The living room is a special place where the homeowner entertains guests, watch TV, or just lie down after a long day from work. Due to this, it is significant that the atmosphere is relaxing, welcoming, and cozy. That is why, aside from the furniture, another thing that must be considered is the room's flooring. It is defined as the installation of floor covering such as carpet or area rugs. Materials commonly used as floorings are wood, laminate, bamboo, and vinyl.

Wood flooring comes from natural, recyclable, and environment friendly resources. Among the different styles of such are parquet, strip, and plank. Parquet are pieces of wood assembled together to cover the entire living room floor. While strip or hardwood gives the impression of a larger space, plank also emphasize a broader width but with linear designs. The two types of commonly used wood floors are solid and engineered. Solid wood comes in a one firm hardwood and is fitting for home sections while the engineered wood is composed of wood sheets piled together. Another eco-friendly is bamboo flooring. There are different forms of this kind and designs are mainly based on viability and preferences. The only difference over wood flooring is that it gives a natural greenish shade when untreated by brown varnish. Besides, bamboo is a more common resource than wood.

Meanwhile, another choice is laminate flooring which is better when choosing for a cost efficient way to great looking and totally strong floor. It is not entirely water proof but it does not stain though or get dented at the ends. It uses plywood with a plastic top layer and is available in numerous patterns. Furthermore, included in the list is vinyl flooring. It is similar to linoleum but it can be with different hues and styles. Also, it is easy to install and durable too.

Sometimes, other households opt to have additional covering such as area rugs. They are put unto the top of original floorings. In addition, similar covering that can be used is the carpet. It is a woven and textile based material laid unto the floor. Usually, it is attached end to end to the floor so that it won't move from places to places.

Given the number of floorings available in the market, the decision relies upon the homeowner. He/she may set criteria in choosing which will be used in his/her living room. The criteria may be affected by factors such as costs, extent of installation process, and design. There should be a match between budget and the price of the flooring package that will be chosen. The floor elevation or spaces between the living room and other parts of the house are one of the things that must be considered. However, the need for the right kind also depends to the people who will live in the house. For instance, a household with a handicapped member may choose wood flooring over carpet because the wheelchair is hard to maneuver in surfaces with textiles.

Therefore, no matter how good one flooring over the other, it must always serve the requirements of the homeowner.

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Original Post: Living Rooms

The Alternative of Living Room Flooring

A house cannot be a mere construct of bricks and walls. It must have good interior with a perfect selection of furniture pieces to transform it into a nice home. Decorating a home is the important interest of people all across the globe. The color of walls, floorings and other furniture accessories create a basic essence of a house.

A house would simply look dull, if any furniture piece inside it cannot compliment the entire décor of your house. In fact, it is furniture that instills life into your house. Right from occasional furniture, tub chairs, coffee tables, to sofa beds, it makes an essential part of your living room furniture which beautifies and adorns your house in a unique way.

Making the house look more exquisite than before, the perfect furniture pieces can create an ideal living area for you and your family. No doubt, it reflects style and taste of a homeowner. Thus, it is important to select the furniture pieces that may give additional touch of style and elegance to your home.

Selecting the Right Furniture for Your Living Room

However, when choosing a particular kind of furniture for your house, it is extremely important to consider certain things that may include wall color, size of your living room, and the right place where you have to place the selected furniture. This will help you to create a place that can add more to the beauty of your house.

In the present times, you can easily find a variety of living room furniture pieces according to your personal tastes and preferences which can be carved and styled as per the latest furniture fashion standards in the current world of interior designing. Adding more, you can even find traditional, ethnic, and contemporary styles as crafted furniture pieces to lend a new designer look that actually compliments the beauty of your house decor. As a matter of fact, the modern furniture pieces not only enhance the beauty of your interior, but also make your house look cleaner and well arranged. At click4interiors, you will come across an interesting range of fresh and stylish furniture designs that add more value to both traditional and contemporary tastes. Versatile in styles and designs, the right furniture creates an ideal living place for you.

Give a Cool Look to Your living Room

Remember, your living room is the place where you usually spend your major time and where you want to invite your guests. Hence, it becomes important to lend it a cool and comfortable look to create an ambiance that allows ample space to get relaxed after the daily working odds.

As an essence of simplicity and beauty, the furniture brings a clean style to your living space. With numerous available options, you can complete the overall necessity of your living room in a modernistic way. Bringing an air of comfort and simplicity, it can easily fit into the ambiance of your room. Now, if you are searching the latest furniture options online, you will be amazed to see how these pieces can match your needs at right price. Offering you customized home decor choices; they are created as per your own designing specifications.

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Original Post: Living Rooms

Get Going With Living Room Furniture

Read more on The Oregonian

Original Post: Living Rooms

Interior design news & notes: Inspirational flooring ideas; spending on design; bookcases; and color

The Living room area

Ideally, the size of your furniture must be in proportion to the size of your living room. You don’t want petite furniture for bigger spaces or something too bulky that occupies all the space. Work out on your personal taste and fit it with practical details like the room size and styling.

For smaller living rooms, opt for modular and functional furniture and keep in mind that heavy upholstery can make it look all crammed. You also get furniture that can function as day sofa and be transformed into a full-fledged bed. Do not forget to fashion the space in a manner that allows open room to move comfortably. For instance, a hi-tech spread out sofa would suit larger room settings. So, measure the area and try to buy furniture with size and details in mind.

Also pay attention to where exactly in the living room you want the furniture to be placed. Once you have decided, measure the area and then keep the dimensions in mind (or jot it down on paper) and keep it in mind while your selection. It is also important to take into account the space required between the wall and the furniture while measuring.

Styling and Upholstery

Depending on your taste and the furniture style, co-ordinate rest of the décor in line with the furniture. Cushions, upholstery and curtains can be complimented in neutral, complimenting and contrasting tones. If you already have cushions and curtains that do well with the theme, use them and also add something new that provides a resting space to the whole theme. A contrasting bowl, vase and even antique items in neutral shades do well to add a personal touch to your living space.

Sofas

The mantra is to explore. There are a broad variety of sofa styles to boggle the mind, but once you discover your particular style, it will be easier. Your choice of sofa seating will depend not on your taste, but also on the number of people in the family and the available amount of space (the measurements).A long sofa accompanied by one or two armchairs maybe all you need, and you will find many futon beds and modular sofa models that fill in the space with grace. The material should be chosen as per convenience and the time you can spend in cleaning.

Recliners and Rocking Chairs

Reclining armchair or sofas make great luxurious furniture. With a built-in footrest, recliners provide superior comfort. A rocking chair can be added for a personal touch of class to any living room. While recliners are mostly done in lush leather, you could add a contrasting wicker or wood rocker chair to add a more or unconventional feel.

Entertainment units/TV unit

Modern day entertainment units combine features and functionality to offer great looking furniture units to stack, store and display. Low-slung units as also regular units both look great. Depending upon the space, you can have a unit that compliments the theme and fits the space.

Coffee Tables

The coffee table makes a focal point for family and friends. A good coffee table should also offer convenient storage space to help reduce living room clutter. There are different styles and shapes that come with a choice of color and finish. You can also add a contrasting coffee table to create a great corner for relaxation and play time.

Accent Pieces

In contrast to other rooms in a home, living room helps with the first impressions. You can fashion up a theme and add art pieces that reflect a part of your personality. There are great standing mirrors that allow you to add a different dimension to a living area. Then there are variety of accent tables, stylish armoires, side tables that can add to the theme with style.

Original Post: Living Rooms

Guide to Buying Living Room Furniture

Home decor is most often region specific. The type of home furnishings that you buy for your home is partly dependant on the geographic boundaries. In India the most widely seen pattern in home furnishing is the oriental type.

Oriental home decor is not just confined to India but most of Eastern Asia. The best loved home furnishing items include wall hangings, ethnic curios, idols of deities, artificial or fresh flowers, pottery, bamboo craft and much more. They should be appropriately placed to define the exclusivity of these home furnishings.

Besides the type of home decor, one must choose home furnishings depending on the availability of space. Smaller rooms look good with smaller artifacts. Lighter hues make the spaces look wider and ensuring proper lighting is another prerequisite. Vertically positioned curios look better for a smaller abode.

A larger house may be embellished with home furnishing of different types. Broad wall hangings, bold designs on the curtains, darker colors, multicolored walls, and wall and ceiling embellishments may be profound. Carpets made exquisite with suitable designs may ideally adorn the floor.

Besides curios, furniture is another integral part of home furnishing. Soft leather couches, cane chairs or wrought iron sofas- the variety to choose from is wide. Care should be taken while choosing the colors; lest the furniture should look out of place. Make sure the color and texture of the furniture blends easily with the walls, flooring and curtains.

If you are someone who loves to spend leisure in the confines of the bedroom with a book or engrossed in any other creative hobby, make sure the bedroom interiors is amiable. Choose the bedding of your choice keeping the space factor in mind. If a study table needs to be accommodated make sure you plan well in advance, else the room may be too crammed to hold more furniture.

A dressing table adds to the exclusivity of the bedroom. Elaborate carving, white wood and other timber tables are ideal choices. Decorate the floor with carpets and exquisite mats to give it an 'at home' feel. Flower pots and indoor plants may also adorn the corners exuding fresh oxygen to the space you call your own.

These tips may be useful for someone doing up the house with exclusive home furnishing. Choose them right so you don't have to keep redoing the interiors. The internet is a good source for information as well as home decor products. Get an imaginary outline of how the abode would look with varied combinations of home decor and make the best of your creative mind to make your abode the most harmonious place to be.

Original Post: Living Rooms

Home Furnishing- For A Truly Amicable Abode

Main types of construction sealants

Sealants are pasty substances used to seal and waterproof various joints in construction. They cure to be elastic masses so as to withstand movements due to temperatures or moisture variations, wind action, settlement etc.

Sealants protect from penetration of water and water vapor. They also protect from intrusion of noise, fire, dust etc.

Our main interest here is the waterproofing aspects of sealants.

Sealants belong to the same family as adhesives do- with the latter being stronger and less deformable.

Sealants in order to play their role successfully need to have:

* strong adhesion to the substrates- even with the help of a primer and

* adequate elasticity so as to comfortably expand and contract following substrate movements.

It’s absolutely vital that these properties will be kept for long spans of time.

Most times it is extremely difficult to replace failed systems of sealants.

In a few words sealants are used:

a) to bridge gaps (joints)

b) to create some kind of barrier.

SOME TYPICAL JOINTS

- Expansion joints in concrete constructions

- Control joints in floor slabs

- Joints between window frames and masonry

- Joints between panels

- Joints around penetrations

- Joints between corrugated sheets

- Joints around bathtubs

- Joints in glazing assemblies

- Joints in dry construction

- Joints in swimming pools – water tanks (under hydrostatic pressure)

- Floor joints in chemical plants etc. (resistance to chemicals needed)

Main types of sealants used in construction:

* Acrylic sealants

* Bituminous sealants

* Polysulfides

* Polyurethanes

* Silicones

* MS Polymers

MAIN TYPES OF SEALANTS FOR JOINTS WATERPROOFING IN CONSTRUCTIONS

ACRYLIC SEALANTS

Acrylic sealants are massively used in Europe. Although there are solvent based products in the market, most of these products are based on dispersions.

Traditional acrylic sealants can accommodate joint movements in the region of 10-15%. These products are characterised as plastomeric.

Some companies have formulated acrylic sealants with a Movement Accomodation Factor (MAF) of 25%. These new formulations are more like elastomers than plastomers. Things change rapidly!

Generally, acrylics exhibit a very strong adhesion on most construction materials. On porous surfaces a primer prepared from the sealant + water can be used.

Although they possess a fair UV resistance, my personal preference is to use them for internal applications. Furthermore their water resistance is rather poor and they shouldn’t be applied on damp surfaces, floors and generally surfaces which come in contact with water.

Take into account that these formulae shrink by about 15%, maybe more!!

On the other hand they are very easily applied, are user friendly, can be easily overpainted and are available in a big variety of colours.

And they are very – very cheap!!!

Main uses:

* in dry construction to seal and reduce the STC of partitions

* to seal cracks in plasters

* jointing around door and window frames etc.

Addition of silanes in acrylic formulae can considerably expand their application range by improving adherence on non porous surfaces.

BITUMINOUS SEALANTS

Bituminous sealants are mainly used:

- in roofing installations as an accessory for SBS and APP membranes waterproofing

- in civil engineering works: water retaining structures, concrete decks at airports, roadways, pavements etc.

Raw materials – asphalts – come from the fractional distillation of crude oil. Asphalt fractions are modified with the addition of small quantities of elastomers as neoprene, styrene butadiene copolymers etc. Other ingredients could be: fibers – other than asbestos – and fillers as calcium carbonate.

Bituminous sealants are very suitable for permanent contact with water but not suitable for trafficable floors.

Combinations of these products with epoxies give fuel resistant sealants used in tarmacs / airport decks.

Another interesting version is bitumen – urethane or bitumen – polysulfide sealants which possess excellent characteristics at an affordable cost.

Bituminous sealants can be cold or hot applied. Modified products can serve temperature ranges from -30oC to + 90oC.

POLYSULFIDE SEALANTS

USA company Thiokol (greek etymology: glue based on sulfur) invented polysulfides back to 1960s. They come in two-parts or one-part syntheses and are mostly used in civil engineering and glazing. They are considered as the oldest elastomeric sealants. Two components formulae are usually catalysed with manganese dioxide.

Polysulfides bond very well to most of the usual substrates in constructions. Though, they usually need a primer to ensure the right grip and most definitely they need a primer when used under water or in dilatation joints.

Take care: polysulfides are unsuitable for many plastic substrates including PVC, plexiglass, ABS and polycarbonate.

Polysulfides exhibit a natural resistance to UVs, water, solar radiation and other weathering factors.

Elasticity: they have a M.A.F. of 20-25%.

Curing rate: two part polysulfides cure depending thickness, temperature and relative humidity. Their curing rate is considered slow.

Hardness: Depending on use, various formulations can lead to a Shore hardness from 25 up to more than 50.

Polysulfides mains uses are:

- in gas stations and airport tarmacs due to their excellent resistance to fuels

- insulation of glass windows (they are completely vapor proof and possess an enhanced UV resistance)

- sealing of expansion joints in civil engineer projects.

Polysulfide – epoxy combinations are available to be used in projects where high flexibility, excellent adhesion and ultimate chemical resistance are strongly desired.

Polysulfides are in retreat these years due to ecological considerations .

Both silicones and polyurethanes have made serious inroads in the polysulfide market.

POLYURETHANE SEALANTS

Polyurethane sealants may be of one component or two components.

One component polyurethane sealants are widely used worldwide due to their application simplicity and their excellent general characteristics:

- ultimate elongations up to 600-650%

- a high range of elastic moduli to suit all kinds of applications

- elastic recoveries to exceed 95%

- strong adhesion on most substrates in construction industry (primers are recommended according individual uses)

- high resistance to aging

- low shrinkage

- generally overpaintable

- M.A.F.s up to 25% (newest products even better)

- abrasion resistance (good choice for floor joints).

Inclusion of harmful isocyanates is a serious concern.

They cannot be considered user and environment friendly.

Also some other issues of concern are their relatively poor resistance to humidity, UV radiation and most chemicals. (Although some specialized formulae overcome to a certain extent these problems).

Polyurethane sealants come in a big variety of formulae:

- one or two components

- suitable for flooring

- façade compatible

- sealants and adhesives in one product

- pasty or pourable

- lower to higher elasticities

- different Shore hardnesses

- products that can be sanded etc.

One component products polymerize with the aid of environmental humidity, form a superficial skin and thereafter polymerise towards the core at a speed of approximately 2mm/day.

Polyurethane sealants are additionally used in automotive industry and have a good share at the relevant marine market.

Polyurethane sealants will be here for the years to come but they will have a very strong competition: MS polymers sealants.

SILICONE SEALANTS

Silicone sealants are the most universally known sealants. There are many types of silicones and their application range is really vast.

Generally these products exhibit:

- high resistance to water: they are extensively used for construction joints waterproofing

- elevated resistance to temperature variations, very low and high temperatures

- enhanced flexibility which they keep for many years

- the highest Movement Accomodation Factors in the market: could reach 50%.

Silicones are very popular because their cost was largely reduced during recent years and there are many types of them, very well suited to various individual applications.

Namely there exist:

* one or two component products

(latter products used for architectural glazing)

* silicones with different moduli suitable for a wide range of applications

* acetic silicones which during polymerization exhibit the characteristic odour of acetic acid (contain acetoxy groups)

* neutral silicones, oximic or alkoxy with the latter gaining ground due to health considerations pertaining to oxime cured sealants

* pressure sensitive silicone sealants which are permanently tacky

* thermoset silicones activated by heat

* silicones resistant to high temperatures used in gaskets (resistance up to 270oC-300oC)

* mold resistant silicones used in bathrooms + wet rooms

* special silicones for facades that won’t stain natural stonesand marbles

* silicone specially conceived for aquariums (very strong adhesion to glass and safe for fish)

* a huge variety of nuances to suit individual aesthetic preferences.

*Overpaintable silicones which combine excellent waterproofing properties with the desired finishing.

(Generally silicones cannot be overpainted and this is one serious drawback.)

MS POLYMER SEALANTS

The most recent technology in elastomeric sealants. Firstly developed in Japan and now rapidly expanding in USA and Europe. Based on MS Polymers (silyl terminated polyethers) an innovative polymer from Kaneka corporation.

I see MS Polymer sealants as safer, more environmental friendly, more ecological alternatives to polyurethane sealants.

They possess all the excellent mechanical characteristics of polyurethanes plus:

- they don’t contain any isocyanates or other harmful substances

- they have an unparalleled aging resistance

- their adhesion is superb on most surfaces. There is no other sealant with such a brood adhesion spectrum

- are easily paintable (mainly with water based paints)

- have the lowest shrinkage rate

- won’t stain marbles and other natural stones

- are easily extruded even at low temperatures.

It sounds like a miracle and probably is!

MS Polymer based sealants’ use is expanding and their main victim will be polyurethane based sealants.

Chris Strogilis

About the Author

Civil engineer with postgraduate studies in MBA and Marketing.
christos@macon.gr

http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com/

http://totalfitness-christos.blogspot.com

Frame Styrene Backing

Original Post: Living Rooms

Frame Styrene Backing

Art Mural Ceramic Backsplash Bath Palm Sea Tile 150 US $84.00

Art Mural Ceramic Bath Backsplash Rooster Tile 322 US $84.00

S M L XL Beach Photo Ceramic Kitchen Backsplash Bathroom Shower Tile Murals 11 US $90.00

Diego Rivera Mexican Art Ceramic Tile La Molendera Mural detail reproduction NEW US $7.50

Tile Mural Art Ceramic Tile Backsplash Bath Wall Decor Art Deco Tiles 64a US $27.00

Art Deco Tamara De Lempicka Ceramic Mural Bath Tile 47 US $15.60

4x4 Eugene Bidau Ceramic Art PEACOCK DOVE 6 Tile Mural US $29.99

Art Accent Nature Mural Ceramic Backsplash Tile 763 US $4.80

4 Kitchen Cooking Ceramic Art FRENCH CHEF 6 Tile Mural US $29.99

Tile Mural Art Ceramic Tile Backsplash Western Art Spa MuralBath Tiles 86 US $27.00

Song Bird Ceramic Tile Mural Accent 425 D Kiln Fired US $5.95

Song Bird Ceramic Tile Mural Accent 425 C Kiln Fired US $5.95

Diego Rivera Mural Totonac Culture Ceramic Art Tile US $8.00

Blue Delft Ceramic Accent Tile Mural Tea Cups Red Roses 6X6 Kiln Fired 2 US $16.95

Blue Delft Ceramic Accent Tile Mural Tea Cups Red Roses 6X6 Kiln Fired 3 US $16.95

Cardinal Ceramic Tile Mural Bright Red Bird Acct 425 US $5.25

Deir Tropical Palm Moon Art Decor Ceramic Tile Mural US $300.00

Art Mural Ceramic Fruits Basket Backsplash Tile 117 US $84.00

S M L XL City Scenes Photo Ceramic Kitchen Backsplash Wall Decor Tile Murals 18 US $360.00

Fruit Ceramic Tile Mural Backsplash Grapes 55170 6 pieces of 425 Backsplash US $39.95

S M L XL John Weguelin Nudes Painting Ceramic Kitchen Backsplash Tile Murals 2 US $270.00

24 x 18 Mural Ceramic Rooster Backsplash Tile 428 US $84.00

36 x 12 Ceramic Mural Backsplash Kitchen Decor Tile 112 US $84.00

S M L XL Martin Heade Birds Painting Ceramic Kitchen Backsplash Tile Murals 4 US $225.00

Art Accent Mural Ceramic Backsplash Bath Tile 717 US $54.00

A Quick And Simple Guide About Ceramic Tiles

For creating indoor decorations, ceramic tiles are a great product to use. Ceramic Tiles can be used as covering floors and walls (witch is most common) or it can be used to cover chimneys etc. Painted and glazed, ceramic tiles have a high resistance to external factors, as they are not influenced by moisture or temperature variations, they are easy to clean and pretty cheap to install. Ceramic tiles are most commonly massed produced, but it can be customized and pretty unique in design.

Ceramic tiles seems pale and less valuable to natural stone tiles and because of that, the price is lower than the natural stone tiles. Since it cheaper, it is the number one choice for a lot of users. When installing ceramic tiles, you have to consider the thickness and if the tiles has an uneven surface. A thinner one needs more adhesive then a thicker one and if the ceramic floor tiles has an uneven surface, you can use a mortar to correct it and if has some higher spots, you can use very simple chisels moves. Another thing to think about is that its very slippery when wet.

To avoid of getting the tiles stained or too dirty and difficult to clean, make sure to seal the grout lines. If you do not do it, the tiles will become very difficult to clean and moisture has a chance to make its way true the ceramic tiles.

A great advantage of ceramic tiles is that it has even and easy to wash surface. Compare to natural stones, it is a huge different, since the natural stone models usually accumulate dirt in certain patterns. This advantage is the reason why public institution and medical facilities use ceramic tiles, since they need sterile and even structures.

Many years ago, ceramic tiles were used both in mural works and mosaic floorings. It was consider as luxury and their artistic use was more important then their practicality.
Look at Islamic tile work that clearly shows the versatile use of ceramic tiles; they are present in palaces, temples, public buildings and in the homes of upper class families. European cultures were influenced of the artistic tradition of Arab ceramic tiles patterns and used it as decorations in garden and courtyards. Tourists can still admire the beauty of such tile work in the Moorish remnants of Spain: at Malaga and Cordoba for instance; the mosaics are incredibly well preserved testifying once again for the durability of such ceramic structures.

About the Author

For more information about Ceramic Tiles, please visit WrittenTips.com/CeramicTiles

Tiles tell the story of life: Longtime resident's artwork adorns library's walls
The new Novi Public Library is obviously filled with many stories.

Ceramic Tile Mural

Original Post: Living Rooms

Ceramic Tile Mural

What color paint would look best with dark brown furniture in a home office?

We recently bought a home with "unique" taste. I am looking to renovate a bedroom that will become our home office. It used to be an 8 year old's bedroom with aqua blue walls and a dolphin border.
I am looking for a traditional/contemporary look- crown molding, big dark brown leather chair with ottoman, bookcase, and dark colored desk. There will be a lot of dark wood and dark leather in the room and I would like to pull up the carpet and lay very dark, thick wood flooring. Other than a tasteful colorful rug, what recommendations would you make for wall color, trim/crown molding finish and accent pieces?

I think that you should paint the room like a light brown or tan because this color goes really well with dark brown colors.

Traditional Childrens Bookcase Book Shelf Shelves NEW US $142.35

Wayborn Traditional Bookcase with Glass Door in Distressed White 9122W US $509.00

Wayborn Traditional Bookcase in Brown 9123 US $505.00

TRADITIONAL MAHOGANY STYLE ELECTRIC HEATER FIREPLACE TV CABINET BOOKCASE NEW US $749.99

TRADITIONAL OAK STYLE DECOR ELECTRIC HEATER FIREPLACE TV CABINET BOOKCASE NEW US $749.99

TRADITIONAL TUSCAN STYLE DECOR ELECTRIC HEATER FIREPLACE TV CABINET BOOKCASE NEW US $749.99

Traditional Sideboard Display Bookcase with Drawers NEW US $199.99

Legends Furniture Traditional Bookcase w 1 Fixed 2 Adjustable Shelves US $359.00

Traditional Home Decor FREESTANDING ELECTRIC FIREPLACE TV WOOD CABINET BOOKCASE US $749.99

Peters Revington Traditional Cherry 36 Bookcase 10503 US $445.00

NEW Office Furniture Bookcase Traditional Office US $985.99

Traditional Home Office Bookshelf Honey Bookcase US $180.00

Bookcases Traditional Bookcase and Corner Bookcases US $599.99

Peters Revington Traditional Cherry 48 Bookcase 10504 US $489.00

Peters Revington Traditional Cherry 84 Bookcase 10507 US $609.00

Bookcases Traditional Combination Bookcase US $1,116.00

bookcases Traditional Combination Bookcase US $750.00

Bookcases Traditional Carved Combination Bookcase US $999.00

Brown Cherry Traditional Bookcase Shelves Storage New US $279.00

ANTIQUE look traditional chinese chippendale cabinet bookcase chest US $8,800.00

Antique STYLE TRADITIONAL Mahogany chippendale walnut bookcase cabinet US $485.00

Garson Traditional Bookcase by Coaster 801015 US $511.77

Antique STYLE TRADITIONAL walnut enclosed mesh doors bookcase cabinet US $825.00

Large Country Cottage Black Wood Shelf Bookcase Antique Style Traditional US $199.95

Legends Furniture Traditional Bookcase w 1 Fixed 4 Adjustable Shelves US $419.00

Bookcase Buying Tips

As we all know that the internet has ruled our lifestyle and everyday activities, especially in terms of getting information from different kind of resource. Internet has also change people in many ways, particularly reading behavior. Meanwhile most people read from print put paper and from the computer screen in stead of read from books. This situation seems to be increasingly continued and the importance of book has become decreased among this group of people. However, there is other group of people who still see the importance of reading from books and they still be kind of books lovers no matter how much the internet has changed our life style.

This group of people continues to seek the best way to keep their books securely and one of the most popular ways to keep books is bookcase. Generally, book case is not the same as book shelf. As books case is something that you can contain just one or two of your favourite books to make sure that they are kept in a good place with maximum protection but book shelf is something that we use for keep bulk of books and book shelf does not provide enough protection. However, in some case, book case could be referred to book shelve as they have similar functions, many libraries defined bookcase as same as book shelf.

The material that commonly used for bookcase is wood due to its sturdy, handsome and traditional, reasonable price as well as durable and resist to severe temperature changes. There are some type of book case that made from metal but they still not popular because metal does not provide elegant look and aesthetic appeal, which sometime do not match to the taste of home users. Moreover, there are book cases that made form other type of materials such as granite stone or marble. But they also not popular as book case itself needs intensive care and they are very expensive.

About the design, the traditional design of book case still be the square shape with plain colour or wood color. This trend seems not to be changed in the near future as people still focus on form and function rather than design and color. If the book case could provide maximum protection to their favourite books so the design and colour are not the top priority. However, there is a great development of book case colour and design. New book cases have been developed in different shapes in a modern, stylish fashion, with shelves of different sizes and lengths. Some design even more fashionable by adding some decorative items.

Some type of book case especially if it refers to book shelf, require users to manual assemble it. By having this kind of book case, sometimes you have to spend sometimes with it. However, as mentioned above that there are many kind of book case available so you probably do not have to choose the most expensive one as they may not always worth its value. Just to make sure that you get the one that good function at reasonable price. Now you have better idea about what is book case actually as well as how to choose the proper one to fit to your need and budget.

About the Author

PisanK is the writer of http://www.bookcaseonline.com site, if you found this article useful, visit us to get more information.

Traditional Bookcase

Original Post: Living Rooms

Traditional Bookcase

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Home-improvement: Add a Touch of the Country to your Home

Add a Touch of The Country to Your Home

A colorful house with faded walls, wicker and worn furniture – is a distinctive picture you would get whenever you think of a country styled home. Adding a tinge (or more) of the country style to your home doesn’t mean recreating a part, nor does it mean being frozen in time. It is preserving the good old things of the yesteryears and turning them into a mélange by incorporating them with state-of-the-art home amenities.

Living in a country styled home is supposedly very informal and comfortable. It enables the home owner to relax in a rustic setting amidst simple things handmade by skilled artisans. If you are planning to incorporate a country style to your home, don’t imagine it to be a very tedious task. Designing your home in the country style has minimal rules. All you would have to ensure is that the atmosphere is comfortable, both for people living in the house as well as guests who come visiting.

Since the country look has undergone transformation over the years, it has improved and taken in a wider variety of distinctive attributes. Given below are some ideas that would help you while adding a ‘touch of the country look’ and preserving your tradition as well.

Flooring – Always start from the floor, as it is the ‘base’ of the home. For instance, you can add a get a painted gingham-painted border to your wooden floor. The pricing for this could be expensive or affordable, depending on the amount of floor space and the artisan fees. You can also consider oriental rugs and carpets that lend an extra tinge of drama to the entrance of your home.

Walls – In the past, walls were made of brick or wood. You can use wooden or brick walls and leave them unpainted to give the perfect country look. However, if you wish to achieve the country look, you can paint the walls; just make sure you use natural colors, which complement the upholstery and flooring. Also, to get the perfect texture, get the walls evenly plastered and colored in soft lime-wash. You can decorate walls freehand or using stencil, simple designs and motifs.

Upholstery and furniture To give an illusion of space in small rooms use minimally upholstered wooden furniture. To add a rustic, colorful look, a mat, handmade quilt, thrown or draped over wooden furniture adds the extra country charm. Inculcate a layered look in the fabrics you use, to give a serene feel to the ambience. You can use floral, patterned, or striped fabric, as these complement with one another and give a special touch to every room.

Decorations Use wicker baskets for flower arrangements, dried shrubs, potpourri, fruits, and placing bread loaves on the dining table. Wicker baskets are said to be the heart of the country style. They can be kept on the shelves or hung near the windows.

Click Here to Learn More about Home-Improvement

About the Author

Art Home

Original Post: Living Rooms

Art Home

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Accessorising Your Wood Floors

1. Wood Doors

Change the interior doors to matching wooden doors. There are a large variety of wooden doors now available especially oak doors. There is a full range of veneered oak doors, walnut doors, cherry, beech, pine, pitch pine and white doors – almost any colour to match any wooden floor.

Bespoke doors are also available however these are more costly due to the individual manufacturing processes. The doors can complement a wood floor perfectly and come in a variety of finishes. A large number of oak doors are unfinished when purchased so they can be sealed to match the floor with either an oil or varnish – they can even be colour oiled to blend with a similar colour oiled floor. Oils are the most common finish for doors however varnish / lacquer is adequate. The majority of doors are veneered hardwood for both conservation and stability however there are a small number of solid wood doors available.

Most doors have an identical style in half hour rated fire doors which will pass all building regulations where 30 minute fire doors are required. A new line of supermodel doors also contain glazed fire doors which enable more flexibility with style and design. External doors also come in various timbers – usually veneered again for stability due to the high exposure to cold, heat and moisture. A new front door is a perfect finish to the front of your house.

Wood doors range in style from Victorian style, 1930s style to the modern and contemporary – there is a door style to suit all tastes, colours and styles.

2. Skirting, Architrave and Door casings

The best way to complement a new wood door is to accessorise with the matching door frame, architrave and skirting. There is a large range of door casings, architraves and skirtings available to complement the wood flooring and doors you have chosen in many styles and timbers.

The most popular is the oak – there are both engineered and solid door casings. There is very little difference between the solid and engineered casings however joiners will often specify the types preferred or there will be a preference due to location (ie. In below ground applications) There are two types of door casings – rebated door casings and door linings which come with a loose stop. They are both suitable for all types of doors however where a fire rated door casing is required there are ready made door casings with the intumescent strip for the building regulations.

Architraves also come in both solid and engineered timber. Sizes vary from approx 45mm – 90mm or wider depending on the application. A standard size is usually around 57mm for most houses dating from 1900’s. The style of architrave varies and matches most skirting board profiles. It is also possible to have architrave blocks – small squares on the corners – an older design now becoming popular once again. Styles of architrave include original designs such as torus, ogee and lambs tongue, plus other more contemporary styles such as pencil round (bullnose), chamfered and square edged.

Architraves are available unfinished, prefinished with oil, lacquer / varnish or colour oiled to match the flooring or doors .

Skirtings can make your new floor look completely finished – they enhance the hardwood floors giving clean lines around the edges of the room – the floors look like they have been part of the home for some time. Once again, oak skirting is the most popular timber to blend with the oak floors.

Engineered and solid skirtings are available in numerous sizes. The engineered skirtings are veneered with a top layer of real wood and give the option of more types of timber such as walnut which is very rare in a solid skirting but more widely available in a veneer.

The standard sizes of skirtings range from 95mm to 220mm however the most popular ones are between 95 and 140mm. Often you will be guided by the size of skirting previously fitted as sockets and plaster will dictate the height. Styles of skirting match all the architrave styles – original designs like torus, ogee and lambs tongue along with contemporary designs such as square edge, bullnose (pencil round) and chamfered.

Skirtings are available unfinished, prefinished with oil, lacquer / varnish or colour oiled to match the flooring or doors. Oak skirtings have often been used to complement light coloured carpets as well as oak flooring to break up the room between light floors and light walls – this is often done in bedrooms where people often want the comfort of carpet but with a hint of wood.

Window boards in the same timber as your floor will brighten up any window and make them look like new – as with the skirting, doors and architrave – the most popular ones are oak. The window boards can come in the original bullnose edging or with a square edge for a contemporary look.

The sizes of the window boards are available between 100mm – 350mm in both a solid board or veneered oak MDF board. The window sills are available unfinished or prefinished in a lacquer / varnish, oil or colour oil to complement the room.

These boards can also be used as stair cladding to clad over an existing staircase. The bullnose is perfect for the tread of the stair and square edge can be used for the riser – no need to rout out the existing overhang as the stairs can be packed first for the cladding to go over. A perfect accompaniment for all wooden floors.

About the Author

Ruth Shann has been an expert in wood flooring installation and finishing since 1999.

Case Wood

Original Post: Living Rooms

Case Wood

Transform Your Home With Stylish Wood Windows

Although UPVC windows are many people’s first choice for their home, natural wood windows have plenty to offer the home owner. Modern windows which are made of wood can complement older or more traditional style properties as well as increasing security with integrated locking systems.

Environmentally friendly

Timber windows are an energy efficient glazing solution for your home as wood can naturally insulate rooms and can help to reduce your energy bills. Double glazing with inert gas between the panes can make windows even more energy efficient and create a cosy feeling inside your home. Wood is also a natural insulator for sound so wooden frames can help to reduce noise pollution from nearby roads. Although steel and aluminium frames are recyclable, at the end of their use these materials require a great deal of energy and harmful chemicals to be made into a new product. Wood however is very easy to recycle and is biodegradable unlike materials such as UPVC. Most companies now source the wood for windows from sustainable forests under forest management and conversation schemes which means that the wood used for frames doesn’t come from natural forests and woodland habitats. 

Naturally beautiful

One of the most popular reasons for choosing windows made out of wood is that natural wood looks stunning. Wooden frames can come in a huge range of colours and shades and can be treated or painted to get the exact look for your home. Wood can also complement the wooden features inside your home such as flooring or skirting boards. The texture of this material can also add beauty and elegance to the outside of your home as every piece of wood is completely unique so you can achieve a bespoke look with wooden frames. It is also versatile enough to suit changes in the style of your home as it can be painted, stained or retreated to get the look you want. Wood is also less prone to condensation than other materials such as UPVC so this can help to reduce the build up of condensation and dampness and leave your windows looking sparking. Timber windows also have an inherent charm as they can have particular features which are often copied but rarely matched by UPVC windows. There are many attractive looks available such as arches, circular windows, sash windows and custom made windows to complement historic buildings.

Long lasting

Wood doesn’t rust or corrode even in the most extreme weather conditions which means they can last for a long time. Wood has been used for windows for centuries and with good reason as these frames can be easily cleaned and retreated or totally refurbished if needed. If you move into an older property which has wooden windows it can often be much cheaper to refurbish the existing frames rather than replacing all the windows with UPVC for example. Once the wood has been treated properly, you can enjoy the authentic look of the windows for many years.

The next time you need to update the windows of your home consider choosing wooden frames for their natural beauty and eco-friendly properties.

About the Author

Steven Holmes

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Wood Media

Original Post: Living Rooms

Wood Media

How would I paint this design onto my walls?

I'm trying to redo my bedroom right now, and I have picked out the colors I want to be in the color scheme. I am a 14 year old girl, and I have picked out a victorian wallpaper style comforter that is black and white with deep pink sheets and pillows. I want to paint my walls a light pink, but I also want to paint a kind of border around my walls, I just don't know how. The border would be about 2/3 of the wall high, all around the entire room, and it would be a 3 inch white stripe with a 1inch black stripe on both sides. The thing is that I don't know how I would tape it off, because it would be 3 stripes, not just one. Any advice on how to do this? I have to know how before I can convince my parents. Thanks ♥

Paint the area white and then let it dry for a few days. Use 2 coats btw. Then use painters tape to section off the 1" area for the black stripes (the hard part). You can pull the tape taught to try to make a straight line but it helps to have the wall measured and marked. I try to mark the walls as little as possible (with a soft lead pencil that will wash off or can be erased carefully).

A good idea is to experiment (on thick paper/cardboard) and show them physically what you want to do - good practice too.

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How To Decorate In The Art Nouveau Style

People often get the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles muddled up. I did it myself when I was a student. The first thing to do is understand the patterns, colours and designs of each era. This article on Art Nouveau will detail the patterns, motifs, colours and influences of this era. A concise outline of the Art Nouveau movement will give you some knowledge to help you make informed decisions.

The Art Nouveau movement lasted for about thirty years until 1910. This was a style were natural forms were used for inspiration and used in an original way. The most popular Art Nouveau motif was peacock feathers. The hallmark of the style are the curved undulating lines known as whiplash lines, plant like forms and highly stylised curvilinear designs. The style is often described as sinuous, rhythmical and dream like.

Motifs and Patterns

• Floral motifs (often abstracted)
• Delicate female forms
• Peacocks
• Insect wings
• Bird feathers
• Shells
• Vines
• Flowers, (Poppy, wisteria, water lilies, Japanese lotus….)
• S curves
• Whiplash lines

Colours were muted and delicate. Natural vegetable dyes were used in wallpaper, chintzes and other materials. Art Nouveau is considered by many as primary a decorative style. The influence of Japanese print is also evident in the designs.

Colours

• Pastels
• White
• Off white
• Olive
• Mustard
• Sage
• Brown
• Lilac
• Gold
• Peacock blue

Wallpaper patterns

• Stylised long stemmed poppies and lilies
• Lancet shaped leaves
• Slender blooms

Stencils were also used. The Stencil Library at www.stencil-library.com is a great resource for Art Nouveau stencil patterns. They have a brilliant range from many historical eras. In 1904 Cowtan and Sons an English decorating company used flatten white or enameled white paint. This treatment was also used by Charles Rennie MacIntosh who created a number of white rooms.

Art Nouveau tiles

Pictorial tiles during Art Nouveau era were popular in Belgium and France. Illustrations by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha were used as the basis for the designs. This influence did not appear in England until 1920's and 1930's. The Art and Craft influence continued in the States.

However the use of plain tiles was also popular. Victor Horta in his own house in Brussels (now the Horta Museum) used plain white tiles on the walls and the ceiling in a brick like fashion.

Tube- lining was used to create motifs on plain tiles. The technique used similar to piping icing on a cake. The raised lines of the pattern give the tile a 3D appearance. Kenneth Clark Ceramics has a tube -lining tulip border tile available.

Tiles

• Pastel shades
• Plain tiles or individual tile designs set among plain tiles
• Patterned tiles were mainly used in a row at dado height or as a random insert
• Highly stylized abstracted floral tiles
• Art Nouveau style panels were used to create complete interiors in Europe
• Panels also on facades of buildings
• In America and England individual floral designs on individual tiles or arranged in small panels up to dado height.

The Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati Ohio, Carter & Co and Poole Pottery in Dorset England, the Yorkshire Tile Company and Minton Hollins are some of the firms who have produced Art Nouveau tiles.

Decorative Items

One of the icon items of Art Nouveau era is the Tiffany lamp created by Louis Tiffany. He studied art and went on to set up the interior decorating firm of Louis Tiffany & Associated Artists in New York. The firm still decorated in the Victorian styles with Arts and Craft influences. In 1885 the main focus of the business was glass art work so a new name was created Tiffany Glass Company. Tiffany designed windows for American churches for example Trinity Church Boston. They also moved into designing art glass for homes, clubs and other corporations.

The ‘Four Seasons' glass panels establish an international reputation for Tiffany. His work was displayed in Bing's Art Nouveau shop in Paris. His work included landscape, floral and semi abstract designs. Vases, bowls, paper weights were design in iridescent colourful glass called Favrile, Cyprite, Cameo and Lava.

Tiffany lamps were made from metal bases with glass shades similar to stained glass and leadlight windows. Designs were natural forms, peacock feathers and insect wings. Some of the names of Tiffany's work include ‘Trumpet Creeper' lead glass and bronze table lamp and his ‘Peacock' and ‘Cockatoo' glass panels, an electric light with a coloured shade called ‘Dragon Fly'

Art Nouveau had an impact on silver ware, pewter, painting, sculpture posters, advertising and ceramics design. When looking for decorative items remember to select items with beautiful flowing lines and curved forms.

Eco Friendly Way

Interior decorating in older styles can be a very eco friendly way to decorate. Visiting second hand shops, antique deals, garage sales and looking online can be a great way to find your Art Nouveau treasures. The most important thing is to have a clear idea of what you want, what you want to spend before you start looking. I recently saw some tiles from this era for sale on eBay at a very reasonable price.

Flooring

Parquetry was often used in the Art Nouveau era. However Horta used mosaic tiles in swirling S curved patterns on the floor of his Tassel house. Linoleum was also popular. The trendy colours in matting in early 20th century were natural, white, olive and light brown

The Axminister loom was invented in USA in 1876. Brinton in England developed the Gripper version in 1890. These inventions allowed large carpets to be made in unlimited colours. Floral designs became the hallmark of British designers. Owen Jones' book the ‘Dictionary of Ornament' 1856 and Christopher Dresser's ‘Principles of Design' in 1879 continued to influence design. As did William Morris' designs in particular the acanthus leaves and poppies design.

The Main Features of the Art Nouveau Style

• Muted delicate colours
• Flowing curved lines
• Natural forms
• Tiffany lamps
• Glassware
• Pewter
• Silver ware
• Peacock feathers
• Stained glass panels
• Furniture with curving lines and rounded forms
• Upholstery in Art Nouveau themes
• Smooth plain tiles
• Stenciled walls and ceilings
• Ironwork
• Electric lighting

Unfortunately Art Nouveau has been a most misunderstood style and is often dismissed as a decorative side line. Yet the original work of architects Hector Guimard in France and Victor Horta in Belgium is easy to recognise. Many of Victor Horta's buildings are now on the World Heritage list. In Vienna Josef Hoffman developed the ‘Vienna Secession' movement influenced yet different from Art Nouveau. This style was less curvaceous more rectilinear and straight lined in its forms. Charles Rennie MacIntosh, in Scotland, Antionia Gaudi in Spain and Louis Sullivan and Tiffany in the US each developed and expressed a form of Art Nouveau. There was a revival of Art Nouveau in the 1960's and exhibitions of the style continue to inspire new generations.

About the Author

Rosena works as an interior design, retail and visual merchandising tutor for Australian College QED. She I has also worked for the Retail Traders Association of Victoria as a Retail Trainer. Rosena has a Diploma in Interior Design, Post Graduate Diploma in Public and Community Health and is a qualified trainer. She also works as an interior design consultant, creates designer art work and is the Australian partner of Sample Board Online a new cool free interior design presentation tool.

Victorian Wallpaper Border

Original Post: Living Rooms

Victorian Wallpaper Border

How do I cap one of the switches in a three-way switch system?

I have a three way switch system in my staircase to control the staircase lights; one switch is at the bottom of the staircase, the other at the top. I want to take out the switch at the bottom, and put a flat plate cover on it (wife wants to put a picture over that area, and the switch would gouge into the back of it; we never use that switch anyway). My question: what do I do with the wires? The switch (looking at it) has two wires connected to screws on the left (top one is black, bottom one is white with a black piece of tape on it). On the right side, there is a red wire (hot), and a wire going to the green (ground) screw. Do I cap these wires, or use a connector to tie some of them together? I would like the switch at the top of the stairs to keep working.

OK you do have a 3-way sw.
If you look at the screws on the sw (not counting the green ) there will be 2 different colors. Usally 1 black and 2 brass colored (doesn't matter).
Take 1 wire from the black screw and 1 from the brass. Use a wire nut to connect the 2 wires together. use tape or another wire nut and cap off the 3 wire. The wire going to the green screw you can also cap.
Blank off the box and your done. You can leave the sw at the top of the stairs alone, or at worst take it and flip it 180degrees if it is upside down.

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NY New York Giants Light Switch Cover Wall Plate Wallplate 462 US $4.24

Switch Cover Plate Single Toggle Greek Key US $5.00

6 toggle green leaf switch plate wall cover US $50.00

VICKY LANE hand painted SWITCH PLATE COVER BIRD HOUSE US $6.99

2 Girls Rainbow and Clouds Light Switch Plate Cover Brand New Swirly Girl US $4.99

4 Amerock Carriage House switch plate covers US $14.99

SUNFLOWERS Green SINGLE LIGHT Switch Plate Cover US $4.77

ANGELIC KIDS SWITCH PLATE COVER SINGLE SWITCH NEW US $2.99

Amerock Carriage House 4 switch plate cover US $14.99

Amerock Carriage House 2 switch plate cover US $9.99

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Amerock Carriage House single switch single plug plate cover US $6.99

Amerock Carriage House double switch single plug plate cover US $7.99

Vickilane Grape Purple Single Switch Plate Cover US $10.99

Three Top Decorating Mistakes With Switch Plates

Here are the three top decorating mistakes, with switch plates.

1) Painting a room, a beautiful color, adding stunning flooring and window treatments, spending thousands of dollars, then adding a gaudy dollar store switch plate on all your electrical outlets and switches.

2) Renovating or changing a room or your whole house, and not bothering to put switch plates on at all, the finishing touches always seem to get forgotten.

3) Not getting the right type of switch plate. If you are hoping to blend in the electrical outlet or switch, then you would find one a similar color to your wall color or backsplash if its in the kitchen, you can even get ceramic ones that blend in well.

We all own lots of electrical equipment, and appliances. Our houses are wired for sound, security, blenders, coffee makers and the trusted microwave. So, we are going to have lots of electrical outlets. They are not always going to be conveniently hidden, so why not make them a part of the decor?

Whether they are for light switches, dimmers, plugs, or TV, cable and the internet, there is a switch plate out there that will finish your room or house off nicely. Don't cheap out on this part, that gaudy one you got from the dollar store, will stand out on the wall like a sore thumb! Especially if its one of those multiple light switch ones, that are quite large.

If you are on a really tight budget, then you could actually change your room, with very little money. If it is the kitchen, try changing the cabinet hardware and the switch plates, and you will be amazed at the difference.

You can get all kinds of decorative switch plates now, you see more and more at the local hardware store, but the best place is online, there are so many to choose from. You can get traditional all the way to funky!

Finish off your room, and get yourself some beautiful decorative switch plates
decorative switch plates

About the Author

unique switch plates online there are some really beautiful switch plates on the internet, spice up your walls.. article and website by Diane Palmer

Switch Plate Cover

Original Post: Living Rooms

Switch Plate Cover

Taking Care of Wooden Floors

What will be the best way to clean the wooden floors? There are some guidance that you can use to make your wooden floors in their best. To look its best a room must have a clean, softly lustrous floor whatever the finish or covering may be. Such floors are not difficult to achieve with the equipment and materials available at small cost to today's housekeeper.

For waxed wooden floors and resilient coverings there are long handled buffers and applicators of modest price, while electric polishers can be rented inexpensively from hardware and grocery stores. Self-polishing waxes make the care of many types of flooring easier and to apply them there are applicators with containers for the wax, controlled by a trigger.

WAXED WOODEN FLOORS predominate in all but the kitchens and bathrooms of most homes so we shall discuss them first. Wax is sometimes applied directly to softwood floors, but for these as well as for hardwoods a finish for the wood is highly desirable for appearance and ease of maintenance. If the finish on your floors is badly worn away in traffic areas, or if the wood has never been finished properly, save yourself a headache by having it sanded down to clean wood and refinished. Electric sanders can be rented: sealers are especially easy to apply. So the job could be done without outside help.

FOR WOODEN FLOORS in good condition, whatever the finish, the routine care is the same if they are waxed. They should be dusted regularly with a vacuum cleaner, soft brush, or untreated mop. Once a month, or as needed, they should be polished with a weighted buffer or electrical polisher. At this time fresh wax should be applied to areas that look worn. About twice a year the entire floor should be re-waxed. A paste wax is the most durable and is recommended generally, though liquid and even some self-polishing waxes can be used if you prefer them.

BEFORE PASTE WAX IS APPLIED the floor should be cleaned thoroughly. For this purpose use a liquid wax, or one of the special cleaners made for removing embedded soil from waxed floors. In this category are Bruce's Floor Cleaner, Preen, and Beautiful. Like liquid wax these special cleaners contain a dry cleaning agent such as naphtha, plus wax and other efficient dirt removers; they loosen the soil and remove old wax, yet leave a film of clean wax on the floor. Directions for using these products are given on the container. Read them carefully to obtain the best results. The general instructions are as follows:

First vacuum the floor carefully to remove surface dust and dirt Shake the container to be sure the contents are thoroughly mixed before applying the cleaner. If it has been stored in a cold place and become thickened, stand the can in hot water for a while, or hold it under a hot water faucet, and then shake it. (Never heat any wax preparation over an open flame.)

YOU CAN STAND UP FOR WAXING. You do not need to get down on your hands and knees to apply cleaning wax to a floor. Use one of the inexpensive, long handled applicators that are made especially for this purpose. One kind makes use of steel wool pads that greatly aid the cleaning action. Pour a little of your cleaner onto the floor, and using the applicator, rub with the grain of the wood to loosen the dirt which will be picked up by the cloth pad, or by a cloth placed under the applicator pad. Change cloths as they become soiled and work until the floor has been completely cleaned.

IF YOU PREFER HAND CLEANING, use essentially the same method. Pour a little cleaner onto the floor, spread it with a clean cloth, and rub it in to loosen the dirt, which will be removed by the cloth. Turn the cloth as it becomes soiled and apply more cleaner where it is needed. Use fine steel wool dipped in cleaner for difficult spots. A thin layer of wax will be left on the floor when you finish and this should be buffed.

What will be the best way in applying wax? Get some tips in which position you can apply the wax on the floor. Wooden floors can be handled easier with the electric polishers, which can be done without outsider's help. Get the wooden floor polished at least once in a month.

Clean the floor before putting the wax. Use the vacuum cleaner to remove the dust and dirt. You can choose to stand by using a long handle applicators or you can choose to wax by hand. Both has the same method.

About the Author

Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for
http://www.curtains-n-drapes.com/
,
http://www.ceramicsforme.info/
,
http://www.ceramicsforu.info/

Finish Wooden

Original Post: Living Rooms

Finish Wooden

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If you are interested to learn more about hardwood floor refinishing, it helps to learn as much as you can through tips and tricks. This can make hardwood floor installation much less stressful and complicated.

These four tips can make refinishing your hardwood floor an enjoyable experience:

1) The first thing that has to be done is your floor has to be prepared. This means taking anything out of the room that could receive damage, like furniture, tables, and drapes. The things that remain in the room will be soon covered in dust. Then make sure that you check for any boards that have become loose, and nail them back down. If there are nails that have started sticking out of the boards, just nail them back down. Next, any water stains that are present on the wood need to be sanded. If it is a small room, you can probably sand the area by hand. However, if the room is larger you will need to rent the proper sander. You will also need an edger, which is another type of sander for the edges. Be sure that when you rent the machines you also get the different types of sandpaper that will be needed.

2) As you begin your hardwood floor refinishing, you will need to be sure that you are sanding the wood in the exact direction of the floorboards. You will need to go over each area a few times until the new part is revealed. You should work in rows, and then turn off the machine and sand where you were standing. Keep doing this until the entire floor has been sanded.

The next thing you need to remember in hardwood floor installation is to use the edger. You need to get into the parts of the room that the drum sander couldn't get to. Be sure to hold the machine right above the floor, since it can leave marks if held down.

If any holes are left after sanding, be sure to fill them in with latex wood filler. The holes will be visible after the floor has been swept or vacuumed. Be sure to allow the filler to dry for at least an hour.

When you are finished sanding, be sure to clean up all dust and debris before you finish the wood.

3) You can stain the floor if you want to at this stage, but it is optional. Keep in mind that if you have many scratches on your floor, that the use of stain will actually make them more noticeable, so it is best to avoid staining if there are a great number of scratches when doing hardwood floor refinishing.

4) The last step is to finish the wood. Many people use polyurethane since it is water based and provides a strong finish. Urethane is another finish that isn't as durable, but doesn't stain the floor yellow like polyurethane can. They come in satin, matte, high gloss, and semi gloss finishes. You should first apply the finish around the room's perimeter, and then do the rest of the room. Keep in mind that there will be strong fumes, so it is necessary to wear a mask when doing your hardwood floor installation. Some finishes will have to be lightly sanded and then reapplied, so read the directions carefully before applying.

When everything is done, although it is a lot of hard work, you will reap the benefits of a beautiful hardwood floor refinishing for many years to come.

For Detailed training, information, and hardwood floor refinishing videos visit http://www.woodflooringhub.com

Wood Mask

Original Post: Living Rooms

Wood Mask