Serta Perfect Sleeper Reviews & Ratings - How Does it Compare VS Sealy, Simmons and Spring Air

If you are considering a Serta Perfect Sleeper, then this article has some vital information that you should know.

My research team has conducted systematic mattresses research by collecting data from thousands of mattress owners.

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Based on our research, the Serta Perfect Sleeper ranked below Sealy, Simmons and Kingsdown in regard to comfort. It did, however, rank above Spring Air.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Reviews & Ratings - How Does it Compare VS Sealy, Simmons and Spring Air

Specifically, about 51% of the over 100 Serta mattress owners included in our research found their bed to be comfortable.

The Perfect Sleeper is an innerspring-based mattress. Compared to non-innerspring beds, such as airbeds, memory foam beds, waterbeds and latex beds, Serta scored well below these types as did virtually all innerspring mattress brands in our research. Specifically, non-innerspring mattress types and brands as a group had a comfort rating of about 83%.

The main cause for the Perfect Sleeper not scoring better among its owners involves sagging of the mattress. The owners frequently complained of the bed losing its support and developing body impressions within a few years or even months following the purchase, even if they flipped the mattress on a regular basis.

The Serta Perfect Sleeper is not unique in regard to having a sagging problem. Overall, all of the innerspring beds included in our research possessed sagging trouble, according to their owners.

In conclusion, based on our research, the Perfect Sleeper compared to other brand and mattress types performs near the bottom of the pack. This does not necessarily mean that you should not consider it because the mattress may suit your personal preferences. However, it should probably not be at the top of your list. Consider the other innerspring beds or, better yet, consider the non-innerspring mattresses, namely those that primarily use memory foam, air or latex.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Reviews & Ratings - How Does it Compare VS Sealy, Simmons and Spring Air

For mattress ratings that are based on over 3,000 owner reviews, visit Mattress Ratings and Reviews or Top Mattress Brands. The information is free.

Top 3 Best Carry-On Rolling Garment Bags That Fit Airline Luggage Size

In the true sense, rolling garment bag makes a traveler's journey more comfortable and enjoyable. There is no doubt in the fact that wheeled luggage can be handled easily. Most of the people prefer to carry rolling bags because they do not put pressure on the arms, back and shoulder. The key features of these types of bags are different zipper compartments and expandable handle. Since most of the rolling garment bags are made of quality materials, they keep on providing service to the user for a long time. Wheeled luggage varies in sizes, colors and styles. So, people get a wide choice from which they can buy the best-suited one for themselves.

Pathfinder, Avenger Lite, 4-6 Suit Rolling Wardrobe is the 1st highly rated Rolling Garment Bag. Its dimension is around 48.5 linear inches, whereas, capacity is approximately 1880 cubic inches. On the other hand, the weight of this bag measures around 11 lbs. Some of the key features of this rolling bag are top carry handle, telescoping handle, big front pocket, fully lined interior, corner mesh pockets, wally clamp and roll bars. People, who purchase this bag are offered lifetime limited warranty.

Furnitures

The 2nd highly rated Rolling Garment Bag is Briggs & Riley Baseline Luggage 22in. Carry-On Upright Garment Bag. Its dimension measures around 44.5 linear inches, whereas, its capacity is around 2488 cubic inches. On the other hand, the weight of Briggs & Riley Baseline Luggage is 11.2 lbs. Some of its main features include smartLink system, hanging shelf, hanging garment sections, side carry handles, retractable leather top, skate wheels and orange lining alerts.

Top 3 Best Carry-On Rolling Garment Bags That Fit Airline Luggage Size

The 3rd highly rated Rolling Garment Bag is Tumi Alpha Travel and Business Long Wheeled Garment Bag. Its dimension is around 60 linear inches and the capacity is 6564 cubic inches. On the other hand, its weight is approximately 15.5 lbs. In this bag, people will find features like tie-down straps, mesh shoulder pads, 2 hanger brackets, foldable tote, garment curtain zip pockets, large main compartment, 2 large U-zip pockets and front zip pockets. This made is made out of Tumi's signature ballistic nylon.

Top 3 Best Carry-On Rolling Garment Bags That Fit Airline Luggage Size

Do you know the top brands of rolling garment luggage [http://www.luggageguides.com/categories/garment-bags-buying-guides/]? And if you are interested, go to travel bag guides [http://www.luggageguides.com] to get the best bag for your budget.

Beauty Salon Furniture

Salon furniture includes the furniture and equipment used in beauty and hair salons. Salon furniture is spread over a number of categories, such as massage and body care, nail care, hair care and skin care. Salon furniture includes styling and barber chairs, massage tables, facial steamers, shampoo chairs and mats, as well as cabinetry and rolling carts.

There are many styles of salon furniture to choose from, depending on the interior decoration. There are classic styles in different hues as well as modern designs. Salon furniture, new or used, is sold in a beauty salon equipment store.

Furniture

It is essential to choose the right type salon furniture, since old-fashioned and worn salon furniture does not appeal to clients. It is imperative for salon owners to maintain their equipment, to increase their clientele.

Beauty Salon Furniture

Salon furniture is purchased to enhance the look and add a touch of professionalism to the premises. The chosen equipment should be able to provide the necessary service, without encroaching on the space. A salon may begin only with hair- care services such as shampooing and cutting hair. After a while, the salon owner may want to expand with spa services and add manicures and pedicures to the list. It becomes necessary for the salon owner to purchase the required additional salon furniture and equipment.

The most important detail to be considered is the cost of the equipment. Salon furniture is available to fit every owner's budget. It is possible to lease salon furniture, temporarily. The quality of salon furniture is perhaps the most significant consideration. It goes through a lot of use and needs to be well -constructed. It is always advisable to check on the reputation of the manufacturer and the seller. It is important to lend a thought to the availability of reliable customer service.

Beauty Salon Furniture

Beauty Salons provides detailed information on Beauty Salons, Beauty Salon Software, Beauty Salon Equipment, Beauty Salon Supplies and more. Beauty Salons is affiliated with Natural Beauty Products.

French Furniture, The Style We Call Louis XV

The French furniture style we call Louis XV flourished during the period of 1730-1775. If the Louis XIV furniture style was designed with the glorification of the Sun King in mind and all in massive, masculine, square form, the Louis XV furniture style is the complete opposite. Designed for the comfort and glorification of beautiful women, it has a romantic, sensuous and feminine look. A flowing abstraction of unbroken curves is the guiding principle of the Louis XV furniture style; the legs are curved, the back is curved and the seat is curved. Even the Louis XV architecture also adheres to this principle. It abhorred straight lines. In typical Louis XV architecture everything is curved - the ceiling, the panel-designs on the walls, the panel designs in the doors and even the corners of a room are curved.

The Louis XV style is sometimes referred to as the Rococo Style. It is derived from two French words meaning rock and shell. The rock and shell were the two popular motifs for decoration of this period. The Rococo style features extensive and elaborate ornamentation and decoration. It was also during this period that France was captivated with things Chinese. This fascination with Chinese motifs was called Chinoiserie. A newly discovered Chinese method of painting called Lacquering was usually used in painting wood furniture. Fabrics and wall coverings were designed with Chinese motifs as well. It is therefore not uncommon to find some Louis XV furniture style bearing this Chinese influence.

Furnitures

The Basic Characteristics of a Louis XV style of furniture are:

French Furniture, The Style We Call Louis XV

1. Curved shapes and forms. This period abhorred anything straight.

2. It bears an extensive rococo decoration. Everything is elaborately decorated with intricate carvings. Wood surfaces are decorated with Inlays, ormolu mounts and hand painted. With the cockleshell design as the point of focus.

3. Romantic Imagery is usually reflected in its motifs. This was a period of romance of Du Barry and Madame Pompadour. Images of love such as cupid and his arrow are often reflected in the designs. Shepherdess's hat and basket, fishing and hunting scenes, violin or horn and other musical motifs, bouquets and other pastoral scenes are very common design elements during this period.

4. This period designed everything with an eye toward lightness and grace. Delicacy is its guiding spirit. Scale is delicate too as opposed to the very massive previous style of Louis XIV. It is smaller, softer and more comfortable.

5. Since it has become smaller and delicate in size, the need for stretchers to support the legs is eliminated.

In conclusion, the style of Louis XV is commonly used in today's homes. Its delicate shape and size is very practical and it has both the scale and grace that are the objective in most decoration today. It is in fact one of the favorites among designers and homeowners alike when decorating traditional homes.

French Furniture, The Style We Call Louis XV

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

The Meaning of Plastic Recycling Symbols

Plastic plays a crucial part in our current society. It's everywhere - the most common material used to make products for our convenience - containers, cell phone casing, plastic bags, etc. Have you ever thought, for a moment, about the meaning of those symbols found in your plastic-made items?

Plastic recycling symbols show the forms of resin used to create the material. These representations are established following the international Plastic Coding System, and are customarily delineated as a number (from 1 through 7) enclosed by a triangle or a plain triangular loop (also known as the Mobius loop), with an acronym of the specific material used, right underneath the loop.

Furnitures

Here are succinct descriptions of each of the 7 recycling symbols frequently used, today:

The Meaning of Plastic Recycling Symbols

1 - PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephalate Ethylene)

Light weight, low-priced, and easy to fabricate, Polyethylene Terephalate Ethylene is the most prevalent plastic material in use today. PET is primarily used in beverage bottles, food receptacles, and peanut butter containers. It can be remade into polar fleece, fiber, carpet, etc. The requirement for this plastic among recyclers is relatively strong, but at present, the recycling rate for this material has remained low at 20%.

2 - HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

High Density Polyethylene is more durable and more impervious to chemical degeneration, this material poses a relatively low chance of spreading chemicals when used as container for food and drinks. It is largely used as containers for everyday household chemicals (shampoos, degreasers, etc.), juice bottles, milk jugs, etc. This can be reused into floor tile, drainage, new HDPE bottles, pipes, etc.

3 - PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC has been tagged as a health hazard - it has been noted to typically drain chemicals when used as containers. PVC is mainly used for piping, window cleaner bottles, siding, etc. It has chlorine and will dispense toxins if burned. PVC should not be used in food preparation or food packaging. It can be reprocessed into mudflaps, panels, mats, etc.

4 - LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene )

LDPE is the material present in plastic bags, clothing, furnitures, etc. Resilient and flexible, it is perfect for packaging, insulation, and sealing. LDPE, through many curbside recycling programs, can be reconstituted into cans, compost bins, and landscaping tiles.

5 - PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene is most suited for boiling fluid receptacles and is likewise made into brooms, straws, ketchup bottles, etc. PP can be reprocessed into rakes, brooms, trays, etc.

6 - PS (Polystyrene)

PS is the top component for insulation and is used in foam products like expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as styrofoam. It is found in carry-out food containers, meat trays, CD cases. PS contains benzene, a cancer-causing substance and should not be burned. It is reprocessed into insulation, packaging, plant beds, etc.

7 - OTHER (Polycarbonate)

Recycling symbol 7 - OTHER signifies materials not belonging to any of the other 6 resin categories. OTHER may also signify a hybrid resin made up of a mishmash of those materials. It is mainly found in children feeding bottles, flak jackets, business signages, five-gallon water jugs, etc. It can be recycled into plastic planks and other tailor-made objects.

Not all number 7 plastics are polycarbonate, a handful are even plant-based. Polycarbonate has become the axis of dispute in recent years, as it is discovered to leach BPA (bisphenol A), a hormonal disruptor that may disastrously influence gestation and fetal growth.

Plastic recycling symbols are designed essentially to help the staff in recycling plants in properly segregating materials for processing. A rudimentary knowledge of these icons can also help us in ascertaining if the plastic item were handling at home are risk-free for us and our children.

The Meaning of Plastic Recycling Symbols

Michael Arms contributes articles the Pacebutler Recycling and Environmental blog. Pacebutler Corporation of Edmond, Oklahoma is a US trading company that pays cash for cell phones, in an online transaction. If you just want to dispose of your old cell phones in an environmentally-friendly manner, you may also recycle cell phones through Pacebutler.

Shaker Furniture Plans - How to Build Your Own Shaker Style Furniture With DIY Furniture Plans

The Shaker ladder back chair is probably the most widely recognized pieces of furniture around and has been copied by other craftsmen since the originals were first marketed by the Shakers in the late 18th century.

There are collections of Shaker furniture in many museums in the USA and England, where they appeal to the modern eye and traditionalists alike. They weren't all hand made either - the shakers were adept at using the best technology of the day and in fact invented the circular saw blade, a tool that we take for granted today.

Furniture

Its not that hard to own your own piece of shaker style furniture, however few of us could afford the originals today even if they were for sale. But you will be amazed how simple it is to build your own Shaker furniture by using a well thought out set of woodworking plans.

Shaker Furniture Plans - How to Build Your Own Shaker Style Furniture With DIY Furniture Plans

You probably have many of the tools and materials needed already, also the rest of what you need can be got easily at your local lumber yard or home improvement store.

One of the most important aspects of making your own shaker furniture is to use a good set of professionally prepared Shaker furniture plans. For the best chance of success, these plans should contain:

1) Blueprints & Instructions - It's critical to your success to get plans that have detailed blueprints and good clear written instructions. It's a lot easier to follow along a step by step guide and know what to do, referring to the drawings along the way. Some of the better sets even have videos.

2) A Complete Materials list - It's most frustrating to find halfway through a project that you have to go off to the store to get that little piece not mentioned before. Having a complete bill of materials will save a lot of time and ensure you have everything you need at the start.

I've seen far too many poorly put together sets of plans that have neither good easy to follow drawings or detailed materials lists. It's not a plan for success but a recipe for disaster!

Shaker Furniture Plans - How to Build Your Own Shaker Style Furniture With DIY Furniture Plans

You will get the utmost of satisfaction from your Shaker furniture plans if you are able to complete your project without major dramas. The Shakers made their furniture with the utmost of care, the act of making being an act of prayer. Give yourself the best chance yourself by using professionally prepared plans with detailed drawings and a complete bill of materials like those found at Easy Furniture plans. You will find all that you need to make a piece of furniture that you will be proud of for years to come.

Types of Housekeeping Budget

Budgeting set-up depends on the function of the hotel or facility. A hotel or facility can be smaller or larger scale operated. The larger they are the more complex it gets.

In a smaller scale hotel or facility usually there is Front Office, Housekeeping and Maintenance and the expenses are controlled mainly by the Owner through the General Manager. They were the key decision maker in preparing the yearly budget with the assistance of an accountant or accounting firm. The budgeted amount needed to operate for the whole year is based on the expenses incurred on the previous years and other related occasions that will affect the preparation of budget for the coming year.

Furnitures

In a larger scale hotel, expenses can be very complicated since the operation varies from the departments created for the smooth operation of the hotel. Some international hotels, the budget is being prepared by each department head through the assistance of the Financial Controller and General Manager then submitted to the owner/ corporation for approval. Once sanctioned, each department head is then held accountable in ensuring that the budget allocated is monitored and controlled based on the occupancy percentage. The General Manager gets a copy of the results of the budget every end of the month and discusses them with the department head.

Types of Housekeeping Budget

Example of departments in a larger scale hotel are: Administration, Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Kitchen, Finance, Human Resources, Recreation and any other departments created to suit the function and smooth operation of the hotel. Each of these departments have sub-departments such as Front Office with Reservation and Bell Service/ Concierge; Housekeeping with Laundry, Uniform, Linen, Tailoring, Flower shop, Gardening and Landscaping, Upholstery shop (the latter can be assigned to Engineering as well); Engineering with Carpentry, Masonry, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Technician etc.; Food & Beverage with Banqueting and Outside Catering; Kitchen with Pastry shop; Finance with Purchasing, Receiving & Storage; Recreation with Swimming Pool, Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Spa etc.; Human Resources with Training and Clinic.

Housekeeping and other departments in the hotel operate within two types of budget. The Operational Budget and the Capital Expenditure Budget.

1) Operational Budget is the allocation of expenses for each item/s required by the department in order to operate smoothly. In case of hotel operation, control of expenses are based on occupancy percentage. The budgeted amount for the month can be variable since there are certain period where occupancy forecasts in other areas or countries are unreliable or unpredictable.

The basic Housekeeping operational budget are as follows:
a) Staffing
b) Linen & Towels
c) Guest Supplies & Amenities
d) Cleaning Supplies
e) Laundry Supplies
f) Machine, Tools & Equipment
g) Decoration
h) Miscellaneous
i) Printing and stationeries

There are budgeted item/s or sections in Housekeeping that are usually divided between other departments such as follows:

1) Repairs and Maintenance

This type of operational budget is usually divided between housekeeping and Engineering

2) Uniform Budget

Uniform expenses is prepared by the Executive Housekeeper with all the elegance, comfort, durability, styles, colors and functionality of the uniform chosen for each department. Once a specific style of uniform has been chosen, it is then coordinated with the concern department and when the Executive Housekeeper gets the approval she then submits them to the General Manager for overall coordination of styles, colors, functionality etc. that reflects the proper image perception of the entire hotel in the eyes of the guests. The last step will be to endorse them to the Financial Controller for allocation of budgeted amount to each department.

3) Decoration

Housekeeping is one of the department in the hotel which helps and assists in the beautification of the hotel inside and outside the building. Decoration can be flower arrangements, fresh and artificial depending on the policy of the hotel since there are hotels that prohibit the use of artificial flower arrangements for fire hazard issue, picture frames, statuary, carvings, tapestry, artifacts and many others are examples of decorations. Requests for flower arrangements seemed to be the most needed items in the hotel whether for the guestrooms, Food and Beverage functions, Outside Catering, Lobby of the hotel, Convention centers and other areas that requires flower arrangements.

4) Printing and Stationeries

Front Office and Housekeeping are the two departments that share this budget.

5) Miscellaneous

This type of budget can be charged between Housekeeping and any other department depending on what type of expenses is incurred.

The second type of Housekeeping budget is Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)

Capital Expenditure Budget is the allocation of funds for a specific project or items that will help and assist the operation of the hotel. In case of Housekeeping, projects can be something that require replacement or additional Housekeepers cart, Laundry washer & dryer, building a new Laundry Shop for outside customers, replacement of vacuum cleaners, replacement of worn out beds or furnitures which is usually done floor by floor or by segments. Usually the CAPEX fund is allocated same way as how the operational budget has been allocated for the coming year. Therefore on a yearly basis project/s is/are accomplished and completed especially if the item/s have specific life span where replacement are made specifically each year. This way the hotel or facility is well maintained, equipped and preserved like new. It is through CAPEX fund that maintenance of the hotel works best and at the same time avoiding depreciation of items in large quantities where it is difficult to resolve since they require huge amount to achieve.

Therefore in order to have a smooth operating and well maintained hotel or facility, it is important that allocation of funds for the operational needs and maintenance of the hotel should be handled and monitored effectively based on occupancy percentage where key department heads are knowledgeable on how to adjust their budget accordingly. Key Personnel responsible for the preparation of the budget should see to it that the allocated fund is spent specifically for what it is intended for. Side tracking the set goal will be an unending tasks that won't have a definite or specific achievement accomplished. Not being able to monitor the operating budget effectively will lead to the demise of Capital Expenditure.

Capital Expenditure Budget is as important as Operating Budget when it comes to hotel business.

Types of Housekeeping Budget

Did you find this article informative? If you did then check this address: http://wwwhotelhousekeeping.blogspot.com/.

Understanding Louis XV Antique Furniture

Period History:

Louis XV was the grandson of King Louis XIV and ruled France between 1715 and 1774. He is most commonly known for being one of France's most unpopular kings. During his reign, he managed to upset almost every social group in his country, yet surprisingly, in its own exclusive way, that segregation from his people has led to the Louis XV period antique furniture being some of the most sought after French furniture in the world.

Furnitures

Due to the unbalance of his country, the remaining Louis XV furniture is seen as a great treasure that heralds from a time of grave public unrest in France and symbolises the determination of its people as a whole but, in particular, in its furniture designers to continue to inspire, create and deliver a legacy of beautiful, intricate and detailed furniture which remains to this day a coveted style of design.

Understanding Louis XV Antique Furniture

For all the things that went wrong with Louis XV's reign as King of France, one thing that is undeniable is the detailed quality of the furniture that rose from this dark time in France's history to reer a head of something quite the opposite, both elegant and flowing, in a time of bleak misery.

What Makes Louis XV Furniture Louis XV Furniture?

There are a number of tell-tale design characteristics that articulate this style of design. It is quite common to hear or see pieces of furniture incorrectly described as Louis XV, when in actual fact, they are Louis XIV. What separates the two is actually quite distinctive, and I'll list them below.

Louis XV Furniture is:

• Designed more curvaciously
• Free flowing forms and shapes
• Not made with straight lines, straight cuts or anything that looks angular
• Intricately carved and seemingly infinitely detailed
• Hand painted
• Shells tend to form the focul points of each design
• Symbolic of romance, sensuality and love
• Light and graceful

Louis XV Furniture is not:

• Reliant on presence to state its claim, such as Gothic Furniture
• Made with straight cuts
• Big, bulky or angular
• Strong and masculine
• Machine painted
• Machine cut

You will find that Louis XIV furniture is quite the opposite in style to Louis XV, and where I've listed the points above that are not associated with Louis XV, you will tend to find these same characteristics present in Louis XIV furniture, for example, it will be more angular and less graceful, more inline with a masculine strength of style than a graceful, romantic wisp as seen in Louis XV furniture. It is a very common mistake, most probably due to the similarities in name, but it is vital when identifying your antique furniture to get the periods correct as unsurprisingly, it can cause chaos for the buyer at auction!

The next problem I tend to see quite often in my field is misselling replicas as originals.

Identifying Real Louis XV Antique Furniture

Yes, as sad as it is, there will always be those amongst us who feel the need to misrepresent antiques for personal gain by selling copies or replicas. When buying antiques, especially online, make sure to use a respected reseller, such as LJR Windwake & Sons, or a seller who specialises in your desired style, in this case, a Louis XV Antique Furniture Specialist. It is vitally important to be utterly scrupulous when buying antiques online at auction sites or dealers, but fortunately, I have some good tips on how to make sure that the piece of furniture you're buying is the real deal.

1. Ask for Details on How the Cupboard was Made

Make sure you ask the seller to explain to you how the piece was made, making sure to get him to describe to you the joints in the wood. If they are visible, and keep in mind that the joinery of an 'antique' would not be machine cut but would in actual fact be hand cut, ask him to describe them to you. Chances are that hand cut joints will be rougher and perhaps not as exact as machine cut joints, which should be a good indication of originality and the antique you are buying is actually an 'antique' and not something that was knocked off a production line in ShenZhen, China, 2006.

The best way to find a cut is to remove a draw and have a close look at where the front and back of the drawer are fastened to the sides of the drawer. If a joint was made by hand, it would be dovetailed and have only a few dovetail joints, and they wouldn't be precisely even. If the dovetails are close together and precisely cut, it will have been machine-cut. Handmade dovetails almost always indicate a piece made before 1860.

2. Look for Imperfections such as Nicks and Cuts

Another great way to help identify the validity of an antique or hand-made piece of furniture would be to look closely for nicks and cuts on the back, sides and bottom of the draw. Nicks and cuts usually indicate a hand operated tool was used to plane, shave or cut the wood. Straight cuts, the kind you'd get from a straight saw, are also good signs whereas cuts that look circular in appearance mean that the cut was made with a circular saw, again not in use until after 1860.

3. Exact Symmetry? No way!

This is probably the easiest tell tale sign of machine made furniture compared to hand made. If something looks exactly symmetrical, chances are its been cut by machines, so make sure you request lots of pictures of the piece of furniture you're buying.

4. Ask for a Detailed Description of the Finish

The style of finish is also a great way of identifying the age of a piece of Louis XV. Certain finishes were in use in different periods which is an excellent way to identify the age of your antique furniture. For Louis XV, it should all be hand painted. Hand painting is often identifiable by slight imperfections in brush strokes or edges, although some of the finest Louis XV won't show any signs of human error, because the quality was so high, it is always advisable to ask for pictures of all paintwork, especially so for imperfections as these can actually ADD to the value of your furniture.

5. Make Sure the Seller Explains the type of Wood used in Manufacture

This is often a simple method of gauging an age because generally, as a rule of thumb, anything before 1700 was made from oak, 1700 onwards (our Louis XV era), mahogany and walnut were the choice woods. if its pine, it normally indicates an American furniture piece and is normally indicative of slightly cheaper works. The really valuable, old antique Louis XV treasures will be made from mahogany or walnut.

Conclusion

Always be careful when buying antique furniture but if you are thinking of buying, make sure you arm yourself with as much research as possible prior to attending auction houses. It is also very advisable to go to an auction with a particular object in mind. Visit the open days, make your notes, go home and research what you've seen and then attend the auctions with renewed knowledge about your purchase and always, always try to get as much information out of the seller as possible, whether buying online or at an auction house.

Understanding Louis XV Antique Furniture

Information about the Author:

Lee Rushworth is the founder of Sunderland based White Knight Projects Ltd., an investment company who specialise in helping new companies launch their products and services online with new business start up advice, web design sunderland and strategic and financial support. If you are looking to get help starting your new business and are based in the UK, have a good product idea and an insatiable drive to succeed, contact Lee at http://www.whiteknightprojects.com to see what support or investment you could get.

Assemble it Yourself Ikea Furniture

Ikea is private company that sells and distributes home products that are low priced with a twist, you put them together yourself. This concept has taken Ikea to the forefront as a leader in the industry since 1943 when they were created by founder Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden. Ikea furniture is very well known for its modern design and easy to assemble design which saves consumer money from having the pre assembled models shipped.

One big example of this is having a bookcase shipped pre assembled costs a lot more than having one that you assembled shipped. One of the other main reasons as many European's use mass transit which makes it easier for them to transport these products to their homes. This is also very big in the European block, but just finding mild appeal in the United States. This could change as they open more stores and introduce the concept more to American's. There are currently only 33 Ikea stores in the United States so getting this type of furniture has been tough for most.

Furniture

Having to assemble furniture is nothing new for American's as many products today state some assembly required. The biggest problem with Ikea is there just aren't enough stores around for them to make a bigger impact just yet. Some of the products they offer are garden furniture, coffee tables, bookshelves, hall furniture, dining tables, children's items and so forth. One of the biggest things that it has confronted is a society such as the United States that values their time and hate putting things together. This could explain the slow growth in the United States. The other big reason they have probably struggled is how they have their corporate structure. It's designed in a way to avoid taxes by funneling profits to a nonprofit organization which in the United States would be watched very carefully. I think this could have a lot to do with their slow growth as well.

Assemble it Yourself Ikea Furniture

The Ikea concept has worked well in European countries where an assembly thing is something they are use to and actually enjoy doing. Ikea products are well designed and available in a catalog if you so desire to order any products. They have a vast collection of items at good prices. In the future we may see more of these stores being built as demand for their products grow. The demand for quality furniture priced reasonably has always been something everyone is interested in.

Assemble it Yourself Ikea Furniture

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Mango Wood Furniture - Beautiful Furniture Made From Sustainable Wood

The mango tree is prevalent throughout Southeast Asia and while it may be best known for its sweet tasting fruit, the mango tree is also a fast growing and sustainable source of lumber. Its fast growth and the ease with which it can be worked make it an inexpensive and useful source of material for the manufacture of quality cabinets and other items of furniture. The heartwood of the mango, in particular, can be used to create beautiful mango wood furniture and may be light brown, dark brown, or even pinkish in colour.

Sustainable Wood

Furniture

The UK's increased thirst for sustainable materials has led to a similar increase in the use of mango wood as a furniture base. The mango tree can grow to a height of between 80ft and 100ft with a trunk diameter of 3ft to 4ft in very little time so it is a hugely beneficial source of sustainable wood. What's more, the increased prices of popular hardwoods like teak have made alternative sources of workable material even more highly sought after.

Mango Wood Furniture - Beautiful Furniture Made From Sustainable Wood

What To Watch For

Unfortunately, while the tree is not an endangered species, the heartwood can be prone to fungal attack so it is important that wood is checked and treated before being crafted into a piece of fine furniture. Good retailers will ensure that the wood is properly treated before being displayed and sold.

Furniture Styles And Finishes

Mango furniture can be bought in a variety of shades and finishes. The heartwood is the section of the tree that is used in the manufacture of cabinets and other furniture and this section of the mango tree can change dramatically in colour depending on where the tree was grown and even the season in which it was felled. Light and dark brown mango wood furniture has great appeal and tinges of light pinks and other colours may also be prominent.

Mango Wood Furniture

The range of mango wood furniture available is equally impressive. The wood is a hardwood but is one of the softer variants so can be worked well and easily. Some unique pieces of mango wood furniture incorporate both light and dark wood in order to create an even better looking finish. Almost all types of furniture are available in mango wood. Cabinets for the TV and home entertainment equipment are popular because the wood holds up very well to polishing and treating giving it a fine finish. Its strength and robustness also make it an ideal material for the creation of mango wood furniture like beds, chairs, and even tables.

Mango Wood Furniture - Beautiful Furniture Made From Sustainable Wood

Mango wood furniture [http://www.mango-furniture.com/mangofurniture.html] looks set to become one of the most popular home decor ranges thanks to its varied colours and ease of workmanship. The tree itself is believed by many Asian cultures to signify good fortune and to represent safety. Whether this is true or not, mango furniture is great looking and created using sustainable non-endangered wood.

Removing Skunk Odor From Furniture

Skunks are wonderful little creatures that have a big impact on the environments they live in. For the most part, these black and white critters go about their business, causing no one but known pests a problem. Unfortunately, they sometimes have run ins with people, pets or even living room furniture if they manage to get into a home personally.

When removing skunk odor from furniture is necessary, there are some tips that can help ensure the job results in success. The best ideas for handling skunk odor on furniture include:

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• Make sure the contaminated creature or the contaminating creature is isolated and cleaned or gone before proceeding. There is little point in trying to get skunk odors out of furniture if the cat or dog that rolled on a sofa is still skunk smelling and present. Clean up the creature or get the skunk out of the house and then proceed.
• Carefully inspect all furniture that may have come in contact with the skunk. The idea is to not have to clean more than is necessary without missing anything that is.
• Gently blot up any wet spots. If the spray is fresh or a wet dog or cat just rolled on the furniture, spreading the skunk smell around, blot it up. Do not scrub to avoid working it further into the fabrics.
• Get an extracting machine if possible. Go to a hardware or grocery store and rent an extraction machine for cleaning fabric furniture. This will help pull the odor-causing skunk spray out of the furniture rather than pushing it further into the fabric.
• If an extractor is not possible, consider getting a bag of clean rags or other cleaning cloths that can be tossed in the trash when the job is done.
• Select the solution. Whether it's an extraction machine with an upholstery wand or a hand clean up and blot job on tap, the right odor neutralizing agents are necessary. Some people prefer using baking soda and vinegar on furniture; others like the idea of using gentle sodas or professional cleaning agents. No matter the option, have plenty of the chosen solution on hand. Getting skunk smells out of furniture takes a bit of time and even several applications. If a trip to a store is in order, consider also picking up feminine cleaning products (these work well on skunk odors, too) and/or odor neutralizing sprays for fabrics for the follow up job.
• Clean, extract or soak and blot. This particular part of the process might take several applications and some time to work. With diligence and the right follow up neutralizer, it should pay off.

Removing Skunk Odor From Furniture

As you can see, removing skunk odor is a task that can be accomplished. With the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, a couch, chair or even entire living room can be salvaged.

Removing Skunk Odor From Furniture

Gretchen Messersmith is the owner of Skunk Odor Gone, the website that shows you step-by-step how to quickly and easily get rid of skunk odor for good. Because of her own personal experience in this area, she is passionate about helping people remove skunk smell safely, quickly and easily.

Cat sprayed by skunk? Find out some simple steps to remove skunk smell from your cat.

Common Errors With Nouns And Noun Phrases

Expressions that take singular verbs

Some common expressions take singular verbs even though they may contain a plural noun. Examples are: bacon and eggs; cheese and biscuits; fish and chips etc.

Furnitures

Bacon and eggs was served for breakfast.

Common Errors With Nouns And Noun Phrases

Where is the cheese and biscuits?

Fish and chips is popular in England.

Nouns that do not have a plural form

Not all nouns have a plural form: for example, furniture, wheat, dust, news, advice, information, luggage, bread, trouble and scenery normally have only a singular form.

The scenery here is good. (NOT The sceneries here are good.)

I have lost my furniture. (NOT ... my furnitures.)

We have received no information. (NOT ... no informations)

He told his mother this news. (NOT ... these news)

There is no bread in this shop. OR There are no loaves in this shop. (NOT There are no breads in this shop.)

Please excuse me for the trouble I have caused. (NOT ... for the troubles I have caused.)

I am learning a new poem. (NOT ... a new poetry)

A plural noun that names a single subject

When a group of words containing a plural noun represents a single subject, you must use a singular verb.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is my favourite novel.

The Crusades is a book that comes in two volumes.

Memories of the War is worth reading.

Robert Louis Stevenson's books are always exciting.

Collective nouns

Collective nouns take a singular verb if you are talking of the group as a whole. They take a plural verb if you are talking about individuals within the group.

Compare:

The team is on the field.

The team are changing.

The class is a bright one.

The class are a mixed lot.

His family is living in that house.

His family are living in various parts of Sydney.

The jury is in the courtroom.

The jury are still debating the case.

Pants and trousers

Pants means underclothes covering the upper part of the leg. Trousers means outer garment for the legs, reaching from waist to ankles.

Students should wear white trousers. (NOT ... white pants)

Theatre, play and drama

A theatre is a building in which plays are acted, not the play itself. Drama is rarely used nowadays in the sense in which foreign students are likely to use it, that is to say to mean a play, whether acted by professionals or amateurs.

We saw a play. (NOT We saw a theatre.)

We like acting plays. (NOT we like taking part in drama)

Man and gentleman

Gentleman is a difficult word to use correctly in colloquial English. Use the term when you are referring to a man's character.

He is a real gentleman. (Praising him)

He is not a gentleman. (Criticizing him)

Use man to denote an adult of the male sex.

He is a tall man.

Lady and woman

Woman is the usual word to denote an adult of the female sex. It is quite polite. 'She is a lady' means that she is a woman of particularly good birth, breeding and taste.

I saw two women. (NOT I saw two females)

Dress

The word dress is generally used with reference to women's attire.

He was wearing a new suit. (NOT He was wearing a new dress)

But note that we do say 'a man in full dress' or 'evening dress'.

Relations

The English language uses relatively loose terms to express relationships. Aunt means the sister of either father or mother. Uncle means the brother of either father or mother. Cousin means any child of any aunt or uncle.

He is my cousin. (NOT He is my cousin brother)

Common Errors With Nouns And Noun Phrases

Learn English with our free online reference guides to English Grammar, writing, speaking and practical usage!

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.

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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 Furniture

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 initial 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

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.

Free Kitchen Cabinet Plans

Perhaps nothing compares to the true beauty of a cabinet. In the larger scheme of things, a kitchen cabinet is perhaps the greatest of them all. You get elegance, grace, and sophistication in a cabinet. Some people like glass fronts; some people like solid wood. Depending on what you like, free kitchen cabinet plans can help make your dreams a reality.

The Search

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First thing you want to do when you search for free kitchen cabinet plans is to hop on the Internet and find yourself a search engine. I prefer Google, but some prefer Yahoo or MSN; there are other search engines such as Dogpile and Go. Pick the one you prefer.

Free Kitchen Cabinet Plans

Whichever you choose, they usually allow Boolean expressions. You want to do a search for what you want with "+" in front of them such as +free +kitchen +cabinet +plans. If you are pretty sure you want the kitchen cabinets you may want to make that +kitchen-cabinet (I say cabinet because you will get more hits if you leave off the "s"). A small hint that comes in handy is that usually, you can also use a "-" or minus sign. Such as +free +kitchen-cabinet +plans and then you could add a -naughtyword: naughtyword would then not be allowed in the result.

Now that you have a good idea of how Boolean expressions work, you can find yourself some free kitchen cabinet plans. If you cannot find what you are looking for with one search engine, I suggest you try another search engine. Often, one will not have what another will have. Have fun! Do a lot of searches until you have what you want.

Moving Forward

Once you have found free kitchen cabinet plans that meet your specifications, it is a good idea to thoroughly read those instructions. Then you will be able to carefully purchase the hardware and materials needed to make your kitchen cabinets. Usually, the first thing you should do is grab a measuring tape and some paper with a pencil. You want to take precise measurements of your kitchen and record it on the paper. This is a necessity. I suggest you measure on the inside borders of the walls. This is a great way t o learn exactly what you need.

Tools Please

Okay, now you need the proper tools. I suggest you do this project only if you have current knowledge of the power tools that are required for this project. It is really sticker shock to go out and buy all the tools needed fresh. In addition, you will need a couple of new tools perhaps that you may not have been aware of. Check the instructions for further help.

Material If You Would

Free kitchen cabinet plans are great because they are indeed free. However, you should make sure the instructions are thorough. You should have a good idea of how much material is needed for your project. The measurements you took will be essential during this step. You will want to figure out first what type of material you want. While everyone thinks solid wood is the only choice, I tell you now that it is expensive and it is heavy. Maybe you can afford the expense, but ask yourself how your walls will handle the enormous weight.

Once you have taken an honest look at what material you want to use, I suggest you visit a home improvement store or a hardware store that sells the material you need. Take in your measurements and get the material you need delivered to your home - usually at no additional charge. Do not forget the brackets, nails, screws, and other such smaller hardware. Usually, a store associate will be more than willing to help you get everything you need.

The Next Step

You will obviously want to take out those old kitchen cabinets if you have not yet done so. This is quite the chore. Sometimes, you can save the old ones and sell them, recycle them, or give them to a local charity. However, you accomplish this: those old cabinets have gotta go.

You will want to take the time to clean the walls thoroughly at this point. I like to take bleach water over the whole area and let it dry. This is easy because my husband is now in the workroom with power tools blaring. I check on him and love that pure look of ecstasy that is on his face - I rarely see that look outside of his power tools experience. I go in to help him when he needs help, but this is really an easy chore for people that understand what they are doing and have some concept on how to follow those free kitchen cabinet plans.

The End Is Near

Installing the kitchen cabinet is easy compared to the rest of your kitchen cabinet journey. I suggest you make sure that all of those cabinets are completed before you attempt this step. Sometimes, you will have a cabinet that is slightly off and needs readjusting. I never add the doors until the rest of the base cabinet is installed first. Never completely secure the cabinet until all of the cabinets are installed.

Free kitchen cabinet plans are great because you do not have to spend extra money on a project that is otherwise extremely pricey. Follow your instincts and those instructions for that best and most rewarding kitchen cabinets you have probably ever owned.

Free Kitchen Cabinet Plans

Delbert has been a co-author of many cabinet making books such as "Cabinet Making Magic". For more than 14 years, he had taught workshop classes at his local community high school. At http://www.i-furnitures.com , Delbert will take you through a step by step guide on how to make ideal, space saving, and inexpensive bathroom vanity cabinets that is right for your home.

The Many Uses of Glass

Glass is a hard, manufactured solid with transparent properties that is used for a variety of purposes such as eyewear, bottles, windows and even certain types of furniture. Glass is frequently used to decorate living rooms, as with glass coffee tables, and can even be molded into decorative works of art. When you order glass from an online or local company, you will have a variety of types to choose from. You may want to order thin glass or a higher quality of glass that is more durable; when you order through a specialty store, you can usually customize the thickness of the glass.

You can also order soundproof glass, which acts as a sound-deadener and comes in very handy when used for your home's outside windows. You may also want to consider tempered glass, which is more durable and less likely to shatter. This type of glass is used in situations where safety is important, as it is up to five times as strong as regular glass and, due to the treatment it receives in the manufacturing process, is heat-resistant as well. This particular type of glass is so useful and durable that many local building codes requires new buildings to use tempered glass for their outside windows.

Furnitures

Whether you are looking for a customized piece of glass furniture or a quantity of glass panes at wholesale prices, you need a reliable company to work with. Try a glass store in Los Angeles that specializes in the utilization of glass. For more information on pricing and special deals on glass sculptures, glass walls and glass tables, visit their company website at 55Glass.com.

The Many Uses of Glass

The Many Uses of Glass

55Glass.com offers a wide variety of high-quality glass products. For more information about this Los Angeles glass supplier, visit http://www.55glass.com

Are You Looking For Aspen Home Furniture?

Aspen home furniture is universally known as one of the best home furniture manufacturers the world over. The company develops high quality wood products and furniture specially built to provide maximum comfort. They create a variety of products classified according to name selection.

One popular line is the Barolo Collection, which features an exquisitely colored collection of fixtures rooted in Celtic styles. The furniture, consisting of bedroom sets, dining tables, entertainment centers, and more, surely offers a complement to any household. The Centennial Collection has a classic European design and embraces the colors and tones of yesteryear. Many consider this one of the more versatile furniture lines. Another option is the Chambord Collection. This line of Aspen home furniture utilizes classic French design, and provides its line of furniture with a warm cherry finish. Inspiration for the Chateau de Vin Collection lies in the French Louis Philippe style, while the Napa Collection owes much to the Napa wine country's distinctive looks and tones. The Potomac Collection consists of period piece furniture with urban and rural sensibility, while the Seasons Country Cottage Collection is inspired by seaside living. The Weekender Collection is reminiscent of mountain turf and the Young Classics has an unmistakable American flavor.

Furnitures

A great place to find Aspen home furniture is on the Internet. Key Home Furnishings, headquartered in Oregon, is one of the largest distributors of Aspen products. It offers high-quality customer service, 24-hour service, long warranty coverage, and the lowest prices available online. Most furniture ships free with a purchase of over 9. If you are looking for the best in sofas, sectionals, chairs, or entertainment centers then visit Key Home Furnishings at their official website, KeyHomeFurnishings.com

Are You Looking For Aspen Home Furniture?

Are You Looking For Aspen Home Furniture?

Key Home Furnishings is a large, online furniture store. It carries a great deal of high quality Aspen home furniture [http://www.keyhomefurnishings.com/catalog.php?homeinclude=catalog&category_id=16&parent_id=16]. To see the different Aspen products available, visit http://www.keyhomefurnishings.com/.

Antique Desk Furniture Historical Comparison

I finally realized it is not a Western desk; it is an English desk from the early 20th century. The clues are the wood itself and the hardware. English oak from this period has a distinctively different grain from the Golden Oak of American furniture of this period. The oversized hardware is also distinctly English. The odd pattern of shading was caused by someone stripping the original dark finish but giving the hardware areas a wide berth, creating the like and dark patterns in the wood as the result of really poor workmanship.

A "dresser w/desk pull down" is a 20th century recreation of a variation of the 19th century "butler's desk". Legend has it that the butler in an upper class 19th century household was never seen to sit. Since one of his duties was also to keep the household accounts he had to have a desk but he did not sit there. It was designed so that he could stand and do his paperwork. The desk unit was incorporated into a chest of drawers to conserve space. That piece is in fact made of maple, probably in the 1950s or 1960s.

Furnitures

Bodart Furniture Co. was in business in Grand Rapids, from 1949 to 1973. Bodart made quality reproductions of antique European furniture forms, including desks, tables, chests and upholstered pieces. As they obviously are not in business now, you may have difficulty finding the matching chairs. But I'll bet you can find lots of nice chairs that would match this table fine. They don't necessarily have to be Bodart chairs.

Antique Desk Furniture Historical Comparison

The first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was a man known by the name of John Winthrop. Born in Surrey, England, legend says Winthrop came to Massachusetts with an original piece of furniture that instantly gained favor with the colonists: a slanted drop-front desk. After the desk became popular, it was re-named in honor of its original owner.

While the story is nice, there is little truth to it. Governor Winthrop was a real man who ruled Massachusetts until his death in 1649, but this was a good 50 years before the first drop-front desks appeared in his native country. The famous curves attributed to the Gov. Winthrop style weren't created until the mid-1700s, when Thomas Chippendale designed the first desk of this variety.

Although many members of the public believe this style of furniture was named for a specific man, looking at this story from a historical perspective, it is obvious Governor Winthrop never owned the piece of furniture attributed to him. While Thomas Chippendale technically invented the design, he never labeled it as a "Gov. Winthrop," either.

The answer to this riddle rests with the Winthrop Furniture Company of Boston, who created a new model of the desk in 1924 and called it the "Gov. Winthrop." The name is now a common part of furniture vocabulary, and has increased the popularity of other furniture of the same design, commonly known as the "Gov. Winthrop" style. Many different types of antique furniture can be found today bearing the name Winthrop due to this unique design.

We installed a humidifier for the winter, which certainly helps the furniture, but summer we cannot control, as we have no AC. I am not familiar with Arizona, but I take it its very dry there, so yes putting some humidity back into the air should help. Other than that, keep all wood furniture out of direct sun and heat sources. A good paste waxing with bra wax for instance is about the only thing I can recommend to use on this piece. Apparently all pieces made with a particular type of imported mahogany carried the label you described.

The desk is from the late 19th century or perhaps even the early 20th century and is part of the great "Golden Oak" period. The style is very similar overall to the famous Larkin desks of the turn of the century with the open shelf in front below the drop. It could be an American piece but the decorative motif is more European or English. Also the desk is made of flat cut oak and shows none of the quarter cut oak generally seen on American pieces of this era. The finish has been redone and it looks more recent than the 1960s.

Antique Desk Furniture Historical Comparison

Victor Epand is an expert consultant at http://www.SellTheAntiques.com/. Sell The Antiques is a community of various independent antique sellers from around the world. Each antique seller represents a unique style of products. If you have antiques to sell, click here to create an Antiques Account.

How To Make Use Of That Space Under Your Stairs

Have you ever wondered what to do with that space under your stairs? Here are a few tips to make it more useful and discover its hidden potential.

1. Installing shelves, cabinets and drawers under the stairs will reclaim some unused space just lying unnoticed for years. The shelves could be used for decorative displays while the cabinets could be utilized as storage for everyday items. You can also decorate the area with your favorite collectibles. You can add some small task lights to highlight the displayed objects. The shelves can either be custom-made or you can buy ready made stackable units available in any Home Improvement store.

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2. You can utilize the space and transform it into a study area or home office. If you have been looking for some space in your house to serve as your home office, then look no further, this is the space for you. Bookshelves, filing cabinets and desktop can be specially sized and made to fit and nestle under your stairs. You can paint the filing cabinets and shelves in warm, welcoming tones to make it more user friendly. Clutter should be avoided in small spaces such as this, so use space-saving containers to keep desk accessories and stationery neat and handy.

How To Make Use Of That Space Under Your Stairs

3. Make it into a cozy retreat. Wouldn't it be nice to relax in a comfy nook under the stairs while reading your favorite book? You can place an under-stair bench with cushion and pillows for a warm and inviting look. It can also serve as a sleeping spot for a quick afternoon nap. Don't forget to accessorize. You can hang your favorite paintings or add a wall lamp for convenience while reading.

4. Utilize it as a tiny playhouse for the kids. Children would love the idea of playing under the stairs. Paint the playhouse entry with a whimsical design. You can also add shelves to provide storage for toys. A rug can create a softer look and feel while at the same time protects little feet from a cold floor.

So, whether you choose to use your under the stairs space for storage, home office, cozy nook or a playhouse, never forget to add light to this tight space. A desk lamp is advisable for reading and study, overhead lighting for play areas, while display lights are great for your collectibles.

Why not start planning now and convert that under the stair space into something you and your whole family will use and enjoy for a long time.

How To Make Use Of That Space Under Your Stairs

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Interior Design

Kirkland's Home Decor - Find Everything Your House Needs

Kirkland's home decor store is indeed one of the most inspiring accessory stores around. It has a broad selection of distinctive merchandise for the discriminating buyer, coupled with affordable prices to keep the average homeowner happy. Their stock consists of framed art, picture frames, lamps, candles, mirrors, accent rugs, and garden accessories.

A leading specialty retailer since 1966, Kirkland's was co-founded by Carl Kirkland, who is still currently the Chairman Emeritus. They opened their first store in Jackson, TN, and with over 340 stores in 37 states they have put Kirkland's home decor on the map. Home decor at Kirkland's is ever-changing, and offers you value and style at extremely attractive prices for both gift-giving and accessorizing your own home.

Furnitures

Kirkland's even has a designer advantage for interior designers looking for the best for their clients. The home decor at Kirkland's helps to create stylish and sophisticated looks on a budget that almost anyone can handle. Designers who buy at Kirkland's can now receive a 10% discount on all client related purchases, providing they spend over 0.00 per year. This would hardly be a difficult task with the selection that Kirkland's has to offer.

Kirkland's Home Decor - Find Everything Your House Needs

Kirkland's Holiday Home Decor

Apart from everyday accessories, Kirkland's offers much more - its seasonal stock is extensive and covers all major holidays. Kirkland's prides themselves on offering the latest looks with inspiring styles. For Christmas, you can find themed trees to inspire you with new decorating ideas, and suggestions for coordinating gifts that you can buy for a special couple.

Warm candle light, lamps, and other lighting are always popular during the holidays. Kirkland's home decor section offers a huge selection of holiday candelabras, votive runners for your fireplace, or red hurricane candle holders for your holiday needs. For the younger clientele they have plenty of Santa Claus knick knacks, reindeer ornaments, and lots of fun Christmas decorations to enthuse even the littlest buyer.

Kirkland's home decor also has plenty of amazing holiday selections for Halloween, New Years, Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving. Their huge choice will give you numerous options for your decorating style. Whether you prefer whimsical or sophisticated, you are nearly guaranteed to find what you are looking for at this store. The home decor at Kirkland's, both for the holidays and everyday decorating, is inspiring, creative, and unique.

Kirkland's Home Decor - Find Everything Your House Needs

For more information on Kirkland's Home Decor check out http://www.homedecordiscussion.com . You'll find loads of tips and techniques plus you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before. But Hurry! For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Home Decor Software at absolutely no cost.

How To Quickly And Easily Create A Living Room Furniture Layout?

If you planning to buy new furniture for your living room, then most probably you have already thought about the furniture layout in your mind or else you have probably thought of repeating the same old layout with only the new furniture pieces. In this article I will show you a simple method to create the most efficient layout for your living room.

Before we begin there are a few points that need to be considered. A living room is always a transition space. This means that entrances to all other rooms are located in living room. Other bedrooms, dining room, kitchen etc. are accessed through living room, that's why a sufficient "circulation space" for family members is a must.

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So here is what you can do to create the most efficient layout for a living room.

How To Quickly And Easily Create A Living Room Furniture Layout?

1) Take a plane white paper. A4 size is also enough.

2) Draw a sketch plan of your living room on this paper. While drawing this plan it is important to show the following things in it:

a) Entrance door

b) Entrance doors to other rooms

c) Window positions

d) Minor column projections (if any)

e) Swing of the doors (inside or outside the living room)

f) Presence of staircase

g) Fireplace (if any)

3) Take a pencil and draw lines starting from entrance door to all other doors and window positions. This is the natural travel lines for any person using the living room. If the room is empty without any furniture these are the lines any person would follow to reach other point in the living room.

4) Now start placing the furniture units like 3 seat sofa, single/double seat sofa, coffee table, end tables lampshades, bookshelves, TV unit, etc.. Depending upon your budget you can go for any number of these units.

While placing these units it will always be seen that the furniture obstructs the pencil travel lines drawn in the third step. But that's OK for now. Now make as may combinations and arrangements of the furniture units as possible. Think out of the box while doing this. Try to do something different.

Remember if you try you will easily come up with at lest 10 layout for that same living room. You will be amazed at how many combinations are possible. Also imagine the furniture pieces you already have or can you replace that table in the bedroom with the one in the living room.

How about keeping it vertical rather that horizontal in the plan. Whatever you do keep one thing in mind. Always keep the human movement "unobstructed". People passing through the living room in other rooms must be able to pass without cutting vision if you are talking to other person in the living room.

That's why those pencil lines have been drawn. After you have drawn the furniture pieces on the living room plan, modify the travel lines. Now these lines will be around the furniture, especially at corners. The travel lines will now take the shape of the furniture at the edges.

After this short exercise you will have probably 5 different layouts on paper with. Select the one in which you see the following points of interest.

a)Travel line lengths are shortest.

b)Travel lines do not pass trough the furniture.

Apart from the efficiency there is another factor called as visual balance while designing a furniture layout. Finally does it look good to YOU. Are you comfortable with the final layout. The visual balance is achieved by making the most use of all walls of the living room with decorating elements such as paintings, color schemes, etc.

So if you follow a system from the beginning you will be definitely be able to create a beautiful living room in the shortest possible time. I hope this article has helped you to find more creative ways of doing this job more efficiently.

Copyright Shrinivas Vaidya

How To Quickly And Easily Create A Living Room Furniture Layout?

Shrinivas Vaidya is the webmaster of http://www.livingroomdatabase.com Visit today to get more free tips on living room furniture to decorate a beautiful and charming living room of your wildest dreams.

Wood Furniture Plans - The Easy Way to Make Furniture Yourself

How would you like to bypass the high retail prices at the furniture stores by using wood furniture plans and make some yourself? It is possible and a lot of folks are already doing it. As opposed of what many people think, it is not necessary to be a pro to make wood furniture.

Wood furniture are without a doubt the most popular ones on the market, and also the most expensive. But what are your options if you want to have some for yourself? Of course you can go out and pay big money for wood furniture. An other option that is a lot less expensive and a lot more fun is to get some good wood furniture plans and make them yourself.

Furniture

You don't have to be a specialist to make a wooden table or some kids furniture. A good set of plans is self explanatory and tells you everything you need to know to make a well done project from beginning to start. Plans are including a list of necessary tools and material. Then all you have to do is to follow the step by step instructions.

Wood Furniture Plans - The Easy Way to Make Furniture Yourself

The trick is to start with simple designs and as you do a few pieces you will get much better at it. You will be amazed how easy it could be with a good blueprint and a well organised work place. By the way, the workplace could be as simple as your garage or a room in your basement. When making furniture, only a small work area is required.

When making furniture yourself, using plans is of course a must. But following the plans all the way by the book is not mandatory. You can add your own creative finishing touch in the process and make something very unique. The benefits are numerous: you make substantial savings, you can look at your furniture with pride for years to come and once your first piece is done, you feel like making more!

So don't be afraid to make wooden furniture yourself. The beauty of your home made coffee table will make you happy everyday. Using plans will also help you to find a lot more ideas than what you have seen in stores. Even if you can afford to buy wood furniture in retail stores, you will discover that there is nothing like looking everyday at a piece of wooden furniture you have made yourself.

Wood Furniture Plans - The Easy Way to Make Furniture Yourself

So go ahead and get some wood furniture plans to create your first piece. Go to my page at http://www.woodworkingplansonline.blogspot.com to find your plans and many more useful resources about woodworking. Enjoy making your first wooden furniture!

Barbie Furniture Plans - Learn More About Creating Your Own Doll Furniture

Many woodworkers have taken to the field of miniature crafting, so to say, which leads to the perfect market for Barbie furniture plans! These plans are literally scattered all over the industry, and buying a plan and building furniture from scratch is usually much cheaper and more effective than buying a ready-made house set. Doll house furniture items bought pre-built by the manufacturer are usually constructed with cheap materials, which makes them flimsy and extremely breakable.

The Barbie furniture plans are usually much more preferable because not only are they cheaper, but you can create a larger variety of furniture styles and sizes than pre-bought sources would offer you. You can also tailor each particular plan slightly to suit your needs, such as scaling down a piece of wood or painting it a different color. A custom-built house and set of furniture can not only be aesthetically pleasing to the eye and decorator's sense, but also sturdy and strong at the same time.

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Building furniture from Barbie furniture plans does not require a great deal of skill in woodworking, if one is willing to learn. If the crafter is particularly stubborn, and at the same time new to the field though, it can be a difficult process. A creative mind and a set of dexterous hands can usually make furniture just fine, if you have the proper molds. These "molds" really just help you make sure that everything you make is built-to-scale. Most furniture is made of a combination of cardboard and thin wooden play, all of which is held together with thin paper glue.

Barbie Furniture Plans - Learn More About Creating Your Own Doll Furniture

Furniture can also include some small pieces of other materials. Your Barbie furniture plans will usually explain to you what these materials should be, but you can typically expect to keep a ready supply of leather, cloth, or small carpeting at hand (pillow stuffing is somewhat optional). These three things will usually allow you to meet most any demand thrown at you, so you can create a large variety of furniture items.

Again, there is nothing really stopping your from buying your own Barbie furniture plans and making your own set of interior decor items. A little bit of skill and determination is all that is needed, as the price of materials is usually pretty low since the items are so small. Just be sure that you are clear in what you intend to build, so as not to lose motivation halfway through the project.

Barbie Furniture Plans - Learn More About Creating Your Own Doll Furniture

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Essential Knowledge About Antique Paine Furniture

Anyone who has a minimal interest in antique furniture will know that there are many types of furniture to choose from. If you are seriously considering investing in antiques as a source of profit then you really should do your research. A specific kind of antique that you should look into is antique Paine furniture.

Antique Paine furniture was made by the Paine company and has a number of unique characteristics that make it a beautiful addition to any home. It was made in Boston in the late 1800s and is highly sought after today.

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Antique Paine furniture is more valuable than a lot of other antique furniture types purely because it is in demand. Paine himself was a master craftsman and made the most beautiful furniture. It is steadfast, reliable and still serviceable over a hundred years on. Although your initial outlay can be quite large, you would be comforted to know that it actually becomes more and more valuable as the years go on so a piece in good condition can actually double in price within the space of a few years.

Essential Knowledge About Antique Paine Furniture

Antique Paine furniture can be obtained for any given room in a house. The family business made patio, dining room, bedroom and living room furniture amongst other items and so it is viable that you could fill your home with antique Paine furniture. It would certainly be a different and expensive theme, but a theme nevertheless!

It is worth taking time over the antique Paine furniture pieces that you will eventually choose because they will prove to be focal points of your home. They automatically attract attention because of their gorgeous colour and fantastic design. You should exercise patience if you on a limited budget because there may be several items that take your eye when you can only afford one or two.

Antique Paine furniture is extremely valuable so it may be worth assessing the value independently from the store that you plan to make a purchase from, just to double check that the value is actually as advertised. You should also check for any imperfections, as just one would significantly lower its value. A given price should reflect the condition and age of each individual antique Paine furniture piece so beware of any problems before handing over cash.

Buying any antique furniture is an investment today, whether you mean it to be or not. Antique Paine furniture is one of the types of antique that is worth ever penny. Beautiful and powerful, it can fit into any home and enhance it significantly with few problems. Have patience, buy the right piece and make the most out of it!

Essential Knowledge About Antique Paine Furniture

You can also find more info on Antique Furniture Dealers and Antique Furniture For Your Room. Antiquefurniturersource.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Antique Funiture.

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.

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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.

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

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.

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

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The History Of Ethan Allen Furniture

In 1932, two New Yorkers, Theodore Baumritter and his brother-in-law Nathan Ancell, founded The Baumritter Corp, which was a house wares sales agency. This was during what is considered by many as the worst year of the great depression, and unfortunately, people just didn't have the extra money for their house wares at that time. Consequently, at first Baumritter and Ancell ended up losing a lot of the money that they had originally invested into the company. In 1936, they bought a furniture factory located in Beecher Falls, Vermont. Ancell and Baumritter quickly fell in love with Vermont. They decided to name their furniture company Ethan Allen after the Vermont revolutionary leader. In 1939, their furniture line made their grand debut inside stores.

Their first collection was a grouping of 28 pieces of Early American furniture. By 1962, Ancell and Baumritter owned 14 furniture factories in the East. By the middle of the 1960's, The Baumritter Corp had by far the largest group of furniture in the world, with a 1,600-piece line to choose from. Also by the mid 1960's, there were approximately 700 Ethan Allen stores in the United States. They also had Ethan Allen stores by that time in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Australia, and Canada. In 1970, Baumritter retired. In 1972, The Baumritter Corp officially changed its name to Ethan Allen Industries, and they ran their first series of nationwide television ads. During this time in the early 70's, they also moved their headquarters from New York City to Danbury, Connecticut. Additionally, around this time, they started producing draperies, wallpaper, oriental rugs, and broadloom carpeting.

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In 1988, M. Fahrooq Kathwari took over Ancell's spot as chair and chief executive. Around 1985, when the company realized that Early American Furniture wasn't in high demand anymore, they set out to create some new furniture designs that were met with great success. Just to name a few there was the American Dimensions line which focused on accenting geometric shapes, Country Crossings which showcased rustic looking furniture, and the Legacy line which was modeled after Italian architecture. In 1991, Ethan Allen started offering wall decor, bedding, textiles, lamps, and other home decor items to their store.

The History Of Ethan Allen Furniture

In 2008, Ethan Allen's products became available to purchase over the internet. An interesting fact to note is that over seventy percent of their cherry, maple and alder wood pieces of made in the United States. Over the years, Ethan Allen has become a tremendously successful company. As of June 2008, they were said to have sales of approximately 0.0 million, with a net income of .1 million!

The History Of Ethan Allen Furniture

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How to Remove Rust From Wrought Iron Furniture

After a particularly damp winter patio metal furniture can start showing signs of rust. Rust is a general term used for the oxidation of iron or metal. It is formed through a reaction of metal in the presence of water and air, mainly oxygen. Prolonged rust can cause permanent damage to wrought iron furniture and outdoor cast furniture, cause it to weaken and disintegrate.

Cleaning rust, or rather removing it is a daunting task to many, and not surprisingly since most people don't realise that rust is easy enough to remove with everyday household items that can usually be found around any kitchen. This includes everyday white vinegar, or lemons for smaller areas, or rubbing oils, wire wool and some time on your hands. Baking soda is another everyday household item you can use to remove rust.

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Removing rust from wrought iron furniture is as easy as one, two, three.

How to Remove Rust From Wrought Iron Furniture

First, put some rubbing oils, or plain white vinegar on the areas effected with rust. It is a good idea to concentrate on small areas at a time to remove the rust quicker and with better effectiveness. You may also use lemons and rub them at the area that is rusty. Lemons have the same effect as vinegar does. When using baking soda, make a paste of baking soda and water pasty enough to stick.

Second, leave the furniture for a few minutes soaking in the vinegar to allow the vinegar or the oil to loosen up the rust, as rust is not part of the metal itself, but a layer on top of it, leaving it for a few minutes will enable the rust to loosen from the metal and be easier to clean. When using baking soda leaving it for enough time to let it loosen the rust.

Third, use the wire wool to scrub the rusted area. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, and you will definitely need some elbow grease to get the tough rust out of the furniture. The rust is going to give you a fight, but if you keep putting vinegar leaving it for a bit and then scrubbing you should be able to get all the rust out of your furniture. The vinegar loosens the rust, and the rubbing removes it. If the rust is really stubborn you may want to use sandpaper to really get it off.

Remember you can prevent rust from returning by keeping your patio metal furniture dry. It is a good idea to keep your metal furniture dry, however, it may not be possible if you live in an area of heavy humidity. In this case, attack the rust as it arises and it will be easier and quicker to get rid of rust and your furniture will last longer. Remember rust become harder to remove the longer it is left on the furniture and causes greater damage.

How to Remove Rust From Wrought Iron Furniture

Another way to avoid rust is to get good powder coated iron wrought furniture. Find high quality, powder coated furniture delivered to your door step. To know more, visit http://www.metalpatio-furniture.com.