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Monday, September 5th, 2016
FFDM Vintage Classics is a collection of quality wood furniture for people with impeccable taste.
If you’re out to purchase furniture today, it pays if you know what quality furniture really is. Don’t just drive around not knowing what pieces should go with your chosen theme and what materials should comprise the pieces that you take home. It is also important that you get your money’s worth whether this is a replacement or you’re out to buy your first sets of furniture.
Characteristics of Quality Furniture
The most basic approach in seeing the difference between quality and low quality pieces is to take a closer look at both old and new furniture. Take note that even furniture that was considered junk back in the 20th century had dovetailed joints inside drawers. All were made of solid wood back then.
Lesser pieces were often veneered on top of solid wood. Don’t think of veneer as an indication of poor quality, though. This is just a wood crafting technique used for many centuries which actually allows furniture craftsmen to beautifully design patterns as well as inlays which cannot be done in any other way.
Finer furniture pieces were often custom-built by the best cabinet makers and master joiners. These were fashioned out of kiln-dried, hardwood boards. The surviving pieces today are a testament to the master artisans’ quality of work.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Manhattan – Transitional Barstool features the unique fusion of quality leather and wood.
Wood Quality
Going back on getting the most out of your money, there are certain things that you need to look for. When it comes to construction, you have to search doweling, mortise and tenon, dovetails, mitering, tongue in groove, and the glued and screwed frames.
As for the materials, ask for the kiln-dried types as these are the ones in which moisture have been removed. Kiln-drying can take months depending on the kind of wood being dried.
Look also for the wood’s matching grain and color. The frames should be constructed using stable woods such as poplar, oak, solid cherry, or maple.
Going down to the wood furniture’s performance and overall looks, make sure that it feels solid to the touch. Don’t be afraid to rock or jostle the pieces that are presented to you. You must not hear any creaking sound.
As for the parts that are unexposed, make sure that they have been well-fitted and smooth. Only the best pieces in the world are able to perfect these characteristics.
If you happen to be buying drawers, then be sure to check that the drawers are sliding smoothly. The doors of cabinets should be closing neatly.
The quality of furniture that you choose depends on how much you are also willing to spend. Other factors are how you are going to use the piece and whether you would like to keep the piece your entire life.
It makes sense, in the long run, that you buy pricier furniture rather than to keep recycling it when it begins to fall apart. Go for trendy or traditional, it really doesn’t matter. What truly matters is that you can use the piece for a very long time.
A good piece that can promise you all these things are hardwood pieces which are often used in quality furniture. To make sure that these pieces come from sustainable and environment-friendly areas, make sure that you do your research before you buy. Ask about construction methods, overall performance and materials, even business practices.
Always remember that the most important part of furnishing your home is that you get to find pieces that you love and enjoy for the longest time possible.
Don’t resort to thrift shops and antique stores if you are looking for quality furniture. Check our lineup of quality hardwood pieces instead and you would soon wonder at how exquisite each piece is.
Tags: benefits of using wood, benefits of wood furniture, caring for wood furniture, designing with wood, fine furniture, fine furniture making, good furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, quality furniture, tips in choosing quality furniture, wood furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 30th, 2016
Accessories Uttermost Das Boot Nautical Art 41539
Some people focus on ocean threats more than what this place can contribute to their health. Whether they may be thinking of algal blooms, floods or pollution, these people only see the harmful things that come out of the regal blue oceans. Yet the notion of living near a beach can make one feel and literally be healthy.
Once you have decided to embrace the nautical theme, there are many maintenance tips that you need to keep in mind. Here are some of the fundamental ones –
Learn How to Clean Wood Furniture
Quality wood furniture can actually last a lifetime for as long as you know how to take care of it. Wood is susceptible to abrasions, scratches and harsh weather especially when they are not properly cared for.
Ask for cleaning instructions once you purchase furniture. Apart from the cleaning instructions, you should also avoid heat damage and rings by not using coasters. Be sure to use decorative placemats as well as a tablecloth if you want to protect wood tables.
There are many other factors that can wreak havoc on wood such as heat, sunlight and rain. Never place wood furniture in front of any uncovered window, fireplace or vent. Dust, too, can eventually destroy furniture, too. Airborne particles can become a filmy layer that will scratch the wood eventually. Dusting more frequently will keep the buildup from becoming thicker. Use soft cloth such as cloth diaper, cotton T-shirt or any microfiber cloth to avoid wiping damage.
There are times, though, when dusting is no longer enough to clean wood furniture. Don’t ever use all-purpose solutions or cleaner as these can damage the finish.
A spot that has been heavily soiled can be cleaned with a cloth dipped in mild dish detergent. Wring out the solution then gently wipe the soiled area. Rinse with a damp cloth then wipe with soft dry cloth.
Damages that are too extensive need to be treated with touch up sticks or polishes. Overly dry wood can also be re-oiled. Begin by using cleaning soap, then the appropriate cleaner, and then prep the surface using steel wool.
Always work with the grain. Apply the furniture oil liberally then let it soak in the wood for no less than 15 minutes. If you want to apply protective coating, then be sure to set the furniture for about 24 hours before moving forward.
Depending on the furniture finish, the piece may have a protective wax coating. This is a piece that you need re-waxed as it ages. The re-waxing is a guarantee that the surface will be continually protected.
Remove Tough Stains
Despite your efforts, there are inevitable events that could lead to the staining of your wood furniture. Whatever stain you need to deal with, just be sure to clean it up quickly. Remember that the longer the stain stays, the more difficult it will be to remove.
Living Room Uttermost Braddock Small Bench 23228
Keep the Wood Smelling Awesome
There are wood furniture pieces that could develop an unpleasant odor later on. This is especially true when they have been stored. When this happens, just sprinkle some baking soda onto the wooden surface to remove the unpleasant odor. You can also place a pan of charcoal in the drawers so that the odor would stop emanating. You can also leave the piece in any shaded area during a dry day. This should remove any malodorous stench after a few hours of exposure.
Care for Weathering
Over time, your furniture will have attained a silvery-gray patina. This is when you can tell that this piece is starting to weather. It takes nine months for this process to become more serious. The more rain and sunlight the furniture is exposed to, the less time you have to save your furniture. Just find the appropriate cleaner and you should be fine.
Tags: caring for wood furniture, caring for wooden furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, nautical, nautical design, nautical style, outdoors furniture care, wood furniture, wood furniture care, wood furniture maintenance, wooden furniture, wooden furniture maintenance, wooden furniture maintenance tips
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Saturday, August 20th, 2016
FFDM Campton Grove Collection
Have you ever heard about the amount of time needed to clean, wax, dust or polish wood furniture? Despite these tasks, are you still willing to own wood furniture? It wouldn’t be a surprise if you are still more than willing to have one since wood furniture is traditionally beautiful.
Experts have different opinions when it comes to caring for wood furniture but, more often than not, it is dependent on the finish of the furniture piece.
When you are out to buy wood furniture, make sure that you ask for specific care and maintenance guidelines. Here are some of the classic cleaning materials for your equally classic wood furniture –
Feather Duster
That regular feather duster can effectively remove dust even from the most delicate surfaces like mirrors, lampshades, art and collectibles. If it can clean these, then it could also lightly clean any wooden surface.
Lamb’s Wool Duster
This contains lanolin that attracts dust. The cleaning tool makes the dirt cling even in carved or turned areas. This can also be used to clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. Having a long handle for this cleaning tool will make it ideal in reaching difficult-to-reach spaces.
Treated Cloth
This is also great for dusting especially when you want the non-scratching type of cleaner. Use this in place of the silicon spray which is not recommended by experts for all types of fine wood furniture.
Lint-Free Cloth
Clean cotton T-shirts, even diapers, can be used. Just use a little water to dampen the cloth.
Terry Towel
A clean, dry towel should be able to remove moisture that has been left from previous cleaning.
Hooker Furniture Dining Room True Vintage Round Dining Table
Other Cleaning Tips
The use of all-purpose cleaning spray should be limited to furniture pieces made of plastic. If you’re thinking of using this cleaning agent for wood furniture, stop. All-purpose sprays are too harsh for wood just like water will damage the piece. There is only one instance when you can use water to clean wood and it is to clean up sticky spots. When faced with this circumstance, dip a soft cloth in mild detergent dissolved in clean water. Wring the cloth but just enough so it is still a little damp.
Cleaners, oil polishes and furniture oils can protect wood by having the wooden surface turn slippery. While this is so, these do not offer a hard, protective layer. Be careful in using cleaners with oil as they could also smear wooden surfaces.
Never polish with pure olive oil as it can smear and attract dust. Most liquid polishes contain silicone oil that can provide some protection. If polishes and sprays have been used in the past to clean your wood furniture or if you suspect that someone polished with these oils, then prepare to see some residues. The residue will interfere with refinishing and in such a case, professional attention may already be needed.
You may also rely on homemade recipes for cleaning wood. There are a few experts that recommend cleaning grimy wood with equal parts of denatured alcohol, olive oil, strained lemon juice and gum turpentine. Apply the mixture using a clean, soft cloth.
Lastly, remember that during manufacture, it is possible that polyurethane, varnish or shellac has been applied to the wood furniture in order to protect it. The application of wax protects the wood’s finish and could even reduce scratches. If you want a longer-lasting protection, apply some wax. This doesn’t smear plus it offers durability more than polishes or sprays. Just learn how to apply wax and how often. Paste wax can last for as long as two years. Liquid wax applies thinly but it also needs to be applied more frequently.
Tags: caring for wood furniture, caring for wooden furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood furniture, wood furniture care, wood furniture maintenance, wood furniture pieces, wooden elements, wooden furniture, wooden furniture care, wooden furniture maintenance, wooden furniture maintenance tips, wooden materials
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101 | No Comments »
Saturday, June 25th, 2016
FFDM’s RayLen Vineyards
Do you agree that furniture and wooden things are very much a part of man’s everyday life? Some are used for functional reasons such as the dining table and the chairs that are paired with it. Others are used for aesthetic reasons like those antique carvings and sculptures. Still others are simply used for symbolic or sentimental reasons such as an heirloom chest and other collectibles. Speak of heirloom pieces, most of these – if you have keenly made observations – are made of wood. Whatever the purpose of each wooden furniture piece, one thing is certain about each one of them – they need to be properly cared for.
Damages Are Preventable
It is a total waste to see fine wooden pieces go to waste all because the owners did not care for them. There are many forms of damages or destruction that can actually be prevented. As the furniture owner, you have a huge amount of influence on how your furniture would eventually end up.
Misunderstanding the use or nature of wooden objects can sometimes lead to damage. Other causes could be the poorly-controlled environment specifically regarding humidity, temperature and lighting. Carelessness, of course, can also lead to furniture damage.
But all wooden things degrade, right? Sure. While this is so, the processes of destruction can be substantially slowed down. What you need to do is to apply certain principles of care as well as maintenance.
So what should you do? Keep in mind that there is no perfect environment for any furniture made of wood. There are different conditions under which a certain furniture can deteriorate over time. Just like other materials, there is a so-called optimal environment that can provide the best balance for wooden furniture. This optimal environment is at 40º Fahrenheit with about 50% relative humidity. It is also advisable that the furniture be free from constant contact and in a chamber that is not constantly exposed to light. Now, having read these conditions, do you think it’s feasible to have a wooden furniture used?
The least that a wooden furniture owner could do is to try to minimize the effects of temperature, humidity and light on his prized piece.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom True Vintage Dresser
Light
The easiest environmental problem that you can resolve with regard to furniture damage is that of light. Light interacts with anything that it illuminates, thus, it can damage furniture surfaces over time. The amount of damage is dependent on the color and intensity of the light used. The brighter the light, the more damage it could cause. Light damage often comes in the form of discolored surfaces. These, however, can be easily solved by installing screens, curtains and other types of window treatments.
Humidity
Humidity constantly changes, hence, it continually pushes and pulls on wooden objects. This issue can be solved by dehumidifying during summer and humidifying during the winter season. Raising temperature tends to lower the humidity and a lowered temperature does the opposite.
Use humidistat to keep your wooden furniture intact.
Biopredation
Microorganisms and small animals can also attack wood. Wood’s eternal enemies are rodents, insects, and fungi. Keep a close watch over your furniture and make sure that you and your family members do not leave food or anything that can lure these animals to your furniture.
If you see any exit holes on your wooden furniture, then it is probable that termites are starting to infest it. Fumigate if necessary. As for mold, fungi, and mildew, they can be kept at bay if you stain your wooden furniture. Make sure also that moisture is kept out.
Fire
Fire is something that may be accidental but it can cause the most damage in one instant. To avoid the occurrence of fire, be sure to keep hot items off the furniture or even near it. Steaming tureens, irons, even coffee mugs should be kept away.
Keep caring for wood furniture and you would enjoy it for a very long time. Who knows, your grandchildren might even get to inherit it from you?
Tags: caring for wood furniture, caring for wooden furniture, designing with wood, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood, wood elements, wood furniture maintenance, wood furniture pieces, wooden elements, wooden furniture, wooden furniture care, wooden furniture maintenance, wooden furniture maintenance tips
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
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