I understand this is completely off-topic, but this is an informative
piece I wrote many years ago.
I wrote it for a now defunct business but
the information is so complete and informative that I could not see
letting it die with that company's website.
I hope it is informative and will live on in the blogging world.
Tying it in to our Blog topic, there is nothing I like to do better after a long hike or camping trip than to relax my tired muscles in my leather recliner. Comfortable furniture and especially bedding will help improve your recovery time from an extended adventure.
So read on...
Tying it in to our Blog topic, there is nothing I like to do better after a long hike or camping trip than to relax my tired muscles in my leather recliner. Comfortable furniture and especially bedding will help improve your recovery time from an extended adventure.
So read on...
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Brief History of Furniture
Furniture has been around quite a long time. Evidenced by wall murals discovered at Pompeii and sculptures and furniture pieces recovered from tombs of the pharaohs in Egypt. Throughout human history; furniture design and popularity have been as diverse as the people that utilized it.
For example, tables and inlaid serving stands were apparently the 'style' for early 8th-century B.C. and were found in Gordion, Turkey at the Midas Mound. Seating furniture and carpets were found in a frozen tomb in Siberia and has been carbon dated to as early as 6th-century B.C.. Beds and stools have been repeatedly found in the tombs of Egypt of pharaohs and commoners. But much of the history of furniture has been lost to time since not all styles have been depicted in statues, wall murals, or carvings.
Each time an archaeologist breaks ground on a new site, chances are remnants of furniture of some types will be recovered. Early humans realized early on that furniture made sitting and sleeping more restful and enjoyable. From the simplest chairs made of only an odd shaped tree trunk or a mattress made of palm leaves bundled together by vines; sprang an industry full of variety, style, functionality, durability, and desirability.
Furniture Timeline
- 2550-2650's BC Gilded Egyptian Style
- 2000-2500's BC Ancient Greek Style
- 700- 800's BC Phrygian Tumulus Style
- 800- 900's BC Assyrian Nimrud Style
- 500-1000's BC Chu/Ancient Chinese Style
- 1400-1500's Middle Age (Baroque) Style
- 1600-1700's Jacobean Style
- 1640-1700's Early American Style
- 1690-1725's William & Mary Style
- 1700-1760's Queen Anne Style
- 1700-1780's Colonial Style
- 1714-1770's Georgian Style
- 1720-1830's Pennsylvania Dutch Style
- 1750-1800's Chippendale Style
- 1780-1820's Federal Style
- 1770-1800's Sheraton Style
- 1800-1840's American Empire Style
- 1820-1860's Shaker Style
- 1840-1920's Victorian Style
- 1930-1970's Scandinavian Contemporary Style
- 1945-1965's Mid-Century Modernism Style
- 1960-1970's Postmodern Style
- 1970-Today Modern Style
Early American Style is
styled from the rugged European furniture styles featuring locally
available woods of the area. Normally trimmed with very delicate and
ornate carvings and designs on a very dark finish. Sturdy build and longevity made this a lasting and valued style in its time.
William & Mary Style is
a style influenced by Dutch and Chinese styles of the time and named
for William and Mary of England. It features turned trumpet style legs
with either spanish feet or ball style feet and is immediately
recognizable from the Chinese style of lacquered finish. Seating areas
normally featured padded cushions which was considered luxurious at the
time.
Queen Anne Style was named after the English Queen. It is a variation to the basic William & Mary Style
with a graceful look. Features cabriole legs with either a foot pad or
drak style foot. Also features known for this style would include
fiddle-back designs in chairs and headboards and unique shaped drawer
handles to add flair. Also this style influenced another style named
Georgian Style (named for King George I & II) which was a more ornate version and was popular with royalty and the priveledged and social elites of the day.
Chippendale Style is a combination of several earlier styles; some of which are but not limited to Gothic, Chinese, & French Styles of the previous period. This was first popularized by a cabinet maker from Brittain named Thomas Chippendale (see his writings on this subject in "The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director" published in 1754). It features the Queen Anne Style
cabriole legs and ball or claw feet but also featured
Chinese influenced carvings and trimmings. Also quite popular in this
style is the overly tall pieces versus the normal standard sizings which
was more popular in American furniture manufacturers than the European
manufacturers of the day.
Colonial Style
is a combination style as well and incorporates parts from William
& Mary, Chippendale, and Queen Anne styles. It was considered a
more functional than a beautiful style and was used by most
manufacturers. Some trace the beginnings of Eclectic Style to this origin.
Shaker Style
was developed in the United States by The United Society of Believers, a
religious group popular at the time. It is a 'basic' style with
straight legs (some with taper and some without) with woven fabrics and large rounded knobs for handles and is revered for its simple elegance.
Scandinavian Contemporary Style
was a simple design style that was popular with the Swiss and Danes.
It featured real natural colored wood and simple connections and
fasteners. Very durable and very popular in the 1930's and 1940's but
fell from popularity for the most part by early 1950's.
Eclectic Style
is not an accepted 'style' but I mention here for completeness. Very
popular in modern times, Eclectic Style refers to each piece picked
on its individual merits rather than matching to other pieces. Very
common a six piece living room set may have six pieces all from
different styles. Or it can be a matching dining table and chairs with a
non-matching china buffet and another style type of server making a
combination of three different styles.
There are
many more styles not covered here but this should be sufficient to
provide you a brief understanding of popular styles we see today and
also may provide research material for you to explore further. I would
suggest searching Google.com , Yahoo.com , or any of the other major search engines to find more information.
Common Wood Types used in Furniture
Identifying Common Woods used in Furniture
Birch is a close relative to the Beech & Oak family of hardwoods. Normally found as medium-sized trees in northern temperate climates. It is the national tree of Russia and has long been used for everything from paper plates to furniture.
Ash can consist of 4 different tree families. Normally medium to large trees and are found in subtropical regions. Known as a strong hardwood that remains somewhat elastic and therefore is used for bows & arrows, tools, baseball bats, furniture, etc..
Bolivian Rosewood that is perfectly suited to furniture, flooring, turnery; due to its strong and heavy makeup and takes polish well. They can be found in Bolivia and commonly grow to 100 feet. Due to over-exploitation, supplies are sometimes poor.
Cherry normally refers to the stain rather than the popular tree that grows the fruit everyone is familiar with. But some manufacturers do indeed use this wood for their products. Normally found in the Northern Hemisphere, with two species in America, three in Europe, and remainder in Asia.
Maple consists of approximately 125 species of trees and shrubs; most of which are native to Asia, but there are some species in Europe, Africa, and North America. The can grow to 130 feet and thus has become a favorite among manufacturers that prefer to cut fewer trees but still require large amounts of wood.
Red Oak refers to a family of trees that are used quite frequently by many manufacturers across multiple industries; due to their quick maturity and hardwood quality. They can be found mainly in North, Central, and South Americas.
Spanish Cedar is commonly found in temperate climates and can grow close to 100 feet tall. Known for its thick trunk and irregular grain pattern, it is popular for furniture manufacturers.
Teak is a tropical hardwood tree native to south and southeast Asia and can grow in excess of 100 feet tall. Valued for its durability to stress, temperature, and weather fluctuations. It has its own natural oils that make it durable and at the same time pliable for many applications.
Walnut belongs to 21 species found across temperate areas around the world. They have been known to grow as high as 120 feet and valued for their attractive timber. The wood is hard and dense and makes any use of this hardwood into a durable piece.
White Oak is a long lived breed of oak. It is native to North America and can be found as far south as Florida and as far north as Quebec. Although the name white oak refers to the bark of the tree, more commonly the bark is an ashen gray. It can normally reach 85 feet at maturity and has been known to approach 144 feet tall. They have been known to live over 500 years.
Ash can consist of 4 different tree families. Normally medium to large trees and are found in subtropical regions. Known as a strong hardwood that remains somewhat elastic and therefore is used for bows & arrows, tools, baseball bats, furniture, etc..
Bolivian Rosewood that is perfectly suited to furniture, flooring, turnery; due to its strong and heavy makeup and takes polish well. They can be found in Bolivia and commonly grow to 100 feet. Due to over-exploitation, supplies are sometimes poor.
Cherry normally refers to the stain rather than the popular tree that grows the fruit everyone is familiar with. But some manufacturers do indeed use this wood for their products. Normally found in the Northern Hemisphere, with two species in America, three in Europe, and remainder in Asia.
Maple consists of approximately 125 species of trees and shrubs; most of which are native to Asia, but there are some species in Europe, Africa, and North America. The can grow to 130 feet and thus has become a favorite among manufacturers that prefer to cut fewer trees but still require large amounts of wood.
Red Oak refers to a family of trees that are used quite frequently by many manufacturers across multiple industries; due to their quick maturity and hardwood quality. They can be found mainly in North, Central, and South Americas.
Spanish Cedar is commonly found in temperate climates and can grow close to 100 feet tall. Known for its thick trunk and irregular grain pattern, it is popular for furniture manufacturers.
Teak is a tropical hardwood tree native to south and southeast Asia and can grow in excess of 100 feet tall. Valued for its durability to stress, temperature, and weather fluctuations. It has its own natural oils that make it durable and at the same time pliable for many applications.
Walnut belongs to 21 species found across temperate areas around the world. They have been known to grow as high as 120 feet and valued for their attractive timber. The wood is hard and dense and makes any use of this hardwood into a durable piece.
White Oak is a long lived breed of oak. It is native to North America and can be found as far south as Florida and as far north as Quebec. Although the name white oak refers to the bark of the tree, more commonly the bark is an ashen gray. It can normally reach 85 feet at maturity and has been known to approach 144 feet tall. They have been known to live over 500 years.
Identifying Common Woods used in Furniture
Ash
Gray-brown American hardwood.
Beech
Light brown American hardwood.
Birch
Red-brown American hardwood.
Black Walnut
Dark brown American hardwood.
Cedar
Golden to red-brown American softwood.
Cherry
Red-brown American hardwood.
Elm
Red-brown American hardwood.
Elotis Pine
Yellow hardwood from South America.
Fruitwood
Pink-brown American hardwood, including apple and pear.
Hickory
Red-brown American hardwood.
Holly Veneer
Creamy-white American hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets.
Mahogany
Red-brown South American and African hardwood.
Mahogany Veneer
Red-brown South American and African hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets.
Maple
Golden to red-brown American hardwood.
Maple Veneer
Golden to red-brown American hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets.
Oak
Gray-brown American hardwood.
Pine
Yellow to pink-brown American softwood.
Rosewood Veneer
Purple-brown South American hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets.
Satinwood Veneer
Golden-brown Indian hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets. Satinwood can be highly polished.
Sycamore
Pink-brown American hardwood.
Sycamore Plane
Creamy-white European hardwood, treated to turn a silvery-gray or pink-brown color.
Teak
Yellow-brown African and Asian hardwood.
Tulipwood
Pink-yellow South American hardwood with red striping. Also known as pinkwood.
Zebrawood
Golden-brown African hardwood with dark brown striping.
Gray-brown American hardwood.
Beech
Light brown American hardwood.
Birch
Red-brown American hardwood.
Black Walnut
Dark brown American hardwood.
Cedar
Golden to red-brown American softwood.
Cherry
Red-brown American hardwood.
Elm
Red-brown American hardwood.
Elotis Pine
Yellow hardwood from South America.
Fruitwood
Pink-brown American hardwood, including apple and pear.
Hickory
Red-brown American hardwood.
Holly Veneer
Creamy-white American hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets.
Mahogany
Red-brown South American and African hardwood.
Mahogany Veneer
Red-brown South American and African hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets.
Maple
Golden to red-brown American hardwood.
Maple Veneer
Golden to red-brown American hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets.
Oak
Gray-brown American hardwood.
Pine
Yellow to pink-brown American softwood.
Rosewood Veneer
Purple-brown South American hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets.
Satinwood Veneer
Golden-brown Indian hardwood, used in thinly sliced sheets. Satinwood can be highly polished.
Sycamore
Pink-brown American hardwood.
Sycamore Plane
Creamy-white European hardwood, treated to turn a silvery-gray or pink-brown color.
Teak
Yellow-brown African and Asian hardwood.
Tulipwood
Pink-yellow South American hardwood with red striping. Also known as pinkwood.
Zebrawood
Golden-brown African hardwood with dark brown striping.
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There
are probably thousands of other types but I have included a brief list
here simply for reference purposes. Your local library or web searches
will pull up additional information if you so request.
But as you can see, there is virtually hundreds of combinations with woods, veneers, etc..
So
the most important thing is to know which types you are seeking
whenever coming in to purchase furniture. This way you can be assured
that the piece of furniture you pick out fits your needs and
requirements.
Care of Hardwood Furniture
With
proper care your hardwood furniture can provide years of pleasure.
Here are some tips to help you get the most from your furniture
Here are some tips to help you get the most from your furniture
- • Maintain a humidity-controlled environment (35-45% humidity) this will help to prevent warping and cracking.
- • Keep furniture out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources which can cause warping as well.
- • Avoid the use of nail polish remover, alcohol or other solvents near furniture.
- • Dust often with a soft cloth following the grain pattern; this will remove abrasive dust particles.
Common Problems & Solutions for Various Stains/Defects
- • Burns (such as cigar or cigarette) - Minor burns can be fixed by rubbing with a paste of linseed oil and rottenstone, working with the grain until the burn disappears.
- • Heat Marks - Rub along the grain with a dry steel wool soap pad, extra fine steel wool or cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
- • Paint - If fresh, remove latex pain with water and oil based mineral spirits. If dry, soak spot in linseed oil, wait until soft and carefully remove with putty knife & linseed oil. Wipe dry.
- • Wax or Gum - Harden the substance by holding an ice cube wrapped in a cloth against it. Pry off. Rub the area with extra fine steel wool dipped in mineral spirits. Wipe dry.
- • Paper - Dampen the paper with salad oil, wait five minutes and rub along the grain with extra fine steel wool dipped in mineral spirits.
- • White Marks - Rub with cloth dipped in lemon juice or salad oil or rub with a cloth dipped in lighter fluid, followed by salad oil. Wipe dry.
- • Water Marks - Cover the ring with a clean thick blotter and press down with a warm iron. Repeat as needed. Wipe dry.
- • Milk or Alcohol Stains - Rub solution of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone with the grain.
LEATHER - FULL GRAIN - TOP GRAIN - CORRECTED GRAIN - SPLIT LEATHER -
What does it all mean?
What does it all mean?
Well, don't feel bad if you don't know the differences in leather - most people don't. There are many types of leathers which is a 'fabric'
that is produced by utilizing animal skin and using chemical processes
and tanning. They create durable and beautiful materials for sofas,
loveseats, practically anything you furnish your home with. I will not
go into specifics with regard to animal types but more generically into
the terms used today in context with furniture.
Full Grain/Top Grain Leather
This
type refers to leathers that are normally derived from the upper
sections of the hide. This is in it's most natural state and as such
allows the best strength and durability.
The finest leather
furniture is made of this type of leather. Rather than wearing out it
will grow more beautiful over time and is why it is so highly praised by
so many different industries.
Corrected Grain
This type refers to leathers that have been 'corrected'
by removing imperfections in the hide from scars, insect bites, brands,
etc. This is commonly used as a more economical solution for those
longing for leather but also shopping for a deal.
Split Leather
This type refers to leathers that have been 'leftover' from the Top Grain process. The remnants are combined to create the 'fabric'
of the hide and an artificial layer is applied and this fuses or hides
the splits and gives the appearance of one continuous piece. A common
example of Split Leather is Suede. Suede is manufactured by splitting
the hides' different layers and therefore by splitting the same size
piece of leather they can produce much more surface area of final
product. Therefore suede is normally the most economical choice of the 'leathers' group.
Honorable Mentions
Certain terms have become commonplace in our society and therefore require that I refer to them here.
- Deer Skin - this is one of the best quality and durable types of leathers. Deers are naturally designed to withstand thorn bushes and thickets and their hide is ideal for producing durable furniture products and many other products from all types of industries.
- Patent Leather - this is actually leather with nothing more than a coating of high gloss and commonly plastic coating to produce a long lasting shine. Used more as decorative trimmings in furniture but is very versatile for other industries, especially the footwear industry.
- Buckskin - is leather that has went through the tanning process and was altered or added to by using fatty materials. This produces a softer feel that makes this a great choice for clothing. Not very popular in furniture industry other than motif type items or decoration.
- Bicast Leather - this is a man-made product that is produced by using leather remnants and a thick layer of polyurethane that provides durability.
ALTERNATIVE 'LEATHERS'
Synthetic
leathers have been developed that do not require the utilization of
animals but rather chemicals and plastics that simulate the true feel of
leather. Common terms for these types are: Pleather, Faux Leather,
Patent Leather(because of the additives), Naugahyde, Durahide, etc.
The synthetic leathers can be comprised solely of non-animal products or can be a combination of both depending on the use and design of the industry implementing it.
With alternatives, consumers will not have to worry about Red Rot (a condition that may result when finer leather is not conditioned or cared for properly over time) and some types allow easier cleaning.
LEATHER CARE
Leather
is an organic natural fiber and as such will eventually break down after some
time. There are issues with Red Rot and also if the tanning processes
were not carried out properly you can also develop issues with proteins
left in the animal skin putrefying. Most products include 'Care Instructions' with their products and if not there is a wealth of information on the web relating to this subject.
If you would like to learn more about leathers, may I suggest you start at The Internation Union of Leather Technologists and Chemist Societies.
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MATTRESS INFORMATION
No one truly knows when mattresses were invented, but it probably can be traced to very ancient times where mattress meant no more than leaves stuffed into a animal hide. The earliest use of the word 'mattress' comes from ancient Arabic in which it meant "matt or cushion" or "to throw".
No one truly knows when mattresses were invented, but it probably can be traced to very ancient times where mattress meant no more than leaves stuffed into a animal hide. The earliest use of the word 'mattress' comes from ancient Arabic in which it meant "matt or cushion" or "to throw".
Even
from its earliest beginnings, mattress types were varied by what
resources were available. Today, most mattress companies use similar
materials but there are distinct differences. Basically, mattresses are
a collection of coiled springs with foam material padding and a fabric
cover encasing it. There are many types of foam, coil springs, and
fabric covers and we cannot possibly touch on all of them here but I
will try to give you a basic understanding.
Types of Mattresses:- Latex Mattresses - made from polymers that extend the life of mattresses over conventional or standard types.
- Standard Mattresses - made from natural or traditional resources and contains no chemically altered polymers or fabrics.
- Specialty Mattresses - made specifically to address certain issues, normally health related. Some examples would be: Posturepedic, Orthopedic, etc..
- Water Mattresses - made using a vinyl casing filled with water. Very popular beginning in 1960's.
- Air Mattresses - made using a vinyl or polymer casing and made in a way so that the user can inflate and deflate mattress as needed.
- Futon Mattresses - made with a fabric casing (sometimes other materials) and filled with simple foam. Designed as a simple pad for a futon style sofa or sleeper. Can also include innersprings for better support (will cover that later - see below).
- Bunky Mattresses - made with a fabric casing pulled over a standard mattress with a solid wood frame bottom. Normally used in childrens' beds to alleviate the need for foundations/box springs.
- Rebuilt/Reconstructed Mattresses - made from standard coils and fabric and resembles standard mattress type. The rebuild process includes rehabbing coil springs from used mattresses by cleaning and strengthening them and then reusing them in another set with new foam and casings. Normally used for inexpensive alternative for guest rooms, camping cabins, daybeds, etc.
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please visit one of our sponsors.
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mattressandfurnituresupercenter@yahoo.com
2719 E. Adamo Drive
Tampa , FL , 33605
(813) 242-9500
