Furniture Business News

Helpful Hints for Buying Mahogany Furniture

Add the Rich Look to Your Home

From LifeWire
Mahogany is a durable and expensive hardwood used to make fine furniture. This rare wood, known for its beautiful grain and deep, reddish-brown color, endows furniture with a timeless, traditional quality. Chairs, tables and other home furnishings crafted with mahogany will last a lifetime and should be considered an investment. The following hints will make buying mahogany furniture easier.

• What is Mahogany?Most mahogany furniture today is made from two varieties, African and South American. South American mahogany is used for fine furniture. Caribbean or West Indian mahogany, another variety, is rarer, because it has been overharvested. Mahogany is an excellent wood for carving and finishes beautifully. Cabinetmakers such as Chippendale and Sheraton have replaced walnut with mahogany for many of their furniture pieces.
• Why Buy Mahogany Furniture? Mahogany furniture is most often made in the traditional style, but these pieces can complement almost any decorating style. Its timeless beauty appeals to most consumers and furniture pieces lend an air of elegance and sophistication. Consider adding a few mahogany accent pieces, such as a sofa table or nightstands in mahogany if you have a limited budget or the rooms of your home are decorated with a different style. Mahogany furniture also is very durable. Dining room tables and armoires made of mahogany are excellent investments. These large pieces draw immediate attention. Ornate carvings in mahogany furniture add instant interest and drama.
• What to Look ForThere is controversy surrounding the harvesting of mahogany for purposes of crafting furniture. Overharvesting and illegal logging in parts of the Peruvian Amazon and elsewhere plague the industry. Some furniture manufacturers, such as IKEA, have chosen not to sell furniture made from mahogany for this very reason. Some furniture is made with mahogany veneers rather than solid mahogany. When in doubt, ask the salesperson. If you are buying antique furniture, look for a decal that denotes “genuine mahogany” issued by the Mahogany Association. The association, which operated in the early to mid 20th century, was created to help buyers distinguish between solid mahogany pieces and other woods stained to look like mahogany. Mahogany furniture marketed as Philippine mahogany is not true mahogany. It is actually luaun. The material comes from a family of plants, not mahogany trees.
• Getting a Good Price Mahogany furniture is very expensive. Consider purchasing it second-hand from an estate sale. Large estates will often auction off the furniture and will advertise the auction in the classified advertisement section of the newspaper or online. If you cannot find furniture at the auction, pay attention to whether there are businesses buying whole estates, and you may be able to strike a side deal with them on the mahogany furniture you like. Search for smaller furniture stores that specialize in fine furniture rather than large chains. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on price. Privately owned furniture stores are one place where you don’t always have to pay sticker price. Buying a floor sample will cost less than having the item made and delivered to your home.

LifeWire provides original and syndicated lifestyle content to Web publishers.

Taken from http://interiordec.about.com/

Add comment November 28th, 2008

Tips on choosing dining room furniture

BY Jenny Ringland

There’s a lot to consider when shopping for dining room furniture. The pieces you choose must accommodate your lifestyle as well as last over time. Key factors to consider when purchasing a dining room table and chairs include room size, table size, style of your home and your budget. We asked IKEA’s resident interior designer Anna Wojnarowska and Domo’s managing director Frank Novembre for advice.

It’s important for the dining furniture to suit the decor of the rest of your home.. Source: Mark Cranitch

Room size

You need to make sure the size and shape of the dining table setting is in balance with the rest of the room. It’s a good idea to take measurements of the area before you start shopping. As a general guide you should have a minimum distance of 1.2m between the edge of the table and the wall. If you have a small room, a glass table top will give the illusion of more space.

Table size

Consider how many people you need to fit around the table on a regular basis. An extendable table will suite those who have few people using the table on a daily basis but who like to entertain a lot. Choose an extendable that can easily be set to a variety of configurations and then minimised for daily use. The dining table width is also very important. You need plenty of space for plates and serving dishes. We suggest a table width of at least 1m, especially if you like to set all your food on the table to allow guests to serve themselves. Tip: Have some stackable stools or chairs on hand for unexpected guests.

Family friendly

A young family needs a safe, durable dining table that is easy to clean. Family-friendly means a table with round or rolled edges and a timber or timber veneer finish that wipes clean easily. Also, greasy finger marks won’t appear as obvious on a timber surface as say a glass surface. Also children spill things and that is only a big deal if you have upholstered chairs that will be hard to clean. If you really want upholstered dining room chairs then you’ll need chair covers as well that not only look smart but can be thrown in the washing machine.

Storage

Whether you have a tiny apartment or a sprawling mansion, you can never have enough storage space. Choose a dining table with in-built drawers or a shelf to store such things as napkins, table cloths and the good silverware. Tip: Test out a storage-type table by siting at it in the showroom to make sure you have enough leg room.

A matter of style

It’s important for the dining furniture to suit the decor of the rest of your home. When you see a table setting you like, try and imagine it in your own home. Would it go? In the shop, a stylist has created the look with furniture but also matching accessories. The same setting in your home might look out of place. Also, consider what makes a “look”. A series of mismatching chairs around a fantastic table might become your signature style.

Budget

The bottom line is; dining room furniture doesn’t come cheaply. If tempted to make price the priority then keep in mind other factors such as how long the furniture will last and how long it will look good. It could be worth spending a bit more to ensure durability to avoid making another purchase too soon down the track. However, for those with a young family, the priority might be “safe, tough and functional” with a view of upgrading when the children are older and it’s easier to keep the table in good condition.

Taken from http://www.realestate.com.au/

Add comment November 28th, 2008

Choosing a Furniture Package

If you need to furnish your Bulgarian home, but do not have time to trawl the growing number of furniture stores, then purchasing a furniture package is possibly the simplest and fastest way to accomplish this. Choosing a package takes away all of the stress and hassle of locating individual items and today most packages even include kitchen utensils and small household items. Another key advantage is that you do not have to be in Bulgaria to sign up for a furniture package, it’s something you can arrange quickly and easily over the internet.

Shopping for furniture – heaps of fun or just a chore?

shopping - love it or hate it

Furnishing your home is seen as an extremely personal activity and the end result says a lot about the person who has furnished and decorated the property. For some the fun of moving into a new home is choosing all of the furniture and accessories to match with your planned colour schemes and you may think that by opting for a package you will lose this fantastic retail experience. This is not true as realistically, shopping for washing machines, irons and fridges does not give the same buzz as shopping for matching candle holders to blend with your newly painted terracotta lounge. You can still indulge yourself in the more pleasurable side of shopping for accessories but take away the enduring task of shopping for larger items.For others though, any form of shopping is a chore. If the process of buying a property was not arduous enough itself, that last thing you want to do is spend another few weeks deciding what is needed and mapping out where all of it will go.

Reasons for choosing a package

choice, style and budget

If you are making Bulgaria your permanent home you may at first consider shipping your existing furniture with you, but for various reasons this may not prove a wise option. Your existing furniture may cost too much to ship compared with purchasing a brand new furniture package. Secondly it may not fit in with the layout or design of your new property. If you have purchased a holiday home then you may not want to make another journey over to Bulgaria to find furniture and if you have bought an investment property you may want to kit the place out quickly on a low budget with the minimum amount of fuss so that it is ready to rent out. There is also another reason why you may opt for a furniture package; if you are looking to sell your Bulgarian home the existing furniture may be worn or may no longer match with the surroundings. Buying a furniture package will make your home look more attractive to prospective buyers and you can include the furniture as part of the selling price thus adding an additional benefit to your property.
The Association of Bulgarian tour-operators states that, “Based on the ever-increasing number of holiday apartments, the quality and the design of the interior is becoming the defining feature for best letting. Its reflection on the price per night is not large, but a good interior can considerably increase the occupancy rate.” Surely this is reason enough to consider using a co-ordinated furniture package!

Selecting your package

attention to detail

There are a growing number of furniture suppliers and providers who supply packages in Bulgaria and understand that furnishing a home is not simply a matter of making sure the sofa fits in the lounge. It is wise to look for accompany that is a member of the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP), who subject its members to   a rigorous code of conduct, which protects consumers in all matters of buying property overseas.A reputable company will ensure that the final touches are also taken care of. When furniture packages were first available on the Bulgarian market choice was pretty basic – more or less a matter of choosing between a basic package and a premium alternative. Nowadays, furniture packages offer far more choice in terms of cost, quality and styles and you can now rest assured that your ex pat neighbour will not have exactly the same furniture as yourself.

ready for your arrival

A furniture package company with a good reputation for quality and service will take the stress out of the delivery and installation by offering this as part of the package deal. This means that you don’t even have to unpack the boxes or assemble any furniture. When you arrive at your new home it will be ready for you to put your clothes in the wardrobe and make a cup of tea. Of course you will have certain preferences as to the layout of the furniture, but you can discuss this with the company when ordering. Part of the appeal and also one of the unique selling points about using a furniture package company is that you don’t need to worry about any aspect of furnishing your property. Some companies allow you to exchange or include additional items in your package, whilst others will offer a very personal service helping you to design your interior and suggest the most suitable furniture package for your needs, location, taste and budget.  There is usually a choice of colours for soft furnishings and sofas, as well as wood and laminate items and many will include a choice of accessories like towels and bed linen. Orpheus Interiors even offer a wall picture service so that you can personalise and co-ordinate your property. In fact the small items package offered by many good companies saves you the chore of remembering those items often overlooked until the one time that you need them; things like the garlic press, colander cheese grater.
Companies like Orpheus Interiors also go one step further in their customer care allowing clients to track their order online. Their clients can now follow the progress of their order to get up to date information on the status of the items ordered. Secure payment can be made online by credit or direct debit cards.
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits apart from the time saved is that by opting for a furniture package you can save money too, why not check out some of the deals available?Furniture pictures courtesy of Orpheus Interiors www.orpheusinteriors.com

Taken from http://www.questbg.com/

Add comment November 27th, 2008

Tips for Recycling Household Furniture

Add comment November 26th, 2008

Wicker furniture cleaning tips

Wicker furniture is used inside the home to make rooms special and charming, it is also used outside of our homes on porches and patios. Wicker is not actually outdoor furniture, although it is used for this purpose, it can be effected by the wind and rain and is specifically impacted by moisture. Some humidity is beneficial; the heat that is consistent indoors will dry out the wicker inside the home. You will notice this fact when you hear the little ¡§cracking¡¨ sounds when you set on your furniture. Add the moisture needed by wiping occasionally with a damp cloth.

Do not forget to systematically dust your wicker by wiping with a soft cloth, or vacuum. To remove spills and stains, use a mild dish washing liquid, 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, wring somewhat dry and wipe gently.

Regular cleaning should be done, perhaps every few weeks to keep your furniture looking good. Vacuum the dust from the wicker or hand dust, then wash with the suds only of a mixture of gentle detergent and warm water. Using clear water rinse by wiping off cleansing suds.Clean furniture that is all wicker thoroughly at least annually. If it is painted it should not be saturated with water, this could cause damage to the paint, and simply clean with mild soapy water and a sponge that is not dripping wet. If the wicker has real wood built into the unit, clean with the normal method for cleaning wood furniture, and wipe the wicker part, down with mild soap, water, and a sponge.

- First dust the wicker by hand or by using a vacuum, being careful to remove all abrasive soil.

- Using slightly warm scarcely soapy water, and a sponge or cloth to wash entire piece. To clean every crevice, us a soft bristled brush.

- Rinse completely, and place in sun to dry fully. A fan may be used or perhaps a hair drier, however make sure the furniture is totally dry.

Setting on your wicker furniture before it is completely dry will cause a distortion in shape. Do not allow any pressure for at least a few days after you are certain it is dry.

Using a varnish or lacquer finish or painting the wicker furniture, can alleviate the washing and cleaning process by a great degree. After applying the surface paint or varnish the furniture needs several days of drying.

You must be thinking by now, have I made the right choice with wicker, it takes so much of my effort to keep in good shape? Personally, I think your choice is a good one, where else can you match the airy, rustic and beautiful look of wicker?

Taken from http://www.essortment.com/

Add comment November 25th, 2008

Tips on Choosing Patio Furniture Cushions For Your Outdoor Furniture

By Daryl Plaza

Add comment November 25th, 2008

Tips on Choosing Patio Furniture Cushions For Your Outdoor Furniture

By Daryl Plaza

Add comment November 25th, 2008

Furniture designers push to make products out of urban trees

Jess Wangsness

With the rampant spread of the emerald ash borer, a beetle that destroys trees, millions of trees nationwide in urban areas could end up being turned into woodchips and firewood.

But there are some furniture designers who believe those urban trees that are infected by the emerald ash borer don’t have to have such a sad fate; they could be turned into furniture.

In an effort to raise awareness about the affects of the emerald ash borer — particularly among architects and interior designers who significantly influence furniture trends — “Rising from Ashes: Furniture from Lost Trees,” a traveling exhibit, showcases 29 furniture pieces crafted from various parts of the ash tree.

With support from the Chicago Furniture Designers’ Association, the Illinois Arborist Association and The Morton Arboretum, among a host of others, the exhibit will run from Dec. 4 through Feb. 28 at the Chicago Center for Green Technology.

Ranging in style from modern to whimsical, the furniture selected for the exhibit reflects the enormous potential of ash wood, which many artisans admire for its variety of hues, effortless absorption of stains and a certain malleable yet resistant quality that has historically made it an ideal choice for sporting equipment such as bats and tennis rackets.

The emerald ash borer will force 20 percent of the trees in Chicago and 130 million trees in Illinois to come down, according to Bruce Horigan, a CFDA member and co-owner of Horigan Urban Forest Products, a hardwood sawmill in Skokie, IL, that specializes in transforming urban trees into useable lumber.

“Putting that into perspective, one out of every five trees will be chopped down. That’s a lot of wood that communities are attached to,” Horigan said.

The emerald ash borer is thought to have arrived in the United States from Asia in the 1990s, but the beetle wasn’t actually discovered until 2002 in southeastern Michigan. The adult beetles lay their eggs just under the tree’s bark, and when the larvae hatch, they feed on the inner layer of the wood until the tree eventually dies. Dolly Spragins, a furniture designer who is co-chairing the exhibit, said the ash tree fails to show symptoms of disease for two or three years, a problem that has increased infestation since transporters do not always know that the wood they shuttle across state lines is already infected.

Even though infestations are concentrated in the Midwest, the nationwide spread of the beetle will eventually eliminate 20 percent of the country’s hardwood trees. If current state and federal containment policies — which prevent the wood from traveling out-of-state — are relaxed, then lumber mills will be freed up to move enough logs to supply manufacturers with an abundance of ash wood.

“The bug only burrows a quarter of an inch through the tree, and in the normal logging process, that part comes off anyway,” Spragins says. “So there are no wormholes or rot to keep people from using it.”

According to USDA Forest Service product specialist Stephen M. Bratkovich, demand for American wood exceeds current growth on commercial U.S. forestlands, a phenomenon that could be alleviated if manufacturers used more municipal trees for furniture, flooring and paper products. Furthermore, if urban trees were used for lumber instead of mulch, the costs of cutting down municipal trees could be reduced.

“Urban trees are grown in places where you want low-branching, and this causes more knots in the wood,” Horigan remarks. “And yet the knots add character; that’s why a lot of artisans love it. But using urban lumber has a major sustainability benefit for large furniture retailers. So if those companies have any green initiatives, then I think this is it for them.”

As part of the educational outreach attached to the exhibit, both Horigan and Spragins plan to participate in an upcoming lecture, “Considering Ash,” on Feb. 10 at the Chicago Center for Green Technology. Horigan and Spragins, along with John Kriegshauser, a designer and professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Laureen Blissard, of the U.S. Green Building Council, will discuss using ash wood as a design choice and the prospect of gaining LEED credits from the use of urban harvested wood.

Once the exhibit closes in February, Horigan and Spragins hope that architects, interior designers and consumers will start to think of urban wood when they buy a dining room table.

“To create that circle of recycling, we want people to ask, ‘Can I use urban lumber?’” Horigan says. “Because until people ask that question, urban wood won’t catch on. It’s the same thing with recycling: Until you buy recycled content items, the world doesn’t benefit from it. In the end, that’s what completes the loop.”

Taken from http://furniturestyle.com/

Add comment November 25th, 2008

The Fashion of Furniture

Two industries with vast similarities
By XAZMIN GARZA
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Add comment November 21st, 2008

Furniture Tips and Tricks

Kitty Bartholomew: You’re Home : Episode KIT-806

Sometimes new furniture is out of the question for the budget. Kitty Bartholomew demonstrates clever ways of working with what you have when decorating.

Homeowner Carmen Lopez had to figure out a way to make the small-scale furniture from her old home work in the large rooms of her new home. Bartholomew discusses the ways she accomplished this:

• An unusual color combination of taupe and pale yellow create a soft, relaxing palette that is accented with black and gilded metal.
• Seating is arranged in the center of the room, with larger pieces along the perimeter balancing the conversation area.
• An oversize leopard ottoman replaces a smaller-scale coffee table.
• A six-panel Asian screen is divided into two sections to flank the entry in the dining room.
• A small 4′ x 8′ balcony is filled with furniture from a country home. The black and white floors set the theme for the black and white striped canvas curtains hung for privacy, and the striking black trellis hung on both the wall and ceiling.
• Trays are placed in every room to organize collections.

Taken from http://www.hgtv.com/

Add comment November 20th, 2008