Friday, June 4, 2010

The Beauty of Wicker Sunroom Furniture

Sunrooms just seem to call for wicker sunroom furniture. This room has been the ideal setting for wicker furniture for many years, due to its durability and wide range of colors available. Wicker sunroom furniture helps to add to that feeling of openness and airiness that a sunroom has and it can make your room feel more tropical and beachy. You can imagine that you are in a tropical location when you are relaxing in your wicker sunroom furniture. The good news is that there are more furniture options than the ordinary wicker loveseat and chair set. From furniture to accessories, you will be amazed at what you can find to use in your sunroom.

Even during Biblical times, wicker was a material that was used for tools and other creations. Egypt was the home of the earliest artifact made of wicker and it was dated at approximately 1400 B.C. Wicker was first used to make tools that were used in daily tasks, such as building shelter and/or fishing. As trading became more widespread, more and more people began building things with it, including furniture and other accessories. It was popular to build with, because it was inexpensive, but able to hold up well to wear and tear. Wicker can describe many different materials now, including bamboo, reads, willow, rattan, and peelcane. These materials are woven into strong shapes and patterns to make furniture and other items.

When searching for wicker sunroom furniture, you will find that there are many different pieces that you can choose from. Sets are the most common wicker sunroom furniture that is sold and these sets include a sofa or loveseat, along with lone or more chairs and maybe even a table. There are other pieces that you can choose from, too, including loungers, rockers, wing chairs, swings, and ottomans. All of these pieces can help to make your sunroom more relaxing to be in. There are accessories that you can purchase, as well, that are made of wicker. These include baskets, wall hangings, pot stands, end tables, mats, and fans. All of these items will help to enhance your tropical or beachy feel.

Wicker Alternatives

Other material options will give you the same look, but will be stronger. These include wood framed pieces that are combined with the wicker to give you the same look and feel, but making it stronger for larger and heavier people. Some pieces that look like wicker may actually be a vinyl or plastic material that is made to look like wicker. These pieces are inexpensive and easy to take care of. PVC pipe is being used to create this furniture, too, due to its strength and price.




Adam Peters is the author of many articles on different web publications, with subjects like wicker published online. A website with tips on sunroom furniture.

Types Of Bathroom Furniture

Most interior designers find it challenging to design and decorate a well-facilitated bathroom. For most people, it is the perfect place to relax and release the body and mind from the clutches of routine tensions and stress. It provides personal space to individuals and therefore necessitates pleasant décor. There is a baffling range of bathroom accessories and furniture to appeal to people with varied tastes. From traditional to contemporary, the range is endless and come in all price brackets.

Vanity sink cabinets are a popular choice among cabinets. They come with sleek and stylish countertops made of various materials. Most people, who have smaller bathrooms, prefer to have cabinets that include a mirror and shaver sockets. Generally, cabinets are designed to include drawers for keeping undergarments and other necessary items. Many people prefer oak or maple cabinets. Rattan furniture and Wicker furniture is highly popular as it combines strength and intricate designs. Wicker furniture offers a rustic look to the furniture and is made from bamboo, reed, willow, or synthetic fibers. A large number of wicker objects can be included in the bathroom to complement the furniture. This form of furniture is inexpensive and easily available. Most common type of wicker furniture includes chest of drawers to keep linen.

Contemporary bathrooms include lavish bathtubs, which come in a variety of colors, styles, and materials. Bathtubs can come in round, rectangular or a square shape. Bathtubs can be made of stainless steel, ceramic or glass. Acrylic baths are also very popular among most individuals as they are devoid of the cold metallic feel. However, stainless steel baths score over acrylic baths as they last longer and are easier to maintain. Washbasins are also designed aesthetically to complement the décor of the bathroom.

Bathroom furniture can be complimented by choosing matching or contrast furnishings such as curtains. Many people select furniture and accessories that complement the bedroom furniture as well.




Bathroom Furniture [http://www.e-BathroomFurniture.com] provides detailed information on Bathroom Furniture, Bathroom Storage Furniture, Contemporary Bathroom Furniture, Wicker Bathroom Furniture and more. Bathroom Furniture is affiliated with Bathroom Vanity Sinks.

Resin Wicker Furniture - Perfect For Your Patio

Most people are familiar with traditional wicker furniture. As a natural product, it has been widely used for many different types of furniture. What most people are not familiar with however, is wicker's synthetic counterpart: resin wicker. Now as a person who tends toward the natural products myself, I was skeptical of the synthetic product, but after some research became quite impressed. Resin wicker is an optimal choice for many indoor or outdoor uses, however in this article I will give several reasons why it makes the perfect patio furniture.

First of all, it offers several advantages over its natural counterpart, durability being one. Since it is made from synthetic fibers that are impervious to uv rays, heat, cold, and rain, it does not crack or split as the natural wicker products are prone to do. When considering what kind furniture to put on your patio, durability must certainly be a factor, and this all-weather wicker fits the bill wonderfully.

Another improvement that resin wicker has over its natural counterpart is its ease of cleaning and maintenance. It is exceptionally easy to clean, only requiring cloth and some mildly soapy water, or you can even use a hose! Some furniture pieces come with cushions which are also easy to clean and hose off. As far as maintenance, there is none. This all-weather wicker does not need to be painted or treated, or even covered.

The last improvement I would like to mention here is that, since resin wicker is made from synthetic fibers, entire new colors are available that were never available with natural wicker! This alone opens up many possibilities, however even more exciting is that more style options are available than with traditional wicker, giving you a modern wicker look that is truly elegant.

If you have not considered this excellent option for your patio, go to the website below to see what is available in resin wicker today. From chairs of all types to patio furniture and porch swings, resin wicker offers many quality patio furniture choices.




Roxanne Vick is a SAHM of ten, and enjoys her good health, her children, and gardening. Visit her website and to learn more about resin wicker furniture. http://furnitureresinwicker.com

Tropical Outdoor Ceiling Fans - Tips to Incorporate Into Your Tropical Home Design

Are you considering a tropical ceiling fan for your porch or patio? There are a few things you want to think about before simply heading to your local home improvement store and buying the first one that you like. You want to consider your home décor and the specifications you need to ensure that your fan is long-lasting in the face of outdoor conditions that can otherwise ruin perfectly stylish appliances.

Tropical house design

Most people who are interested in this style are going for an overall theme for their home décor. Maybe you got the idea from a popular interior design magazine or maybe you traveled to the Caribbean and were inspired to take home a little bit of the island décor and bring it home. Tropical ceiling fans are usually distinguished by their blades. Tropical ceiling fan blades are typically wider for improved airflow to keep you and your guests cool. Visually, these fan blades can vary in appearance. Many brands will use blades that resemble palm tree fronds while others simply oval-shaped with a visual appearance of wicker, rattan, or bamboo. The visual impact is quite dynamic and creates an instant feel reminiscent to the Islands. To tie in the overall look, consider coordinating the colors of the fan and its blades with your outdoor or patio furniture. While an exact color match might be your first instinct, consider that you may want a visual contrast between the fan and the rest of your outdoor space for a modern, contemporary feel.

Tropical outdoor ceiling fan specifications

While some homeowners mount their fans indoors, these are really outdoor ceiling fans. These fans have special motors and finishes that can withstand the wear and tear that would occur over time if you were to use it outside. Believe it or not, but water vapor from excessive humid conditions can completely ruin a perfectly good appliance. Look for either wet or damp listed, which can work optimally in humid outdoor conditions.

Popular tropical ceiling fan models

There are plenty of manufacturers that offer these appliances. One of the popular popular brands is Fanimation. You may want to take a look at the Fanimation Windpointe, Bellapointe, or Islander fans. These models are available in a variety of finished to match your home décor and feature blades of many different colors and finishes as well. If you're looking for a double ceiling fan, the Fanimation Palisade is a popular choice for its contemporary style.

Monte Carlo is another name in outdoor ceiling fans you want to be familiar with. The Monte Carlo Peninsula ceiling fan can be used indoors or outdoors. Their Mandalay collection includes several recommended models that may fit the room décor you have in mind.

There are many, many other brands names you want to check out. Most manufacturers have at least one model in their catalog because of their popularity. Now before you head off to Home Depot to grab a fan, also consider that there are many online retailers that offer these styles at discounted rates compared to what you can find in brick-and-mortar stores. Some of these retailers even offer free shipping and live customer support if you have questions about your purchase (or not sure what to purchase!). Try Lamps Plus, Lighting by Gregory, or Lumens. You can also head to Amazon but you'll lose the live customer support if you need it.




Did you know that you can get deep discounts and free shipping when you're looking to buy contemporary ceiling fans? Please visit Contemporary Outdoor Ceiling Fans for a listing of best styles and models!

Romantic Cottage Decor Sets Hearts A-Flutter

There's hardly a woman alive who hasn't longed for a room decorated in soft, floral, pink and white splendor. That's the very essence of Romantic Cottage style.

Romantic Cottage is often confused with Shabby Chic style but the two have very distinct identities. One of the most distinct differences between the two is their color palettes. Romantic style is floridly floral and almost exclusively pink and white, while Shabby Chic embraces other colors as well. Romantic Cottage decor, however, is a profusion of pink in every shade imaginable, from palest shell pink to the deepest rose (but no hot pink - too modern!).

Comfort and beauty are the hallmarks of this style, which tends to make it a type of decor that limits itself to one or two rooms rather than an entire home. It might work well in a house that's otherwise done in Shabby Chic, with a bedroom or two devoted exclusively to romance.

As one might expect, this decor typically doesn't appeal much to men, who often complain that the bedroom is the one room in the home that's too feminine for them. Those who share their bedrooms with a male partner may have to compromise and create their Romantic Cottage getaway in another room, as a guest room or a home office for milady.

Here are some ideas for creating this decor.

Because the style tends toward the ornate, wrought iron can be an ideal element to bring into the room. Painted white and then distressed, ornate wrought iron can serve in many ways. A bistro set with a small table and two chairs could serve as a vanity table and seats for a bedroom. A section of wrought iron fence or a gate could be transformed into a headboard hung on the wall behind the bed. Silk flowers or ivy garlands wound through its curves adds the perfect romantic touch, like a garden brought inside.

Create decorative accents - as well as useful storage - by covering boxes of all shapes and sizes with floral fabric. Attach satin ribbons, lace trim or pearl beading in white and pink to the boxes for added visual appeal. Vintage chandeliers make lovely light fixtures to create Romantic Cottage decor. If they have dangling crystals, they'll cast rainbows all around the room.

The Romantic Cottage look especially relies on fabric in floral patterns. Whether the fabric has large or small flowers, vines and leaves, gardens or greener, a dominant fabric should be used consistently in pillows, table runners, tablecloths, bed covers, wall art, drapes, valances, and even table linens such as towels, placemats and napkins. Everything about this style of exaggerated, so don't be shy with the florals but finish off the fabric with some solid color pink rugs or solid color rugs in any pastel shades.

White-painted furniture often is "aged" with a crackle finish. There are also lots of comfy cushions and pillows to provide comfort. Wicker furniture also is perfect for this style, especially nightstands, ottomans and other accent pieces.

Finish off the look with candles, fresh or dried flower petals in a china bowl, a mirror with an ornate frame, or shadow boxes painted white to hold sentimental treasures. Romantic Cottage decor is definitely an affair of the heart.




Senior writer Sarah really enjoys writing about Romantic Cottage home decorating style. And loves showing people how to use area rugs and contemporary rugs.

Wicker Furniture And Baskets Make Ideal Dog Beds

When you are bringing home a new dog or puppy they need to feel safe in their new environment. Whatever the kind of bed you pick for them you want to make sure it is located in a quiet corner of the house that they can make their own. A calm, warm and soft doggy area will go a long way in helping your new companion feel at home in no time.

Out of the various types of dog beds available commercially you will find that one of the most popular kind is made out of wicker. The creaking sound made by this natural material when the dog moves around seems to have a calming effect on our four-legged friends, but on the other hand it can be quite a dirt trap. You may also want to bear in mind that puppies like chewing when they are teething which could not only wreak havoc on their wicker basket but could also be potentially dangerous to them if they swallows pieces as they break off.

Hard plastic are another popular type, as they are very durable and resist well the gnawing assaults of teething young dogs. Same goes for beanbags but with the caveat that the covering must be very strong indeed and washable.

When picking up your new companion's bed you must consider that the most important thing is for them to feel safe, at home and settled rapidly. With this in mind it is little surprise that one of the most sensible options is to get your new friend their own home within your home, in the form of a specially designed enclosure. These crate-like cages come in various sizes to suit all breeds and will soon become your dog's new safe haven.

Your new puppy may whimper and howl when first placed in the cage but with a few props like a blanket and maybe a hot water bottle to create a cozy little nest they will soon settle down, though in the first few moments it may be hard for you to resist their cries. Of course your new puppy will not live in the cage but it will be a safe base to explore their new surroundings from. Their bed will also be the best place for them to get a good night sleep, regardless how much they want to hang out with you instead. Just like children puppies need a little discipline and comfort to thrive: be firm about the sleeping arrangements but you can make it easier for them to settle for the night by placing one of your garment in their bed so your scent can have a calming effect on them without you actually being there.




Adam Peters is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on this subject for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . A website with tips on wicker furniture.

Wicker - A Sound Choice of Natural Furniture

The growing business of trying to save the planet, reduce our footprints and choose products that are eco friendly has seen a rise in the amount of wicker products on the market.

There is a growing number of specialists who work just with wicker that is taken from a source which guarantees sustainability and style in one in piece of furniture. I myself, as a wicker enthusiast have found wicker to be more readily accessible now than it was 20 years ago and made in such a way, that I feel confident when I buy it. You may ask yourself what I mean by this remark, but wicker goods have traditionally been made in poorer countries, where workers were grossly underpaid and where, in some cases, child labor laws were flouted and abuse was carried out in order to make big bucks for big companies. With the increasing trend in ethical buying, this, thankfully, is becoming a thing of the past. In north America it is possible to walk "down town" and find shops in many cities that specialize in ethical trading and which sell wicker, for this I'm very thankful, as is my conscience, but maybe not so much my pocket.

Antique pieces of wicker can be sourced for the buyer by companies who are acutely aware of the desire of the consumer to have that matching set! If you find that an old family set of wicker is now missing a chair or has taken it's wear in life badly, these companies can find you an identical piece to replenish your well used and loved wicker furniture.

There is a greater functionality of wicker than many other natural furniture materials. Wicker can be used in the home itself, or in the garden. It's common to see wicker in little girl's bedrooms as it's a material that proves to be cheap and simple to work with and downsize designs with. When outdoors, wicker proves to have an added advantage over wood as it doesn't suffer much in the elements. Wood rot is impossible, and infestations of nasty little insects are incredibly rare. It would be pertinent to note, that wicker, although undoubtedly highly durable, can sometimes experience mould, but obviously a damp cloth and a little disinfectant can address this easily.

Wicker is very much an undervalued form of natural furniture. There are many advantages to having wicker in the home when compared to the more common materials and one which can't go unnoted is that of style. Wicker comes in many styles, all of which really set up a room to have a feel and a theme, the majority of which are intricate. I personally have always liked the grander more colonial feel of wicker for a deck or patio, but have seen some stunningly modern wicker furniture be designed of late.

Sourcing good wicker products, at prices that are reasonable is highly possible now. It takes just a little research and a little more time for decision making. I'm sure, that with a little luck you will find the perfect piece for your home.




Learn more about wicker furniture and natural furniture

Spring Brought Into Your Home

Now that spring has been here for while hopefully you have brought it inside your home. During the months of spring we get more sunshine and the flowers and trees have new colorful blooms and foliage. We want to make sure we bring all that beauty into our homes.

Mother Nature has already put us in the spring mood and what better way to enjoy it than to bring some of those flowers and plants into our indoor living spaces. If you have not started growing the herbs outdoors you can start them on the kitchen counter from seed and then plant the seedlings in your garden or on your patio later. Dust off some of the old plant containers that have been stored in the garage all winter long and give them a new coat of paint. You can keep these containers indoors for handy use or just move the containers outdoors.

Another way to bring the new season inside is to redecorate the rooms you spend most of your time in with flowers. Once you have painted some of the older containers with greens, yellows and purples you can bring in some flowers that match the containers. You do not have to re-paint an entire room to brighten it up; just give the baseboards or molding around doors a fresh coat of paint or stain. You can re-arrange some of the furniture or place new colorful pillows on the sofa.

Some of you probably checked out some estate sales or garage sales last year and maybe found an old wicker chair that someone did not want anymore. Now would be a good time to bring it out and give it new life with a new coat of paint and place a new bright colored cushion on it. But do not place it outside; bring it into your family room, a three season porch, or even your bedroom to remind you of spring. Visiting flea markets can also bring you some new treasures to brighten up your home.

Maybe you would like to have some colorful houseplants as your spring indoor decorations. Find your favorite green or flowering houseplant bring it home and transplant it into your own colorful container. You want your soil to be loose potting soil that is mixed with perlite, vermiculite, or peat moss that mimics worm and insect activity; this type of soil will not cause soil compaction even after many times of watering. You can showcase these houseplants on side tables or coffee tables and they will give the feeling that spring has arrived. These houseplants will also improve the air quality inside your home.

Make sure these houseplants have the proper amount of natural light. Some of them will require direct sunlight and will need to be in a south-facing window. If they do not receive enough light they will begin to look thin and frail. You can rotate your houseplants to make sure they grow straight stems.

You can change the artwork on your walls to emulate spring. If you have original piece with spring colors, a poster of spring or any photos that remind you spring, bring it out and hang on the walls. You can also just replace the picture frame with a colorful new one. Replace some of your table books with ones on landscapes, seascapes, travel, or even ones about clouds and their formations. Enjoy the flowers, plants, and room changes that you have made to bring spring into your home.




Barbara decided this year to bring spring into her home before the season started with a few houseplants and decorative pillows. She has several articles on her website Gardeners Garden Supplies pertaining to gardening and accessories. Come visit and see what she has to share.

Wicker Sunroom Furniture Is A Right Choice For Your Sunroom

When we think about purchasing sunroom furniture, most of us think about the furniture that is made-up of wicker. Wicker is a versatile substance, traditionally used to make Sunroom furniture. Wicker furniture is made-up of some special kind of materials that give an amazing look to your sunroom. One of the most popular materials used in making wicker furniture is Rattan. Rattan is the stem of a plant that is considered very much durable with a natural finish that looks great. The construction and strength of the material adds a kind of tropical feel to your sunroom. You feel yourself more or less like soaking in the sun at some special holiday destination.

Use of the wicker furniture is seen in the early Egyptian period of 2600 BC and as well as in old Syrian monuments. The earliest wicker artifact that has been discovered actually came from Egypt. Wicker was also extensively used by the Greeks and Romans. We can see some references about the wicker in Shakespeare's writings. Wicker has been used for a number of tools and creations since biblical times. It was used to make tools that were necessary for tasks such as fishing or building shelter. The American wicker furniture industry was established as early as 1850s. English and Americans saw some chairs made from wicker in the Far East. A food dealer Cyrus Wakefield brought this substance to America and started to produce chairs. As trade routes expanded and wicker became readily available, it began to be used for more decorative needs such as furniture and accessories. It quickly became a popular material for creating inexpensive, yet durable items.

Today, wicker furniture is also made-up of plastic and is very much popular because it can easily be used and moved from one place to another. But today, wicker furniture is not only used in chairs but most of us use it to make wicker accessories that can be integrated into sunroom. When you are looking at wicker furniture for your sunroom, you will find a number of different choices available. Often, there are sets of furniture sold, including a loveseat or sofa, one or more chairs, and possibly tables that coordinate with the other pieces. When you plan to use your wicker furniture outside you should look for the one made-up of rattan or plastic. This type of furniture is best for the outdoor weather conditions. They can also be used in humid conditions where other materials can't stand. You can choose pot stands, end tables, mats, decorative baskets, wall hangings and fans that will let you carry your tropical theme throughout the room.

There are other options than wicker furniture as well. There are a number of products that will combine wicker with a solid wooden structure. These can best to fit with your regions conditions and can also add more strength to the structure. Now there are some products available in the markets that are made-up of PVC pipe. These products are just as strong, look very similar to actual wicker, and are usually less expensive than wicker furniture




Andrew Caxton is the editor of many articles on wicker published at http://www.allsunrooms.com Keep reading about wicker sunroom furniture and sunroom furniture at his web.