How to clean and care for antique wood furniture :

Wood is a porous, natural material comprised of natural fibres that can bend, stretch and breathe. The older wood becomes, the more these pores and fibres loosen, allowing for more opportunity for moisture and dirt to seep into its surfaces. When it comes to antique wood furniture, it is absolutely essential to minimize the damaging effects caused by dirt particles and moisture.

Depending on the type of finish of the wood (placed above the top layer of the wood, to stain or seal the wood), the piece of antique furniture may still soak up any used product or moisture coming in contact with the surface.

This is one of the main reasons why antique dealers will always suggest to using an oil-based solution instead of wax.

Wax can actually seal dirt into the wood while an oil-based solution helps in loosening the dirt and in bringing it to the surface for removal.

There are three basic points to run you through that will have you well on your way towards caring for your antique piece of furniture.

 

1. Removing the effect of moisture :

Once moisture enters the wood, not only does it weaken the fibres of the wood by softening them, it can also leave white spots on the surface of your furniture which tend to be unsightly. Depending on the severity of the damage these marks may be removed.

To do so begin by placing a heavy piece of office-grade ink blotting paper available at any stationery store over the affected area. Iron on a low heat over the affected area. This

will cause the excess moisture to be drawn into the blotting paper.

 

2. Removal of dirt :

 

Let’s begin by saying, nobody likes dirt.

Furniture that has been stored for many years will more often than not have lots of dirt and grime both on and within its surfaces. Removal of the dirt without scratching the delicate, aged wood is the secret here. A vacuum cleaner without any attachments on the hose can be used along with a paintbrush to take off large pieces of dirt without causing any damage.

After the first step you should apply a layer of furniture oil. Be generous in doing so. Apply evenly over all parts. Allow it to sit on the furniture for a while. Make sure when you apply the oil you do so in the same direction as the grain on the wood with the help of a soft paintbrush, once again to avoid damaging the furniture.

After a while, preferably overnight, use a clean old sock on your hand and gently massage the extra oil along the grain of the wood. Using a sock allows you to cover all areas well, including curved and carved areas.

Lastly use an old discarded t-shirt to remove all excess oil and grime. The process is time consuming but the results are positive. Just remember not to be in any sort of a rush when you do so. Pay attention to all the affected areas.

 

3. Removal of odor :

To remove any odor from wooden drawers or cabinets, traditional methods are best stuck to. Use a mix of coffee

grounds and rice solution. (sprinkle dry coffee grounds in the drawers and cabinets, after a while do the same with rice ) Let the mixture sit for about a week or so. Later just vacuum it all off.

Depending upon the strength of the smell, the process may need to be repeated. Stubborn odors such as tobacco or mildew, may need the use of lemon oil or orange oil on a regular basis but heck if it works its worth the time and effort.

Creating The Perfect Outdoor Dining Experience

Summer is right around the corner (faster in some parts of the nation) and the time is nigh to begin planning for entertainment purposes outside on those late summer evenings when the weather is nice and cool. An outdoor dining area is the perfect place to host a small dinner party. If carried out perfectly you could be the toast of the town among your group of friends, which is what we are trying to achieve here. If you are interested in setting up the perfect outdoor dining experience, here are some pointers that will help you along your way to doing so.

 

1.  Make sure your furniture is well protected :

Most of us live in a part of the country where we have to deal with different types of weather. From a sudden searing hot day to an unforeseen relief shower, the weather is most unpredictable. Whatever it may be providing cover to your furniture is the best solution. Not only will it protect your furniture but also provide you with the opportunity to dine out throughout the year.

Provide for drapes as they not only add an extra layer of protection but also soften the structure on the eyes.

2. Provide adequate artificial lighting :

A light source near or above the dining area allows for the opportunity for an enjoyable soiree past sundown. Attractive options such as chandeliers are also easy on the eyes while also making your space more usable  as the early evening turns into night.

 

 

3. Selecting the perfect spot :

You need not necessarily have a large garden. It might take a little bit of thought and rearrangement, but there is always someplace available to create your perfect little dining area. It could be anywhere, from right in the middle to the back under a tree, the choice is yours as long as you get it right and set the mood for the occasion.

 

4. Consider your outdoor dining experience as a destination spot :

Your dining area sits in a park-like setting surrounded by bushes, trees and probably a pool. By placing it away from your home itself, it becomes a destination spot for guests. It creates the perfect atmosphere for people to just hang out.

 

5. Make your outdoor dining experience an extension of your home :

The outdoor dining area is the perfect opportunity to incorporate personal taste and style with furniture and accessories of your choice. Look for opportunities to incorporate art.

 

6. Provide for a heat source on colder days :

You will be able to provide for shade naturally on hot days if you have planned your setting well. It’s providing for cooler days that is important. A small fire pit or an artificial source that blends with the surrounding is the perfect solution to this. It gives you the opportunity to host cook-outs and barbeques.

 

7. Be bold, be brave :

There is no need to necessarily have a wooden dining table. Go for something different. Probably a stone based table with old rustic metallic furniture. The choice are boundless and add to the natural flow while being easy on the eye. Adding a fully stocked bar never hurts either.

 

After reading and employing the above stated points you should pretty much be on your way to setting up the perfect outdoor dining area. Remember : it is an extension of your home, an extension of you.

How To Protect Your Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor wooden furniture for your patios, backyards, balconies and terraces are an addition that look classy and last long. Wooden furniture, however, can be easily damaged in harsh weather. As such you should take precautions and prepare your outdoor wooden furniture for specific weather conditions you may deal with. The major points to consider are :

Location :
One of the most important aspect to consider when it comes to protecting your furniture is to know what kind of weather it is your dealing with. Someone who lives in a place like Delhi will not necessarily need a water sealant, but should rather consider painting their furniture to protect it from the heat of the sun. A person living in Pune, however, may want to consider water sealant. People specific to the area know their weather best and as such should be sure to acquire the furniture protection they may actually need.

Paint :
To have the best protection against natural elements, you should use paint on your wooden furniture outdoors. Although this will lead to losing the natural look of the wood the provision of paint will give the best protection to your furniture. Paint protects wooden furniture by reflecting the UV radiation from the sun. It will help protect the wood underneath the layer of paint saving it from problems like rot. For such cases choose latex paint over oil-based paints as they tend to last longer. Depending on the piece of furniture and the weather conditions you should keep reapplying paint from time to time.

Water Sealers :
If you happen to live in a region prevalent with rainy weather, or if you feel you need to keep your outdoor wooden furniture well protected, you should take a look into applying a water sealant to your furniture. A water sealant not only provides a beautiful look to the wood but also keeps the furniture well protected. A water sealant not only protects your piece of furniture from liquids on the outside, but also allows for liquids within to evaporate thus helping to avoid splitting, rotting, and warping.

Varnish :
Another technique to protect your outdoor wooden furniture is varnish. The most tried and tested technique among Indian furniture owners, you can acquire varnish from your local home store. There are a variety of options available, so be sure to acquire a viable option. Just like in the case of a water sealant, this will help to maintain the look of the wood although it does not protect as well as paint. Also be sure to apply a coating every now and then.

Covers :
Patio covers will offer physical protection to your furniture from not only the weather but also other forms of harm. Make sure you have your measurements right for each specific piece of furniture.

Placement :
Where you decide to locate your furniture on will also affect how much damage the piece of furniture will garner over time. At the edges of the patio or balcony furniture will take a heavier beating from the sun and rain, which will have easier access to it. When you foresee a storm coming or on a hot and sunny day, be sure to pull your piece of furniture towards the interior. Precaution is the best cure.

10 Reasons to be Inclined Towards Wooden Furniture

With advancements in technology and industry alternatives to wooden furniture are available in plenty. This brings us to the question….why buy wooden furniture? For a start wooden furniture is a favourite among most people looking to find that perfect piece of furniture for their space, be it home the office, well whatever it may be. The feeling of having a little bit of the outdoor feel indoors is irresistible to most. This has led to trends such as designer furniture, not without cause, all of which shall be explained in brief and as aptly as possible. So here are some of the reasons why you should probably opt for a piece of wooden furniture the next time your looking for something to fill in those empty gaps.

1. Wooden Furniture Gives A Natural Look :
Wood in general is beautiful to look at : the patterns and lines running across in sync with each other. They tend to be appealing to the eye. Natural beauty, RARE! The finish to a piece of wooden furniture is always carried out with the beauty of the piece in mind.

2. Wooden Furniture is Easy to Look After :
Good quality wooden furniture that has been well made is usually durable making it a pleasant benefit for the owner. It can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors free from worry of rot due to fungus or termites.

3. Wooden Furniture is Strong and Reselient :
Wood is naturally tough. Try breaking a piece with your bare hands….nothing, guessed as much. Such durability is reliable when faced with high duty as well. You most certainly will not be looking for a replacement anytime soon. Soon being a very very long time.

4. Unmatchable When It Comes To Décor :
Being pleasant to look and excellent naturally to the eye, wooden furniture will make for a great focal point. It is authentic and an antique feel to it.

5. Easy to Maintain :
All wooden furniture needs from time to time is a good clean wipe. There are also multitudes of cleaning products available incase of stains, usually simple to use.

6. Strong Resistance To Weather :
Seasons will come and go, but your furniture will be fine. You will grow old but if your wooden furniture is well taken care of by you personally it will not age or damage easily. Even outdoors wooden furniture does not necessarily require storage or covering. Its always better to play it safe though.

7. The Best Investment :
Forget what is being passed around by word of mouth wooden furniture is truly the best investment available to you. A good piece/set can be quite expensive, however it will make a long lasting and smart investment for your home/any other space. You get beauty, quality, comfort and a lifetimes worth of memories all in one.

8. Eco Friendly :
Wood is always a better choice when compared to the other options available in the market such as plastic.

9. Flexibility :
Wooden furniture can always be modified. It can be both indoors or outdoors. It will fit any given space almost perfectly.

10. Natural Living Furniture :
Saving the best for last need you be reminded that Natural Living Furniture offers you a lifetime warranty on every piece of furniture. Wait, it gets better. After 10 years if you decide you want something new Natural Living will offer you a 60% buy back on your old piece of furniture. Need anything else be said….?