Wrought Iron vs. Cast Iron (Furniture)

When visiting various antique shops, including ours : ) the terms wrought iron and cast iron are frequently used to describe the beautiful outdoor furniture that is available for sale. You will typically see a lot of this furniture displayed just outside of the antique shop throughout the entire year.  Not only is this type of outdoor furniture in high demand but it can also handle the weather elements of all seasons.  I did a little research on the difference between wrought iron and cast iron and thought I would share the following article with you: http://poolandpatio.about.com/od/howtofindacontractor/a/What-Is-Wrought-Iron.htm

How to Maintain Wood Furniture

Do you have wood furniture pieces and wonder what's the best way to treat the wood so it does not get damaged?  As I was researching Henredon furniture pieces I came across some excellent tips at https://www.henredon.com/Support/Wood-Care.aspx that you might find helpful. The link on the Henredon website states:
 

"Each piece of furniture responds differently to changes in temperature and humidity in your home. Expansion at the joints and seams will return to its original shape and size as seasons change. Protective coverings such as felt backed place mats and table pads will help protect the finish on your furniture. This is especially important for wood furniture that is used in kitchen areas. Because each piece of wood is unique, you can expect variations in grain appearance and stain coloration. Many wood pieces include levelers and door hinges that must be periodically adjusted to ensure smooth operation of doors and drawers. TV and other electronic equipment should be measured to ensure proper fit.

Treat drawer glides with petroleum jelly or candle wax for smooth operation.

Table leaves should always be stored flat. Opening & closing of dining tables requires two people, when inserting or removing table leaves. This will avoid damaging.

Keep furniture out of sunlight to avoid sun damage and bleaching.

Keep furniture away from heating/air conditioning sources as they affect the moisture content of the wood.

Do not set synthetics or rubber products on the wood finish as the chemicals may damage the finish.

Do not leave newspapers and magazines on wood because the inks can bleed onto the finish and into the wood.

Periodically adjust levelers and door hinges to ensure smooth operation of doors and drawers."

I hope you find this information helpful! Check out the picture below of the marble top Henredon dresser we have in the shop!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2014!  Wishing you all the best this year!  It's going to be a good one!

Considering a home redecorating project this year?  Keep us in mind!  Come on by the shop and take a look around. I'm sure you will find something to go along with your project!

If you would like to learn more about the different styles of antique furniture, check out this site:

http://www.antiquetrader.com/antiques/a_primer_on_furniture_styles

Mission Style Furniture

I recently came across a mission parlor set that needed some TLC.  The original leather upholstery was not in good condition but the wood frame and seat springs were in great condition, especially considering the age of the set.  We decided to have it re-upholstered and it turned out great!  I forgot to take pictures of the parlor set before it was re-upholstered but take a look below for a few pictures of how the set looks now!

The design philosophy of Mission furniture:

"Mission style is a design that emphasizes simple horizontal and vertical lines and flat panels that accentuate the grain of the wood (usually oak). People were looking for relief after the excesses of Victorian times and the influx of mass-produced furniture from the Industrial Revolution. The furniture maker Gustav Stickley produced Arts and Crafts furniture often referred to as being in the Mission Style, though Stickley dismissed the term as misleading. This was plain oak furniture that was upright, solid, and suggestive of entirely handcrafted work, though in the case of Stickley and his competitors, was constructed within a factory by both machine and handworking techniques".

If you would like to learn more about Mission Style furniture click on the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Style_Furniture

A Little History of Sheraton Style Funriture

Sheraton style furniture is a beautiful style!  Our friends as Wikipedia provide the following explanation:

"Late 18th century neoclassical English furniture style, in vogue ca 1785 - 1820, that was coined by 19th century collectors and dealers to credit furniture designer Thomas Sheraton, born in Stockton-on-Tees, England in 1751. 

The Sheraton style was inspired by the Louis XVI style and features round tapered legs, fluting and most notably contrasting veneer inlays. Sheraton style furniture takes lightweight rectilinear forms, using satinwood, mahogany and tulipwood, sycamore and rosewood for inlaid decorations, though painted finishes and brass fittings are also to be found. Swags, husks, flutings, festoons, and rams' heads are amongst the common motifs applied to pieces of this style.

The Sheraton style was the most reproduced style in the United States during the Federal period."

Take a look at a few pictures of Sheraton style furniture pieces and let me know what you think!

Spring is Almost Here

Tonight, don't forget to change your clocks ahead one hour!  Although it may seem as though we are losing an hour of sleep, we are that much closer to Spring! It's a great time of the year to start thinking about projects for the yard.  We are gathering our outdoor furniture for the shop and will be displaying more of it soon. It goes fast so if you see it, like it, buy it!

We have also been adding a lot of new indoor merchandise to the shop.  A visit is highly recommended!  I included a few pictures of some of the new arrivals.

Shopping around for anything in particular?  Feel free to let me know!

History of the Etagere

Ever heard of an Etagere?  It's basically a beautiful shelf, especially corner etagere's! Here is a great definition by About.com:

http://antiques.about.com/od/chesthutchstyles/a/etagere072910.htm

I also included a picture of an etagere that we have in the shop.  Another one of those pieces that I just want to keep! It does not take up much room at all but adds great beauty with your curios displayed.