Posts Tagged ‘know’
What You Need To Know About Burl Walnut Furniture
While maybe unfamiliar to most, they are quite in demand with those who are serious collectors of unique furnishings. These wooden antiques are known to be elegant pieces, guaranteed to provide a touch of class in any home.
What is burl wood? A burl is actually a large outgrowth on the trunk and branch of a tree, and the wood cut from such outgrowth is called the burl wood. A burl is often the result of fungal or insect infestation; its growth occurs when the tree becomes damaged or undergoes changes due to environmental stress. Burl wood is mostly sought by craftsmen, as it can be used for sculptures, clocks and .
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There are only a few trees that produce burl wood. Some of them are redwood, oak, ash, madrone, thoya and elm. Walnut is also one of them, which is why there are available.
Burl wood is utilized for making veneers. Veneers are known for its look that reflects grain and figure in the wood, and the appearance of burl makes it ideal for this purpose. Because it is available in smallish, often flawed sheets, burls create swirling grain around clusters of eyes, rings and buds. Due to the peculiarity and beauty of burl veneers, becomes in demand. The fact that the burls are rare increases its value further. Burls are also used as inlay in doors, picture frames, as well as trim and interior paneling in automobiles.
Those who are looking for furniture with burl walnut veneers are in luck. There are online antique furniture suppliers that offer these things to antique collectors, homeowners and all other interested customers. From wardrobes to mantel mirrors to lady’s desks, there will surely be no shortage of .
If you are passionate about Burl Walnut Furniture or you just want to buy antique pieces for your home or office, you may want to check out our current catalog of antique furniture on our website: http://MaineAntiqueFurniture.com
Know the Difference Between Antique Refinishing and Restoration
Just like any other material, antique furniture pieces may deteriorate over time. When such happens, the owner is faced with the question of whether he should refinish or restore the antique piece. In choosing which process should be undertaken, it is vital for the antique owner to have a complete understanding of the difference between the two.
What is the difference between Antique Restoration and Antique Refinishing?
As the name implies, Antique Restoration process refers to the step by step procedures to “restore” the antique piece. Basically, the process ensures that the antique object will not lose its value or worth. Antique restoration may refer to light cleaning, antique refinishing, or conservation.
Antique refinishing is a method of antique restoration. In this restoration technique, the restorer usually prioritizes the upholding of the functionalities of the antique furniture.
For example, if the antique furniture is a table, the restorer would have to make sure that the legs of the table are in good shape and condition to hold some weight on the flat surface where food can be displayed. As such, aside from light cleaning or the process of removing dirt and stain from the item, reassembling and repainting should also be considered. However, the restorer should make sure that regardless of whatever he does, the antique furniture should be able to retain, if not totally increase its value.
The factors that should be considered
In deciding whether an antique piece should undergo refinishing, the restorer or the owner of the piece should consider the following factors:
The peculiarity of the furniture’s design: Consider if the furniture piece has a unique design from the old or medieval years. If the furniture looks like a classic example of art from another century or decade, it would be preferable to do some light cleaning only to ultimately conserve the furniture piece instead of altering it and diminish its value.
The craftsman or the manufacturer of the furniture: There are some cases when the value of the furniture is based on who crafted such. Thus, the furniture is considered valuable and notable regardless of its age and functionality. In such cases, light cleaning is recommended as refinishing will ultimately make the item an ordinary furniture piece.
The basis of value: There are some instances where the restorer would have to choose what to prioritize- the age or the functionality of the antique furniture piece. In the case of tables, chairs, beds, closets, doors, and other huge furniture pieces that are not ideal for mere display, it is best and more practical to focus on the preservation of the antique’s functionality. However, in the case of display items such as paintings, jars, lamps, and other small antique objects which can be displayed and used solely as a decorative art, some light cleaning or conservation will be the best way to go.
The cost of the restoration process: Budget is a prime consideration when restoring antique furniture pieces. The restorer would have to note that there are some furniture pieces that would need highly expensive materials in order to restore or refinish them. As such, in cases where antique furniture will be used only for home purposes, the more cost-effective restoration process should be considered.
Driscolls Antiques is a leading supplier of quality antiques and antique furniture. Benedict Yossarian is a freelance Internet Marketing Consultant that can help maximize your exposure online.
Article from articlesbase.com
The Basic Things You Need To Know About Antique Furniture
Antiques may be of many different kinds and of all the antique collectibles and furniture happens to be the most popular and practical choice. Antique furniture is distinct from other categories of antiques in the sense that no one collects the same type of object repeatedly. It means that you would not want to buy and collect only tables or chests and fill up your home with everything the same. However, you may have a specific liking to certain wood or style.
Regardless of your preference, if you are planning to purchase antique furniture, you need to know the basics. In other words, you should have some idea about various styles, techniques of construction, finishes and variety of woods used. You will need this knowledge to determine if a particular piece is original (in its original state without any major changes) or altered (if some major alterations or additions have been made to it.)
Once you are acquainted with the basics, go to as many antique furniture dealers and auctions as you possibly can. When inspecting the merchandise, don’t hesitate in pulling out drawers, getting down on your knees to look at the underside of tabletops or lifting chairs to have a look at their legs. If you don’t get down and dirty, you will never learn.
In the beginning, furniture was crafted from solid wood but with improvement in cabinet making techniques, furniture decoration by applying veneers (thin sheets of wood) was developed. This provided an inexpensive method of creating decorative effects from different grains and patterns. It was also an economical technique that made inexpensive woods look like expensive hard woods. Such furniture had a solid body called a carcass that is made of a different, generally less expensive wood, like pine. Some of the woods used in antique furniture are beech, cherry, chestnut, ebony, elm, mahogany, pine, oak, satinwood, walnut etc.
The following features are significant when determining the age, authenticity, quality and worth or price of antique furniture:
I> Color and Patina: Patina is the glow of the wood after years of accumulation of wax polish and dirt. A rich subtle color is also an important characteristic of antique furniture.
II> Proportion: A disproportionate piece of furniture may well be a “marriage” of different parts from different furniture.
III> Construction: Before the late 17th century, furniture was made using mortise and tendon joints and pegs were handmade.
IV> Condition: Do not ignore pieces with marks or blemishes as the wood has not been damaged. A good restorer can undo surface spots. Antique Furniture in it original pristine condition is worth the highest price.
V> Alterations: Altered furniture is always less desirable than the original piece. Telltale alterations include large pieces reduced in size, freshly cut surfaces, plugged holes, repositioned handles etc.
Now that you know what to look for, the question is where to look for antique furniture?
Well, apart from auctions and dealers, you can always check the classifieds section in the paper to see if anybody’s selling furniture and go check it out. You might even find a good bargain this way. Also, you will find many sites that sell antique furniture on the internet or you could use the internet to find out where you could go to get good deals on antique furniture.
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Article from articlesbase.com
What We Know About French Antique Furniture
No matter what kind of French Furniture you look at, it is characterized by ornate wood carvings, a variety of woods, gilt bronze, ivory, mother of pearl inlays and a practical, yet luxurious feel. Whether you are looking at ornately designed headboards and furniture for your bedroom, or functional pieces like a sideboard, grandfather clock or Prie Dieu seating, there is something uniquely characteristic about this furniture.
You can find a variety of periods, including 17th and 18th centuries through the early 20th century in a variety of styles. The periods include French Country Furniture, 19th century Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Art Modern styles and some of the more common styles of French Furniture including the late 18th and early 19th century styles of French Provincial, Bordeaux and Lorraine. The periods varied from light to dark woods, frequently included marble tops, gilt bronze, mother of pearl and ivory inlays and varied from straight, rounded or very ornate lines.
The French Empire period from the 1804 to 1815 period was dominated by Greco-Roman style and was typically made of mahogany, while the French Restoration period of 1815 to 1830 featured simple lines and light woods like ash and elm. French antique furniture made during the 1830-1848 French Louis-Philippe period had simple rounded lines with very little ornamentation and was made of darker woods again.
The Napoleon III period during 1848-1870 brought more eclectic styles of French Furniture that borrowed some of the best materials from the past, along with wood carvings that imitated bamboo, inlays of ivory and mother of pearl and other inventive characteristics. The French Art Nouveau period lasted from 1890 to 1920, which brought this type of furniture that included natural subjects like flowers and plants and featured curved lines and more exquisite creativity that resembled art.
More recent French antique furniture includes the French Art Deco period, which expressed more originality with straight lines, exotic finishes and unusual veneers, inlays and more artistic expression. The period lasted from 1920 to 1925, but it still has many of the characteristics that earlier periods of this type of furniture displayed.
The one thing to consider about the French Furniture For Sale in the United States today is that many antique furniture dealers still scour the countryside of France and find many new pieces to transport back here. French antique furniture was built very sturdy, from high quality materials and many of the antique furniture from Europe isn’t as popular as French antique furniture styles, which still are very popular, no matter what period it’s from.
For those that are looking for furniture with character, there is nothing as interesting as some of the French antique furniture you can still find for sale today. Many pieces of furniture are still original construction and finishes, and you can find French antique furniture to furnish your bedroom like royalty, or a dining room that reminds you of the French countryside that is less flamboyant. For those that are looking for antique furniture with sturdy and interesting construction, woods finishes and inlays, nothing beats French Furniture.
Learn more about French Antique Furniture and French Antique Hardware from Brian Garvin & Jeff West.
Article from articlesbase.com
Know Where and How to Shop For Antique Furniture Pieces
Many people go for antique furniture pieces primarily because of the elegance and style that it can provide to the interior ambiance of a house, an office or other areas. Prior to buying and collecting antique pieces however, the antique collector should first be equipped with knowledge as to where and how to shop. Below are some popular tips that should be considered:
Where to shop
a. It is best to buy antique furniture pieces from single owner shops or specialized antique stores than in antique shops that are in malls. Such will offer a more personal service at a more reasonable and affordable price. Specialized shops also offer a wider selection of choices.
b. In cases where the antique collector is looking for more affordable prices, the best places to go to are the flea markets and antique garage sales. Look for flea market or antique fair ads in the internet or in local print publications.
c. In case the antique collector is after antique items that are sold at highly discounted prices, he can opt to buy in sets or in bulk. He should also prefer buying from single-owner shops where he can directly negotiate the price with the owner.
d. One can also opt to buy antique furniture pieces in auctions. Doing so will provide the antique collector with the chance to save on the mark-up price of most antique shops. However, make sure that the auction house provides guarantees for its products.
What to check before buying the piece
a. Before buying any antique furniture piece, it is best to examine the history of the furniture. This background check includes the identification of its manufacturer, the year when it was manufactured, the hardware used for its construction, its previous owners and the like.
b. A thorough review of the process and schedule of previous maintenance procedures for the furniture piece should be made. Examine when it was last refurnished or restored. Identify who restored the piece and what restoration processes did he apply. Such will be useful in assessing the condition of the antique piece.
c. A systematic and meticulous inspection of the antique furniture piece should be made so as to determine if such is in good condition. The furniture should also be examined for any apparent signs that may indicate an immediate need for restoration and refinishing in the near future. Check if there are wormholes on the surface of the wood piece. Examine if there are saw marks visible on the surfaces, at the back of the chests, or under tables. There should also be no exposed cracks, scratches, and other disfiguring marks.
d. A close look on the styles, designs, and markings on the antique piece should be made in order to determine if the antique is an original piece or if it is just a reproduction. Examine the size of the surfaces and boards on tabletops and dressers. Examine the nails and wood pieces that were used in the piece and relate it with the history of furniture construction. Check if secondary wood are visible anywhere in the furniture’s surface or in its inside drawers.
Driscolls Antiques is a leading supplier of quality antiques and antique furniture. Benedict Yossarian is a freelance Internet Marketing Consultant that can help maximize your exposure online.
Article from articlesbase.com
Can anyone PLEASE tell me where these pieces are from? They are nightstands, coffee tables, and bookshelves painted in bright colors. I saved them off a home decor website but cant remember which one. Does this look familiar to anyone? Thanks for the help! I am including a link to the pictures I saved.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23945455@N05/