Home Improvement

Looking after your Seagrass furniture

Seagrass are plants that live in the continental shelf of sea coasts all over the world. These dried plants can make very attractive furniture. The large majority of the seagrass furniture is made from the perennial ocean reeds that are exported mostly from China.

Seagrass furniture is made by weaving the plants, that are still green, either by hand or by machine. Once the plants become dry, the furniture loses its green colour and the reeds eventually become rigid, thus making the furniture firm and ready to be used.

Initially, the seagrass furniture was manufactured only for the sole purpose of indoor use. However, over the years it has gained popularity as outdoor furniture for patios and decks.

The main reason behind the popularity of the seagrass, as the furniture making material, is because of the reed’s tough, shiny and smooth exterior. This makes this material really resistant to stains and thus quite easy to maintain.

Seag

rass furniture is available in a wide variety of furnishings like beds, chairs, tables, sofas, etc. although the maintenance of this furniture is quite easy, however, improper care and use can reduce its life and durability.

There are a number of ways in which the seagrass furniture can be maintained. They are as follows:

They cannot withstand prolonged spells of heavy moisture or rain, as they tend to rot. Therefore, they must be kept dry during the rainy seasons or dried well if they get wet.

The furniture can be cleaned with a soft cloth on a daily basis. It can also be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

Avoid standing, kneeling or jumping on the furniture.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided as it may result in the colour of the seagrass to be faded away. A varnish coating will make its colour last for a longer time.

Any liquid spills must be immediately removed or blotted out to prevent staining.

Always keep the furniture in a well-ventilated area.

The seagrass furniture can be painted with a self-sealing or a spray paint. However, it must be dried well.

Written by Wicker Paradise. A provider of high quality wicker furniture. You can even find seagrass furniture to match the rest of your home.

Three Climate Considerations When Selecting A Door

Article submitted by: Home Furniture Trends

1. You Live in a Desert. Hot days, cold nights. Lots of direct sunlight. These conditions can create mayhem for wooden doors.  If you insist upon using natural wood (which is entirely understandable), be sure to remember the following things:  (a) seal and finish your door, and restain annually.  It seems excessive, but the natural wood of your door is in a perpetual state of expansion and contraction when you live in a desert climate.  To ensure your door keeps its shape, the seal and finish are integral.  If you’re open to other options, you can look towards fiberglass doors as a beautiful alternative.  Many manufacturers are creating improved versions of the wood grain that will nearly mimic the look and feel of natural wood.  For the most part, you will also be able to stain or paint the door to your liking, making it even easier to create the entryway of your dreams.
2. You live in the PNW (Pacific Northwest).  Ahh, the Pacific Northwest, land of the trees.  And we know why they grow so well, many of the major cities are in technical rainforest conditions.  And if it isn’t rainy, it is often moist enough to feel like it could start raining at any moment.  For exterior doors in cities like Seattle and Portland, coverage is probably the first consideration.  Your awning or roof should cover the door, so as to prevent direct rainfall from the door’s surface.  Like your desert friends above, you’ll be all the better for re-staining or sealing your natural wood door each year.  Since the temperatures remain moderate for most of the year, an aluminum door is a great way to keep up with your cities modern eclectic vibe, without sacrificing an insulation factor.
3. You in the Midwest or East Coast (northern).  You have all four seasons, you lucky people you! But on the other hand, this means your home has to be prepared for four distinct climates, often changing at the drop of a hand.  Not to fear, your homes do well with all types of doors, but the rules as discussed in the other two climates will apply, just in less drastic measure.  For example, you should keep your wood door under a covering, reseal each year, and also consider a fiberglass door if you’re concerned about the ongoing maintenance of a wood door.  Aluminum or steel doors are also incredibly functional in your world, but since your winters are proper snowy ones, make sure your metal doors are manufactured with a thermal break to keep the cold (or heat) outside of your home.

 

Patio Revamp 101

Every household needs a patio. A place where you unwind after a long day at work or relax with your family after dinner. How do you arrange yours? Here are three patio elements, according to Wicker Paradise, which can make a big difference:

Lighting

Let your creative juices flow. Get your outdoor space together by installing warm and cozy lights. They not only provide visibility in the evening but also highlight details that may be invisible at night. You want your Brown Jordan Replacement Cushions to be visible, don’t you? Patios are a relaxing haven. They’re the perfect home extension. With the right lighting, you can spend the time at sunset all through the night.

Centerpiece

There is no single right way of decorating a patio, but they’re many wrong ways – like failing to include a centerpiece. What’s that central location where all eyes focus? Ideally, a centerpiece is the first object guests lay their eyes on. It could be an architectural detail, fire pit or inanimate object. All you need is something that the family, or guests, can coalesce around.

Color

The right color or combination of colors can make all the difference to a space. You can take the guesswork out of it and use pre-made color cards or mood boards. Now you don’t need to worry if one color goes with another, as these color combinations are known to work together. If there is one thing you do, use a proper color scheme.

Types of wicker furniture

Written by Wicker Paradise

Wicker is a wise option for outdoor or indoor use as it is durable, lightweight and versatile. Wicker is a type of weave and uses both natural and synthetic materials. The type of wicker chosen will greatly depend on its purpose.

Organic wicker furniture – Organic wicker is strong and best for spaces indoors. Since weaving bamboo or rattan makes natural wicker, they can develop mold, become brittle or unravel if they are exposed to high temperatures or moisture. Therefore if you choose organic wicker for your living room or dining room, it is best to place it in an area that doesn’t receive strong sunlight, as this can cause fading. Look for furniture sets that include lounge style wicker chairs, coffee tables, and sofas to suit your space.

Synthetic wicker furniture – With many people living in smaller spaces, the market for outdoor furniture has grown. Homeware stores offer wicker sofas to coffee tables that fit well in an outdoor setting. There are many countries like Vietnam and Indonesia that specialize in outdoor wicker sets, which are known for their quality. Look for synthetic wicker that is weatherproof and water resistant to ensure that your wicker furniture will withstand the elements.

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Most wicker furniture sets are expensive, but they are an investment as they will last you a lifetime and require little to no maintenance.

Wicker Paradise provides the finest wicker furniture sets for indoor and outdoor use.

 

5 Benefits of choosing resin wicker furniture

Written by Wicker Paradise

Decks, patios, and porches have become more family friendly spaces since most families have smaller homes. Investing in resin wicker furniture is a smart choice for many reasons. Here are a few benefits of choosing resin wicker furniture for your outdoor space.

Weather resistant – Resin wicker is water and light resistant. Therefore, your outdoor wicker furniture will last a lot longer. Most resin wicker furniture UV resistant, so that your furniture will be protected from the harmful effects of the sun.

The weave – Since wicker is woven, your furniture will be stronger and sturdier than other outdoor options.

Cleaning – Resin wicker is very easy to keep clean and only requires a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Remember to air-dry your wicker once you have given your furniture a good clean.

Repainting – resin wicker rarely needs to be repainted as the color will not fade. However, if you want to change the color of your furniture, in order to give your space a fresh new look, you can do this using water resistant furniture paint and a spray gun.

Comfort – Wicker furniture is very comfortable as it molds and bends into shape. To make your furniture even more comfortable add outdoor replacement cushions.

There are many stores that provide a wide variety of resin wicker furniture in modern to classic styles. To make sure you buy furniture that fits your space, measure your outdoor space before you shop.

Complement your setup with lane venture patio furniture from Wicker Paradise, providers of the finest quality wicker furniture.

 

How to choose the best wicker furniture set

Written by Wicker Paradise

If your relaxing indoors or out in the garden, wicker furniture sets look fabulous. But, choosing the best wicker furniture set in terms of design and durability can be difficult. There are designs that range from beautiful contemporary pieces to traditional pieces. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best wicker furniture set for you.

Consider the type of wicker – There are mainly two types of wicker. One is flat, while the other versions are rounded. If you choose the flat variety, your wicker set could be more susceptible to snapping and fading. The rounded versions are more durable and therefore the wiser choice.

Look at the cushions – Your cushions will give you the comfort necessary to sit in your furniture for longer periods of time. The thicker the filling of your cushion the more comfort you will enjoy. Thin cushions may be cheaper, but you will find that they are uncomfortable and tend to sag. Choose machine washable cushion covers with zips, to make cleaning a breeze.

Pay attention to furniture frames and weaves – To ensure your furniture lasts, choose one with corrosion-free aluminium instead of steel. Furniture made with steel frames maybe cheaper, but will tend to rust in moist environments.

Look into materials used – It is best to choose indoor rattan furniture, since rattan is stronger than other wicker furniture made out of bamboo, cane, willow or reed.

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Wicker Paradise is a provider of the finest wicker furniture for sale and accessories such as replacement cushions.

Natural Latex: A Healthier Sleep

Written by: The Foam Factory, Inc.

Learn why natural latex is becoming most consumers’ number one choice for a healthy sleep.

One of the recent scientific breakthroughs in the world of sleep research is that the same chemicals that protect us from the danger of fire also present a risk to us as we sleep. More and more, people are opting to switch to a natural latex memory foam from Canada. These pads provide all the comfort and support you need, without the harmful chemicals.

Natural is Better

Most polyurethane foam sheets are formed of a natural rubber, but there are some that are made synthetically. Those synthetic pads might not be the best surfaces for sleeping if you’re asthmatic, or if you have breathing problems.

Natural latex is also anti-microbial, which means your bed will have an additional layer of defense against micro-organisms that can make you sick.  Natural latex is also resistant to dust mites, and won’t hold moisture so there is little danger of mold or mildew forming.

Latex foam from Canada is designed to conform to the body, so it supports the curve of the spine or the hips for an aligned back while you sleep. This will help you wake up less frequently with back pain. Latex also doesn’t deteriorate over time, so the added shelf life is a huge bonus for those looking to save money.

Final Thoughts

You can opt for a mattress topper or pillow made of natural latex and get many of the same benefits you might get if you swapped your mattress out entirely.  Those with allergies might also want to try natural latex, as it tends to stop the constant sneezing and sniffles that plague your sleep.

Quality Cushion Filling Material for the Perfect RV DIY Project

Written by: The Foam Factory

RV’s are one of the most popular vehicles on the market. It allows you the opportunity to travel in comfort and enjoy the pleasure of sleeping in your own bed and cooking your own food.

A couple of the important factors for having maximum comfort are having your rv cushions and mattresses in good condition. Over time these items become lumpy or shapeless, which makes it important to find the right fillings for replacement.

While fiberfill is shown for cushion filling, in reality this material will not stand up to the rigid life of RV living. It does not provide the constant support that is shown in other products of this kind.

One of the most popular inserts for rv bedding is latex foam. This material can be cut to shape or size, which makes it easy to re-store your comfort items to their original condition. Another option is Marine Foam Polyurethane, which is available in a thickness of 1″ to 3″. This foam is available in sheets 48″ wide and 72″ long and can be cut to size.

Both latex and polyurethane fillers are available in soft, medium, firm and extra firm. This makes it possible to make a selection that will not only provide comfort but will provide excellent support, regardless of the user’s weight, and will provide the pinpointed support necessary.

Replacing an RV’s pillow or mattress filling will provide an elasticity that will adjust instantly to your body’s requirements. This can add to the joy of RV living.

Why Outdoor Foam Makes a Difference

Patio furniture is exposed to the elements all year long, so the cushions and material have to be able to withstand everything from rain to harsh sun. Even animals resting on cushions can cause damage. The kind of foam used in production of these cushions offers better protection from the elements. If you want to give your old patio furniture a facelift, you might be surprised at the value you’ll get out of outdoor foam.

The Dryfast Difference

Dryfast should be the next outdoor foam replacement you go with, because the advantages are clear. Dryfast offers large, open-celled foam that gives the foam unparalleled air flow. Water passes through the foam quite quickly. As a result, your chairs will dry faster after storms. With good canvas material, your chairs can resist sun exposure as well.

Moisture also creates the perfect home for bacteria and mold to grow. Dryfast’s breathability helps keep the foam dry, but the anti-microbial properties of the foam’s treatment prevent mold and bacteria from growing. Outdoor furniture cushions with this treatment are safe to lie on all year long.

Final Thoughts

The costs of ordering a foam sheet online are significantly less than the costs of ordering an expensive brand-name cushion. The one caveat is equipment. If you already have some sewing skills, making a cover will be as simple as measuring and ordering the fabric. Custom-cut foam sheets can be shipped at the exact size and shape you need, so you won’t need cutting tools to complete the project.

Bio: The Foam Factory is a supplier and manufacturer of foam goods for the home, and industrial use, based out of Southeast Michigan.

Common Mistakes People Make To Improve Energy Efficiency

Summers can be hot and winters can be cold. We cannot control the weather outside, but indoors, we can maintain a constant temperature. Your A/C or furnace unit, while extremely handy, can take a big chunk out of your pocket if left on. In an attempt to save money and energy, here are some common misconceptions that people still make today.

Closing Your Bedroom Doors

By closing your bedroom doors, you can limit the amount of air movement required to heat or cool down a room. This makes sense at first, but when you break it down air will remain trapped and continue to build up pressure. This will force the air to escape and attract more air to replace the amount lost. Expect to see a 200% increase in air drawn and a definite increase in your utility bills.

Will Closing My Heat Vents Save Energy?

The answer is no. One common misconception is that closing your heat vents will reduce your usage of energy. This is actually the opposite and can potentially harm your furnace. When you close your heat vents, pressure is built up and forced into spaces where you don’t even need it at. You’re still paying for your energy, but it’s drawn to places that you can’t use.

Thick Walls Do Not Mean Better Efficiency

Many people believe that their wall thickness determines their efficiency. It does not. The construction of your wall is important because the amount of heat being released outside is dependent on the properties of your wall.

People continue to apply these methods to their homes every day. Not only will this reduce your energy efficiency but many people are so adamant that their theory works. It’s no wonder homeowners are baffled when they see their utility bill.

 

 

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