Step # 1: Once you have selected the furniture to be distressed, clean the surfaces of the furniture properly. Clean the surfaces to remove dirt and dust, if any.

Step # 2: Take sandpaper and sand the surfaces of the furniture thoroughly. You can use a medium or fine grit sandpaper for this. Remove rough edges, if any, and wipe the sanded surface with the tack cloth.

Step # 3: After sanding the surfaces, it’s time to apply primer to the furniture. Use a primer color of your choice and apply a thin coat of it on the sanded surface. See that you apply the primer in the direction of the wood grain.

Step # 4: Leave the primer to dry for a while and again sand the surface lightly. Rub and clean the surfaces again with the help of tack cloth. Then apply a thin coat of paint on the surfaces. Choose the color of the paint such that the color will complement other pieces of furniture in the room.

Step # 5: Your furniture is ready to get distressed. There are a number of ways to give your furniture a distressed look. Distressing the furniture is nothing but giving the furniture an old yet attractive and antique look. Start with sanding the round edges, making them flat. Sand the areas which are more likely to get distressed naturally, like, corners, near the handles, edges, etc. To create wormhole like imitation, use an ice pick or simple nails. You can even use a hammer to make slight imprints on the surfaces. Add holes at random spaces all over the furniture surfaces. Use your creativity to the fullest and come out with different ideas for distressing furniture.

Step # 6 : Now wipe the surfaces clean, using tack cloth. Apply the wood stain or crackling medium to the furniture. You can use a damp cloth or a sponge like paint brush for the same. Work on a single area at a time and wipe the stain or the crackling medium with the tack cloth before you move on to the next area. Once the stain has been applied to the surface, leave it for sometime, to dry and apply a seal coat to the surfaces. Your distressed furniture is ready.

Distressing furniture is one of the best ways to refinish the home dcor. Once you get an experience of how to distress furniture, you will enjoy the task and become an expert soon. You do not have to spend a lot of money to buy antique furniture from a store. You can easily make one at home by yourself!

Below are tips on cleaning and caring for your wood furniture to keep it looking beautiful for a long time.

Removing water stains on wood furniture There are two way to remove a water stain from wood furniture. 1) lay a blotter cloth over the spot and run a warm iron over it until the stain is gone. 2) rub lemon oil into the spot, let set overnight, wipe the excess oil off.

Removing alcohol stains on wood furniture any substance containing alcohol (drinks, medicines, cosmetics) can eat through wood finish quickly. When a spill occurs, grab a cloth and moisten it with lemon oil. Rub the spot with the cloth (if the spot is dry, remove with the same method as you wood a burn on wood).

Hide scratches on dark cherry or mahogany wood furniture rub spot with a cotton swab dipped in iodine.

Hide scratches on unshellacked maple or light cherry wood furniture rub spot with a cotton swab dipped in iodine diluted 50% with denatured alcohol.

Darken a scratch on wood furniture scoop out the meat of a walnut and rub it gently on the scratch. Make sure you rub it directly on top of the scratch.

Remove scratches from oiled finishes on wood furniture take fine steel wool and dip it into light mineral oil or boiled linseed oil. Rub in the direction of the grain. Let oil soak into wood, then wipe scratch area dry with a clean cloth.

Remove burns on wood furniture obtain finely powdered pumice stone (check woodworking suppliers) and mix with linseed oil. Take a soft cloth and rub the burn, in the direction of the grain, with the paste. Keep repeating until burn spot disappears. This works best on light burns.

Remove glass rings from wood furniture rub the rings with a mixture made of mayonnaise and white toothpaste. Wipe dry, then polish entire tabletop.

Remove spilled milk stains on wood furniture dip a damp cloth in ammonia or silver polish and rub stain area. Wipe dry with clean cloth.

Cleaning leather furniture wash furniture with a solution of 1/4 cup vinegar and a half cup of water. Next, wash furniture with saddle soap (available at shoe and hardware stores). Lastly, rub furniture briskly with a soft cloth.

Caring for wicker furniture wicker tends to be dry and can get brittle or split. Place brittle wicker furniture inside a bathtub and drench with water to restore moisture. Keep wicker away from heated areas such as stove, radiator, and fireplace.

Furniture polish tips 1) polish furniture often with a lint-free cloth moistened lightly with furniture polish. 2) use furniture polish sparingly. Its the rubbing motion (or elbow grease) that is the real secret to maintaining a great shine.
3) stick with either an oil or wax based furniture polish. Using both on the same piece can cause smudges and blotches. 4) remove wax build up by moistening a soft cloth with synthetic turpentine, mineral spirits or liquid polish, and cleaning entire surface.

Donna Monday
Are you embarrassed to have friends and family over because your home is always so messy? Say goodbye to clutter forever after you learn the fast, easy way to organize your home.

With constant improvements in technology you find microfiber is an exceedingly versatile and elegant fabric. Furniture made from microfiber is soft, very light and easy to take care of. This furniture has a similar appearance to suede and when it is placed in a room it looks very dignified.

One reason that microfiber is a popular material is that it has the ability to fend off dust and it is hypoallergenic. When it comes time to clean your microfiber furniture it will require specific methods because the stain resistant properties of this fabric also make it susceptible to forming water marks. If you use the wrong cleaning method or the wrong products you could possibly break down the microfibers, as a result this could break down the resilience and appearance. By following some easy cleaning tips you can maintain the appearance of microfiber furniture.

Removing pet hair from microfiber upholstery can be a big problem. Because of the nature of the fabric a hair works like a magnet and clings. Using a lint roller easily gets this hair off the furniture. You will find that microfiber furniture does not suit long haired pets. Body oils and hair from your pet and also from people stick like to microfiber like glue. As a result this requires more agitation and most furniture cleaning. Loose dirt and dust should be vacuumed immediately before it embeds in the fabric and in that case will be harder to remove. By vacuuming frequently you can remove pet hair, lint, soil and stop dirt and grime from embedding itself in the fibers. This also will prolong the life of your microfiber upholstery.

When spills appear you should blot the stain immediately with a soft cloth. You must keep blotting until you have dried the stain as much as possible. Use a mild dish detergent to gently wash the stains or spots and take care not to scrub the stain because of the possibility of spreading it. As you proceed using as little moisture as possible you should blot the stain. Use a hair blower on cool to dry any wet spots as quickly as possible. This is the best technique to prevent watermarks.

You can stop wear marks from appearing on your furniture by rearranging the cushions whenever possible. Most people are habitual and sit in the same place every time they use the furniture. By moving the cushions you can prevent excess wear. You should also rearrange your furniture to prevent wear patterns from forming. Also keep your furniture from direct sunlight which will prevent it from fading or other damage. If the furniture in your room cannot be kept out of direct sun you should draw the curtains whenever possible.

Even with the durability and stain resistant qualities of microfiber furniture it should be professionally cleaned annually. Cooking odors, greasy fingers and pollution from outside will cover the fabric and this will cause your furniture to become soiled easily. If you decide to clean your furniture yourself don’t use a cleaning machine with power brush attachments because this may damage the fabric. An upholstery cleaning method that uses low moisture reduces the likelihood of causing damage to the microfiber upholstery. Do not use bleach, nail polish remover, acetone or any similar chemicals on your microfiber. These products can cause some discoloration because of the synthetic nature of microfiber and as a result it needs to be cleaned different. Solvents that hurt cotton will not hurt microfiber and things that don’t hurt regular cloth will cause harm to microfiber. It is possible to literally dissolve the microfiber by using the wrong chemicals.

Having a regular cleaning routine and following a few simple tips will keep their rich appearance of your microfiber upholstery beyond anything you may hope for. Following these tips will give you great satisfaction with the results.

About the Author

Jim Thornton has been cleaning carpets for many years. In that time many methods of carpet cleaning have been used but the best carpet cleaning results have been achieved using dry foam extraction. For more information go to www.bubblesandsuds.ca

If as is said our house is our castle, then our bedroom should be our sanctuary. Our bedroom is more than a room where we sleep; it is our own private space where we can escape after a busy day and spend time alone laying on the bed reading, listening to our favoured music, or doing our own thing. So how do we choose our bedroom furniture and colours that reflect our personality and offer us the comfort that we need to relax? The following article will help you choose your bedroom furniture.

Bedroom furniture come in a variety of styles and sizes, and they usually include beds, mirrors, dressers, chests and boxes for storage, bedside tables and wardrobes. Before buying any furniture, however, you need to consider your budget as well as the features, size and use of your bedroom. Some people associate furniture durability with big name brands which cost a lot of money. If you can not afford them, search the market which today offers many choices. If your bedroom has fitted wardrobes and storage space you may not need additional dressers, chests and storage boxes, and if you use your bedroom for studying you may need to fit in a desk. Use your imagination to see how you may be able to arrange the furniture around and leave enough free floor space so you can move around without bumping into furniture.

When choosing furniture, make sure that the furniture and colours you choose for your bedroom reflect your personality and life style. If for example you are an energetic and dynamic personality, express yourself with bright colours such as green, orange or fuchsia, and if you like simplicity choose white colour furniture which make the room look and feel fresh and spacious. Bedroom furniture are made of many different materials such as wood, metal and glass and come in different styles. If you have a busy life-style and dont have much time to clean your room, avoid furniture which need a lot of care such as furniture covered with fabrics. Instead, choose a contemporary style of furniture that can withstand dust and grime such as glass or metal.

The most important piece of furniture in your bedroom is of course the bed and more precisely the mattress, which should be comfortable; a good mattress should support your spine and have some give at the key pressure points. In the past mattresses were made out of coils that hardened after a few years of use. Today, however, there are more choices such as water beds, adjustable air mattresses and memory foam mattress which follow your body’s shape and become softer with more weight. These beds can be very expensive, but they have some unique qualities and offer an alternative to people with back problems and to two people with different needs who share a bed.

Once you choose the bed, then use your imagination and try to combine and blend the different other pieces with the bed and try to maximize the space to make your room look and feel roomy. To add interest to the room, create a focal point by purchasing a unique rug, a unique full-length mirror, or a piece of furniture with an interesting colour, material, shape or finish. Also, to add warmth to the room, find a unique arm or lounge chair and create a soft seating area where you can sit and read or just day-dream looking out the window. Finally, once in a while re-arrange your bedroom to make it look new and fresh.

Importance of Patio Furniture Materials
While the look and comfort of your patio furniture is important, the materials that the the set are made from can be more important. The right patio furniture materials can mean the difference between enjoying your patio set for a few years, or years to come. Before choosing a patio furniture set, make sure that you consider all the different elements it will be exposed to.
Wood Patio Furniture
Wood is still one of the most popular materials for patio furniture. Wood patio furniture can add a classy touch while still being very elegant at the same time. Teak is by far the best choice for wood patio furniture. Teak is the most durable natural wood there is. In fact, teak is so durable that it was first used in the construction of ships.
Teak is Durable and Low Maintenance
Teak patio furniture is very resistant to weather conditions. It contains a natural resin that prevents decay and the growth of bacteria. It's an excellent choice for areas that are out in the open and subject to rain and other elements. Teak is very low maintenance and can literally last for decades. And, because teak is so easy to work with, teak patio furniture is available in numerous beautiful designs.
Metal Patio Furniture
Iron, steel and aluminum are the main types of metals used to manufacture patio furniture. Metal patio furniture is especially treated to resist rusting and coated to resist scratching. Because of their weight, iron and steel are excellent choices for any area that experiences strong winds. Metal is also a really good choice for areas that receive a lot of rain, or around pool areas.
Aluminum Patio Furniture
Aluminum patio furniture is popular because it offers several advantages. It's attractive, durable, versatile and very affordable. Aluminum has a very unique ability, it actually forms its own protective barrier when it's exposed to air. This natural barrier makes the metal very rust and corrosion resistant. Aluminum is low maintenance, generally only requiring soap and water to thoroughly clean.
Types of Aluminum Patio Furniture
There are basically two types of aluminum patio furniture to choose from. You can purchase an all metal set, or one that features a metal frame and seating made from other fabrics. While both types will last for years, a basic metal seat isn't comfortable. If you plan to spend a lot of time on your patio, cushioned seating is a must for comfort.
Author bio :
Oleg Oyfe manages LAFurnitureStore.com
If you are looking for a long lasting patio sofa set that is both stylish and affordable, LAFurnitureStore.com is the place to go. You are sure to find the patio set that fits your patio. They also provide a large selection of living room furniture, they specialize in leather sofas.

But more than ever before shabby chic furniture is something which a great many of us are looking to introduce into our refurbished and redesigned rooms in order to help create a truly stylish room bursting with character and elegance.

When most people consider the idea of shabby chic furniture it tends to largely be French furniture which is perceived and purchased. But in fact the concept of shabby chic started in Britain, not France. The phrase ‘shabby chic’ was coined in the 80s, since when it has grown massively in popularity, and is today a style of interior decor and furnishing which suits rooms of almost any size. Living rooms large enough to host a reasonably entertaining second division football match can certainly carry the shabby chic look extremely well, but then so can small, modestly sized living rooms, bedrooms and even bathrooms.

Today one of the reasons why many people consider shabby chic furniture to be associated with French furniture is because of the charm, style, elegance and character of the traditional French chateaux. The reason that shabby chic furniture works so well is because it implies a sense of classic styling, just as many older stately homes had an abundance of expensive and beautifully designed and constructed furniture which had often been handed down through the generations.

The fact that this old furniture had become a little worn, and perhaps shabby, in no way detracted from the essence of quality which was unmistakable. The shabby chic furniture available today may not have been handed down through generations nor be much older than your mobile phone, but is achieves the same effect extremely well. And at a minute fraction of the price that genuine antique furniture is likely to sell for.

Although shabby chic furniture is available in a variety of colours, styles and wood effects, those looking for French furniture will almost inevitably find themselves acquiring items of furniture and furnishings which are white, cream and decorated with a little gold. These are classic colours which are suited perfectly to a wide range of rooms.

Shabby chic furniture and French furniture works brilliantly in the bedroom when done properly, creating a calming, elegant and very stylish look relatively easily. By combining a few choice pieces of French furniture such as a bed, armoire and perhaps a dressing table with traditional French items such as large, ornate mirrors, chandeliers and suitable bedding, cushions and curtains it is possible to completely transform a bedroom for a relatively modest budget.

But here’s the rub. Because it is easy to make the mistake of focusing on the work ‘shabby’ rather than on both the words ‘shabby’ and ‘chic’ together. Shabby furniture which is cheap, knocked about and of relatively poor quality will certainly add something to the room, but hardly what you’re looking for. Today we are fortunate to be able to enjoy a wide selection of shabby chic furniture and French furniture available online, helping to inject something of the classic French chateaux into our own homes.