When renovating or redecorating one's home, it is often difficult to find just the right furniture pieces. Because there are so many choices available, it helps to narrow down your options to the pieces that best reflect who you are, what you stand for, and what you love. If you want to reflect your unique [...]]]>

When renovating or redecorating one's home, it is often difficult to find just the right furniture pieces. Because there are so many choices available, it helps to narrow down your options to the pieces that best reflect who you are, what you stand for, and what you love. If you want to reflect your unique personality and quirky fashion sense through your furniture, read on for some helpful tips!

- Look to style magazines and online articles to help you find your vision. Even though you want to reflect your own personality through your furniture, you do not need to come up with every idea on your own. You can reflect your own style not only through your unique ideas and furniture combinations, but also through what you choose to include (or not include!) in each room.

- Ask your closest friends what they think your decorating personality is. It can be eye-opening to get a second opinion. You may think of yourself one way, but your friends undoubtedly have at least a slightly different view. Whether they have a lot of advice or just a few ideas, you are sure to appreciate their input.

- It is okay to choose all of your favorite colors, but do not get stuck in a color rut. You might feel that your personality is best described by the color pink, for instance, but do not purchase only pink furniture! Moderation is key. A few pieces in shades of your favorite bright colors, mixed with other pieces in muted tones, will have plenty of personality without becoming visually overpowering.

- Do not choose a piece just because it fits your price range. It can be tempting to "settle" for a chair or kitchen table just because it is not too pricey, but in the long run you will regret it. That does not mean that you should spend more than you can afford, however! If money is tight, be patient. Save up for that perfect living room set or gorgeous wall art. Even if waiting for for the ideal pieces takes more time, it will be well worth the wait.

- Start a "style notebook" and include pictures, torn out of magazines or printed off the internet, that represent you. This collection of visual ideas will describe in pictures what you can not quite describe in words. As your "style notebook" grows, your personality will start to jump right off the pages. If you love making scrapbooks and feel especially creative, take this tip a step further. Put some pictures of your final furniture choices on the last pages to finish the notebook and give you a sense of a project well done.

-Reflecting your personality through furniture is possible even if you are not very artistically-minded, but for those who love to do crafts, decorating can be even more satisfying. When shopping for pieces, do not consider just what they look like, but what they could be transformed into. Do you like a chair but wish it had a different finish? Buy it anyway, and refinish it yourself. Do you have your eye on a new sofa but do not quite like the color? You can reupholster it, make or buy a pretty slipcover, or even just spruce it up with handmade throw pillows. If you are willing to spend the time, there are always plenty of ways to get exactly the results you want.

- Visit antique stores and small boutiques for even more unique ideas. Even if you can not afford the prices, you are sure to feel inspired by the fascinating range of items hidden within these stores. You might even be lucky enough to find some good deals, too.

-In the end, make sure you enjoy your decorating quest. Your personality is sure to shine through whatever you do, as long as you stay true to yourself, to your likes and dislikes. Do not make choices just because you feel they are necessary or good enough. Do not settle for good enough; always strive for the best, and have fun in the process!

Author Bio

Krystina Malinowski writes about expressing yourself for NetQin.

Featured in the May issue of  Trad Home Digital Issue came a selection project by a number of bloggers, including Stylebeat blog who recommended designer Christina Murphy. Off all the pictures her kelly-green dining room set really stole the show in her design project.  Murphy brings a colorful impression with this New York City apartment [...]]]>

Featured in the May issue of  Trad Home Digital Issue came a selection project by a number of bloggers, including Stylebeat blog who recommended designer Christina Murphy. Off all the pictures her kelly-green dining room set really stole the show in her design project.  Murphy brings a colorful impression with this New York City apartment for a growing cosmopolitan family.

French Ball Room Chairs

The dining room can often be one of your house’s showcases. It can be the center of activity for parties and family gatherings. In many homes the dining room gets a lot of use and upholstered dining room chairs in particular are targets for spills and stains from [...]]]>

French Ball Room Chairs

The dining room can often be one of your house’s showcases. It can be the center of activity for parties and family gatherings. In many homes the dining room gets a lot of use and upholstered dining room chairs in particular are targets for spills and stains from meals and gatherings. They can also gather dirt and dust when they are not in use. Upholstered dining room chairs should be regularly cleaned so that the dining room does not lose its luster. Even if you only entertain on a few special occasions and holidays, it’s still a good idea to keep the chairs clean. Clean chairs will keep the whole dining room looking good and smelling fresh.

Here are a few basic ideas for cleaning upholstered dining room chairs:

· Vacuum - Start with vacuuming the upholstering. Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner on the seat then attach the small crevice tool to get the dirt and small bits of food out of the small folds on the seat.

· Stain Removal - Next, remove any stains. There are a number of methods that you can use to remove stains:

o Use a commercial stain remover sprayed directly onto the stain. Let it stand for about 5 minutes. Then blot the stain and the area around the stain as well with a damp towel.

o Use homemade treatments like club soda, baking soda, and cold water mixed together. Red wine stains can be treated with salt. If there are any bloodstains, dab them with cold water.

o Water can often leave water rings on fabric. If the fabric is light colored, white vinegar can remove water stains. Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes and then blot with a dry towel.

Be sure not to rub when you are removing the stain. This can cause the stain to spread. Always dab delicately on and around the stain. After spot cleaning, let the area dry completely before beginning the overall cleaning.

· Clean the entire fabric area – The chair fabric can be cleaned using different techniques:

o Mix one tablespoon of laundry detergent in a large bowl or bucket with warm water. Use the soapy water to gently scrub the seat and other upholstered areas of each chair. Rinse them using a wet towel that does not have soap on it.

o You can also use a steam cleaner to clean the fabric on your dining room chairs. Clean the chair one area at a time: the seat, the backrest, arms, and even the back of the chair and underneath the seat. Use the vacuum function to remove the water and dry the fabric. Make sure each area you have cleaned is completely dry before moving on to the next area.

o Velvet is a popular fabric for upholstered dining room chairs. While velvet is rich looking, it can be hard to maintain. Use a soft cloth to get the dirt and dust off of velvet chairs. You can also use a brush that has soft bristles to do this job.

Before tackling a job like this yourself, make sure you know what type of fabric is on the chairs. There may be a tag from the manufacturer on the chairs that not only states what the fabric is but may also have cleaning instructions.

Author bio:

Brian Andersen is furniture maker and avid blogger who writes for MA Local Guide.

Some of the Prettiest Tolix Chairs By Melissa Edelman Antiques

Tolix chairs have been so popular, I see pictures everywhere.  Pinterest, facebook, you name it, the Tolix chair is featured as one of the most favorite chairs of the year.

The Tolix chair was designed by a Frenchman in 1907, by the name of [...]]]>

Some of the Prettiest Tolix Chairs By Melissa Edelman Antiques

Tolix chairs have been so popular, I see pictures everywhere.  Pinterest, facebook, you name it, the Tolix chair is featured as one of the most favorite chairs of the year.

The Tolix chair was designed by a Frenchman in 1907, by the name of Xavier Pauchard. His very first chair looked remarkably similar to those chairs we see all over the magazines today. Pauchard used galvanization which is a process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron, in order to prevent rusting. The most common method in current use is hot-dip galvanization, in which steel parts are submerged in a bath of molten zinc. Galvanizing is also favored as a means of protective coating because of its low cost, ease of application and comparatively long maintenance-free service life.

The Tolix chairs are being produced by the top furniture companies and are being featured in almost every design magazine world wide. They are being photographed both indoors and outdoors, and being used as a regular dining chair, and doubled as a patio chair.

Almost Like the Classic Tolix Chair, This French Bistro Chair is only $129!

Almost identical to the Tolix chair, this French bistro dining chair is the perfect chair for your home. Leave it in its metal state or paint it with a paint formulated for metal for the perfect shade that will fit with your existing furniture. New, sells this chair for only $129

Industrial Metal Tolix Chairs

Tolix Chairs From  Anna Magnier’s Pinterest via Greige

Industrial Furniture - The Declan Dining Chair

Much like the Tolix chair, this Declan dining chair has all the good looks of industrial furniture with a new unique look. This chair sells for $275

The Rockwell Collection Table & The Opera Dining Table

Contrasting elements are a nice fit for the Opera dining table. With a round metal top and a detailed wooden base it is equipped for a queen. All finishes are hand applied and sanded repeatedly. Coated with a lacquer top coat or wax. The Opera Dining Table sells for $1,399

The Rockwell collection features an industrial aesthetic with a unique blend of iron and distressed wood. The collection features working gears and moving parts on select pieces. The iron is torched with fire, and then a black wax is applied. This is a molded reproduction of antiques. This very special table sells for $1,899

Additional Interesting Items

Cassanova Wine Table- This great table is made from old wood. Put your wine in the bottom, table top is wood banded in metal, and roll it around to where you want. Just an all around great piece for $1,499

Element Sideboard - Function meets unique design in the Element collection. The occasional collection is crafted of iron and steel that features an antique nickel finish. $1,699 Other Pieces in the Collection, Element Tall Cabinet, Element Media Console, Element End Table

The Hudson Console is a piece of furniture that has a lot of versatility. Natural finish on walnut wood, two drawers with metal hardware, metal frame $1,599

Sitcom Crank Metal Coffee Table in Mocha by Sitcom $480

European Watering Cans with An Antique Finish. $70

Jade Coffee Table- Traditional Chinese elements blend seamlessly with colored antique finishes in the Zhang collection. Each piece is based on traditional patterns, emphasizing distinctive shapes, and cutouts. Crackled paint finish, rubbed down at the corners for an authentically aged feel. Hand-painted and distressed $749

SET OF 6+2 FRUITWOOD SPINDLEBACK CHAIRS WITH RUSH SEAT

Debenham Antiques has a number of beautiful valuable antique dining chairs available. Debenham Antiques has been in existence for nearly 50 years, and work with overseas buyers. Check out just some of their stock that is available on ebay

SET [...]]]>

SET OF 6+2 FRUITWOOD SPINDLEBACK CHAIRS WITH RUSH SEAT

Debenham Antiques has a number of beautiful valuable antique dining chairs available. Debenham Antiques has been in existence for nearly 50 years, and work with overseas buyers. Check out just some of their stock that is available on ebay

SET OF 6 + 2 OF FRENCH CARVED OAK LADDER BACK CHAIRS

SET OF 8 LADDERBACK WITH BOBBLETOP DINING CHAIRS

SET OF 8 ASH AND ELM WINDSOR DINING CHAIRS

SET OF 8+2 OAK LADDERBACK ELEGANT DINING CHAIRS

SET OF 8 OAK LADDER BACK CHAIRS

SET OF 10 THONET BENTWOOD STYLE DINING CHAIRS From Debenham Antiques

10 +2 DINING CHAIRS UPHOLSTERED IN CALICO

Tommy Smythe- HGTV star, Sarah's House co-host and Toronto has made over his historic home he revived with what he calls a "new Victorian" look — think classic panelled cabinets, crown moulding and tufted furniture gussied up with red accents, Deco lighting and zigzag patterns. To add a glamourous toch, Smythe put a [...]]]>

Tommy Smythe- HGTV star, Sarah's House co-host and Toronto has made over his historic home he revived with what he calls a "new Victorian" look — think classic panelled cabinets, crown moulding and tufted furniture gussied up with red accents, Deco lighting and zigzag patterns. To add a glamourous toch, Smythe put a single red chair among black bentwood chairs in this dining area. The round table serves as a perfect spot for kids' games and crafts while dinner is being prepared. See more of his home on House & Home Magazine

Orange Leather on leather on Klismos Chairs

French Provincial Dining Chair with advanced distressing and Painting Techniques

Laurel Crown is known for their authentic antique reproduction furniture. Painted Distressed furniture has become tremendously popular for decades, so it is not surprising that distressed furniture still demands the publics attention. The problem is that there aren't too many [...]]]>

French Provincial Dining Chair with advanced distressing and Painting Techniques

Laurel Crown is known for their authentic antique reproduction furniture. Painted Distressed furniture has become tremendously popular for decades, so it is not surprising that distressed furniture still demands the publics attention. The problem is that there aren't too many companies which turn out a quality product that has authentic distressing, glazing and faux painting that gives the appearance of an antique which has been loved for years and passed down through generations.

That is why I LOVE this chair sold by Laurel Crown. This lovely french chair is reproduced from designs originating from the countryside of Southern France. This chair is made out of a solid pine wood frame, and beautifully aged producing a layered patina.Laurel Crown produces these fabulous finishes by layering on paint which is then scraped and sanded by hand. The chair has a caned seat and hand-chiseled floral carvings in the front. This chair is not only comfortable but durable to last years.

French Dining Chairs - Featured on Belgian Pearls Blog

French Provincial Dining Chairs From Belgain Pearls Blog

Parsons dining room chairs first made their debut in the 80's and still have remained in style today.   Parsons chairs are known for their comfort, so it is not surprising that many people choose this chair as their complete dining room chairs.  Instead of having the dated ruffled edge around the chair that [...]]]>

Parsons dining room chairs first made their debut in the 80's and still have remained in style today.   Parsons chairs are known for their comfort, so it is not surprising that many people choose this chair as their complete dining room chairs.  Instead of having the dated ruffled edge around the chair that were common in the 80's and 90's -today's chair is streamlined, featuring large pleats and flat pressed front and sides.  The shape hasn't changed, but the tailoring has.  These chairs still have tall backs, with elongated seats and feature no armrests.  In some sense, they are much like slipper chairs.

The number one decorating secret that most designers use to their advantage is fabric patterns. Parsons chairs are all about the fabric than the shape of the chair.   They have no armrests which allow the homeowner to fit more people at the table.  They also are quite comfortable with padded seats and backs.  Fabric can go a far way to giving the look of comfort and ease in your home.  Fabric also adds texture and  interest into your homes surroundings.

Parsons Chair Slipcover Ballard Essentials

The type of fabric you choose can also go a far way in defining your style to others. If you are a formal person who really enjoys the finer things in life, then satins, brocades or raw silk fabric can give that feeling of regal elegance.  Natural Linens have been all the rage at Restoration Hardware and can be a timeless look.  The Nailhead Parsons Chair with Casters feature nailhead trim which outlines the rectangular shape.  Many people have trouble bringing in brighter colors into their home, but don't know how to execute it properly.  Picking out a fabric with color is almost like a work of art as you upholster a chair and add the brass nail head dressings.  A  chair can set the stage in the room, with the choice of fabrics and color.  If you are striving for a designers touch, a variety of fabrics with common elements of color can give a polished look quickly. Parsons chairs are all about the fabric. Whether you choose a simple linen, or a complicated pattern, fabric will always make a chair more comfortable.

Carolina Classic Upholstered Hampton Chair, Wheat Chenille

Steve Silver Matinee Fabric Dining Parson Chair in Beige

Parsons chairs have always had the same shape over the years, but the one thing that has changed is the base of the chair.  It is no longer very stylish to upholster the legs, but today we are seeing the legs featured.  Again, a tailored look with pleats can bring a sense of precision and purposeful design at your dining room table.  Consider the parsons chair for your formal or informal dinner table.

6 Eggshell Lauren Leather Parsons Dining Chair Set

6pc Dining Table & Parson Chairs Espresso Finish Set

Camel Parsons Chair Dining Room Chair With Nailhead Trim

Parsons Chair With Nailhead Trim,in Camel

Ptriot Spearmint- back Parsons Chair With Nailhead Trim

Parsons Chair With Nailhead Trim, PATRIOT CINDER

Steve Silver Movado Fabric Dining Parson Chair in Velvet

Set of 2 Parson Dining Chairs with Curved Back in Gray

Chinese Chippendale Elle Decor Designer Suzani

In 1754 a book was published in London and called "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director" where cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale was by far some of the best designs listed. Chippendale's designs fall into three main styles: Gothic, Rococo, and Chinese. Thomas Chippendale blended all these style [...]]]>

Chinese Chippendale Elle Decor Designer Suzani

In 1754 a book was published in London and called "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director" where cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale was by far some of the best designs listed. Chippendale's designs fall into three main styles: Gothic, Rococo, and Chinese. Thomas Chippendale blended all these style elements into unified designs. The term "chippendale" refers to English furniture of the 1750s and ’60s with a particular Rococo edge. Today chippendale chairs have gained popularity again, often seen in bright painted colors for whimsical and modern looks.

Chinese Chippendale Chair

Many couples choose the french country because of their softer details.  French furniture has always been considered high end, and quite formal.  Traditional french chairs are often paired with silky fabric such as brocade, and gilt wood finishes.  While classic french furniture is very formal, french country styles on the other hand are often less [...]]]>

Many couples choose the french country because of their softer details.  French furniture has always been considered high end, and quite formal.  Traditional french chairs are often paired with silky fabric such as brocade, and gilt wood finishes.  While classic french furniture is very formal, french country styles on the other hand are often less serious.  They have the beautiful frames that are seen with classic french furniture, but are paired with cotton fabrics, and linens giving it a lived in feel.

A full range of Queen Anne chairs have been reproduced in various styles, and are among the most elegant choice for a classical home. The chairs were made in the Rhode Island area around the 1740-60. There was related chair designs in the New York and Pennsylvania area in the same approximate time [...]]]>

A full range of Queen Anne chairs have been reproduced in various styles, and are among the most elegant choice for a classical home. The chairs were made in the Rhode Island area around the 1740-60. There was related chair designs in the New York and Pennsylvania area in the same approximate time period. Queen Anne Chairs reflect the elegant lines of the Rococo styles, which were apparent in every furniture design around this time period. Often you will see cabriole front legs and carved shells on the knees with claw and ball feet.  This lovely chair is from Bernhardt Furniture

Winsor Dining Set Country living

The Windsor Chair is one chair you cannot go wrong with. Featured often in many magazines such as Country Living, House & Garden, Country home, and Cottage Living , it is one chair that keeps going. Windsor chairs are often painted as people want to draw together a [...]]]>

Winsor Dining Set Country living

The Windsor Chair is one chair you cannot go wrong with. Featured often in many magazines such as Country Living, House & Garden, Country home, and Cottage Living , it is one chair that keeps going. Windsor chairs are often painted as people want to draw together a collective look in their overall decor. While some shun the idea of painting these beautiful chairs, they were originally made for the porch. As they gained popularity, it made its way from the garden into the home.

Originally in president had 30 Windsor chairs in the east portico at Mt. Vernon. Philadelphia was the birthplace of the American Windsor Chair in as early as 1725. The Windsor chair is as stunning in the homes of today as they were in the past. Use them as a side chair, or a set of chairs around your farm house table, either way they are dynamite!

Aqua Windsor Distressed Chairs

Baroque/ Louis XVI Chairs Peter M. Trapolin Interior Design by Alexa Hampton

Louis XVI style fell between 1774–1793, which was at the time the tale end of Rococo and the beginning of Neoclassicism. Neoclassicaism was reflected in the architecture, painting, and sculptures, so the styles gravitated towards something opposite than the ornate rococo.  Louis [...]]]>

Baroque/ Louis XVI Chairs Peter M. Trapolin Interior Design by Alexa Hampton

Louis XVI style fell between 1774–1793, which was at the time the tale end of Rococo and the beginning of Neoclassicism. Neoclassicaism was reflected in the architecture, painting, and sculptures, so the styles gravitated towards something opposite than the ornate rococo.  Louis XVI chairs are often oval, rectangular or shield form. The cabriole legs of the Louis XV had been replaced with straight legs and are fluted legs imitating the columns of ancient Rome. Most of the furniture and chests were retangular, or square than the obvious curves such as the Bombe chests of Louis XV.

]]> http://thediningroomchairs.com/archives/louis-xvi-rounded-dining-chairs/feed 0 http://thediningroomchairs.com/archives/louis-xvi-dining-chair http://thediningroomchairs.com/archives/louis-xvi-dining-chair#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:14:54 +0000 Admin http://thediningroomchairs.com/?p=134

Louis XVI Dining Chair Seller John Norwood Antiques

The Louis XVI style was all about simplicity, which replaced the exotic over the top ornate styles of Louis XV. Between 1760-1789 most furniture lost the extra fuss and the lines became more architectural and straight. Painted chairs and tables were trimmed in gold [...]]]>

Louis XVI Dining Chair Seller John Norwood Antiques

The Louis XVI style was all about simplicity, which replaced the exotic over the top ornate styles of Louis XV. Between 1760-1789 most furniture lost the extra fuss and the lines became more architectural and straight. Painted chairs and tables were trimmed in gold or another contrasting color. Gilded wood becamse popular for chairs, and legs and vertical supports appeared turned resembling spindles, quivers, columns and balusters. Flat surfaces and right angles were the popular in this style and architectural motifs were still used as decorative elements.

Shaker furniture was originally produced at religious communities over the country during the early 19th century. The shaker design was marked by simplicity and practicality, while other late 19th century chairs that were produced similar to this design were often noted for extra frills and details, while the original shaker chair was simple [...]]]>

Shaker furniture was originally produced at religious communities over the country during the early 19th century. The shaker design was marked by simplicity and practicality, while other late 19th century chairs that were produced similar to this design were often noted for extra frills and details, while the original shaker chair was simple in design. Shaker chairs have slat backs with 2 posts topped with finals. Slat back chairs were very popular for more than 200 years, so they can be found easily today. Although there may be reproductions, the antique chairs will show wear on the slats, stretchers and the bottoms of the feet. Sharply turned posts, and sharp edge rockers may be signs of recent manufacturing. There is nothing wrong with buying a copy instead of the authentic original shaker chairs, as they are just as beautiful. Below is a authentic painted Shaker chair in great condition.