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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