Some Great Ideas for Spring Patio Furniture

May 6th, 2015 Mathew

As days grow longer and warmer, more and more time is spent out on the patio. A comfortable patio environment will make sitting outdoors more enjoyable for all seasons. Here are some ways to set up a patio and a few ideas to make a patio charming and beautiful. And whether on a budget or shopping higher end there are endless possibilities.

Choosing patio furniture depends on the size of the patio area. For smaller areas, café tables are a great idea. Bar tables and patio bar chairs are another great way to save space and have a comfortable patio. Add a few potted plants and other favorite outdoor design elements like wind chimes and birdhouses for a perfectly quaint patio.

For larger patio settings there are many great options. In a covered patio choose a few chairs of differing styles, including comfortable chairs as well as a couple chaise lounges for lying down and relaxing. Another great idea is a hammock. They can be hung from the corner of the patio and covered with blankets and pillows to make it a truly comfortable outdoor seating.

contemporary-patio-furniture-and-outdoor-furniture

For an outdoor patio without cover there are many great choices for patio umbrellas that will coordinate with any outdoor patio theme. Chaise lounges on an uncovered patio are great too for soaking up some sun. An outdoor grill can be incorporated into the outdoor patio and will provide hours of outdoor entertaining.

There are many types of patio furniture to choose from. It depends mostly on personal preference and how the furniture will be used. If the patio furniture will be used frequently some great ideas are resin or aluminum patio furniture. For less durable but still elegant options, wicker patio furniture is a great option. Aluminum cushion patio furniture works well with frequently use and still is extremely comfortable.

However and with whatever you purchase in patio furniture, choose what you want, and put some of your own personality into it. With a little design savvy and a few personal touches, your patio will be an area you never want to leave.

Tips To Keep Teak Furniture Looking Its Best

May 2nd, 2015 Mathew

To survive rain, wind and sun outdoor furniture has to be tough–and no material is as prized for its rugged beauty and legendary durability as teak.

Made to last for decades with absolutely no maintenance, upkeep is more a matter of personal preference than a requirement. While some people prefer the golden color of new teak, others prefer the distinguished silver-grey that teak becomes as it weathers.

Regardless of your preference, just a few steps will make sure your teak furniture stays in tip-top shape for decades. Here are a few tips from Jeremy Smith, president of Wood Classics, a U.S.-based teak furniture manufacturer:

• Make sure you have a top quality product to begin with. Pay attention to the wood quality and construction techniques used in the furniture, as this can affect furniture’s longevity.

• When looking at teak products, make sure they are really teak, not “teak-like” or “as good as teak.”

• Consider the grade of teak being used. First European Quality (FEQ) is the top grade without knots, cracks or pits.

• If you prefer the natural look of weathered teak, you can look forward to virtually no maintenance. If your furniture is left outside, you will want to clean off mildew, sap and pollen annually with Olympic® Deck Wash.

• If you prefer the original rich honey color of teak, there are several steps you can take to preserve this golden color. After thoroughly washing the teak you can treat it with specialized teak cleaners and restoration products. However, using these products is time-intensive. We usually recommend that our customers either allow the teak to age naturally, clean it with a deck wash or hire a professional teak maintenance service to apply the more specialized products.

• If you’re using the furniture indoors, consider finishing it to protect it from stains by sealing or varnishing it. Don’t use teak oil, varnishes or sealers on furniture if you’re using it outside, since this may cause it to turn black with mildew.

Aspects to Consider while Buying Outdoor Furniture

April 30th, 2015 Mathew

Making online purchases has become one of the major trends today. Online shopping has become a convenient option for the busy individuals these days. Apart from buying shoes, food, clothing, you can now buy outdoor furniture online as well.

Aspects to Consider while Buying Outdoor Furniture

The entire process of buying outdoor furniture online can be a little tricky for the first timers. It might get little overwhelming for you to choose from the different brands and quality. So, to choose from the different materials, size and quality, there are some vital tips and tricks that you can bear in mind. Follow the pointers mentioned below:

1.  Look for trusted sellers while buying outdoor furniture online. You need to keep in mind the fact that there are plenty of online furniture shops which are not legitimate. So, ask for references, read reviews and conduct research before arriving at any decisions.

2.  Select the furniture material you are looking for. This will help you to filter your search and make a better decision. If you want to be on the safe side, consider materials that you have been using for long.

3.  Consider the location as well. Be clear about the area where you want to put your outdoor furniture. Think if you want it near the blooming flowers or the porch. You must measure the area and buy furniture accordingly. You will be utterly disappointed to see huge sized furniture not fitting in your available space. On the other hand, small sized furniture in a huge area will also look odd.

4.  You must be clear about your budget while buying the outdoor furniture. This way you will be able to set aside a certain amount of money and not worry about arranging them in a rush. You can look for outdoor furniture online by the price range you are looking for.

5.  If you are buying online, you can find description of the outdoor furniture given in details. Take a note of the descriptions and compare with other sites to see if they are correct.

6.  You can call the seller online before making any final purchase. This way you can also confirm the time of delivery. You can get details of the contact information, so that you can clarify all your doubts and queries.

7.  Once you get the items delivered at your doorstep, make sure to inspect and recheck all the deliverables. However, you won’t have to worry much about damages, as the reputed companies will return back the money in case you are not satisfied with the product. Make sure to clarify the returns policy with the seller to avoid any confusion.

These are some of the aforementioned pointers that you need to keep in mind when it comes to buying outdoor furniture online. Keeping in mind these aspects will free your mind from all concerns. So, enjoy shopping with a reliable site and enhance the overall beauty of the outdoor space of your home.

Decorate Your Home with Rattan Furniture

April 29th, 2015 Mathew

Are you wondering what is rattan furniture? Well, it is a kind of furniture constructed traditionally with use of rattan vine. This can be found in tropical climates and parts of SE Asia. Rattan furniture has been used for several years to create household goods and furniture.

It is the wide spread availability of rattan vine that it is one of the most popular material used for making furniture. The vine is tough in its natural state and becomes workable and palpable when heat is applied. It becomes hard on cooling. The process of using vine to make furniture is called the wicker process. Work has to be carried out skilfully before it cools, stiffens, and goes back to the natural state. If properly maintained, rattan furniture can last for about 15-20 years.

Rattan furniture can be cleaned with wet cloth and thereafter it should be wiped with dry cloth, to remove all traces of moisture from its surface. Rattan furniture must be well coated with varnish, so that it isn’t discoloured when exposed under the sun for long. Rattan furniture, that is traditionally constructed are stored in dry conditions, as the furniture becomes moldy when exposed to damp conditions for long.

Decorate Your Home with Rattan Furniture

Kind of materials used in rattan furniture makes it environment friendly.

Synthetic set of rattan furniture is suitable for decorating outdoor spaces in harsh weather conditions. Poly rattan or manmade synthetic varieties are latest incorporation in the wide range of rattan furniture. Aluminium, steel, or manmade strand is clad in wicker style for emulating natural look in the furniture.

This also takes care of the problems of fading and growth of moulds that are commonly manifested in case of organic furniture. Costs of rattan furniture remain low because of use of these materials. Manmade fibres used, are workable and pliable to produce furniture of different patterns, textures, and shapes. This environment friendly rattan furniture is considered the best organic traditional option.

You can create a tropical-inspired style with flowers and potted plants around rattan furniture. This will offer peaceful ambience that you will love to enjoy after entire day’s hard work. You can use basket cover pots made of rattan and place large sized plants to offer a cohesive look. Vases of tropical vibrant blooms like orchids or birds can create a perfect ambience for relaxation and rest.

You can add to the toxic feel of rattan furniture by drawing pictures of animal print rugs. Back of your rattan couch can be covered with blanket with zebra or cheetah print on it. To coordinate the whole look, you can use matching pillow with it.

There are wide ranges of rattan furniture available in the market. You need to set your own criteria for choosing the perfect option. Some of the factors to be considered in this case include preferred option, storage space, intended use, and budget. Browsing through the online sites will help you to familiarise with different price range, styles, designs, shapes, and sizes.

Beautify Your Outdoor Space with Rattan Garden Furniture

April 26th, 2015 Mathew

Rattan garden furniture can be an excellent way of decorating your garden. Rattan garden furniture come in variety of designs, these are reasonably priced and sturdy as well.

You can look for lightweight rattan garden furniture that can be moved around the lawn easily. Garden furniture is made of materials like metal, rattan, teak, and cane, which makes them durable and sturdy.

If you are looking for wooden garden furniture, teak can be a very suitable option. The chairs and tables are sturdy and do not get spoiled even in times of heavy rain. Metal furniture is treated and painted to protect it from rusting. Other options like rattan garden furniture or those made of cane are useful options as well. These are lightweight and can be kept under shade in times of heavy snow or rain. Rattan garden furniture comes in attractive designs that enhance look for the outdoor spaces manifold.

Beautify Your Outdoor Space with Rattan Garden Furniture

You need to consider size of your lawn while choosing appropriate rattan garden furniture. You can ideally browse through sites online to get idea about the different shapes and sizes particularly designed to suit tricky areas.

You will never get bored looking into wide ranges of options. There are round tables, rectangular, tables, chairs, swings and hammocks. Lightweight sofa sets are surprisingly affordable and comes in different designs, and shapes. There are furniture that comes in combination of materials like cane and metal. Durability, strength and flexibility make rattan garden furniture the most preferred option among buyers.

We shall now look into the details why you should go for rattan garden furniture:

Rattan garden furniture is made of natural fibre and is environment friendly. This biodegradable material can withstand wind, rain, humidity and heavy snowfall. There is synthetic rattan furniture available as well. These are available in wide ranges of sizes, shapes and colours. Artificial material used in rattan garden furniture makes it unique.

Both the natural and synthetic rattan garden furniture is easy to clean. Stains and dirt can be removed easily. Easy maintenance and cleaning methods make the furniture a preferred option for many.

Rattan garden furniture is particularly known for durability and long lasting quality. Furniture of this variety, when coated with varnish can withstand even the worst weather conditions. This aspect of durability makes this furniture so well accepted among the clients.

Another very interesting feature of rattan garden furniture is that it can be moulded into any shape, without fearing about breakage or splitting. Reputed manufactures offer custom designs when customers ask for. All you need to do is tell them about your choices and preferences to get the perfect looking furniture that you have been dreaming of so far. Expert designers can also suggest some suitable options to uplift your garden looks.

So, if you are thinking of uplifting look of your outdoor space, rattan garden furniture is definitely one of the best choice. Browse through sites online to know about prices range, design, styles and makes of such beautiful furniture.

How to Buy Hospitality Furniture That Will Give Your Business Some Soul

April 24th, 2015 Mathew

Are you starting a new business? Does your business need an interior design overhaul? You want to make sure that you make the best impression possible by choosing great hospitality furniture for your business, but where do you start? Here are some tips to ensure that you make the best decisions about the furniture that you buy, to add some soul to your space.

Make Sure it’s Comfortable

Any client should be able to look at the furniture in your establishment and want to take a seat and get comfortable. The furniture you select should be inviting and uncomplicated, but still stylish and professional looking. Think like a client or customer; if you wouldn’t want to spend any time on this furniture, why would they?

Make Sure it’s Durable

If you are selecting furniture for a business, then it’s going to undergo a lot of wear and tear. This is especially true in places such as restaurants and hotels. You are probably spending a significant amount of money on the furniture for your business, which is why it’s important to ensure that the construction, design and textile on the furniture is durable. You don’t want it to look worn out and unpresentable to customers or clients, and have to be constantly updating the furniture. Make sure the furniture can stand the test of time.

Make Sure it’s Easy to Clean

Along with being durable, the furniture you select should be upholstered with a fabric that is easy to maintain and clean. Hospitality furniture sees a lot of traffic so you want to make sure that spots and spills will not be a big deal. Leather is a great option as it is very difficult to stain and can be cleaned very easily. Fabrics such as a dark colored microfiber can definitely stand up to some use, and is easy to clean. You don’t want it to look horrible after only six months.

How to Buy Hospitality Furniture That Will Give Your Business Some Soul

Make sure it Reflects Your Business

As a business owner, you are careful of the image and impression that your business projects. You should also consider your business’s branding when selecting hospitality furniture. What style will best represent your business? Are you best represented by casual comfort in earthy tones and woods? Or are you a trendy startup that wants to go for a modern feel with sharp angles, and metallic detailing on the furniture? Would your clientele prefer a more traditional feel with artisan pieces, antiques, damask prints, and dark woods? Your furniture should be a reflection of your identity as a business, and so it is important that you answer these types of questions.

Make Sure it isn’t Boring

The furniture you select should provide visual interest for the business. It should be a reflection of the soul of your business. You wouldn’t want your clients to associate you with drab décor and mediocre furniture. Your business isn’t plain, it’s multifaceted and dynamic, right? Your hospitality furniture should be the place where you can take some risks, why not get furniture in company colors? Or try an interesting pattern? Your employees and customers will thank you for it.

But Don’t Be a Slave to Trends

While you don’t want your furniture to look basic and ordinary, you also do not want it to go to the other extreme. Make sure that while your furniture is interesting, it also has a timeless quality. You don’t want your furniture to look super trendy, unless that is the heart and identity of your business.

Make Sure All Furniture Pieces Go Together

The last thing you want when you have spent all that money on your furniture is for the end result to look like a mish mash of items that do not go well together in a room. Your goal is a cohesive, professional looking space where everything seems to flow and look great together. If you are in doubt about your own skills in the interior design area, hire a professional, the results will be well worth the extra cash, and you will get a great looking space.

When you select hospitality furniture for your business keep in mind that it should be comfortable, easy to clean, durable, and should make your business shine by reflecting your brand and looking cohesive and professional. If you keep this in mind you will make a great impression on anyone coming through your doors.

Choosing Custom Made Furniture – A Buying Guide

April 23rd, 2015 Mathew

Buying your furniture from a store in the mall can be a rather disheartening experience. There is a certain sameness about everything. It all looks the same, and it’s sized the same and sometimes, not always, it’s over-priced and of poor quality. But even if it’s not, retail furniture can’t possibly do justice to your own unique and personal space. Furniture that fits your home and personality cannot be attained from just anywhere. Buying your own custom-made furniture ensures that you are not just settling for something that will work in the room. You will be creating something that makes the room sing.

Why buy furniture custom-made?

You can have it the way you want it. That’s the main reason to buy anything custom-made, whether it’s a hamburger or a living room set. You can choose something that really fits with the shape of the room; a piece that works with the overall size of the space you have to work with. Another reason is that you can have pieces that match together all over the room, or all over the house. From shape to fabric, your furniture will be exactly as you want it, throughout the house.

Custom-made is made to last. Even if it’s more expensive now, it won’t need replacing before you are finished using it. Custom-made furniture is made out of real wood, not particle board, and it’s pieced together to stay together. If you do change your mind in the future and want to change colors, you can have the furniture re-stained or re-upholstered at a lower price than buying new.

Of course, if you have gone to the trouble to buy the perfect, long-lasting piece of furniture that you are making a long term commitment to, you want that piece of furniture to be just right.

choosing custom made furniture - a buying guide1

Dream it

The first step is to imagine, dream and plan. Start by knowing what you want. What is your vision for your home? You may have a design in mind, but if you don’t, start looking. Browse the web, look at the kinds of designs other people are making, or have in their homes. What can you see in your home?

Think about the size, the shape, and the styles. What are your tastes? Do you like vintage, or modern? Are you eclectic, futuristic, fluffy, solid? Maybe you would like something that looks like something you remember from your childhood. Just imagine it, and then design it.

Design it

In your design, you need to think about size. Of course, if you have a big space, you can design big. And the opposite is also true. If you have a small room, you need small furniture. This means that regular retail furniture may not be the right fit, you will want something that works inside the space.

Designing your own means that you can move out of the ordinary. Custom designed furniture has carved legs, carved accents, and a variety of woods and fabrics. You will be able to choose all of this for your space.

You will be able to do something for the environment as you choose your own materials for the furniture you design. Choose sustainable furniture made from recycled or inert materials. You can repurpose old woods, and have the piece made from renewable resources. You will also be using local workers and you will be sure that they have been treated fairly.

Build it

Find a craftsman to help you bring your design to reality. The craftsman will help you perfect the design and advise you on the workability of your design and help bring it to life.

Get to know the craftsman, or the furniture design shop you choose. Talk to them, and visit them so that you can see the quality of their work and how they do it. You will also be able to build up a relationship with them so that your design turns out just right.

Bring it home

Your custom-designed, one of a kind piece of furniture can also then be brought to your home and installed for you in your home. Imagine the satisfaction of having just the right piece, exactly how and where you want it.

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