Many people would be asking right now, how could blanket chests be a versatile type of furniture? Don’t they just belong at the end of your bed for blanket and quilt storage? Great question. If we look back to Early America, blanket chests usually held a prominent place in the home. Many hope chests were given a place of honor in the front room with the family bible placed upon the top and family treasures placed inside. This actually worked out well since many styles of Early American hope chests were fairly tall.

Many homes now show off blanket chests in their living rooms and dens as coffee tables and end tables. Others place these stylish chests in their front entryways to be used as sideboards to give it the ‘welcome home’ look. Tall blanket chests have been used in the form of buffets in the dining room. A big favorite is to use these wood chests as extra cozy seating area in front of large windows. Of course, some people still insist on placing these extremely versatile chests at the end of their beds which does give them the storage and seating they desire in their bedrooms.

Americans are buying blanket chests now not only to enhance their decors but to also add a new tradition for their families. Many people had steered away from family ties and tradition in the last couple of decades. Family traditions had ceased to be important to some or just too time consuming for other families. Now people are trying to recapture what they have been missing. Family traditions are very important since they help to hold families together. Part of this transition has included obtaining heirlooms that can be passed down to future generations. Every grandparent would love to give a cherished item to each grandchild.

Blanket chests, also known as hope chests and dowry chests, have long held sentimental value for families.These wood chests were usually given to young girls to fill with household items necessary for their future home when they married.This made a lot of sense since sewing and crocheting items by hand was very time consuming. Many of these hope chests had the name of the person who received the chest and date of presentation. This shows that families emphasized the giving of hope chests a very important event in a young girl’s life.

Some lucky families have centuries old hope chests since the wood craftsmen knew how to construct long lasting furniture. Mortise and tenon or dovetail were normally the joinery styles of choice for these beautiful hardwood chests. Both joinery styles not only have wonderful design elements, but have proven to be much stronger methods for long lasting furniture than other construction types. Used in conjunction with glue, the joints of these joinery styles have been shown to be stronger than the wood used in the construction of these wonderful wooden chests. These joinery styles are much preferred over the use of nails and screws in the box construction of blanket chests since these hardware items have a tendency to eventually loosen and fall out. Sometimes heavy damage is caused in the process.

Blanket chests come in all furniture styles, but the ones that create a nice ambiance are those that replicate the antique blanket chests. German immigrants that moved to Pennsylvania, made hope chests that were handcrafted during the 18th and 19th Centuries which have beautiful styling and joinery. These blanket chests have been the favorite among collectors. Some chests had subtle outer design elements carved on the front sides which were usually floral designs. Other wood chests had elaborate,colorful designs which included flowers, people on horseback, hex designs meant to keep away bad spirits, hearts and stars.

The New England coastal area also boasted highly sought after blanket chests which replicated many of the styles of furniture made in Europe. The Queen Anne style, which was started in England, was probably the most favored. It was given a more stylish look in America. All along the New England coast, every major city had its own particular mode of Queen Anne furniture. Each city had its own foot style and preferred leg and design construction. Most furniture experts would agree that the Queen Anne Style was at its absolute best when made by American wood craftsmen.

With so many designs and heights of blanket chests to choose from, it is no wonder that Americans are really beginning to see that versatile blanket chests can be given great placement in nearly every room of their home to add warmth and to add depth to every decor style.

Platform beds are a variation on an older concept, the loft bed. These were raised on poles, allowing the utilization of the floor space under the bed for everyday activities. As homes became larger and more comfortable, the loft bed was lowered and the platform bed took its place.

As the platform bed originated in Europe, today’s beds reflect this birthplace in cleaner, straighter lines. This style works well in many interiors. Usually, there is a headboard, the bed itself, and a mattress, although some include a footboard. This is simple and functional elegance that mixes successfully with other furniture.

Japanese platform beds are gaining in popularity, too. These have more graceful, swooping lines than their European counterparts. Additionally, the Japanese beds make use of tatami mats to isolate the sleeper from the bed frame itself. When it comes to minimalism and wise use of limited space, the Japanese are on to a good thing with their version of the platform bed.

Platform beds are usually made of either wood or metal or a combination of the two. Selection of material depends on the lifestyle of the person buying it. Metal frames provide an edgier urban feel to the bedroom, while wood frames tend to be a little warmer and homier in appeal.

If a minimalist look is desired, there’s no need for a headboard or footboard at all. For those who want a more “dressed” look, there are several styles of platform bed frames that include posts and curtains which give a canopy effect.

There are several advantages to a platform bed. The space beneath the bed can be filled with drawers, thus taking advantage of otherwise wasted space, an important consideration in today’s urban apartments. By not opting for a headboard or footboard, valuable space is saved, as well as offering more decorating options, especially if the bed has casters on its legs. It does not require the use of a box spring, which cuts down on the initial cost of the bed. Moreover, as the mattress is placed directly on the bed’s slats, a firmer sleeping surface is provided.

Mattresses are available in all the standard American sizes: twin, full, queen, king, and sometimes California king. If a European platform bed is under consideration, it’s wise to note that the European beds are a bit longer, which will make finding sheets and other bedding more challenging. Keep in mind that a platform bed will present a firmer sleeping surface. For those wanting or needing some cushioning due to back or joint problems, a featherbed on top of the mattress may provide that necessary “cuddly” effect.

Prices for platform beds range from about $200 for a barebones twin to more than $1,000 for those constructed of more expensive woods, of more ornate styles, and in larger sizes. The mid-range price is around $400 or $500.

Platform beds offer a wide range of sleeping options for those who’d rather count sheep than be one. They make sense for those who like to “think out of the box.”

http://platformbedsandmore.com has a wide selection of platform beds and the accessories that help make your living space more comfortable and enjoyable.

You have recently invested your life’s savings in your dream home, and are now looking to furnish it with the choicest furniture. After all, a house without the right furniture is just a set of walls. What you put inside is what really matters. You have a large variety to pick from, and making the correct decision is central to your aim of living in your dream home. You have to decide the right mix between showcasing your taste and taking heed of practical requirements. Another subject where a lot of people tend to get confused is the choice of material. This article looks at some of the choices you have.

Of the various materials that furniture is made of, wood continues to be the most popular. The teaks, rosewoods and oaks would any day beat the wrought irons and plastics of the modern day. While I am not here to criticize the others, the fact is that any furniture lover’s first choice is generally wood. There is something about this greatly versatile material that makes people fall in love with it at first glance. It is one of the most versatile materials, and you would do well to gain knowledge of the various kinds available to decide what will work best for you.

You can go for heavy woods for a solid finish, and furniture that will last for several generations. Preferred heavy woods are teak, oak and rosewood. Classic Amish handcrafted furniture is one of the best in terms of quality and uniqueness. Each piece is specially crafted by workers who work long hours to create pieces that are special and exclusive. Use of oak is another reason this special furniture really lasts, as the wood itself is greatly weather resistant and lasts for extremely long periods of time. Of course, a little anti-termite treatment and regular maintenance would be needed, but that is true for practically any kind of wood.

If you want maintenance free furniture that does not need anti termite treatment every year, look no further than pine and deodar woods. These have natural oils that repel insects of all kinds. An added advantage is that these woods are very light, and are useful for people who have to shift frequently. It is also useful if you are the kinds who want to have a new arrangement every few months, and would not like to break your back doing so!

Teak wood is one of the favorites of furniture vendors and customers alike worldwide. The reasons for this are not difficult to seek. Teak is one of the most versatile woods, and lends itself to nearly any kind of molding. It is heavy and termite resistant, which gives it a longer life than most of its peers. It also grows in major forests of the world, and is available commercially practically all over the world as well. The grain of the wood is such that it is bound to melt the heart of any furniture lover. So you should not be surprised to find the finest teak furniture in the biggest castles of Europe, or the homes of ordinary mortals with a taste for fine furniture. You can indulge yourself too, and your grandchildren would still use that dining furniture decades later.

Rosewood is another wood that is heavy, insect resistant, and extremely popular. It is dark in color and polished in dark shades. Rosewood gives a deep brown finish that is enchanting and mysterious at the same time, and is sure to give a fillip to your bedroom and dining room furniture.

Use the right wood for your needs, and you will get furniture that you would greatly enjoy using over the years. Good wooden furniture lasts for centuries, and you would be doing a great favor to your future generations as well!

Looking for some elegant interiors to furnish your home? While there are several options to choose from, you might want to consider French furniture. French furniture was essentially Parisian furniture that was created for the royalty, upper bourgeoisie and the aristocrats. The furniture is crafted artistically with a lot of attention to detail. It embodies mainstream designs of Europe and its decorative arts; it draws its influence from regions such as Russia, Spain and Sweden.

If one is looking at elegance that brilliantly stupefies craftsmanship with the inclusion of scrumptious fabrics, then French Furniture is of your type.

Every piece of French furniture has its own identity and does not require any other adornments. You can compare a single stand alone piece of furniture as a painting on the wall. They can lighten up and beautify any part of the room, even if it is just a single piece of furniture that is placed in the hallway. The fabrics are brightly coloured with gold gilds and the fabric used to complete the look of the furniture is usually high quality silk.

There are a few contemporary French furniture types that need mentioning, like the French Beds and Chaise Lounges.

The French bed is made of strong sturdy wood or iron which is always accompanied with delicate and ornate carvings. French beds have the most elegant look and can easily add a touch of class to a bedroom. They are all time classics and can go along with any decor or theme of a bedroom. Simple bedrooms can be decorated with the classic white or cream coloured French beds. There are also glamorous beds that come particularly with gold gilts and the upholstery is mainly made of silk. French beds are opulent, graceful, charming and luxurious and are simply timeless. There is something very unique about French beds and not many styles of furniture can be regarded as the same.  Trends in furniture never stay too long, however the French bed is always avant-garde furniture that goes along with any style.

Chaise Lounges were invented during the 18th century in France and the reason for it being upholstered was mainly for comfort. The feeling of lounging on a chaise lounge is immaculate and only makes one feel like a rock star. Several other lounge designs are inspired by the shape of the chaise lounges.  Chaise lounges typically means a long chair and is nothing close to a day bed that has no back, no arms and is flat. The chaise lounges are handcrafted individually to give it that unique touch and feel. The fabric again can be according to the buyers preference, however they mainly come upholstered in silk. A chaise lounge can be placed anywhere inside a room or even outdoors. Wherever it is placed, it definitely improves the look and feel of the room, giving it a soft elegant and opulent touch. It can even spruce up the dull look of a bedroom or living room. Who wouldn’t want to add a touch of elegance to their home and a chaise lounge will help achieve just that.

The craze from Europe has finally made its way overseas to the states. With its sleek design and style that can flatter any bedroom, you’re bound to find a platform bed that fits perfectly into your decor. The benefits of these contemporary beds go far beyond the eye catching, clean cut appearance that they portray.

Design isn’t the only thing that will fit perfectly into your lifestyle, the price will too. Although the platform bed is now the hottest thing to show off in your house, they are affordable and realistic. These beds require only an inner spring mattress or futon mattress because of the support slats that are built right into the bed. There is no need for a box spring. No more downsizing the bed from king to queen size so that you can afford a box spring set. If you use a box spring because you like the height of it, you can certainly set up various platform beds with a box spring as well. Keep in mind though, being lower to the ground means a cooler nights sleep for you. I guess you could say the platform bed is the Hybrid of beds. Plain and simple, it is economical.

With the simplicity of the platform bed comes versatility and easy maintenance. Whether you are looking to replace your existing bed or looking for an entirely new bedroom set, this bed is perfect for the occasion. Being so transitional, the platform bed can blend into any set that you already have or that you are looking to purchase. It compliments all different styles and can be decorated to have a more modern, clean line look or even to have a warm, inviting look, depending on your taste.

The style of the platform bed allows for ease and convenience. On some models there are storage drawers beneath the bed or storage areas within the headboard of the bed. This makes it convenient to have extra linens and pillows right there within reach or to even use the space as an extension of your closet if your wife’s cloths are overwhelming your side of the walk-in. Whatever it’s use, it adds to the beds charm and character.

There are many different platform beds out there, which can make it almost impossible to see each and every one while shopping for your new bed. But with all of those choices, you can be certain you will find the perfect one for your needs. You can choose from wood frames, metal, upholstered, leather, or canopy. Some have high headboards, low headboards, no headboards – all is true for the footboards as well. You can have one that sits on the floor or one that is lifted slightly. Not only can you choose the size of the bed, like you would with any other, from twin to king, but you can also choose to have a round bed. That should add a new spice to the bedroom.

With its many designs, styles and shapes there is sure to be one to complete and compliment the look of your room. If ever there was a bed to be so versatile and economical at the same time, this is it. The best word to describe the platform bed is PERFECT.

Internationally recognized brand

Known as a leading furniture manufacturer in France and throughout Europe, Gautier increasingly deals with international consumers worldwide, offering comfort, trendy and fashionable design, and a collection of models for any use and any age at affordable prices.

Gautier was the first manufacturer to simultaneously obtain three ISO certifications. In fact, materials used in Gautier furniture production are carefully selected, to respect the environment and sustainable development.

These facts highlight and prove Gautier’s will to match the strictest international standards and seriously compete worldwide. To enhance that philosophy Gautier has recently opened many shops in four continents.

The newest design tendencies reproduced by Gautier

In order to match the various needs worldwide, Gautier has always developed a broad range of furniture for children, babies and adult bedrooms. In addition Gautier now offers many modular pieces designed to fit any living room space.

Here are the latest Gautier collections for the current year:

Five ranges have been just conceived:

1. Stuart.

2. Manhattan.

3. Setis.

4. Power.

5. Lola.

All Gautier collections are guaranteed 5 years.

Be the first to know about each of Gautier collections – 2009

Stuart

Stuart is the new range of sliding door wardrobes which blend with a variety of schemes and efficiently suit any space.

Note that the Stuart wardrobes can be equipped with additional optional fittings, to meet any of your needs. You can find a trouser rack, a shoe rack and various shelves in different widths, which you can fix to your wardrobes.

Manhattan

The Manhattan range is made to give you more flexibility to make your living room more and more stylish. TV units and desks of this collection have been conceived to be adaptable and adjustable. Reflect on the easiness on the eye of the whole Gautier unit.

Setis

You will find every basic furniture item you need for any room, in the Setis collection: Dining tables, chairs, coffee tables and TV units. All the items of Setis collection are alluring by their stylish graphic design and mixture of trendy materials they are made of.

Power

The Power collection is especially conceived for your ambitious teenage child, or just to help you find the most suitable design and colors for your studio. Innovative and ingenious pieces are used in ways to optimize your space without settling for any compromises on aesthetics.

Lola

What if you have a dreamful daughter? Gautier just offers a special tender and romantic atmosphere through its Lola collection. This range includes refined furniture with curved contours in soft ‘cosmetic’ tones.

Visit Gautier’s illustrated website www.gautier.co.uk and you will see clearly the differences between these ranges, and feel the remarkable evolution of both design and ergonomics. You won’t be disappointed.

A tapestry exudes warmth, colour and adds an interesting design perspective in the home. Tapestries have been used in American homes for centuries and were the height of fashion in the 17th and 18th century. They suit any period home and remain a popular choice today.

Early Colonial Use

Tapestries were brought to America by European colonists who aspired to be as refined as the well heeled in their mother countries. America saw a number of fashions imported from Europe at this time to ensure the new immigrants kept up with changes in vogue. Tapestries were used as wall hangings or bed hangings and European made work was often listed among the most valued item in a householder’s inventory. At this time the best bed in the house was often decorated lavishly with tapestry art and found more often in a parlour than a bedroom.

Parlours and best rooms in the 18th and 19th century saw rich fabrics and tapestry used in the décor. Furniture covering was a more likely feature at this time than wall hangings. Indeed the industrialisation of the modern city resulted in concern that dust and smoke would destroy these lavish works of art.

Growing popularity with wealthy Americans

At the end of the 19th century America began to see unprecedented wealth from the various industrial developments that spread across the country. Families such as the Astors, Vanderbilts and others who perceived themselves as the aristocracy of America found new wealth from the industrial growth of America and built European styled palaces and homes in vogue with their newly found status. These grand homes gave rise to resurgence in popularity for tapestries. The focal point of George Washington Vanderbilt’s Biltmore were two massive tapestries of Vulcan and Venus. The imitation of the splendour and extravagance of European stately homes and palaces was a classical way in which the newly rich of America chose to display their wealth.

The Arts and Crafts Revival

Tapestry appeared in the less luxurious homes, as furniture decoration rather than lavish wall hangings. The Arts and Crafts movement led by William Morris enabled modern design to be easily reproduced in a classical way. providing colour and texture to a decorative scheme. This trend was seen both in America and Europe, however was somewhat short lived.

A second revival of tapestry art occurred in the mid 20th century when large walls found themselves decorated once again with tapestry hangings. As people moved from one area to another the flexibility a tapestry gave enabled it to be rolled up and re-homed in the new house. It became an alternative to framed paintings in a changing world and made art more accessible to the growing population.

Poplar choices for any home

Tapestries have enabled their owners to be very creative with how they are displayed in a home, be it wall hanging, furniture cover or a unique touch to a corner. They remain a focal point in the modern home and are a versatile feature in interior design.

Whenever you start the process of shopping for furniture, it can become time-consuming, wasting energy and effort over the simple decision of choosing pieces that match your personality and taste. If you’re in the market for a new bed, don’t fret—there are plenty of options to choose from. Generally speaking, whether or not you like a classic take or a modern one on bedroom furniture, you will probably enjoy a platform bed, a sleigh bed, or a canopy bed the most.

“http://www.eco-furniture.com/bedroom-furniture/platform-beds.php”>Platform beds are the best way to contemporize your bedroom furniture without going over your budget. These low-profile beds give off an Asian or European vibe with their sleek lines and modern chic. Because the bed is so minimal in its design, its unadorned headboard blends into its surroundings. Despite the understated sophisticated of a “http://www.eco-furniture.com/bedroom-furniture/platform-beds.php”>platform bed, they are money savers because they don’t need a box spring for your mattress. Instead, slats run across the width of the bed, effortlessly supporting the mattress.

Sleigh beds are ideal for someone who wants a touch of modern bedroom furniture while still keeping aligned with more traditional fare. Created during the Empire period, sleigh beds were originally designed with elaborate detail work and scrolling on the headboard. Newer sleigh beds are a bit more pared down, with headboards and feet with less design, making them a great match to nearly any bedroom décor.

Canopy beds exude traditional style and elegance; if you love the look of time-honored four posters, the canopy bed is the best fit for you. First used in the 1400s in Europe, the canopy bed has grown throughout the centuries into a more delicately decorative piece of bedroom furniture. Oftentimes they will come with top enclosures so you can hang your favorite fabrics on the sides. Today, canopy beds range from overly ornate to a more contemporary look.