French Furniture, Louis XVI Style

Even before the death of Louis XV in 1775, the furniture style associated with his reign was abandoned in favor of a simpler neoclassical style that was identified with his successor, Louis XVI.

Through the efforts of Madame Pompadour, a woman of refinement, culture, education and wealth, the City of Pompeii, which was buried during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, was excavated. It revealed a city very much in the same state, as it was when the eruption of the volcano buried it in 79 A.D. The excavation of Pompeii, a once glorious Roman resort, brought the Parisians new awareness and a surge of interest in classical ancient Rome. They were quickly captivated by the constant flow of ideas and drawings of Roman scrolls, monuments and motifs.

The rococo style slowly faded as people started to take interest in the new discoveries. Louis XVI reigned during a period of 14 years from 1775 to 1789. The Louis XVI style advocates simpler, less ornate furniture design. Straight lines and simplicity are the guiding principles of this period. In Louis XVI architecture and furniture designs, the curves are eliminated and replaced by straight lines which is a total opposite to the Louis XV style. If ever there is curvature in the design, it is usually compass drawn and not free form. The chair backs are usually oval, rectangular or shield form. The cabriole legs have been replaced with straight legs and are fluted imitating the columns of ancient Rome. Most case pieces are usually in rectangular form and there are no more curves as in the Bombe of Louis XV. This period doesn't have so much ornamentation in its design and often is not carved or painted either. It is usually finished in natural wood with mahogany the most commonly used. Since this period is so much influenced by the ideals of ancient Rome and Greece, the Louis XVI style is alternatively referred to as the Neo Classical style.

The typical motifs of this period includes:

1. The lyre which is a classic Roman musical instrument.

2. Fluted legs imitating Roman columns with square blocks carved with rosettes at the top of legs.

3. Urns and columns.

Despite its difference from the Louis XV style, the Neo Classical style of Louis XVI maintains the delicacy of its predecessor. It adheres to the size and grace of Louis XV rather than the massive size of the baroque Louis XIV style. To better identify the Louis XVI style; here are its basic characteristics.

1. It has fluted, slim, straight legs usually topped with a square box with rosette carving.

2. It has compass drawn mechanical arc and curves; it is never free form.

3. Most furniture pieces contain classical motifs like columns, urns and lyres.

4. It adheres to the delicate construction of the previous style maintaining grace and delicacy in all its design.

The Louis XVI furniture style is very much used and applied in today's home decorating. Its simplicity yet delicacy and elegance appeals to today's decorating requirements.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Furniture [http://furniture.online-discount-guide.com]

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How Beneficial is Resin Patio Furniture?

There are both natural and synthetic resins available. Usually found in a viscous state this gets hardened with treatment. A natural way to get resin is by slitting a bark or wood of a tree. This resin helps in the healing of the plants from cuts and other fungus on it. There are hard resins like copals, dammars, mastic and sandarach which are used in producing varnishes, cements, etc whereas one can find therapeutic use in the soft resins. Resin is beneficial in many ways:

Retains color- The original color is retained by the resins even if they are put to a lot of use for many years. As the patio furniture is exposed to harsh sun for longer time, it is more beneficial to have resin patio furniture that is good in retaining their color. Hence there is no need for you to repaint your furniture or frequently change them as they are resin.

They last longer: Resin patio furniture last longer than other furniture materials. The maintenance required is very minimal and it sustains extensive usage.

Stands the test of seasons- Resin patio furniture is subjected to exposure from natural elements such as excess of sunshine, wind and water. When these could be very damaging to other furniture materials like metals which often corrode over time, resin can resist these natural weather elements easily. In case of extreme cold, it is advisable to store the resin furniture indoors to ensure that they last longer.

Cleaning made easy with resin: Unlike other furniture, furniture made of resin can be easily cleaned with just soap and water.

Friendly to environment: Saving our earth planet is being emphasized upon these days. Organizations are being formed and campaigns are done to create awareness for the reduction of excess carbon in earth's atmosphere. Ozone layer has been damaged owing to the increase in the levels of carbon thereby leading to a chain reaction.

Heat has increased resulting in excess melting of snow in poles. This has further increased the level of water in oceans. Increase in carbon could result in acidic rain which could be damaging to both us and our crops. However, the resin patio furniture is fully recyclable and hence can be used again and again.

Can be managed very easily- As this furniture is made of resin which is of lighter weight, they are easy to shift from place to place.

For more information on resin patio furniture and resin patio chairs be sure to visit my site.

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Wicker Patio Furniture - Make Your Patio Come Alive

Wicker has long been known for its elegance and style. Natural wicker is, in fact, one of the most preferred and strongest types of furniture that you can use outdoors. The catch, however, is that natural wicker can only hold an adult who weighs less than 200 pounds. Other than this single restriction, natural wicker is a relatively sturdy material if taken care of properly. There are some who insist on their preference for natural wicker, while others maintain that resin wicker materials are superior. Whichever you decide to use in your own home, for as long as you want to achieve beauty and timeless sophistication, wicker is the way to go. And for that special place in your home where you could relax and be together with your family, your patio has to have the perfect set of furniture. Perfection in this area can only mean one thing-wicker patio furniture.

Most hotels, spas and interior decorators prefer to use wicker. They go all out in using the newer lines of wicker furniture which integrate eco-friendly recycled fibers that resemble woven wicker. These new batches of wicker material can be perfectly used for pool sides and any outdoor living spots. For your patio, there are also new designs of wicker furniture which come with lightweight aluminum frames while making use of traditional techniques of weaving. Pieces such as these are mass-produced so you can easily afford wicker patio furniture for your own home.

You need to shop like a pro if you choose to put wicker furniture on your patio. First, know the specific area where you would place the furniture. Wicker can be damaged due to constant exposure to sunlight or moisture. Therefore, try to choose a more shady area. How much available space do you have? Avoid congestion by carefully planning where to position your patio furniture.

Wicker patio furniture can easily blend with any themes that you desire to adorn your home. Just throw in some cushions or patio umbrellas and the result is artistic furniture that you could be proud off. And since most wicker furniture pieces are colored light brown or khaki, they can give emphasis or impact to an otherwise dull or lifeless patio.

As much as you can, choose factory-assembled wicker furniture because these have passed quality tests. You should have expert hands if you want to assemble your own wicker furniture. Wicker patio furniture would require very little maintenance. Monthly, you should vacuum the wicker as well as the cushions that come with them. Gently wipe the wicker with a damp cloth to clean away any dust or mildew that has settled. Once a year, you can wash your cushions, frames, and wicker with a very mild detergent and lukewarm water. Use a sponge, not a brush, to wash the furniture. Just do all this religiously and you should have longer-lasting wicker patio furniture.

Wicker patio furniture is a great addition to any porch or patio. With just a little tender loving care, you will be able to enjoy these pieces of furniture for years to come. With this durablity comes a sense of style and flair that will impress all your friends.

Wicker patio furniture ideas can be found all over the internet. Wicker patio furniture is durable and stylish; it'll add a lot to your backyard.

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Get the Best Bedroom Furniture For Your Budget

When furnishing our homes, many of us tend to focus on the highly visible and just shut the door on the bedrooms. But if you value a good night's sleep and the comfort provided by a well appointed bedroom, you'll want the best mattress and the best bedroom furniture that you can get within your budget. Remember, regardless how stunning your bedroom furniture appears, without a quality mattress it's all eye candy.

After all, how much entertaining will you be doing in your bedroom? When it comes to furniture for the bedroom and we mention words like "quality" and "best" we really are talking about the ability of your bed to give the best night's sleep possible. And that starts with the mattress. Your best bet is to focus on finding the best mattress for your personal needs - something that fosters a solid and complete night of rest. So when you are shopping for bedroom furniture and mattress alike, start off by looking at the best in the business - the industry leaders - and try to fit them within your budget if at all possible. Give them all a try and go from there.

Quality comes in any size for any room - twin, full, king, etc. - whatever fits within any space configuration you might be dealing with. With all the choices, there is no reason you can't keep a lid on expenses either. And when you factor in guarantees and mattress furniture quality, there really are some price-accessible choices for you to consider. For one of the best mattress choices to start off your comparisons, how about the mulling over one of many Simmons Beautyrest beds. The Beautyrest is known for its memory foam, which supports your body so as to provide support at all points of pressure. Don't fool around and buy some run of the mill mattress and then suffer the consequences night after night.

Keep your shopping homework going by testing our other mattresses. If you want what many people claim is the best mattress in the business, take a look at Duxiana and the Dux bed. There are a number of models and sizes from which to choose, but if you want a bed that is backed by eight decades of research focused on creating the best mattress possible, you can look no further. Interchangeable and adjustable, you can essentially fine tune this bed to fit your body. What you are getting is a mattress that can be customized to meet your sleeping needs. You'll pay more than $5,000 for a queen and upwards of $6,000 for a king, but you might just think it's a bargain if quality sleep for you is at a premium.

Certainly when you are trying to evaluate the best bedroom furniture and best mattress is for you, there are a lot of brands that you can look over. Be careful and take your time. Use all the resources out there in order to get the best and save money in the process. Wait for the inventory clearance specials. Inquire about special financing options. Buy last year's models for deep discounts. And again, test everything out prior to making your purchase.

Jenn Lund writes more about Memory Foam Pillows at http://www.BestBedMattresses.net.

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Chesterfield Sofas - A History Lesson and Buying Guide on This Classic Furniture Piece

A lot of people believe the Chesterfield sofa is so called after the English town of Chesterfield. Others think it was named after the Earl of Chesterfield. It is believed that Philippe Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield commissioned the first leather sofa, although this is not a proven fact. The information in this article aims to provide background on the sofa and act as a buying guide for the modern Chesterfield sofa.

Chesterfield sofas are similar in build and style to a settee but are larger and more luxurious. They were first made in the 18th and 19th century along with many other furniture items. The sofas have deep buttoned, quilted leather upholstery and low base seats. They are easily recognisable by the arms and backs being the same height. This is somewhat in contrast to the Victorian sofas which were characterised by ornate carvings and scrolled legs. But the sofas were designed for the rich. It's not surprising as the effort put into them was cutting edge for the time.

This period saw the Chesterfield sofa become one of the first sofas to be entirely upholstered. We associate the sofa in leather but the Victorians also used fabrics such as velvet and other materials. Some modern furniture retailers still offer the sofa to be upholstered in a choice of fabric.

The earliest example of a fabric sofa would be stuffed with horsehair and wadding. But in the 1830's springs were introduced which saw the seats and backs filled with metal coiled springs filled with horsehair and wadding. The space needed to fit the coils made the sofa wider and deeper, making it much more comfortable. Not many people grumbled about this and so it became a very popular choice among the rich.

During the 1930's in England, a new affluence was to be seen, enjoyed by the middle and upper classes. Furniture requirements became associated with status and a demand for top quality leather, very expensive compared to other soft furnishings, became the benchmark for seating in the luxurious residences of the rich.

Today, the Chesterfield sofa still remains in high regard and has a price tag to match. That being said Chesterfields are not purely for the rich anymore. There are still plenty of bargains still to be had. Modern design has resulted in a huge variety and choice, which encompasses design, colour and fabric. With some Chesterfields it's possible to remove the covers and dry clean them. There are many types to choose from including armchairs, recliners, 2 seater, 3 seater and corner sofas.

Modern Chesterfields are beautiful in every way with a solid wood frame made from selected dried timber. The steel spring base is 8-way hand tied, ensuring rigidity and comfort to years to come. The seat cushions have pocket-coil springs and are formed from a mixture of foam, fibre and feather, whilst the back cushions are feather and fibre. The quality leather is an oil-wax pull-up, aniline dyed and to finish off the sofa, solid oak feet are used.

Modern Vintage Chesterfield leather chairs and settees are expertly crafted to replicate the antique look with incredibly realistic distressing in the areas that would have received most natural wear over the years. The leather will need periodically feeding with leather care wax or creams to the soft, luxurious condition.

Classic leather furniture, you've always dreamed of, now at affordable prices. Find out more about Chesterfield Sofas and the types of finishes available at http://www.chesterfieldsofas.net.

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Leather Furniture Restoration

Non-fabric furniture is a popular choice among furniture buyers because it is stylish, durable and comfortable. Unlike fabric upholstery, leather can be restored to its original state with proper cleaning and conditioning. Although Non-fabric may cost a little more than ordinary upholstery furniture, the biggest bang for the buck is had by investing in leather. Non-fabric furniture will outlast typical fabric upholstered furniture with minimal maintenance.

Types of Leather

Non-fabric furniture can be made with pigmented, suede or dyed leather. In order to clean this type of furniture, know the type of material first before using cleaners or conditioners. A suede couch will need special cleaning and care by a professional. The typical leather couch has a smooth water-proof surface and has been treated with a protective conditioning treatment prior to purchase.

Placement of Furniture

This Type of furniture should not be exposed to direct sunlight or direct heat sources such as heating vents, radiators or fireplaces. Just as skin shows signs of aging when not properly protected from sunlight and heat, non-fabric can become dull, dry and cracked with over-exposure to extreme heat or direct sunlight. Periodic cleaning and conditioning of leather furniture will ensure that it remains attractive and in good condition.

Cleaning furniture

Weekly wiping down the furniture with a soft cloth will keep the leather free from dust buildup and will help to avoid dirt from being ground into the pores of the furniture.
A cleaner should be used every couple of months in order to keep the furniture in good condition. Only an approved cleaner should be used as bleach or other household cleansers may damage the surface. It is best to do a colorfast test in an inconspicuous area before using any cleaner or conditioner on leather. Care should be taken to thoroughly remove dirt and oil from areas such arm rests and head rests. Once the furniture has been totally cleaned with the proper leather cleaner, allow the furniture to properly dry before using it.

Conditioning

Conditioning furniture once or twice a year with an approved oil treatment or conditioner is recommended to maintain and restore furniture to its original appearance. Conditioners not only refurbish dull furniture and renew the color, but can extend the life of the leather by keeping it supple and pliable thus keeping it from cracking. A conditioning treatment will coat the leather with a protective surface, will help to remove scratch marks, and restore the leather to its original state.

Ensuring that leather furniture remains soft and supple for years to come is not a difficult task. Simple cleaning and conditioning will keep the leather refurbished and looking as beautiful as it did when first purchased. Genuine leather furniture is a classy, durable and comfortable addition to any room. Keeping leather furniture clean and conditioned will enhance its appearance as years go by and help to maintain its value.

Visit Theo Hill and Clean Pros at http://cleanproscarpetcleaning.com/ for the the next level in carpet cleaning.

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Chinese Antique Furniture

There are many homes and businesses where the decor will benefit from a variety of Chinese antique furniture pieces. Whether you are just beginning a collection, or have acquired many items to suit your surroundings, there are many additional objects that span over decades and at times centuries of manufacturing which can complement any room. Keeping yourself informed about the manufacturers and retailers near you is a great way to keep up-to-date on upcoming items that you may want to secure for purchase later. The many colors and styles available are exciting and refreshing to many home and business owners who are looking for a change in their decor.

Chinese antique furniture is attractive to many home and business owners as valued pieces of their surroundings mainly for their tradition and classic beauty. When examining many items from the Qing Dynasty or from centuries past you are sure to be delighted by the exquisite craftsmanship that has been put into each design on the furniture itself. One of its best attributes is that much of it has been designed for longevity in mind to survive throughout the decades with little evidence of warping, cracking or even signs of regular wear and tear. Purchasing Chinese antique furniture is a long-term commitment, and you are sure to enjoy your new piece of furniture for years to come.

There are many symbols used in the making of Chinese antique furniture. Whether you are looking for a particular style of furnishings or want to explore what the markings and symbols mean on the Chinese antique furniture that you have already obtained, you can find many glossaries through the Internet, or even ask one of your local antique dealers who specializes in Chinese furniture. From fruits, flowers and vegetables to gods, animals or even other symbols such as inanimate objects or earthly properties, there is much to be learned from the markings and symbols.

Many manufacturers and retailers of Chinese antique furniture will provide buyers with authenticity certificates at the time of purchase, while others will only provide them if asked. If you have any questions about the piece of furniture you are considering for your collection, and if you need such documentation, be sure to ask before you make your final purchase. These authenticity certificates can be used to help reduce import duty costs on occasion as well.

There are significant differences between genuine antiques and those that are refurbished, reproductions, and fakes. Antiques are considered to be real, authentic, original pieces of furniture and are only modified or refurbished to repair the effects of aging or to improve their utility for modern owners. If you have any questions about a specific piece of Chinese antique furniture that you are considering for purchase, be sure to learn as much as you can before making a final decision. Take the time to get to know the many types of styles of Chinese antique furniture so that you are sure you find a piece that will fit your decor perfectly.

Visit the Chinese Antique Furniture Shop for an extensive collection of Chinese antique furniture and a wealth of information to help you become a more informed collector.

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Looking For Bathroom Furniture?

Bathroom is not only a necessity for storage but can also enhance the overall décor of your bathroom. There are numerous varieties for bathroom furniture online. A great range of designs and styles can be browsed online for bathroom furniture. Ensure that the furniture you opt for is durable, provides comfort and is cost effective besides being good to look at. It is important to consider your budget before buying bathroom furniture online. There are lavish ceramic items that can burn a hole in your pocket so if you have a moderate budget you can opt for glass items that are low on cost and shave a great gloss finish that lends them a superior quality. Also if there is a space constraint in your bathroom look out for furniture with in built lighting that can make the bathroom look bigger in size and brighten the area too.

Bathrooms can be enhanced by using wood furniture and fixtures, as it is extremely light on pocket and durable as well. Make sure to get the wood coated with enamel to make it water resistant. Wooden furniture has been there since ages and is appealing too. For small bathrooms, the furniture should be multipurpose. For instance instead of a vanity stool try using the laundry hamper.Also mirror cabinets that revolve save a lot of space and look smart.

When coloring your bathroom it is preferable to go for neutral and subtle tones for an understated style. Also light tones can match with every theme and style.It is important to contrast the bathroom furniture with the color of the walls and tiles for overall coordination. You can also shop for handcrafted items and carved furniture online. These lend a rich and classy appeal to any bathroom. If you plan to buy bathroom furniture online, remember that the pictures are quite different from the actual product, so ensure that the product comes with the money back guarantee, in case you do not like the product. Bathroom furniture can add beauty to the room if it is well matched and has a sense of unity, keep in mind the dimensions, shape and style of your bathroom. Every item, ranging from faucets to cabinets and even upholstery should go well with the entire look of the bathroom.

Fixtures are an integral part of your bathroom furniture. It is best to have a minimal and modern style of décor that can be created with modern fixtures. If you prefer an ornate look with antiques and classic styles you can opt for traditional fixtures. Traditional ones are available in floral patterns and the modern ones can follow geometrical designs and swirls. It is equally important to match your faucet with towel bars, hooks, medicine cabinets and other hardware used in the bathroom. Choosing white color for all the fixtures is the safest way to go about it. Compare the prices from different websites when shopping for bathroom furniture online, only then settle for the best bet.

Bathroom is not only a necessity for storage but can also enhance the overall decor of your bathroom. There are numerous varieties for bathroom furniture online. A great range of designs and styles can be browsed online for bathroom furniture. Ensure that the furniture you opt for is durable, provides comfort and is cost effective besides being good to look at.

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Outdoor Wicker Furniture - A Great Choice

Outdoor wicker furniture has been a long time favorite. There are several reasons why this type of furniture has held its place for so long as a preferred outdoor choice for furniture.

Wicker is either natural or synthetic. The natural version can be made from cane material or thin branches, even reeds have been known to be made into wicker. Traditionally natural wicker is made from the Willow. The material is processed and woven usually into a pattern. Synthetic wicker is usually plastic that is woven into a traditional wicker pattern. Wicker is more of the art of weaving material than it is a substance.

Benefits of Wicker Furniture

This type of furniture is durable when it is well made. It can withstand the elements and is generally maintenance free. It is usually available in an array of styles which makes it a great choice for mixing and matching pieces. It looks great even after years of use. It becomes weathered over time which makes it appear more appealing. As it becomes weathered it has a very distinguished finish to it. It can be easily painted if the natural look is not for you. It is comfortable and very sturdy.

Down Side of Wicker Furniture

If it is not well made it can unravel in certain sections and pieces can break off. There is a treatment process that is very important in creating this type of furniture if it is not followed during manufacturing and the wicker is not given enough time to cure, or if the process is rushed the furniture will suffer and be of a lesser quality. It can become dry and brittle over time if it was not processed correctly during the manufacturing of it.

Styles

There are many styles and patterns to choose from. The natural wicker will be more expensive than the synthetic wicker, but the synthetic wicker will probably last longer than the natural.

There are couches, tables, chairs, rocking chairs, foot stools, benches and a host of other items that can be made from wicker. Each item can be purchased individually or it can be purchased as a set. Usually there are removable cushions on the furniture that are easily changed out to add a different style to your set each season. The style flexibility is unlimited. Wicker outdoor furniture is stylish, always in vogue and a great way to decorate your deck or patio. It is usually reasonably priced and can come in many styles and can be built for many functions.

Go with the popular choice. Outdoor wicker furniture is a great idea no matter what kind of patio you have.

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Some of the Things to Consider When Buying Hotel Furniture

Selecting the most ideal kind of hotel furniture is just one ingredient of the overall design that you want to present your hotel. This can be indubitably challenging work, particularly when you bear in mind that furniture for hotel come in numerous colors, patterns, materials, and styles.

However, you ought not to worry too much, as long as you start off with a clear mind, so that you could move along in a constituted manner. Once you decide on an overall style, start choosing furniture by focusing on each individual sector, and not the hotel as a whole. For example, the right question to ask is what piece would fit for the lobby or the dining area, instead of what chairs are needed for the entire hotel. In conjunction with that, have in mind the target customers in that hotel. If you expect customers who will be with young ones, then you better think of including furniture that is suitable for the young ones.

If you are considering having a bar in the hotel, then get the most ideal pub tables, bar stools, and other bar furniture. As you have decided on the over-all style of the design, you can now look for the furniture of a particular style or upholstery. Whether is traditional or modern contemporary, whether it is fabric or leather, you have already narrowed down your ideas by following the overall design scheme. If you want to make it more interesting, you can even mix and match the styles or upholstery. A little bit of contrasting colors can bring differences too. For modern contemporary themes, do not afraid of using sharp style statement. Even for traditional designs, you can consider something unusual for accessories or minor items.

There are as many different designs available out there as you will need. For example, for bar furniture, you can choose classic oak bar stools or a modern setting of leather and stainless steel, or even the ultra contemporary acrylic bar stools, which can also be used outdoors when the occasion comes up. It might take you a little bit more time to find the right pub tables, as there are in general less design options for bar tables. You want the tables durable and sturdy, as well as good looking. There are actually a large amount of designs online nowadays, and you can find exciting collections if you spend a little time to do the homework. In fact, if you do not have the extra time or mood for resourcefulness, you can simply go with pub tables that are originally designed with their own set of chairs or bar stools.

In essence, it is not as intimidating as you might have thought to furnish a hotel, once you have a good idea of the style of the overall design and what kind of furniture you want. After that is decided, the next step is to split the hotel into smaller areas and work on the areas one by one. When it comes to actual purchase of the items, you will want to think about buying all the furniture from one store if that is possible, in order to have the best price. Do not forget to check out vendors online too, who can very often offer a better deal than brick and mortar stores, as online stores always have a lower fixed cost than brick and mortar stores. You can also consider working with wholesalers when you have large quantity orders. Take into account that you may have to wait eight to twelve weeks for some of the big orders if the manufacturer is located outside of the US.

Amy M. Miller is a freelance writer specializing in wholesale furniture and hotel furniture.

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How Used Office Furniture and Cubicles Help the Environment

Companies are buying or refurbishing used office furniture or office cubicles mainly for the cost savings. What they may not be consciously aware of is that they are also helping in the conservation of our environment. This practice is actually a good example of the three R's of waste minimization: reduce, reuse and recycle.

Buying or refurbishing used office furniture already reduces the overall amount of waste being deposited in landfills. One study shows that recycling just 40 workstations is equivalent to diverting one tractor-trailer load of furniture from a landfill. Also, it is estimated that for each pound of natural resources used to improve or repair old furniture so that it can be reused, five to nine pounds of virgin materials are conserved.

The truth is, not all of the discarded conference tables, chairs, bookshelves, desks, sofas and the like are broken or defective. Companies sometimes throw away furniture simply because they look outdated. It could also be that the furniture is slightly worn or no longer works with the color scheme of a new office space.

There is a saying that goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Recycled office furniture generally refers to pieces that have been diverted out of the solid waste stream and back into the market with or without repairs. Specifically, it can refer to remanufactured, refurbished or reused office furniture and office cubicles.

Sometimes, suppliers get items that are still structurally sound and do not need any repair or improvement to its appearance. Resold and used as is, these pieces are referred to as reused office furniture. This type is probably the least expensive of the three kinds of recycled furniture, because the supplier does not need to do anything to make the items saleable.

Refurbishing office furniture means adding value by repairing structural damage and making cosmetic improvements to them before selling. Companies also have the option of refurbishing their current furniture to make them look brand new, match a certain color scheme or fit a physical space. Some examples are repairing the broken arm of a chair, reupholstering panels of office cubicles and adding new laminate surfaces to desks or tables.

Remanufactured office furniture, like refurbished pieces, has had value added to it before it is sold. Unlike refurbished furniture, however, remanufactured furniture have been completely disassembled, inspected, cleaned, parts repaired or replaced, reassembled and refinished before going back to the market. For instance, old office cubicles are dismantled, repainted and new fabric applied to all panels. Original laminate is stripped off and new laminate, edge banding and molding are applied.

The environment and used office furniture users are not the only ones who benefit from recycling. Suppliers also save on labor and manufacturing energy. The amount of effort and energy required to alter an existing product is 85 percent to 90 percent less than what is needed to manufacture a new product.

Company's can save a good amount of money if they purchase used office furniture because it is usually half the price of new furniture. Not only is it cost effective but the quality is usually the same. Roger Loveless works to help companies find money saving cubicle furniture by writing articles about it.

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Getting Outdoor Furniture Tables at a Great Price

Now is the time to buy if you're in the market for outdoor furniture tables. There are great sales to be had even though it's not the prime season for using these pieces of furniture. However, there are a lot of things to take into consideration before you make a purchase.

Price

One of the main things people look for when it comes to buying furniture for their yard is the price. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first is that we are in a tight economy. That means there is not enough money to go around. Therefore people want to be getting a good deal. Add to this the fact that this is not 'vital' home furniture and they want to pay even less. Retailers are having to meet this desire if they want to sell, so you have a chance to get furniture for less. Add to this that many retailers are still having a problem moving pieces in this economy, even with reduced prices, and if you are a serious shopper they will likely work with you to make you happy so you will buy.

Size

Before you jump at the best price you see, you need to make sure it will fit into the space you have. It's time to do some measurements. First, measure your entire outdoor entertaining area. Next, measure the specific space you're planning on using your outdoor furniture tables in. You need to make sure they'll fit comfortably. Remember, it's not just room for the table and chairs to sit you have to think about. People will be sitting in those chairs, which means they won't be flush to the table. Also, you need to be able to move around those chairs and any other furniture that you're planning on purchasing comfortably.

Seating

Don't forget to take note of how many people you're planning on having at your home. If you're only entertaining a couple people at a time, you have a lot of flexibility in what you're going to purchase. However, if you're planning on holding larger outdoor gatherings on a regular basis, it is vital that you have enough seating around whatever tables you get for everyone. This means you may have to pass on those bigger neat looking chairs that you were buying and go instead with something that will better fit all of the people you're planning on entertaining.

So you see, purchasing outdoor furniture tables has a lot more to it than just finding a style and color that you think is attractive. From price to the entertaining space you have to work with and the number of people you want to be able to entertain, there are plenty of things to think about before you make a final purchase.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it is living room tables for your living room or tables for you newly remodeled home, there are many tips you can use to make any spot both functional and beautiful. Click today and indulge your senses.

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Sexy Recycled Plastic Patio Chairs and Outdoor Garden Furniture For Today's Living Spaces

Creating your personal dream theme using beautiful sexy patio chairs and outdoor furniture...

Patio, pool or garden spaces are a pleasant way for family and friends to unwind. You will want to show off your special garden theme that is romantic and sexy, or a patio theme that is bright and colorful for any spring and summer event. Patio and garden themes are very popular and can be done on a low, medium or higher budget. Can you see yourself showing off that special patio or garden theme with bright rich colors and fancy theme style cushions, maybe a romantic red color for your patio chairs, or choose a color of choice to create your personal dream theme that will last for years?

Outdoor entertaining is very popular and really not as expensive as going out every week. Think of all the time and money you will save, starting your very own patio, pool or garden theme that all family and friends will enjoy. Just having a couple of drinks and dinner in your patio or garden area is a practical choice, invite friends over for a game of cards or just sit back and relax in the new patio furniture you have purchased. Have your guests relax in one of your newly purchased colorful patio chairs, or lounger chair will be a nice summer memory.

Choosing recycled plastic furniture for outdoor living...

Recycled plastic, resin, polywood materials are such practical choices when buying outdoor patio chairs, patio sets, and outdoor patio and garden furniture. When you choose recycled outdoor products, you have the practical time saving benefit of virtually no-maintenance. Go green and buy recycled products, available are many colors and designs to choose from, many manufacturers produce recycled plastic furniture that is fade resistant, having UV protection for your patio and garden furniture will have a long lasting life.

Other Practical Materials of Choice...

Other popular materials are natural long lasting cedar, cedar can last for many years and is a proven material for outdoor furniture. Also available are pine, teak, and less expensive hardwoods. Metal, wicker and other plastic recycled materials are available when shopping for outdoor patio chairs, patio sets and furniture. Metal has come a long way from the earlier days, now coated and protected for a long lasting life of the product. Most manufacturers include hardware that is stainless steel, or rust resistant, also including easy assembly instructions and a help line 1 800 number for assistance.

Buying quality patio chairs, patio sets and recycled plastic furniture is a lasting investment...

Finding good quality outdoor patio and garden furniture at affordable prices is simple, when shopping online you have control of your time and purchasing decisions, no pressure from any sales associate, which makes shopping a pleasant experience.You will notice when shopping for outdoor living ideas, many times the use of natural materials such as flowers, branches, and decor rocks are used to give outdoor living a natural look and relaxing feeling.

When it comes to the final touch of decorating your personal project, you may buy used decor items at flea markets, and yard sales, saving you money including taxes that are added on to the price of your store purchase. By shopping smart for your decorations as mentioned, you will be able to save money and spend it on comfortable quality outdoor patio chairs, and furniture that will last for a long time. Knowing how to find good deals on the net, and having practical shopping tips will make your shopping experience very pleasant.

Dean G http://www.patioconnections.com/ Shopping at PatioConnections.com we offer reliable information, use our information for your benefit previous to placing your order. Offering patio chairs, patio sets, patio umbrellas, garden benches, bar and counter stools, and bistro and pub sets. Please feel free to email us for any questions you may have at support @PatioConnections.com

We offer free shipping, secure ordering, all products are fully guaranteed. Select that special product, order now. http://www.patioconnections.com/store-categories/Patio-Chairs_3948222.html

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Getting the Most Patio Outdoor Furniture For Your Money

Are you thinking of redoing the patio this year? Maybe you have had a plan of an area you would like to be kicking back at for a while now and think this may be the year that you take the step to make the purchase of the items that will make it a reality. Well, instead of waiting until spring to do that shopping for the patio outdoor furniture that you want, you may want to go shopping right now!

Here's a look at three reasons why now is the time to buy:

Selection

Since you are getting a jump-start on the spring decorating season, you will get the pick of the litter when it comes to choosing patio outdoor furniture. You see, the stores are just starting to get their inventory in. That means before other people have a chance to purchase all of those top end, beautiful pieces, you will be in the midst of seeing what is new as it is coming out and grab those perfect pieces for you. This is especially important if you have a certain theme in mind for your patio or have a limited area or know just what you want. Purchasing early will make sure you get it.

Price

The next reason you want to start shopping for your patio furniture now is because of the price. There are two ways to get great prices on things. You can wait until the end of the season and look through the rejected items that no one else wanted for a deal. Or, you can shop at the beginning of the season.

The reason you can get a good price at the beginning of the season is that this is a time when inventories are often at their max. Stores have the old inventory still taking up the showroom floor while all the new pieces are showing up. This can mean they have far too much furniture to fit in the space they have so they need to move some of it out the door to make room.

Often they will do this by clearance pricing the old stuff, but with people purchasing less these days, many stores have to take things a step further. They are also lowering the price of some of the new inventory to get a few pieces out and make a little more space. Often the prices will go back up as they get their inventory under control.

Winter Break

The last reason this is a good time to be purchasing patio outdoor furniture is because of the winter weather outside. For most parts of the country, this has been a bit of a harsh winter. Wouldn't a change of pace be nice? By starting to do your shopping for your spring and summer entertaining now, you are going to give yourself an escape from the dreary weather that is going on in the winter outside and think ahead to the warmer spring and summer months to come.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it is coffee and end tables for your living room or side tables for you newly remodeled home, there are many tips you can use to make any spot both functional and beautiful. Click today and indulge your senses.

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Ensuring the Safety of Your Baby Furniture

Most people, especially those who already have kids, usually will say that being a father or mother for the first time is one of their happiest moments of their lives. Babies are like stress reliever angels that one smile from their innocent juvenile face can really take all the fatigue off your body, next thing you know you will find yourself cuddling your baby even after a long hard day.

Most parents nowadays are working parents either by choice or for practical reasons. That is why, it is nearly impossible for all parents nowadays to watch over their kids 24/7.

Thus, having a caring and trustworthy baby sitter and quality baby furniture is a must. Finding good and caring baby sitters maybe quite easy, as you can always ask your friendly neighbor's daughter to watch over your baby while you are away from home.

One thing you should always consider to keep your baby safe even if you are away if finding the right baby furniture for him or her. Every furniture has various safety precautions, depending on what type of item it is and the material it is made up of. This article will give you some tips to keep your baby safe and comfortable even if you're away.

Proper placement of furniture can prevent accidents. Cribs, one of the most used furniture for babies, should never be placed near a low window. Babies that are starting to stand-up on their own tends to move a lot inside its crib, thus it is very important to keep his or her crib safe from toppling around.

About high chairs, it is also very important to keep it away from walls or counters where your babies might hold and stand-up to. High chairs are easy to topple, thus it is always accident prone especially to babies that are learning to stand-up and walk on their own, as they tend to be much more hyperactive than they were.

In buying baby furniture, always think of quality over design, after all, it's the safety of you baby, not the design.

Come visit the author latest websites on Baby Furniture Cribs and Musical Instrument Accessories.

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Patio Furniture Dining Sets - More Reasons to Eat Out

Is it just me or do men like decorating as much as women love shopping? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I've been in the recreational business for a long time that I have made it my business to create areas of recreation even in our own home? I have become my family's very own "exterior" designer because I love designing spaces around our pool area, our lanai and even our patio.

Just recently I was eyeing some patio furniture dining sets. Yes, our good old dining set is still fine, but wouldn't it be nice to eat out on a warm, balmy or star-filled night?

Patio furniture dining sets are also perfect when entertaining friends wanting a cook-out or a barbeque out in the lawn or near the pool. As a matter of fact patio furniture dining sets can also be used as work or writing tables or even study tables for kids whenever their friends or schoolmates come over for group study.

There are actually a lot more uses for patio furniture dining sets aside from dining on them. One of my kids uses ours as a computer table to put her laptop on when she feels the urge to get out of her room while tweeting or just plain surfing.

What's more patio furniture dining sets could be just what one needs to fill up an empty space in their garden or backyard. Why settle for just any other piece of furniture to decorate your space with when you can have a multi-purpose table and a set of chairs that is nice-looking enough to be a decoration and at the same time is fully-functional as any ordinary table or chair?

Have you seen what types of patio furniture dining sets there are in the stores? They now come in a variety of materials. There's powder-coated aluminum, bamboo, wrought iron, and treated hard wood. So whatever theme you are going for, you are sure to find a number of patio furniture dining sets to go with your design theme.

We went for Asian-oriental this time and we found around three patio furniture dining sets that we liked and would go well with our other Asian-oriental furniture pieces. Of the three patio furniture dining sets we chose one made out of powder-coated aluminum with curlicues that looked similar to the design on a Chinese curio cabinet we once saw. We went for aluminum because it will be out on the lawn most of the time and we wanted it to be able to withstand the elements or the splashes of water, in case we decide to move it to the pool area.

Check out the patio furniture sets available in your area. Who knows you might be inspired to be your own family's "exterior" designer as well. In my case, it started with our swimming pool and went on to include landscaping, pumps and filters, pool area furniture and even pool toys. You can say I never looked back after we got our pool installed. One "decorative" piece just led to another.

Being in the Swimming Pool Industry for 40 years, Steve Merillat was one of the first people that designed and installed free-form vinyl in-ground pools and pioneered many of the techniques used to this day with regards to their installation. For all of your Swimming Pool Supplies needs, any purchase or information on your Patio Furniture Dining Sets, visit 1800Pools.

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Symbols in Chinese Antique Furniture

Those that have a love for Chinese art and antiques are surely attracted to the items based on their beautiful visual appearance. While the shape and style of the antiques certainly add to their aesthetic value, the symbols engraved into the items are also visually alluring as they are truly eye catching. While some may acknowledge the visual beauty of these symbols, they may not have much knowledge in terms of what these symbols represent and what they mean. For those that are curious about the meaning behind these symbols, the following is a brief overview:

Gods: To say that there are a great many ancient gods in Chinese cultural history and many of them are represented in the symbols carved or drawn in the antiques. Since Chinese history dates back to the year 3,000 BC, it is no surprise that many of the gods and goddesses represented in the symbols are linked to the many different cultural aspects of human behavior over the years. That is why the depiction of these gods is heavily influenced by emotions. There is a top tier of gods known as the Stellar Triad and a second tier known as the 8 Immortals. Their appearances in antiques and art are quite frequent. Some of the gods and their representation include: Hexiangu (Marriage), Lu Dongbin (Liberator of greed and lust), Zaojun (Harmony in the household), Xi (joy), and many others.

Animals: Since a great deal of Chinese cultural history entails the study of the natural world, it is no surprise that scores of animals are represented in antiques as well. The imagery of the animals includes bats (good luck), monkeys (human spirit), turtles (immortality), and various other indigenous creatures of the region. Each and every animal is connected to a specific trait in a manner no different than how gods are depicted.

Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables: this would seem like several different categories but they are really a collective of the representation of nature that is uniquely presented in the ancient symbolism of the art and antiques. While many of these symbols are varied, a number of them have the same meaning because - as mentioned - they are tied back to the representation of the singular entity of nature. For example, bamboo, pine, and mushrooms along with various other items all represent longevity. And longevity is, of course, linked heavily to the natural world. Other common representations include wealth (flowers), progeny (lotus), and joy (peach).

There are other miscellaneous symbols that make their way into the antiques and artwork of China. Coins (wealth), water ripples (also wealth), fans (goodness), and the simple vase (peace) are all common symbols that are prevalent. Of course, there are more and their symbolism stretches many different meanings.

The inclusion of symbols on Chinese antiques is certainly appreciated since they truly add a brilliant visual component to the antiques which adds to their aesthetic value. This is why their inclusion is so welcome and increases the popularity of the items to a great degree.

Visit the Chinese Antique Furniture Shop for an extensive collection of Chinese antique furniture and a wealth of information to help you become a more informed collector.

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How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture From Winter

Winter can be a very tough time of year not just for you, your pets and your plants, but also you outdoor furniture. If you have a patio furniture set that you want to keep around as long as possible, you need to understand how the wicked weather of winter can impact your furniture pieces and what you can do to protect them and prevent damage.

The first thing you need to do is get to know your furniture and what kind of damage it maybe facing. If you have wood furniture, the winter weather can cause drying, cracking and warping of the wood. If you have metal there could be a rust threat. Plastic and other materials have a threat of becoming brittle. And if your furniture pieces are cushioned, there is a whole new host of possible problems they are facing.

So what can you do? Learn your options for preventing the damage from happening in the first place.

Covers

The first option you have is to look into furniture covers that will keep your furniture protected from the elements. You can usually find these at any store that sells outdoor furniture. These covers usually just slip over the top of the furniture pieces and then have a way to tighten them in place. These will keep the wind from blowing dirt on your furniture and will also prevent snow and other precipitation from getting in to do any damage.

Garage or Shed

Do you have a garage? How about a lawn shed? Either of these are good places to put your patio furniture to help it make it through the winter. You know you are not going to be going outside once the temperature gets to a certain point for winter. At this point, its time to not only move yourself inside, but also that patio furniture.

By moving the patio furniture inside you will be able to accomplish a few things. First you will keep the furniture from sitting directly in the elements. The constant hounding from snow, wind and other winter weather can make your new furniture look old quickly. Secondly you are keeping any precipitation from sinking in, which will also extend the life of the furniture pieces.

Storage Unit

If you do not have a garage or other storage area at your home that may be a good place to put your patio furniture, you may want to take a look into getting a storage unit. This is especially a good idea if you have a large or expensive outdoor furniture set. While you may think that putting the money out for something like this is a waste of money, you should consider what you are risking. Think of how much that furniture set cost when you purchased it. If you leave it out through too many harsh winters that is how much you will have to pay to replace the set, or more. It is often much more affordable to take the time to put it away than to have to buy new pieces.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it is living room furniture for your living room or a sideboard for you newly remodeled home, there are many tips you can use to make any spot both functional and beautiful. Click today and indulge your senses.

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Stag Furniture

Stag furniture is no longer made, but there is a huge following for secondhand Stag pieces. Stag produced some innovative furniture in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Today Stag's Minstrel furniture has a strong following with buyers eagerly searching eBay for pieces to complete their collection.

Stag was one of the first English furniture makers to go contemporary in the early 50s. They employed husband and wife team, John and Sylvia Reid, to design the cutting edge 'C' range of bedroom furniture. The new look was minimalist in the extreme, handles were abolished in favour of recessed grips. The wardrobe was only decorated by a mirror. The 'C' range looked stark and initially sales were slow. However, as the public became more used to contemporary design it became a winner for Stag.

John and Sylvia Reid's association with Stag continued. Their next project was Madrigal. It was a range of furniture inspired, not by modern design, but by the past. Madrigal was meant to replace Stag's aging 'A' range of traditional furniture. However, it was not a great success.

Stag's Chairman, Vaughn Radford, still had faith in John and Sylvia Reid. Their next range for Stag became the best selling range of British furniture of all time. John and Sylvia Reid continued to look to the past for inspiration and developed Madrigal into Minstrel.

Minstrel was an evolution from Madrigal. It was inspired by the elegance of eighteenth century furniture, but reinterpreted for the modern world. Stag Minstrel furniture was made from makore (or African Cherry). It was of similar appearance to Madrigal, but had new, simpler brass ring handles. These and the simple design make Minstrel instantly recognisable.

The Reid's design was complemented by Vaughn Radford's commercial skill. He was able to buy
makore in huge quantities meaning that no other manufacturer could make anything similar in terms of quality for the same price.

The key ingredient to Minstrel's success was timing. At its launch in 1964, the intial buzz around contemporary design was fading. Contemporary was not to everyone's taste, even in the 50s. Minstrel combined the convenience of modern design with the elegance of antique furniture. It was not a direct reproduction, but captured the essence of antique style with a modern look. Minstrel was a marketing and design triumph.

Minstrel remained in production for nearly forty years and was Stag's most successful range. Today it has a strong following with many buyers looking to eBay to update their collections and to search out those elusive pieces they did not manage to get at the time.

For more about Stag read my main feature and buying guide Stag furniture

Steven Braggs is the co-author of 'The G-Plan Revolution' with Basil Hyman, published by Booth Clibborn Editions. He is also the founder of http://www.retrowow.co.uk, a web site about retro style and the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

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Decorating With Elegant and Formal Living Room Furniture

Elegant and formal living room furniture might remind you of your dream house even if you are just living in a condo. These kinds of rooms are perfect for company and conversation but they can also still work for your everyday life. It's important to balance these two aspects so that they can be used on a daily basis and to help maximize your square footage. Here are a few tips for picking out this kind of furniture and making the most of your existing pieces.

It's important to know exactly what makes the piece look expensive. This doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of money. You might even be able to find this kind of furniture in the classified ads or at garage sale. You want to look for very intricate details. These include any gold leafing accents as well as a wood carvings.

Another aspect that will make your typical living room furniture look more formal is an elegant fabric. You can even make cotton look sophisticated as long as it's a very rich and deep chocolate brown. You want to choose a sofa that will work for your everyday life and then just dress it up with throw pillows and trim work. Trim is another classic hallmark of this design style. You might be able to find nail head details as well as tassel work if you want a Tuscan or traditional vibe.

Wingback chairs are very formal and elegant feeling. It will really make your room fill more traditional than just a basic recliner. It will give your space more of a library feeling to it. This is the kind of style you really want to be careful with so your TV doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. If you have a flat screen put an intricate console underneath it. You can also turn it into artwork with an ornate gold frame around it. For formal living room furniture you really want to focus in on making everything match and having a cohesive design. This is one of the few opportunities to update and buy an entire living room set without it looking cheesy.

Another aspect of formal living room furniture are wood tones. The wood tones should be dark and rich such as mahogany, cherry, or walnut. This will make your room instantly feel richer and more elegant. Plus, this is a pretty traditional design so you can add in new pieces over time to complete the set.

Learn more about formal living furniture. Stop by Sara Gilmore's articles where you can find out all about elegant living room furniture.

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Teak Furniture - The Proper Way to Care For & Clean It

Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden honey color when new. However, as it begins to age and is exposed to the elements, the natural, beautiful color changes to a silvery gray patina. In fact, this is how you can distinguish finely aged outdoor teak furniture! The key with teak is that if you were to leave this silvery gray color on the teak furniture without being treated, you would never be able to get the lustrous honey, caramel back.

Although the color change does not affect the strength and durability of the piece, it does give your teak furniture a whole new look. Therefore, if you are going to own outdoor (or indoor) teak furniture you first want to decide if you want to maintain the original golden brown color or let your teak furniture acquire a silver gray patina as it weathers.

To extend the beautification of the lustrous honey color, a leading manufacturer, Kingsley-Bate, recommends using a protector. Their teak protector is a "cosmetic application" and helps the furniture maintain its color for a season. Reapply as needed.

Kingsley-Bate does not recommend using a teak oil on outdoor furniture because of the high maintenance involved in this process. Every three months, teak oil will need to be reapplied to maintain the brown finish. Kingsley-Bate also states "oiling outdoor furniture may cause mildew or irregular coloring."

When left outdoors without a teak protector or teak oil, your outdoor furniture will turn silvery-gray. This process takes approximately 9 months and depends on the exposure to certain elements such as rain and sun. If this is look you wish to maintain, the only care needed for your teak furniture is a periodic cleaning.

The recommended cleaning solution is a 75/25 mixture of a mild laundry detergent with bleach in water. Only a soft bristle brush should be used. When your deck furniture is clean, rinse the entire piece well enough to remove any dirt or cleaning solution residue. This process is adequate for general cleaning of your furniture regardless if it is golden brown or has weathered.

Kingsley-Bate offers a product for those who allowed their patio furniture to weather to a silver gray and now want to return it to the original color. Regardless of how long your furniture is outside, Kingsley-Bate's teak cleaner will restore your furniture to the honey brown color. The process is simple and does not require heavy scrubbing.

Some people want to stain or paint their teak furniture. Manufacturers frown upon this as the natural oil occurring in the teak prevents the paint or stain to adhere to the wood. If you absolutely must have your teak furniture painted or stained, you should go to your local marina store and confirm what they recommend to use.

While some people will allow their teak furniture to remain outdoors all year long, there are those that recommend it be brought indoors. However, if you do keep it out, then make sure it does not sit on wet ground and that puddles of water are not allowed to pool on the furniture. But the great thing about teak is that since it is a dense hardwood, it naturally resists warping, shrinkage, swelling, and rot. In addition, it contains a high oil content the continually preserves the wood, which is why you can leave it outdoors without much problem. The smooth finish does not splinter and looks absolutely beautiful.

Teak patio furniture is luxury outdoor furniture. You want to make certain you take care of your investment properly as this is intended to last for years.

Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous furniture websites, makes it easy to find quality teak bench and teak patio furniture Learn how to buy and care for your teak furniture by clicking the following link: teak steamers

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Do I Need Professionals For My Event Furniture Hire Setup?

When it comes to event furniture hire, what are the main things you are looking for when procuring such services? Most people will say that working with a bar hire company ensures you will get a high quality style of furniture. This is most definitely true as a decent exhibition furniture hire company can most definitely deliver top of the line name brand furniture items. But, this is not the only reason for purchasing such furniture. The actual set up of the furniture will play a large role in terms of the quality of the presentation.

When the professionals that work with the bar hire or exhibition furniture hire company delivers the furniture, they do not just haphazardly place the furniture in a random fashion. Exhibition furniture hire will not be much of an exhibition if it is not presented properly. In fact, the look of the event could be greatly undermined if the setup is extremely weak. That is why a lot of thought is needed to be employed with the actual setup. Quality professionals can make sure the end result is a properly aesthetic one. When you bring in the pros from a bar hire service, such a quality look will be maintained.

Imagine if the hosts of the events rented their own furniture and tried to make the setup work. Could they do it properly? It is possible but the end result will not likely be at the same quality level as a professional event furniture-hire company could deliver. That is why it is a better idea to stick with the exhibition hire pros when setting up an event.

Invisible Blue Direct, stylish event furniture hire, bar hire and prop hire for any event, exhibition or special occasion.

For more detailed information, visit http://www.ivbdirect.com/

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Determining the Timber of Antique Furniture Without Damaging the Finish

A major problem in restoration and conservation is that many people insist on scratching or scraping an area on a piece of furniture to try to ascertain its timber, removing the finish, be it painted or disguised under many layers of old finish and waxes, prior to purchase. A small, good quality torch to inspect the undersides of a piece will often reveal more than scraping or gouging the outside surface, enlightening you as to its timber composition (unless, of course, it is veneered). By inspecting the article in such a manner you will also reveal the general quality of cabinet work instead of causing irreversible damage. This kind of damage, more often than not, is done to furniture that the offender does not own - thereby spoiling it for someone else.

More annoying than sand in your togs is the person who lakes out their car keys or pocket knife and scrapes away at a piece of furniture, whether it he painted or polished (usually on the most obvious places), and even when raw timber is revealed they don 't know what they are looking at. If these people knew what they were doing I am sure that they would not commit these vandal-like acts.

These situations often get me into trouble because I usually tell the offenders that I am interested in purchasing that item (even if I am not) or give them a tongue lashing only to he told by them that it's going to be sanded anyway. This is not necessarily so, as a good restorer can save even the most heavily painted articles along with most of the timber patina and some of the old polish. Sometimes I am told to mind my own business. Well, this is my business and the ramification of this supposedly innocent scrape is an obvious blemish on a sometimes important piece of furniture.

This happens almost always at auctions - even vendors will sand part of one leg or an area on a convenient spot to display the timber. When restoration is carried out, however, the sanded area will stand out like a sore thumb after the rest of the leg or area has been stripped. I also find very distressing the fact that on very rare occasion do these people actually put their money where their actions lie and purchase the item they defaced.

This article has been written by Denise and Steven Koszek of Gumnut Antiques on the NSW Central Coast, Australia. Go to the online Antique Shop to browse antique furniture, jewellery, vases, pottery, and lots of other collectibles

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Reception Furniture Guidelines For the Busy Dental Practice

Planning on opening a new Dental Practice or considering a refurbishment? Taking time to consider the immediate impact created by the reception is well worth it.

Our initial enquiries for reception furniture often need to be asked the same basic questions which have commonly been overlooked.

Location of entrances and exits
Number of staff to be seated at the desk
Dimensions of the room
Positioning of the desk
Are retail goods or other items to be displayed
Is visitor seating to be provided
Key colours, materials and finishes required
Is the desk to be straight or shaped and if so angled or curved.
Whether there is a requirement for Disabled access (DDA)

Providing these facts to the designer or supplier of Reception furniture is guaranteed to make the whole process of obtaining designs and costings more straight forward.

On many occasions we find our customers expect to need a custom design and bespoke reception desk to be manufactured.

When a standard tried and tested modular format is used for the reception desk but the desk itself is custom built, it provides the best of both worlds.

High quality reception desks with individual design features, all at competitive prices result from marrying the precision of modular desk manufacture with custom designs.

The clinical environment and the requirement for comfort, efficiency and creating a relaxed atmosphere are all considerations required in a quality Dental Reception.

The Reception design is probably the most important phase in any Dental Practice development.
It must combine the total package of effective use of space, environmental factors involving surface finishes, lighting and IT provisions along with quality seating to provide the right ambiance and a quality experience for all visitors

Ken Rand is founder and Managing Director of Ken Rand Partners. This company has been designing and fitting high quality healthcare, education, retail and commercial interiors since 1976.

Visit http://www.kenrandfurniture.co.uk/Medical/7 to see the fine range of furniture for Dental Practices or http://www.kenrand.co.uk to see the wide range of projects they can handle.

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Pine Furniture For a Fine Looking Home Space

When you decide to redecorate your living space, one of the most obvious things that you need to do is find appropriate furnishings to complete its new look.

Pine furniture would make for perfect accent in your living space not to mention a cozy piece where you can sit back and enjoy your down time, whenever you have some.

Pine for the Bedroom and the Living Room

Having pine bedroom furniture is practical, not to mention extremely stylish. The sturdiness of this type of wood is what makes it extremely appealing. You can expect your pine bed to last for a very long time, and even turn it into some kind of family heirloom which can be passed down to several generations.

When it comes to pine living room furniture on the other hand, you have all sorts of options in design and structure. In fact, custom made pine furniture is very popular these days because people are more keen on having their very own style in home fixtures.

Pine used in modern furniture

A lot of people think that pine spells old time-y texture and personality on furnishings. The reality is that pinewood is highly adaptable and can be used for making modern looking pieces that would suit modern looking spaces.

For instance, if you are contemplating on having a new couch that looks chic and exquisitely detailed, you can use pine as the body and incorporate the eclectic feel with a great selection of throw pillows.

Cost

So you have decided to take the plunge and redecorate your home but there is a small glitch concerning the budget for the endeavor. A good option would be to find a good carpenter who can work miracles within a very limited budget. True, the pine would cost you but the labor expense can be negotiated.

Mass Produced versus Custom Made

Ready-made furniture is a lot cheaper than the customized variety. However, some people, especially those who have plenty of cash to spare would prefer to have one of a kind pieces in their homes which prompts them to have it customized.

Whether you are buying one or the other, the point is to choose high quality materials. The point of redoing your home is to improve it so you might as well invest in things that will actually last.

You can find pine furniture in antique stores, estate sales, and even in home depots. Remember that when you are buying furniture new, it pays to shop around to get the best price.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_D_B

Powell Furniture - To Add a More Ethnic Look to Your Bedrooms

A bedroom is one of the most important parts of any house. It is the place to relax after a long and stressful day. Therefore, you have to get it designed and decorated to maintain this quality. The main furniture in a bedroom is the bed, wardrobe, dressing glass and bedside table. In exceptional cases, if the room is very large and spacious, then you can set a whole sofa and coffee table.

Lack of space is a very common phenomenon. However, we must keep all the furniture in your room. How will you do this? One option is to set a chest that comes with multiple drawers. It will not only save a lot of space but also makes your room looks larger. You can store your stuff in an appropriate way in these drawers. Each section can contain separate things. You can opt for wall mounted and the sliding door cupboard to save space. The more inevitable is the bed.

The bedroom is very common but can add more ethnic look to your room. Some exquisitely designed furniture can change the entire look of your room. Sometimes, even the colors of these match your mood. A gentle eye color can bring much comfort to you. Powell furniture is one such furniture manufacturing company, which is providing different types of quality bedroom furniture in the market.

In this age of advanced technology, the Internet is an important source for buying this. E marketing is especially favored by the people of this time, due to lack of time. You can log on to sites and search the furniture of your choice. After finding the suitable furniture, you also have an option to order online. On the other hand, you can also visit the store personnel, and select the type of furniture you are looking for. However, for online shopping you need to do much research. A little carelessness on your part can get the supply, which does not match you and your room requirements. Remember, bedroom is supposed to be a very important part of your house, so make it good-looking.

The Author is a professional writer, presently writing for bedroom sets related topics for Homelement.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Thomas

Tips For Buying Second Hand Office Furniture

If you're looking for second hand office furniture, there are several places that you can find some good deals. Knowing what you're buying is important, no matter where you find it, since you need to be able to determine whether it's still functional or if it has been worn out by the previous users. Let's look at some places to find good deals.

The first place is local auction houses. Many auction houses sell liquidation furniture from businesses that have either upgraded their office equipment, or maybe gone out of business. These auctions often have excellent deals on furniture that's almost as good as new.

Sometimes it might even be new. After the dot-com bubble burst in the late 1990's, many of the companies that went out of business were liquidated through these auctions, and a lot of their office furniture had never even been unpacked!

Another good place to find deals on used office furniture is on eBay. You can find almost anything on eBay, and office furniture is no different. It can be a little trickier, since you'll have to deal with shipping and the fact that you can't inspect it in person if it's not being sold locally, but as long as you do your due diligence before buying you should be happy with the results.

Another website much like eBay is Craigslist. And it has the advantage of most of the stuff offered on it is being sold locally, so you'll be able to inspect the good before you buy them and you won't get stuck with a big shipping charge.

You can also keep an eye out for office furniture sales in your local classified section. Sometimes when companies are moving to a new location, or upgrading their existing offices, they will refurnish them. They often have clearance sales for the stuff they're replacing, and these generally get advertised in the local newspapers.

These sales can be particularly good places to find deals as they near the end of the sale. The selection may not be as good, but they're usually highly motivated to sell whatever's left so they don't have to move it again. You can pick up stuff for a steal at this point.

Buying second hand office furniture can be a big money saver, and it's usually every bit as good as what you would buy new. Why not let someone else pay the depreciation and buy your next desk or office chair used?

Mark Sheppard writes about second hand office furniture and other related topics at http://www.thedeskreview.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Sheppard

Saving Money by Using a Furniture Outlet

When a house has to be filled with furniture, it usually means a pretty significant purchase is on the horizon. While there may not be a way around getting the furniture, there is a way around spending a small fortune on the furniture that will be bought. Online furniture outlet stores have prices that are almost too good to be true. It is just a matter of knowing what to look for and who to figure out if the items are exactly what is needed for the home.

The problem with shopping online for furniture is that shoppers cannot physically touch the merchandise. Most people want to sit in the chair or lie down in the bed to make sure that it feels right. They want to touch the fabric to make sure that it not something that will make their home look cheap. These are valid concerns, but ones that can be addressed with little difficulty.

Furniture outlets get most of their furniture from stores that are moving out old inventory. The furniture that is being featured at online outlets may be the same thing, or close to the same thing, that the local retailer has in their showroom. Most communities also usually have some type of brick and mortal furniture outlet store that will probably have the same items that are being sold online.

Is there any law against going into a store and checking things out without making a purchase? Last time we checked, it was perfectly acceptable. Make a list of the items that look attractive online and then head out to the store to find like models. Sit in them, make a scene and lie down in the bed, do whatever you want, just don't make a purchase. What you do need to do is make notes about what you liked and didn't like. When the final list is ready to go, head back home and fire up the computer.

Now most online outlets are going to be far cheaper than any live store. They have less overhead and can afford to sell things much cheaper. However, beware the shipping charges because some sites will sandbag the consumer with this. They will sell a Lazy Boy for $99 and then charge $300 to ship it. Reputable dealers will either work the shipping into the price and offer free shipping or have very reasonable costs that will allow the purchase to be made and have it still be well below the regular storefronts.

Jason writes articles providing consumer advice about furniture outlet, stores and other home and garden furniture related topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Blackwell

Why Metal Garden Furniture?

Metal garden furniture has come a long way from the days of the woven seats and backs. Aluminum and wrought iron garden furniture has a new look. You don't have to buy those flimsy lawn chairs and loungers that you grew up with any more. Metal garden furniture has taken on a look of dignity and beauty. The aluminum line of the metal garden furniture is more enduring than it was in the past. The braided aluminum line has a polished quality that the aluminum line of the metal garden furniture was lacking. The aluminum line of the metal garden furniture is sturdy and durable while retaining its lightweight quality. It is easily moved around. This metal garden furniture is not required to be stationary in one location. This allows you flexibility when planning a backyard affair. You may need to add room for additional seating or clear a floor area to accommodate dancing.

The colors of the cushions and the frame will beautify the d้cor of your patio, garden or lawn. There are pieces of metal garden furniture available in the aluminum line that will meet your every need such as the conversation sets, the dining sets, additional chairs and tables, as well as hammocks and swings. The aluminum frames are rust proof making them weather resistant. There is little to no care required to maintain the dignified beauty and cleaning is as simple as spraying the furniture with a hose. The aluminum line of the metal garden furniture is a wonderful asset to any patio or backyard.
As with the aluminum line, the wrought iron and steel lines of the metal garden furniture have a look of dignity and grace. They differ from the aluminum line by their weight. The wrought iron and steel lines of metal garden furniture are made of a denser metal than the aluminum line adding to the look of sturdy durability. The flexibility of mobility is not an option with this furniture, but you have the comfort of security. The frames of the iron and steel lines of the metal garden furniture are mostly black, but the selection of colors for the cushions will add the polish to this graceful style of metal garden furniture. The array of piece and sets available in these lines of metal garden furniture is not lacking. Allowing you to furnish your patio, garden or backyard to its full potential.
There are the conversation sets, dining set, add-on chairs and tables, bars with chairs, and benches. Maintenance for the wrought iron and steel metal garden furniture is minimal. As always check with your retailers for any specific care or maintenance required to maintain the polish beauty of your furniture. Umbrellas are available to add to your sets to protect you and your guests for the heat of the afternoon sun. Wrought iron and steel metal garden furniture will be a timeless treasure that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come. It is available at your local home improvement stores, department stores and discount department stores.