continue to move the party back inside whenever they can.
It's ironic that many homeowners spend a lot of time choosing just the right chair or end table for their living room, but give their patio furniture little thought. But with the right design decisions – from the furnishings to the lighting, you can create an outdoor living space that is as inviting, if not more so, than the interior spaces in your home.
Design pros will tell you that your patio and balcony is an extension of your home. As such, the patio furniture should match the style of the home. If you have a century old Victorian, you'll want to use classic Adirondack or wicker furnishings to complement it and tie the outside and inside together. Conversely, a modern home demands more modern patio furniture. You can just never go wrong with matching styles.
Another consideration is the available space. Where you can get away with a slightly crowded look indoors, you don't want your patio or balcony to feel crowded. You should leave lots of open space for entertaining. If you like to cook out, the first consideration is where the cooking area goes. This will allow you to build around it, adding tables, benches and other furnishings to support the main entertainment – cooking, eating and entertaining.
If relaxation is the primary purpose, you want to make sure that you have spaces that are dedicated to rest. In other words, you don't want a chaise lounge or a hammock next to a main traffic pattern. No one will ever get any rest. Instead, you should select an out of the way place that will allow someone to relax and recharge in peace.
To make the most of your space, do what the design pros do – draw it out first. Make a scale drawing of your patio or balcony. Then add in the patio furniture, cook area, etc. and rearrange it until you are happy with the entertainment/conversation spaces, eating area and main corridors that allow people to move through the space from your home to your yard.
A word about the patio furniture itself. If you've ever frequented a home improvement store or discount store in your community, then you know how slim the pickings can be. Rather than settling for the few styles offered, you may want to go online and shop instead. You'll find that the selection is fantastic and online furniture stores offer tremendous value.
When it comes to patio furniture you should invest in the best quality you can afford. Properly cared for, your furniture can last years and you really do get what you pay for. Some of the patio furniture found in discount stores won't last a season or two of heavy barbecues.
Like your living room, you may want to build your design around a focal point such as a view, a pool or fire pit. Create small groupings whenever possible so your guests can have more intimate conversations, but don't pick too many patio furniture pieces that can't be moved easily. People like to move around and when it comes time to eat, it's nice to have everybody together in one place to enjoy a bite to eat and some lively conversation.
As you add patio furniture, factor in storage. You may want to consider bench seating around the perimeter of your patio or balcony that has storage underneath. This will allow you to keep yard games, candles, plates and plasticware handy.
Finally, don't forget about lighting when you're designing your patio and incorporating patio furniture. String lights are not only decorative, but functional as well, casting a lovely subdued light across the entire space. You can add lighting to illuminate your cooking area or the outdoor bar. Just don't overdo the light, as you want to also be able to enjoy a clear, starlit night.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.edenvaleshoppes.com
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- "Jesse Akre" <submissions@isnare.net> Apr 30 10:10PM +0800
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Article Title: Living Room Furniture Sets That Set You Apart
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 670
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Choosing the right furniture can be a hit and miss affair, largely because furnishings are purchased over a period of time and a once favorite style has been discontinued, forcing you to choose other pieces that may not have the same fabric, color or style.
Living room furniture sets are a great way to avoid this problem. If you're purchasing new furniture for the room, living room furniture sets will not only give your room that cohesive, "I planned it to look like this" feel, but it can also save you money.
A lot of furniture retailers offer complete living room furniture sets. The pieces offered can vary widely. For instance, some living room furniture sets come with a sofa, loveseat and matching chair while others offer a sofa, loveseat and matching coffee and end tables. Still others will feature a large sectional with end tables and a coffee table.
There really is no limit when it comes to what constitutes what's included in living room furniture sets.
The nice thing about these sets is that they are usually offered at a package price. Instead of paying for each piece individually, the whole package is marked down and sold together. This not only saves you time, but money.
And who doesn't like to save money?
When shopping for living room furniture sets you want to first select the style of furniture you want to have. This is easy to do online. Just enter phrases like "modern furniture living room set" or "traditional living room furniture set" and you should get a lot of results returned.
In fact, shopping online is one of the best ways to shop for living room furniture sets since you can easily compare what different stores offer and pick the set that best matches your needs. Case in point. Say you have a unique coffee table and matching end tables that you're not willing to part with. You can go online and shop for sets that have a sofa and love seat or a sectional with matching chairs.
Once you found the style you like you can narrow down which color and fabric you want. There are lots of choices out there and many retailers will allow you to choose from a selection of colors or fabrics.
As you narrow your choices, be sure to check the shipping charges and return policies. Try to go with a retailer that offers free shipping and a generous 30-day return and exchange program. This allows you to save even more money while still being able to address any issues you have should the furniture you order not be what you were expecting or came in the wrong color.
When your order arrives, be sure to inspect everything before you sign off on the shipment. This will allow you to rectify a problem if there is damage that is the shipper's fault, not the company you purchased your furniture from.
Pay attention to the shipment dates, too. You'll want to have your old furniture out of the living room before your new stuff arrives. This not only allows you to get it all unpacked and set, but check if there is any damage. While it's rare, you do want to check just to be sure.
If your old furniture is in good condition consider having it picked up by a local charity the day before your new furniture arrives. Otherwise, you'll need to take it out to the garage or add it to another room.
Just know that your new furniture set will totally transform your room and give it an instant makeover that isn't possible if you were to buy new furniture a piece at a time. Living room furniture sets are one of the quickest ways to add beauty and charm without a lot of work.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.GourmetDecorStore.com
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Article Title: Teak Patio Furniture a Solid Choice
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 651
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If you've ever wanted teak patio furniture for your outdoor entertainment spaces you're not alone. Tectona Grandis, the official species classification for teak, is a lovely wood that is sturdy, durable and will continue to look beautiful for years, if not decades.
While it is slightly more costly than other woods used in patio furniture, teak is a slow growing wood – taking 50 to 60 years to mature. Since the growing cycles are longer, the supply of teak from managed forests is smaller than cedar. As such, teak patio furniture has a higher price tag.
That said, you won't be disappointed with the investment, particularly if you look for some good deals at online furniture stores who specialize in quality teak patio furniture.
Teak is a great wood for outdoor furnishings. It is highly resistant to insects, largely due to the oils that are in it. This is also what gives the teak its characteristic honey-gold color. As teak patio furniture ages, it naturally begins to lose its color, turning silver-gray with time. To keep it looking like new, you want to occasionally rub some Danish or teak oil into the wood to nourish it. If it turns silver-gray, don't worry. It's not going to fall apart on you. It won't even crack or chip.
That's because teak is a really strong wood that can take the worst elements and still look good. It won't begin to fall apart on you like some other woods will, especially wood furniture that is purchased at discount stores. When it comes to teak patio furniture and patio furniture in general, you really do get what you pay for.
Another reason why you want to purchase your teak patio furniture from a reputable company is that all teak is not created equal. Some wood furniture may look like teak, but it could be other woods disguised to look like teak.
Original teak is pretty easy to detect, if you know what you're looking for.
First, teak has a straight grain with just some wave lines. It is a dark honey-brown to gold color and doesn't appear as if it ever had any stain applied to it. It has a rich look to it, with gentle streaks of darker browns.
Because it has a high oil content to it, it won't look or feel like other wood. It is extremely hard. If you put your hand on the furniture and rub your hand on it, it just feels different than other woods. Also, if you see splinters or big knots, it's not teak. Walk on by.
Teak patio furniture will have a light scent to it that is fragrant. It's an earthy smell that doesn't smell of fresh cut wood, but of oil and silica.
Of course, it's tough to smell or touch wood if you order online. So how do you tell if the wood is really teak if you can't touch or smell it? The easiest answer is to order from a reputable business that has been around for a while.
See if they carry brand name teak patio furniture and ask questions about the products. They should be more than happy to answer your questions and tell you all about the furniture you're interested in purchasing.
Of course, most reputable companies will offer a generous return policy on teak patio furniture. This includes a 30-day window for returning or exchanging an item that you find unsatisfactory. You may need to pay a restocking fee and cover the costs of shipping, but it removes a lot of the risk of purchasing furniture from a new vendor, whether that company is across town or across the country.
About The Author: Jesse Akre owns Edenvale Shoppes and hosts numerous furniture and furnishings for any home whether it be http://www.morethanteak.com/ teak chairs or http://www.simplytowelbars.com towel bars styles and designs.
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Article Title: Patio Furniture Covers Essential to a Long Life
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 692
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Patio furniture can be a sizable investment, one that you don't want to have to make year in and year out. One of the best ways to keep your outdoor furniture looking like new for years are patio furniture covers.
Patio furniture covers will keep the elements from taking their toll on your furniture. From the harsh rays of the sun, the torrential rains of spring and fall and the cold weather and even snow of winter, your furniture can quickly fade, crack and weaken.
Unfortunately, each piece of furniture doesn't come with its own cover. Still, there are plenty of choices out on the market, from patio furniture covers for single chairs to ones that cover an entire sofa or love seat.
When selecting the right covers, there are some things you'll want to consider.
First, you want to select the smallest cover possible. You want it snug enough that it won't be prone to billowing in winds, which could rip the cover. But you don't want it to be so tight that a light breeze will cause it to strain to the point of tearing.
Patio furniture covers that fit properly also won't form sags where water can collect. This standing water could potentially work its way into the furniture over time. It also can serve as a breeding ground for insects, particularly mosquitoes.
To measure your patio furniture covers you'll need a pad, pencil and tape measure.
Start by measuring from the highest point on the back of the furniture to the ground. Then measure the width at the widest point. Finally measure from the front to the widest point on the back of the chair, sofa or love seat.
This will give you the height, width and depth of the furniture. If your piece of furniture has arms, you may want to measure them well as some patio furniture covers mirror the general shape of the chair.
If you have a table with a set of chairs, push all the chairs in before you start to measure. First, measure from the ground to the top of the chair. Then measure the width and length of the table from the back of the chair to the back of the chair on the other side. Make sure the legs don't stick out farther than the back. If they do, factor that into your measurement.
Now that you know the sizes you need, it's time to consider the type of weather you have. If you're in a rainy part of the country, you'll want to get covers that are of thick plastic or waterproof canvas.
It if gets humid in the off-season, consider patio furniture covers that can breathe a bit so that your furniture doesn't become moldy. Don't be tempted to go with the cheapest cover, especially if your furniture is high quality. You'll be very disappointed at the end of the season.
It's highly recommended that you shop around for your covers. While there may be few choices in your local home improvement or outdoor furniture store, there are plenty of patio furniture covers to be found online. You'll find that the selection is better since online warehouses often offer better selection.
If your furniture is going to be left out in the open, be sure you select patio furniture covers that are attractive. Anyone who's had to stare at a bunch of blue tarps held down by bricks on an otherwise pristine snow covered day will understand the importance of getting covers that are nice to look at.
Finally, be sure that you bring the cushions inside before covering your furniture for the season. The cushions can mold and mildew and if left out too long, can be ruined if they stay on the furniture. Clean them, dry them, then put them away in the garage or basement until the sun returns once again.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.simplytowelbars.com
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Article Title: Design Ideas For Your Living Room
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 651
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There are so many living room design ideas out there that it can be really hard to decide on the right direction to go. Home décor magazines offer plenty of ideas, as do home improvement shows.
These tips are great for experienced interior designers, but what living room design ideas can the average person adopt to turn their house into a home.
It's not really as difficult as it may seem. The first thing you need to do is settle on a style. It can be rustic, contemporary, traditional, European or even eclectic. There's no right or wrong. However, the style of house you have can greatly influence your decision. For example, a country home may look more homey if the living room design ideas are built around country furnishings, rustic or traditional. It may be harder to pull off modern or contemporary in a house that begs for something a little more traditional.
Once you have a style in mind you can start building living room design ideas. Regardless of the style you choose, you want to build everything around a focal point. It can be a fireplace, a view window, a huge plasma screen or a piece of artwork. If you don't know what it is in your living room, close your eyes. When you open them what are they naturally drawn to? Ask friends and family to do the same. That is your focal point.
If you don't have one you can use a colored wall to do the same thing. Pick a daring, bold color that will complement the other living room design ideas you have and paint a wall that color. This will create the focal point that any room needs. When picking a color, be sure it contrasts or complements the color of your furnishings. A pink wall isn't going to jibe well with a green sofa. If you're not sure what goes with what, ask the folks at your local home improvement or paint store for suggestions on a matching color. Just bring in the pillow or cushion and see what you can jointly come up with.
If you have windows, your window treatments should also support your overall living room design ideas, right down to the colors and fabrics. While many homes have gone away from drapes and curtains in favor of shades, you may want to reconsider them if you're incorporating new living room design ideas into your home. They can really make a view window pop or add drama to an otherwise sterile space.
Don't overlook lighting, either. If you're looking for drama or focal points, light can help define it even more. Also, you want your room to be evenly lit. You don't want dark spots that can't be lit when you want them to be. So spread your lighting out and make sure they are part of the living room design ideas you use in your home. Whenever possible, go with dimmer switches on all the lights so you can exercise even more control over the lighting in the room.
Finally, don't overlook the artwork and the special touches that make a house a home. It's OK to have knick-knacks and art, as long as they fit with what you're trying to accomplish. The wrong piece can really upend your attempts to create a harmonic, warm space that invites guests in and makes them feel at home. Try placing knickknacks and art in different places to see where they fit best. If something just doesn't work, don't force it. Find some other place for it in your home. Even if it's your favorite thing in the world, it can destroy everything you're striving to accomplish.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.simplyendtables.com
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Article Title: Outdoor Patio Furniture for the Ages
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 631
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For generations, our ancestors sought any shelter they could to get out of the elements. First a cave, then a primitive hut, and now expansive homes in the suburbs. Who could have guessed that our homes would become a seamless blend of indoors and out, thanks in part to outdoor patio furniture.
Today's outdoor patio furniture is as important to the design and décor of your home as the furniture in your living room. Your patio, porch or balcony has become an extension of the home itself. And thanks to the addition of folding doors, French doors and sliders, the barrier between indoors and outdoors is less noticeable than ever before.
Perhaps that's why outdoor patio furniture has taken on a new look in recent years. Gone are the days of clunky wood furnishings that look as if they were made in a high school shop class.
In their place are stunning designs that mirror the furnishings of your home, from comfortable sofas and loveseats to rockers and chaise lounges. Talk about stunning! Many of these pieces of outdoor patio furniture could easily transition right into your interior living spaces and not look a bit out of place.
Part of the reason for this is the new materials and new manufacturing techniques that have blurred the lines of what's indoor furniture and what's outdoor patio furniture. Soft fabrics that are weather and fade resistant have replaced the crunchy plastic fabrics of old and wicker, wrought iron, formed aluminum and new eco-friendly woods have captured the imagination of homeowners everywhere.
One of the reasons behind this explosion in outdoor patio furniture is that online stores have been able to expand the offerings far beyond what is ordinary available locally. This is especially true in the northern climes, where outdoor furniture is a seasonal item. Online, summer is year round and savvy shoppers can do their shopping well in advance of the warmer months, getting the most stylish furniture available at attractive prices.
When selecting furniture for your outdoor entertainment spaces, you want to see how it may tie into your indoor décor. If you have large windows, sliders or doors that open out onto your patio, deck or balcony, you may find that the two areas do in fact work together to create a singular look. As such, you may want to choose colors, fabrics and even the materials to match, contrast or complement.
Many of today's most stylish outdoor patio furniture comes in a wide range of finishes and fabrics and it's easier than ever to create a cohesive look between the indoors and outdoors, even adding complementary lighting which picks up the general styles of your home.
This is one of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing furniture, indoors or out. You want it to support the overall architecture look of your home, picking up and building on the overarching theme. While professional designers may be able to do the impossible and mix and match styles, the average homeowner should stick to what they know. In other words, you know what looks and feels right, both when it comes to indoor furniture and outdoor patio furniture.
You really can't go wrong if you stick with what you like. Mirroring the latest fashion magazines sounds good, but if you don't find it inviting, you may never use the space to its fullest advantage. As with your indoor spaces, the goal in decorating your patio, balcony, deck or porch is to extend the warmth and comfort of the home's interior while expanding your home's square footage in the process.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.simplybenches.com
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Article Title: Great Ideas For Arranging Living Room Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 667
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Getting great ideas for arranging living room furniture is something of a lost art. At one time, living rooms were the formal entertainment spaces, akin to parlors back in the Victorian age. It was used mostly when guests and visitors came by.
Today's living room is much more multipurpose, especially with modern open floor plans where the living room is often connected visually with the kitchen, dining room and perhaps even a family room.
As such, thinking up smart ideas for arranging living room furniture is a bit more challenging as it must not only serve in a more formal role, but be useful day in and day out for the family.
But getting ideas for arranging living room furniture isn't as hard as it seems. The first thing you want to do is decide if your room has a strong focal point. It could be the fireplace or a view window, but just as likely these days it's a large screen plasma or LED TV with a home theater system.
If your home has such a TV, then you will start by arranging living room furniture so that everyone who comes over for a movie can see the screen. You really can never go wrong with centering the sofa or sectional right in front of the TV. If you have occasional chairs, you can add them to the mix by placing them between the sofa and the TV, setting them out a bit so views aren't blocked. If they swivel, so much the better so you can switch between conversation and movie watching.
But what about ideas for arranging living room furniture when you have a sofa and a love seat? The traditional solution is to place them facing each other. But if you have a strong focal point you may want to place them in an L configuration instead, with the sofa on the long end and the love seat at a 90-degree angle. If you have a TV you may want to angle them a bit so all the seating faces the TV.
Ideas for arranging living room furniture don't end with the sofa or sectional, though. Few living rooms are so austere as to have just a sofa, a sofa and love seat or a sectional to consider. There are chairs and end tables to factor in as well as a coffee table and entertainment center.
So, what are the ideas for arranging living room furniture when you have a lot of pieces? The goal is to not make the room too cluttered. While it's tempting to use all the furnishings you have, you want to start from scratch, building from your largest piece set to showcase the focal point and build from there.
One of the important ideas for arranging living room furniture is to have defined traffic patterns. You want to have at least two major entry/exit points for your furniture grouping so that guests can come and go easily. Nothing's more maddening than having to make people get up or tuck in their feet every two seconds so someone can squeeze by. These major traffic patterns should be three feet wide. The lesser spaces around furniture can be 18" wide, such as the space between the coffee table and sofa or the space between occasional chairs and the coffee table.
As noted, the best way to arrange the room is to start with the largest piece and let it focus on the focal point. Then you build around it with the next largest piece, then the next. Finally you add in the smaller tables and chairs, ensuring that you allow plenty of space for traffic patterns. From there, use your judgment. You'll know when the room is right because it will look right. It's as much a feeling as it is a science.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.onlytables.com
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Article Title: How to Antique Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 726
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It may seem a bit odd to want to make a newer piece of furniture look like an antique. After all, isn't that what antiques are for?
Unfortunately, antiques can be pretty pricey. And with just a little time and labor, you can turn an ordinary piece of furniture that you have in your house, found at a garage or estate sale or discovered hidden away in the corner of a thrift store and turn it into a beautiful piece of antique furniture.
The first task at hand is to pick the right piece of furniture for antiquing. Obviously, you don't want to do this with a contemporary or modern piece of furniture. It won't look quite right no matter what you do.
Start by applying primer to the furniture and then let it dry thoroughly. Overnight is good, 24 hours is even better. Now you're ready to add the first coat of paint. Latex is the best choice since it dries fast and is easy to clean up. When it's completely dry, add a second coat. If you want, you can use two different colors of paint to increase the appearance that the chair has been around a long time and has been repainted several times over the years.
Ready for the magic to happen? The first thing to do is remove some of the point in the areas where the furniture would naturally show wear over time. This can be around the edges of a chair seat, an arm rest, the sides of a table or around knobs. 60 grit sandpaper will work well with this. Just be sure that you don't sand too deep. You just want to wear some of the paint off so the lower layer of paint or the wood shows through. Once you like the look, go over the area with some 120 grit paper to smooth any rough spots out.
If you want to make it look a little more weather beaten and time worn, you can use a little tough love to create more interesting effects. One of these is to use a heavy chain about a foot long. Hit the furniture with the chain. It will make irregular indentations. You can use fencing pliers to make little holes in the wood, as if bugs had been boring into it. The pliers can also put in some scratches in strategic places. Don't get too carried away. You want your furniture to look antiqued, not mugged.
Remember that you want to age it with a chain and fencing pliers before you paint. Otherwise you'll just undo all the hard work you just did.
A hammer can create some interesting effects as well. Again, be random with the marks. Don't get carried away with their placement or group things together too closely.
For an aged wood effect, you can apply lye-based oven cleaner over the surface of the furniture. Wipe away any excess. Then coat with vinegar, which will neutralize the oven cleaner and leave the wood looking gray, as if it had sat outdoors for years. If you want to add a few water rings, you can use a tin can that has been filled with hot water. Wet the bottom, set the can down for about 15 minutes or so, and voila! Instant water ring.
To add dimension to your antique furniture, apply a little brown or black shoe polish around the edges. This works great on the spindles of a chair back or down on the turned legs. Work the polish in with a rag, then lightly wipe of the excess. The polish will stay in the grooves and channels of the wood, giving it more depth and complexity.
If you want a darker color to the wood, use a dark colored paste wax. Generously apply it to the areas that you want to have a deeper color and then wipe off the excess. It can really enhance the antiquing effect.
These techniques aren't hard to learn at all and with a little practice, you may be able to rejuvenate a tired looking piece of wood furniture with a little antiquing, letting it shine anew by looking old.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.econsoletables.com
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Article Title: How to Stain Wood Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 727
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Learning how to stain wood furniture isn't difficult. You don't need to be a master furniture maker to breathe new life into your furniture, which may have become lackluster and dull over the years, thanks to ordinary household dirt and body oils – mortal enemies of fine furniture.
Unfortunately, many of us resort to commercial waxes and polishes in a fruitless effort to reverse the process. These only make matters worse, creating new layers for dirt to glom onto.
The only way to restore the finish is to go back to square one and re-stain the original wood. This means stripping off the old finish and building up from there.
It's a labor intensive process, to be sure. But it can also be a labor of love, if done correctly.
First you have to remove the old stain. To do this you need to apply two-part hydrogen peroxide, which is available in the paint department of your home improvement store. Follow the directions carefully and be sure you have a space with good ventilation. Be sure you use a drop cloth to catch any spills.
Apply the mixture to the furniture. You can use a paintbrush for seams and joints and a sponge for the flat areas. After the stain has been removed, follow the directions on the package for neutralizing the bleach so it stops the bleaching process. Follow up with a vinegar wash, just to make sure.
It will take the wood about two days to dry. When it has, sand it down with extra fine grit sandpaper. Brush off any remaining dust, including any that is left in the joints and details. Remove these with a paintbrush.
Now that the wood has been returned to its original color, it's time to stain it. If the wood is cherry, mahogany, maple or a rare wood, you may want to just oil it to bring out the grain. If it's a light wood, such as beech, birch, poplar or pine, you may want to stain it. The same is true for oak, though it can also benefit from oil alone.
There are many types of stain out there – oil-based, water-based, NGR – there's no right or wrong. Each has its own virtues and challenges. If you're not sure, ask your local paint store employee what would be best for your situation.
Before you ever apply a stain, test it first. If you can, buy a short piece of the same type of wood so you can try out several different stains. This is important, since the color and finish portrayed on the packaging isn't what you'll necessarily get. There are simply too many variables in staining, including the porosity of the wood, the type of stain, the number of coats and thickness of the coats, etc.
Stain can be applied with a brush or a rag. If it's an oil stain, you'll want to let it set for about 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off. If you're using a brush remember to go with the grain in long strokes and try not to overlap. This will cause darker streaks in the stain. If the finish isn't dark enough for you, let it dry and apply a second or even third coat. Each one will create a darker finish. Just remember that you can't go backwards. There's no way to remove a layer if you think it's too dark without stripping it all down and starting over again.
Once the furniture is stained to your liking, it's time to seal it. You want to add a final coat of shellac, sealer or varnish to keep the wood from absorbing other liquids, such as a glass of accidentally spilled wine. Again, check with the paint store employee on what to use. Some sealers don't play nice with specific types of stain. After sealing, sand the wood once more lightly and you're all set.
Staining wood furniture can be very labor intensive, but if you really want your favorite piece of furniture to stay in your favor, it's a great way to make the old look new again.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.ekitchentables.com
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Article Title: How to Hold Down Patio Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
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Patio furniture is a big investment and you certainly want to make sure it's there for you to enjoy year in and year out. If you have a protected backyard area, you probably don't worry too much about holding down patio furniture so that it doesn't wander away in a strong wind or a tempest.
But battling the elements is a way of life for those who live on the coast or in areas where the trade winds seem to always be blowing. Often, a strong wind can come out of nowhere, sending all your furniture, food and beverages flying. This is especially true if you have a patio filled with plastic patio furniture.
As you know, these inexpensive pieces can come in real handy at a party, supplementing your permanent patio furniture so everyone can gather, enjoy a drink and have a bite to eat on a hot summer's day. Not only are they inexpensive, but they are easy to move around, especially when compared to a quality piece of furniture, which is made to last and is far more substantial.
To keep your party from becoming an unintentional whirlwind of excitement, you'll want to take some precautions when preparing your party if there is wind in the forecast. With just a few precautions, you can be assured that your party will be a hit, even if it's hit with a sudden gust of wind.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to weight your furniture down with an unsightly red brick. You can, however, weight a small patio table down with a glass brick that is filled with colorful sand or other heavy objects, such as glass beads. This not only adds weight, but beauty to these tables.
If your party is going to last into the evening, you can use a similar trick, but create lighting instead. You can use the decorative glass bricks to hold a single candle or push several tapered candles down into a base of sand or aquarium rocks. This can create an elegant decoration as well as hold down the table.
Plastic patio chairs are a little more difficult to work with. That said, you can create a simple weight with lead sinkers. If you're anywhere near a lake, river or ocean, chances are good that you have a fishing tackle store nearby. Sometimes Wal-Mart will have a good selection as well of lead fishing weights.
Get a good commercial grade lead sinker, one that is heavy enough to keep your chairs in place without adding so much weight to the chair that it's difficult to move around. You can mount these weights one of two ways. If you want them out of sight and out of mind, you can add them to the base of the legs where they curve together. You can glue them in there permanently or use some decorative duct tape (it comes in many colors these days) to hold them in. Alternately, you can hang the weight from the center of the chair. Just drill two holes in the center of the chair (usually there's already one there for a drain) and tie the sinker to it with fishing line. Be sure that you leave enough line so the sinker touches the patio or deck. You don't want it swinging around and potentially hitting the guest sitting in the chair.
Larger dining room tables won't move as readily, but if you have an umbrella you'll want to make sure it has a weighted base to add heft to the table. Otherwise, your umbrella can catch a sudden gust and send your table flying. The decorative glass bricks mentioned above can also help keep the table weighted enough to resist a brisk breeze. These bricks are available at nearly any home improvement store, as they are a popular item homes where they are used to create translucent walls in the bathroom or between rooms. To add a decorative touch, insert a string of colored lights into the opening and plug them in when darkness falls.
Obviously, wood, wrought iron and steel patio furniture won't wander off as easily as the plastic variety. But with just a little bit of creativity and some planning, you can host an outdoor party with confidence, even if the weather calls for a bit of a bluster.
About The Author: Jesse Akre owns Edenvale Shoppes and hosts numerous furniture and furnishings for any home whether it be http://www.eknobsandpulls.com drawer pulls or http://www.simplyendtables.com end tables styles and designs.
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Article Title: How to Care For Teak Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
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Teak is one of the classic woods used in outdoor furniture. Thanks to its density and natural oils, it's impervious to invasion by insects and it won't rot or dry out, even if you live in the hot Arizona desert.
That's because teak is loaded with silica. This will keep it from swelling or shrinking. It's one of the main reasons why ship builders have used teak for generations for decks on sailboats and yachts. It can really take a beating with very little maintenance.
Still, you do want to take care of your teak, even if it's only to conduct periodic maintenance. This is particularly important if you want your teak furniture to retain its gorgeous honey coloring. If you don't do anything at all, eventually the color will turn to a silver gray. The change in color doesn't affect the strength or durability of the furniture. It's purely cosmetic.
Teak wood can be more expensive than cedar, beech or poplar outdoor furniture. That's because the wood itself is rarer, coming out of eco-friendly sustainable growth forests that don't deplete the earth's natural resources.
If you do want to keep your teak furniture in top form, start by keeping it clean. You'll want to keep it free of dirt and oils that can cause it to look dull and grimy. A yearly hosing and brush down should be sufficient.
For deep cleaning you want to use teak or Danish oil. Many furniture care experts recommend using teak oil purchased from a marine supply store. It's believed that it is a purer, richer product, since it has to fend off the elements of a tempest out in the ocean. Danish oil is a good substitute, as it will dry relatively quickly and leave the wood with a deep, rich luster without darkening the honey-caramel finish you've come to love.
Teak oil can darken the wood, especially when you've applied it multiple times over the years. Teak oil builds up over time; Danish oil does not. Best of all, Danish oil is available at any home improvement store, so if you live in Nevada you don't have to think twice about where you'll find a marine supply store.
Either oil is applied in the same manner. It can be brushed on or you can use a clean cloth to apply it. As you apply the oil try not to use too much or let it puddle up. If there is any excess, wipe it off before you allow the teak furniture to dry. Drying time for teak oil is about 12 to 24 hours. Danish oil dries in about 12 to 18 hours.
Handling Danish or teak oil requires a little bit of care. Both are highly combustible. A cloth can even burst into flames spontaneously if it's left in a warm space. Because the fumes are strong, you'll want to care for teak furniture outdoors. If at all possible, dispose of the rags and oil in a metal trashcan.
If you do choose to let it go gray, you should make sure you clean it once a year. It's probably best to do it at the beginning of the season, since it's going to get dirty in the off-season no matter what you do.
To clean teak furniture, you want to make a mixture of three parts laundry detergent and one part bleach added to a gallon of water. Scrub the entire piece with a soft bristled brush, then rinse it off and allow to dry. If the surface feels a bit rough, a little sand paper should be used. If you'd like, you can apply a little teak or Danish oil to nourish the wood following cleaning and sanding.
With minimal maintenance, you can look forward to having beautiful, functional teak furniture for up to 40 or 50 years. It is truly one of the best investments you can make.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.morethanteak.com
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Article Title: How to Clean Leather Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
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Leather furniture seems to be more popular than ever these days, thanks to the fact that it is beautiful to behold and easy to care for. Today's leather furniture comes in so many styles and colors it fits almost any décor imaginable, from traditional to contemporary.
One of the best things about leather furniture is its durability. While it can be more expensive than fabric furniture, with proper care it can last four to five times longer. It is, in fact, the longest lasting furniture covering on the market.
Part of the reason for this is that leather is easy to care for and difficult to damage. It won't get burn marks or melt and it's pretty difficult to puncture. Even in hot climates leather is a good choice since the material breathes, keeping it cool and comfortable year round.
Cleaning leather furniture regularly is a good idea. Every week you should dust your leather furniture. If you have the soft brush attachment for your vacuum it will do fine. Or just use a clean cotton cloth. You don't really need soap, but if you want to do a little extra cleaning now and again, use a little bit of moisturizing soap on a soft cloth. Don't use a lot of water. You don't need to wash off the soap. Just buff the area with a soft cloth and you're good to go.
If your furniture gets a lot of use or is in a part of your home that gets a lot of traffic, you should clean your leather furniture thoroughly once a season. This will remove any general soiling, perspiration or oils that have collected on the surface. Don't use anything on your furniture that isn't made specifically for cleaning leather furniture. Some products can do a lot more harm than good.
When you use a good quality leather cleaner, be sure you follow the directions. Run the cloth over the entire surface and pay particular attention to the areas that get a lot of people contact like the back and the arms.
If you find a stain, don't panic. Stains can be treated. If it's ink, use a cotton swab that has been dipped in some rubbing alcohol or vinegar, then blow it dry with a blow dryer on cool. If the stain is still there, try using a thick layer of non-gel, oil-free cuticle remover. Leave it on the stain for a couple of hours and then wipe it off.
If there's a dark stain on your light leather furniture, try a paste that is one part cream of tartar and one part lemon juice. The paste should be rubbed onto the stain, then left on it for about 15 minutes. Add a second layer of paste, working it fully into the first layer. Use a damp sponge with some moisturizing soap on it to remove the paste. Finally, buff the leather with a cloth.
If liquid gets spilled, mop it up immediately with a clean cloth or sponge. Never use water on a grease stain. Instead, wipe the stain with a dry cloth. It should disappear naturally over time as the leather absorbs it.
Leather furniture can dry out, fade and even crack if it's not maintained. You never want to put leather furniture into direct sunlight and you should keep it at least two feet away from a heat source, such as a heating vent or radiator.
A couple of times a year you'll want to rejuvenate the leather. Use a mix of one part white vinegar and two parts linseed oil. Apply it to the entire surface with a clean, soft cloth in circular motions. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and buff it with another soft cloth.
Don't use saddle soap on leather furniture. Save it for your saddle. And never use a harsh chemical on it that contains abrasives or ammonia. Before you apply any product that says it's designed for leather furniture, test it first on a part of the furniture that doesn't show. This will ensure that you don't accidentally discolor your leather because it wasn't colorfast.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.GourmetDecorStore.com
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Article Title: Tips on How to Distress Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
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If you've ever wandered through a country style furniture store or rummaged through antique stores, you've undoubtedly come across furniture that looks time worn and weather beaten.
Don't let the looks fool you. Underneath that finish could be a new piece of furniture that's only made to look old. That's not a bad thing, though. Distressed furniture is very popular now and furniture manufacturers have adopted the style for furnishings throughout the home.
While you could go out and buy new furniture that is already distressed, you can do it to the furniture you already own or pieces that you find in thrift shops and second hand stores that beg to be refinished.
Over the last decade or so, manufacturers have created a complete line of products designed specifically for distressing furniture. With a few simple techniques and these easy to use products, you can create your own distressed furniture in no time at all.
Here's what you'll need. A good quality paintbrush that's two to three inches wide, a can of primer, a can of flat latex paint of the main color you want the furniture to be and a second can of a contrasting color that will peek out from underneath the top coat. You'll also need some finishing products, including paste wax, wood varnish, rags and sandpaper.
This is a pretty messy job so you'll want to prepare yourself for that as well. Some gloves and a drop cloth or newspapers are highly recommended. You may also want to use goggles and a dust mask.
The room you work in should have good ventilation. The fumes can really build up and distressing furniture isn't worth a trip to the hospital. After you've spread out the drop cloth or newspapers it's time to get to work.
You should start with a base coat of primer. This will give your paint a good foundation to adhere to. After it has dried thoroughly, paint the furniture with the color you want to peek through. This should be a nice contrasting color. Usually, the color is lighter than the top coat. For example, you'd use a white as a under coat and a blue as the top coat. It's best to use colors that will both complement your décor.
Allow this coat to dry for at least 24 hours. Once it has thoroughly dried, apply a coat of paste wax with a rag. Put it only in the areas that you want to look distressed, such as edges, around the knobs, any high spots and a few random areas. This should be allowed to dry for about an hour. If you want the entire piece to look distressed, coat it completely with wax. Don't worry too much about applying it perfectly. It's supposed to be a bit uncontrolled. This is what gives the finish the lived-in look.
Now you're ready to apply the top coat. Apply it over the entire piece of furniture in an even layer. As always, go with the grain when you paint, not against it. Let it dry completely, about 24 hours.
It's time to work some magic. The wax is what creates the distressed look. Go over the areas that were waxed with some coarse sandpaper. You can change the grade of the sandpaper to create different effects. The sandpaper will remove the top coat, leaving the contrasting coat exposed. As you sand, try to add more distressing to the areas that would naturally be time worn, such as around the edges of the seat on a chair or around the handles of a dresser or desk.
If you applied wax over the entire piece, add distressing to the edges of a desk or dresser top or around the top edges of a chair. Keep sanding areas until you get the look you like.
When you're through wipe the entire piece down with a dry cloth to remove the sanding dust. Let it dry and set up completely. Don't worry if some of the wax is left. It will eventually harden and become a permanent part of the finish.
Once it's had a little more time to dry, apply a final coat of varnish, sealant or furniture wax. This will give it a hand finished look with a little aged patina that will not only add to the beauty of your new piece of distressed furniture, but protect it as well.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.simplytowelbars.com
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Article Title: Tips on What to Use to Clean Cloth Patio Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 689
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Left to its own devices, cloth patio furniture can be very resilient. With a little annual maintenance you can keep your patio furniture looking like new, too.
To keep your cloth furnishings in top condition, you want to be sure that you clean them periodically. This is particularly true if you live in parts of the country where you get rainy days. Dirt, leaves and grime can quickly build up on the surface of your cushions. In most cases, a quick hosing from a garden hose with a spray nozzle on it will do the trick. If you still see dirt, add a little dish washing soap to a bucket of warm water and remove the dirty with a sponge or rag. Don't overdo it on the moisture. Ring out the sponge or rag before scrubbing. When through, rinse the cloth patio furniture off and let it air dry.
If there are some stains, you can remove them with a mixture of two tablespoons of baking soda to a half gallon of hot water. With a stiff brush, work the solution into the stain. After letting it do its job for a while, wash it completely. You may have to do this a couple of times.
When the stains have been removed, always be sure to clean the entire cushions completely. You can use a commercial cleaner or some dish soap in warm water. Rinse thoroughly. When complete dry spray on a water repellent and fabric protector.
If you have some baked on mold or mildew, a chlorine bleach solution consisting of a quarter cup of chlorine bleach in a gallon of water should do well. Apply it with a spray bottle or dab it on with a sponge. Let it sit for about a minute, then rinse off the entire piece of cloth patio furniture.
Remember that water repellent and fabric protectors can't protect your cloth patio furniture from the harsh rays of the sun. Eventually, the fabric will begin to fade. When you're not using your outdoor entertainment spaces for a period of time, remove the cushions and store them away, either in a storage box on your deck or patio or in a closet or the garage. Extensive sun exposure can not only fade the fabric, but also cause the fabric itself to break down and weaken.
Another enemy of cloth patio furniture is suntan lotion or oil. Be sure that friends and family place a towel on the cushion before sitting or laying on them. The oils will stain the cushion and there's no way to remove these stains.
One of the pieces of cloth patio furniture that is often overlooked is the canvas patio umbrella. It too can get dirty and mildew and mold can form if you don't clean it occasionally. Cleaning it is fairly straightforward. Use the same chlorine bleach solution mentioned above to clean the umbrella. If your umbrella has a decorative design on it, be sure to test the area for color fastness. If the paint is acrylic, bleach will cause it to fade.
As always, use protective gloves and eyewear when working with bleach. An inadvertent splash in the eye – even with diluted bleach – can be extremely painful. You don't want to spend those rare hot summer days in the emergency room.
When the season comes to a close, always be sure to give your cloth patio furniture one last thorough cleaning, including one to kill any mildew or mold spores that may have collected on the cushions. If you put these away dirty, you may find that the storage area was damp and warm enough to cause a bumper crop of mold and mildew to form in the off season. Before you put them away, make sure they dry and air completely.
Never put your cloth patio furniture in plastic. This will promote mold and mildew growth and even a few remaining spores can destroy your cushions over a period of a couple months.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.simplyendtables.com
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Article Title: How to Remove Stains From Patio Furniture Cushions
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 736
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Ordinary everyday stains can really ruin patio furniture cushions. And unlike indoor furniture, outdoor furnishings often can't take standard fabric cleaners. On products made of acrylic, for instance, these cleaners will make the problem much worse and virtually destroy the usefulness of your cushions.
In most cases, stains will come out with a strong, homemade cleaning solution. It will not only remove stains, but also mold, mildew and embedded dirt. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of Borax powder and one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent with a quart of warm water in a bucket. Mix it thoroughly and pour it into an empty spray bottle.
To treat the stain, spray the area liberally. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose nozzle and allow to air dry.
While this technique works great on many patio furniture cushion fabrics, you may need to do a little extra work on a canvas or cloth cover. If the covers come off you can simply pop them in the washer. Avoid the temptation to dry them in the dryer. They may shrink, making it almost impossible to put back on the cushions.
If the covers aren't removable, rub a scrub brush on a bar of soap and then scrub the stain until it lathers up. If you need more lather, dip the brush ever so lightly into a bucket of water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a hose. Dry the cushions standing up on their edge. When they are dry, add a fabric protector and water repellent to make them more resistant to staining in the future.
In many parts of the country sap is the mortal enemy of patio furniture cushions and removing sap stains seems impossible. But it's not that hard, if you have the right tools and techniques.
To remove sap you'll need hand sanitizer, water and a cloth scouring pad. Start by squirting hand sanitizer directly onto the sap stain. Rub it in with your fingers. Let it sit for a couple minutes. This will allow the sanitizer to soak into the sap. Don't let it sit for too long. You don't want the sanitizer to dry. Now you can take the scouring pad and work the sap. A fingernail will work, too. Just keep working it until all the sap is gone. As a final step rinse the cushion with water so that all the alcohol from the sanitizer is removed. That's the secret ingredient that removes the sap, by the way.
Before you treat any stain, you'll want to make sure that the material can withstand the treatment you intend to give it. That goes for the hand sanitizers as well as any bleach solutions.
Another tough stain to remove is suntan lotions and oils. Most of the fabrics used on patio furniture cushions will stain if they come into contact with suntan products. In some cases this can actually weaken the fabric's finish, especially if the fabric was treated with a PVC coating.
If the fabric is acrylic, you may be able to remove the stain with a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water. You can also try a cup of bleach and two capfuls of dish detergent in a gallon of water. Use a sponge to treat the stain and do it gently. Rinse well after treating.
Vinyl coated furnishings can get the same treatment with soap and water. But be sure you don't use bleach solutions. It will irreparably damage the fabric.
Acrylic and olefin fabrics can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, too. If the fabric is a blend of acrylic and olefin, you can also use the bleach solution described above.
Gently treat the oil or lotion stains and keep working them until the stain disappears, or at least become minimal. When you're done, be sure to rinse and dry completely.
If you're not sure what kind of fabric you have, check the tag before treating it. Often the tag will also have some suggestions for cleaning your patio furniture cushions as well as mention any ingredients that can be harmful, such as bleach.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.simplybenches.com
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Article Title: How to Clean Light Colored Wood Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 700
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In contrast to its dark wood cousins, light colored wood furniture can start to look dingy and dull much sooner. Unfortunately dirt, grease and grime will quickly turn your light colored furniture into a leopard print of dark and light splotches.
With dark wood furniture, these dirty spots and stains don't show up as quickly. But because nature didn't seem to be thoughtful enough to make light colored grit and grime, your light colored furniture will need to be cleaned more regularly and more thoroughly to keep it looking lovely.
Fortunately, the cleaning process for light colored furniture isn't mysterious. It's virtually identical to that of any wood furniture.
As always, you'll want to shy away from commercial waxes and oils that say they will clean your furniture. They won't. Sure, they will make them shiny, but they will only add another layer to the finish, one that will trap oil and dirt and hold onto it for dear life.
To get the grain looking like new again, you'll want to remove all the dirt and restore the original appearance. You can do this with a mixture that contains one part vinegar, one part turpentine and two parts linseed oil. After stirring it all together, you can apply this cocktail to your furniture. Be sure you do this in a well-ventilated space as the fumes can make you sick. If you can, go outside to do the cleaning.
Before you apply the mix to the entire piece, try it out on a hidden spot. You want to make sure you like the result. You probably will, mind you, but some people actually like the darker look and are shocked when they remove layers and layers of old waxy build up to expose the original color of the wood.
The cleaning process can substantially lighten the wood. This is a good thing, of course. If everything looks good, then apply the mixture to the entire surface, one section at a time. As you clean the area, wipe it with a clean rag. You won't believe the amount of dirt and grime that ends up on the rag.
The reason that you do a section of a time is that you don't want the mix to dry out on the wood's surface. If you want a little extra cleaning power, use some really fine steel wool instead of a rag to do the cleaning. Don't scrub too hard. You don't want to remove the finish, only the dirt.
Once everything looks clean and uniform, you can get rid of the mixture and the rags. Remember that anything with turpentine in it can be highly flammable. So be sure that you dispose of the cleaning products carefully. It's best to put them in a steel container, not plastic.
Of course, the dirt will come back quickly if you don't take the time to maintain your furniture between cleanings. Don't go back to applying a commercial product, such as a furniture wax. It's just going to cause the problem to happen all over again. Instead, use furniture oil and rub it into the wood occasionally. If your wood dries out, it can crack or become brittle. The oil will re-moisturize it while bringing the grain out. If you spill something on the wood, wipe it up as quickly as possible. Water stains, you know those unsightly rings, can be removed with by rubbing lemon oil over it. If you don't want to cry over spilled milk, use some silver polish or ammonia to remove it. Once the stains are removed, you need to wipe the area clean again to make sure that all the cleaning agents have been removed from the surface of the wood.
Light wood furniture can be a very beautiful thing in your home, but only if you take good care of it, keep it spotless, dust it in between thorough cleanings and take loving care of it by not giving into commercial waxes.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.onlytables.com
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Article Title: How to Clean Patio Furniture Cushions
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 706
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Quality patio furniture needs occasional maintenance to keep the cushions looking like new. It's easier to clean patio furniture cushions than you think and with the right products and a little elbow grease, you can keep your cushions in top form year round.
Unlike cheap patio furniture, quality pieces are made to last. And while they are made of top quality materials, they still need to be cared for. While a lot of information is out there about taking care of the wood or metal frames, there's not a lot of information about how to care for the cushions that come with them. And these can add up to big money if you need to replace them.
First you want to figure out what your cushions are made of. That's easy enough to do. Check the product tag that hangs off of it. It should not only tell you what the cover and the stuffing is made of, but also have some basic instructions about how to clean it.
Most of the new cushions on the market are treated to keep them from fading in the sun. The covers are usually made of acrylics that simulate the feel of canvas, vinyl or woven polyester. The filling is typically polyester, so it doesn't hold on to the water.
If the tags don't mention that your cushions have been treated with water repellent you will want to keep them stored indoors. They will take an occasional soaking from a rainstorm but if they are exposed to continual heavy rain, the may not perform as well in the long run.
No cushion can resist suntan lotions and oils. If you're going to lotion up, make sure you use a towel on the chair. Some lotions can even stain the fabrics and over time they can weaken vinyl cushions or those covered with PVC.
Follow the manufacturers recommended for normal cleaning. During the summer you should clean the cushions monthly so that any dirt is loosened and removed. Any spots can be cleaned with a mild detergent and sponge. To make cleaning easy, consider adding a quarter cup of detergent to a gallon of water and store it in a container in the garage. If stains are particularly tough to remove, use a brush.
At the end of the season you'll probably want to store your cushions indoors. Before you do, give them a deep cleaning. Depending on the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations, you can use a diluted bleach and laundry detergent solution to keep the cushions from getting mildew in the off season. If you deep clean fabrics remember that you may need to reapply a coat of water repellent when you're done.
If there is mildew, put a cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Spot test an area before cleaning the whole cushion. Allow the area to soak about 10 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly. Let it dry completely.
Even if your cushions are treated with a water repellant, it doesn't last forever. You'll need to reapply it every once in a while. You can get a fabric guard at most home improvement centers. Once your fabric is clean and dry, spray a light coat of sealant over the entire surface. A second coat is usually a good idea. If you want to be sure your cushions are ready for the first sunny day, do your cleaning and sealing at the end of each season.
When it comes time to put the cushions away for the season, you want to make sure they are completely dry before putting them in your garage or storage shed. While it may be tempting to wrap the cushions in a plastic bag, don't do it. This may trap moisture and lead to mold and mildew.
If you follow these simple tips your cushions should look like new for many years to come. Weather is the biggest enemy of your patio furniture and leaving your cushions out to fend for themselves in the elements will drastically shorten their lifespan.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.edenvaleshoppes.com
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Article Title: How do I Remove Crayon Marks From Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 631
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It's great that small children love to explore their art, but it's not so wonderful when they use your furniture as the canvas. Even though your child is told time and time again not to color on the walls, it doesn't dawn on them that that goes for furniture, too. Crayon stains and marks can be a real challenge to remove. Unless you know the secrets, you can even set the stain in permanently, adding an unintended splash of color to your expensive sofa, love seat or chair.
Removing crayon marks from upholstery takes a little work, but the results can be very satisfying. First you want to scrape off as much of the crayon as you can. If the crayon is melted on, you can use an ice cube to freeze it. This will cause it to become much harder so you can pick the pieces off without taking the fabric with it.
Once you've removed as much as you can, use a paper towel or a cotton ball to wet the area with ammonia or a dry cleaning solvent. With another clean cotton ball or towel, blot the stain. This may require multiple applications to remove the crayon marks from your furniture. If there are still stains, you can try a mix of dish soap or bleach-free detergent. Put it in a spray bottle and alternately spray, blot and dab until the area looks clean. When it's to your liking, rinse the area thoroughly to remove the soap or detergent. Then finish it up with a mix of half water and half vinegar, which should remove any remaining crayon and soap. Crayon marks on wood furniture require a different approach. The initial instinct is to try to rub it off with a towel. If this doesn't work you can try a tried and true method for removing crayon marks from furniture. Here's what you'll need: Sponge, starch, washcloth, paintbrush, scrub brush, feather duster, mini vac, bucket and stirrer, broom, dustpan and paper towels. Begin by dusting the furniture. This will make it easier to remove the crayon mark. Use a mini vac or a feature duster. You can also use a dampened sponge or a paper towel if you like. You want to remove as much of the built up dirt as possible.
Once the area has been cleaned, it's time to make a homemade stain remover. There's no need to purchase an off the shelf product. It may offer disappointing results. Instead, use starch and water to create a paste in a small bucket. Once it is paste-like, you want to apply it with a sponge or washcloth to the stain on your wood furniture. Be sure to cover the stain fully with the paste. Leave it on the crayon mark for between one and three hours. You want it to ultimately harden. When it is hard, you can remove the paste and hopefully, the crayon mark will come off with it. Using a damp washcloth or sponge, scrub the area in circular motions. This can be pretty labor intensive, as some starches will want to stay hard. Just keep working the spot until the paste is completely removed. With particularly stubborn crayon marks you may have to do this more than once. This is particularly true if the mark has been there a while and has had time to set up. As always, it's best to remove crayon marks from furniture while it's fresh.
It's never fun to discover crayon marks on your furniture. But knowing how to combat them with a few homemade recipes can keep your furniture looking new without stifling junior's artistic ambitions.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.econsoletables.com
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Article Title: How to Decorate a Room With Antique Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 727
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Antique furniture can really give a room a unique look. But deciding just which antique to decorate a room with and how to integrate them can be a bit confusing to many homeowners. Antique furniture, whether it's a turn of the century fainting couch, a Victorian sideboard or an unusual lamp from the Art Deco period, can really make a room pop. Done correctly, the addition of antique furniture and décor can transform the entire character of a room.
There are two basic directions you can go with antiques. You can either use them as accents to a room decorated with more traditional or contemporary pieces. Or you can go all out and recreate the past with a room done entirely in antiques. If you want to go the accent route, you want to start by carefully choosing the antiques to go in the room. Every room has a focal point, and the right antique can become the focal point of your room, allowing you to build around it so that it is showcased. For example, an antique grandfather clock can serve as a focal point in any room, as can an antique curio cabinet or an antique organ.
An antique can also play a supporting role. You can add a single antique piece to a room that is otherwise decorated in more modern furnishings. To do this, you want to adopt a singular overarching theme or color scheme that ties the pieces together visually. For instance, you could add an antique fainting couch that has a complementary or contrasting color of fabric. Establishing relationships is the key when you decorate any room with antique furniture. You want antique furniture to stand out for the right reasons, not because it seems out of place. If you don't have any pieces that will serve as a focal point, you can still integrate them by making them supporting pieces. An antique sideboard can work well as a sofa table or as a bar in your room. Giving your antique furniture a purpose can make it look more at home in any room. If you want to do an entire room in antiques, that takes a bit more work. The best way to tie the pieces together is through color, fabric, period or style. For example, you could go with a room that is decorated with nothing but Queen Anne furnishings or Chippendale. You could also choose a favorite fabric and have furniture from different periods reupholstered with it to give the room a unified look. The same is true with finishes. You wouldn't necessarily want to add an antique desk in cherry in a room of oak. Staying consistent with fabrics and woods can help keep a room cohesive.
Just because you want to have the room filled with antiques doesn't mean the furniture has to be old these days, either. You can buy beautiful reproductions of period pieces for less money. You can also mix new antique pieces with real antiques to create the look you're after without having to empty your bank account. You can find that one defining piece that truly is a valuable antique and then supplement it with newer pieces that only look old.
Finally, you can do your own antiquing. This is a smart idea if you have an unusual piece that serves as the focal point and you want some of your favorite tables or accents to match. You can do some faux antiquing using finishes, paints and distressing techniques that can be found online. As you work with the antique furnishings in your room, don't overlook the accents that really make a room look complete. This could be antique books, antique china, unusual knickknacks from another time and place or period lamps. An antique room can have an eclectic appearance to it, from the furniture to the window treatments. Depending on the period you're gravitating toward, it can even be hard to go overboard. Certainly, the Victorian era is evidence of this.
The best strategy is to go slowly when decorating with antiques. You want to shop carefully and deliberately, since antiques can be pricey. If you're on a budget, give consideration to reproductions. They can add beauty without busting your budget.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.ekitchentables.com
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Article Title: How to Lock Patio Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
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Top quality patio furniture can be a big investment for a homeowner. Imagine the shock when you head out to your deck or patio, towel, book and drink in hand, only to discover that your brand new chaise lounge is nowhere to be found.
Sadly, theft of patio furniture is a reality in our society, more so than we would like to realize. Many of these thefts go unreported to authorities. Instead, the owner either purchases new furniture and accepts the loss or turns a claim into to the insurance company.
Patio furniture theft is worse in urban areas, where it's easy for criminals to see what neighbors have in their backyards. That's not to say, however, that the suburbs are immune. Far from it. In many cases, it's far easier to steal patio furniture from a quiet neighborhood where yards remain unfenced. Even a relatively small purchase such as a plastic Adirondack chair can become a major expense if someone keeps stealing it in the night. At $20 a pop, a couple chairs can really add up. Of course, things could be worse. Someone can make off with your barbecue, which can cost upwards of a thousand bucks or more to replace if you purchased a top of the line grill.
The easiest way to prevent theft is to lock patio furniture in place. While this seem like an obvious idea for someone who's going on an extended vacation or who winters in the south as a snowbird, it may not occur to the average homeowner who uses their patio furniture regularly. But, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that is certainly the case when it comes to protecting your possessions from prying eyes and light hands. Unfortunately, the furniture itself isn't really set up for anti-theft measures. Figuring out where and how to lock patio furniture can be something of a challenge. You don't want to immobilize it in place permanently, but you also don't want to make it too easy to steal either. While no one can prevent a theft by a professional thief armed with a bolt cutter, you can deter the casual crook with some basic preventative measures.
The first line of defense is a plastic coated cable or chain. These can be purchased from any home improvement or hardware store. You will also need a good lock. Some people like the convenience of a combination lock while others like key locks. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. With locks that require a key, you may find that you left your keys in the house or that your wife has the key because she went to the store. Many people who use combination locks don't bother turning all the tumblers when they close them. A teenager can quickly figure out the combination just by moving the last tumbler one click forward or back. If you use a combination lock, be sure to mix all the tumblers up or you'll not only end up looking for your furniture, but your cable and lock, too.
There are also professional alarms you can buy that are made specifically for patio furniture and grills. Many models have a screech alarm that is not only intended to scare off the thief but let you know that someone is trying to steal your stuff. These are usually motion activated so if you have a problem with raccoons roaming around your yard at night, the alarm may be set off inadvertently. When you secure your patio furniture, make sure it's to something that can't be cut or lifted easily. For example, it's not very tough for a crook to kick out a 2x2" post on your deck. But a cable wrapped around a 4x4" post can take a lot of work and deter the thief more easily. You may also want to lock items up individually instead of all together. It takes more effort to cut five cables to get a table and chair set than to undo one that had been wrapped around all the chairs and table together.
Finally, be sure you take photos of your patio furnishings and keep the receipts from the sale. If your items are stolen and eventually recovered, you'll need to prove the recovered items were actually yours. You may also want to engrave/scratch your name and address into the furniture as an added identification measure.
About The Author: Jesse Akre owns Edenvale Shoppes and hosts numerous furniture and furnishings for any home whether it be http://www.eknobsandpulls.com drawer pulls or http://www.simplyendtables.com end tables styles and designs.
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Article Title: What to Use to Clean Mold From Cloth Patio Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
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On a hot summer's day patio furniture can be a real godsend, an oasis of relaxation and bliss that is nothing short of heaven. Unfortunately, unsightly mold and mildew can be unwelcomed guests at the party. Left to their own devices, these growths will not only ruin a party, but your cloth patio furniture as well. When mold is present, you want to get rid of it as quickly as possible before it takes over the surface of your cushions and works its way into the padding below.
Cleaning mold from cloth patio furniture isn't as hard as it sounds. With the right cleaning materials you can make your patio cushions look like new again and kill off the mold. All you need is some water, soda, lime juice and rubber gloves. Yes, cleaning cushions of mold requires a trip to the grocery store, not the home improvement store. While the cleaning materials aren't toxic, the mold can be, at least in terms of causing an allergic reaction. That's why rubber gloves are so important, to protect your hands and palms and to keep mold spores from making their home elsewhere in your home. You'll want to do your cleaning outside so pick a nice day where there is plenty of sunlight and make sure you have plenty of open space to work in.
The best method of getting rid of mold is to use one quart of soda with one gallon of warm water. The soda serves as a detergent, loosing the mold and stains. Begin the cleaning process by wetting a sponge. In a circular motion, scrub the cushion with enough force to remove the visible mold. Continue to clean the moldy areas using this circular scrubbing process. Be careful not to spread the mold onto unaffected spots. This method is for spot cleaning, not general cushion cleaning. Once you've scrubbed the affected spots on the cushion, it's time to use a brush. You should use a brush with soft bristles. Stiff bristles won't remove any more mold and can damage the fabric. A brush will help remove mold spores between the woven strands of the fabric. This deep cleaning will help prevent the mold from returning as quickly.
There will undoubtedly be some stains that won't come clean this way. Mold can be pretty stubborn, especially when it's had some time to fester and grow unimpeded. In these cases you'll want to tackle the mold with lime juice. Apply a thick layer of lime juice on the stain, squeezing it right from the lime. Wait 10 minutes. Now you'll want to place the cushion out in the sun. Don't wipe off any of the lime juice. The lime juice and the sun will work together to eat at the stain, eventually removing it completely. Be sure to let each side of the cushion dry completely before flipping it over and drying the other side. If the stain isn't completely gone, reapply some more lime juice and repeat the drying process. Eventually, you should see no evidence of mold or stains.
Once the lime and sun have worked their magic, it's time to do a little preventative maintenance. First, apply water repellant to the surface of the cushions. Mold loves a damp surface and the water repellant will keep water from soaking into the fabric. It's not waterproof, however, so you'll want to keep your cushions out of continual rain or winter weather. Every month during the summer you should inspect your cushions for dirt, dust and mold and give them a good cleaning with a hose and clean cloth. It doesn't have to be a deep cleaning: just a rinse and wipe. This should keep them clean all season long. When it comes time to store your cloth patio furniture for the season, bring the cushions indoors. Don't store them in plastic – trapped moisture can promote the growth of mold and mildew. The frame of the furniture should get one more cleaning and then be covered with an appropriate cover to keep the surface from getting moldy, collecting dirt and grime and away from the elements. With proper care your cushions should remain relatively mold and mildew free for many years to come.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.morethanteak.com
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Article Title: Furniture You Can Use as a Vanity
Author: Jesse Akre
Word Count: 684
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One of the great things about owning a home is that you can make it your own. The bathroom is an obvious place to start. A bathroom is the place where you usually start your day, as you get ready to go to work or play. As such, it should be a comfortable space that exudes beauty and functionality. While you could make do with your existing vanity, you can opt to do a small remodeling project that really makes your bathroom pop. As you've probably noticed, vanities available at home improvement stores are usually pretty bland. If you look at custom vanities, they can be prohibitively expensive.
However, you can choose instead to use furniture as a vanity. You've probably seen the look before, either in your friend's homes or in the pages of home and garden magazines. By converting a piece of furniture, you can have a beautiful new vanity with very little work. The furniture you can use as a vanity includes any piece that is the right height for a sink. This can include a dresser, chest of drawers, lowboy or desk. The piece of furniture only needs to have a top big enough to hold a sink, or two if you want to do a his and hers bathroom remodel.
Using a piece of furniture for the vanity has several advantages. First, you can create a unique look that appears to be custom, but isn't. You can also match the décor of your master bedroom or any other room, using a piece of furniture that just didn't quite fit there to create a matching piece in the bathroom. Before you get too far, you want to measure the space you have. You have two options in this regard. You can hunt for a piece of furniture that fits the space or opt to go with a smaller piece that doesn't go wall to wall. If you're putting in two sinks, you can also choose to go this route, creating two standalone vanities. You will, however, lose a bit of counter space.
Once you have the ideal piece of furniture you can use as a vanity, you want to modify it. This includes cutting holes in the back to accept the water lines and drain and cutting a hole on the top for the sink. As you do this, be sure to consider how each will affect the drawers. If you've selected a dresser or desk because it had drawers or a cabinet for storing bathroom wares, nothing's more maddening than finding out that the sink you've selected and the plumbing makes them all useless. If you want to maximize the drawer space, consider a sink that sits on the top rather than sits flush in it. There are lots of these types of sinks on the market today and they can make a beautiful vanity when combined with the right piece of base furniture.
Another thing to consider when choosing the right piece of furniture is its height. If the dresser or desk is too low, you can always add a base to it to bring it up higher. It's far easier to raise a low piece than lower a tall piece. Ideally you want to limit your choices of furniture to those that can be adjusted to the optimal height of 30" above the floor. There is some leeway with this standard, but remember that if you set it higher or lower because you're either tall or short, it could become an issue when you try to sell the house. It's best to stick with the standards.
A vanity can be a major expense in today's homes. By using a piece of used, antique or surplus furniture, you can make a dramatic statement while saving some money on putting in a new vanity. This can give you additional leeway in your budget to purchase that really cool vessel-style sink that you've always coveted.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.onlytables.com
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Article Title: How to Stain Furniture
Author: Jesse Akre
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n contrast to paint, staining furniture takes a bit more work, mostly because you can't just add another layer of stain. Rather, you need to take the finish all the way back to the original wood, then build up from there. It's time intensive, but if done right, will have remarkable results. Before you get too far in the process, you want to decide whether the piece of furniture is worth refinishing or now. Is the underlying wood still good? Is the structure still sound? Is there any damage that can't be repaired, like a big chip or missing piece?
The first task tat hand is to remove the existing stain and bleach the wood. The actual process depends on the type of wood so you'll want to discuss the options with a home improvement expert who can recommend the right product. Bleaching will not only remove the stain and take the finish back to the original wood, but you can also cover up blemishes or discolorations that would otherwise still show through once you've finished staining your furniture. Stains come in all colors and types. The right stain can really bring out the beauty of the grain of the wood and add a lot of visual impact to a piece of furniture. The wrong stain can make your piece of furniture look dull and uninviting. Best of all, it can work miracles with lesser woods, since stain is the great equalizer.
Light woods such as beech, ash, poplar, birch and pine can really benefit from stains. Woods like oak can go either way, but cherry, mahogany, maple and rare woods are best left unstained because you want to feature and bring out their natural colors. There are lots of different stains available, from stains that you need to wipe off the finish to water based stains, varnishes and sealer stains. Each will give you a different finish. One basic thing to remember is that polyurethane varnish can't be applied over some stains. So if your heart is set on having a polyurethane finish, you'll want to start with a polyurethane friendly stain.
Before you go crazy with the stain, you'll want to test out several on the same type of wood your furniture is. You'll be surprised how different stains can look when actually applied to wood. Don't believe the color indicated on the lid. Also, you can experiment with different blends of stain to get just the look you're after. If a color is too bright, add a drop or two of black. Not more than that. It's important that the stain be applied uniformly. A drip or streak can create darker spots on the furniture, since the stain is actually absorbed into the wood. Always work on a surface that is horizontal.
Apply the stain with a brush or rag. With pigmented oil stains, you'll want to let the stain set for about 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe off the excess. Water based stains are best for new wood or clean, bare wood. Use a brush to apply it using long strokes. Don't overlap the strokes, as this will create darker areas. Stains have a multiplier effect so you want to be as consistent as possible and it's far better to apply several light coats than try to do it in one try. This gives you more consistency and control over the color and finish. The longer you leave the stain on, the darker the wood will get. NGR stains aren't as flexible. You put them on just like you would a water-based stain but they dry quickly, giving you less control over the finish. Stains can cause the grain to rise a it, giving the furniture a rough appearance. If this is the case give it a light sanding with 000 or 0000 steel wool for oil based stains or some fine grit sandpaper for NGR or water based stains.
The final step is to seal the furniture. A final coat of shellac, varnish or sealer should work fine. Never us shellac on polyurethane varnishes or with stains that are water or NGR based. As always, read the directions carefully. Every product is a little different and you don't want to ruin your beautiful stain job by using the wrong sealer or finish.
When sealing, make sure the entire surface is coated smoothly and consistently. When the coat has time to dry, usually an hour or two, lightly sand the surface one more time. Really porous woods may need a couple coats of sealer before sanding. Once you're through you can enjoy your stained furniture for years to come, knowing that the wood is not only protected, but is beautiful to behold as well.
About The Author: Jesse Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites that offer decor advice and style suggestions. His websites offer product information about patio furniture, outdoor living styles and decor for your home and garden. http://www.edenvaleshoppes.com
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