Selecting a Wood and Glass Coffee Table May Not Be Easy

Selecting a Wood and Glass Coffee Table May Not Be Easy

Choosing the right wood coffee table for you and your home can be a daunting task. These days there are many manufacturers that put out some wonderful pieces of solid furniture and it can be very difficult to find the exact wood and glass coffee table that will be the best for you. Do you go with a contemporary one, an antique one, or even a modern one? Even after you answer that question you will have to decide on the shape of your wood coffee table, which can be oval, square or rectangle.

Since you can find virtually any size, shape or style of table in a matter of hours these qualities need to take a backseat to a few more options. Once you settle on the budget, type of wood, level of abuse the table will go through and the finish of the table, the rest will just fall into place. We promise you that if you put the time in to the purchase of your coffee table you will be pleased with the result.

The first decision that you have to make is regarding the finish of your table. You can select from a number of choices such as paint, stain or man-made products. Woods such as pine work very well when painted while some of the fancier woods like oak and maple work great with stains. The rule of thumb to use is that if you think the grain of a wood is spectacular and needs to be shown off then stain is the way to go. If the grain is bland and boring then paint is the best option.

The next area to consider is the amount of abuse the table will be put through. All woods are different looking and they also all have different hardness levels. Pine is a very soft wood and oak is a very hard one, for example. If you are planning on using the table for rough activities that may damage the surface of the wood then a hard wood is the way to go. If you are using something for delicate activities then you can lean towards the softer options like pine.

The last area that you have to think about is the amount of money that you have to spend on your wood coffee table. You can find products that range in price from under one hundred dollars all the way to tens of thousands of dollars for antique collectors items. Only you know how much you are willing to, or can afford to spend. We recommend that prior to even beginning a search that you establish your budget. We find that it is easier to stay within budget before you see all of the wonderful options available to you that may be too high in price. The more time you spend on the research the more likely it is that you will be pleased with the final purchase.

His dad was a shipping magnate and because of that, Marc and his family had to travel with him constantly.He gained a lot of knowledge through that. With his dad’s influence he went into importing and exporting and this kept him on the road. He is settled  in one place now and find it most fulfilling in writing articles. View more articles at www.betterhomeguide.com.

Never Lose Earrings Again with These Jewelry Organizers

Never Lose Earrings Again with These Jewelry Organizers

How many earrings –not to mention necklaces and rings– have you lost due to poor jewelry organization? If your jewelry storage option involves a spinning ballerina, then it’s high time for an upgrade to a modern jewelry organizer. From simple hangers to elaborate armoires, today’s jewelry storage options aren’t just efficient, but they’re also lovely to look at. With all these fabulous choices, you won’t think twice about passing that ballerina on to a younger family member.

Over Door Mirror Armoire

This lovely wood armoire is a stylish and attractive way to organize your entire jewelry collection and help you get ready for a glamorous evening out on the town. Modern, full length, shatterproof mirror opens to reveal hooks, slots and more for up to 36 necklaces, 48 earrings and 96 rings. Also features 12 compartments for storing watches, bracelets and more.  Also features an inside mirror so you don’t have to bother closing the armoire to check your jewelry. Conveniently hangs securely over any door.

Earring Case

Now, about those missing earrings…  This fantastic unit stores 24 pairs of earrings. Lid-mounted mirror with snap latch assures security and top-notch organization. Sueded fabric is pretty and durable.

Folding Earring Rack

More help for those easy-to-lose earrings. This stylish acrylic rack unfolds to store 128 pairs of earrings on four transparent, hinged panels. The epitome of efficiency, this model features various holes and teeth support post, wire and hoop earrings. Need to save vanity space? Fold entire rack together for compact storage.

Hanging Jewelry Organizer

Great for those with demanding storage needs, this compact organizer takes up little space. Simply hang over closet rod and jewelry clutter disappears. The unit features an astonishing 80 transparent pockets (forty on each side) to keep your jewelry well-protected. The easy-view vinyl pockets make jewelry easy to see and access.

Wall Mount Jewelry Armoire

This striking, antique-style jewelry armoire organizes all your precious jewels. From rings and earrings to bracelets and necklaces, everything is in plain view to prevent you from the frustrating task of searching through cluttered jewelry boxes. The useful mirror is framed in elegant floral appliqué. Felt compartments and lock and key feature allow added organization and security. A lovely addition to any décor.

Acrylic Necklace Tower

This modern piece stylishly stores all your favorite necklaces and –best of all– keeps them tangle-free. Efficient design features 12 hooks to hold necklaces or small-link bracelets. Simply pull up center portion of tower for easy access to all treasured accessories. The clear, acrylic material allows you to quickly spot whatever necklace you desire.

5 Drawer Oak Jewelry Organizer

The ultimate in jewelry storage, this premium organizer gives you room to expand your collection. Unique burl wood oak finish lends an antique look to your décor. Lift the lid and discover an oval mirror, as well as a long, open compartment that is ideal for watches or necklaces. Two smaller, equal-sized compartments are great for storing earrings or pins. This all-in-one unit also includes ring rolls for secure storage. Five small drawers grace the front of the box. What will you put in them? For convenience, both sides of the box swing open to reveal hanging necklace storage with built-in ledges at the bottom to usefully catch chains and eliminate tangling. Lined with pretty, rose-sueded fabric.

Spinning Mirror Jewelry Organizer

Definitely the coolest item of the bunch, this unique organizer stores valuables behind a stylish exterior. Each of three mirrored doors cleverly spins around to reveal five plated hooks for hanging necklaces, and a cup to hold rings, earrings or pins. Whether you choose to open door number one, two or three, a mirror is always available to check your look – fabulous! Durable and handsome wooden exterior and wood and glass interior complement any décor.

White Musical Jewelry Organizer

For those who experience difficulty parting with the ballerina box. Deluxe accommodations for treasures are enhanced by the musical melody “Magic Flute” when the mirrored-lid is lifted or side doors are opened. Top compartment includes ring rolls and three small compartments. Three drawers pull out while spacious necklace doors swing from the sides. Hand lined in pretty, sand-sueded fabric. Perfect for girls of all ages.

Photo Collage Jewelry Box

Great for those needing added security, this clever jewelry box looks like a standard, wall-mounted photo collage display of nine of your favorite photos. Swing open the front, and you’ll find plenty of room for your jewelry collection on multiple earring hangers, bracelet bars, necklace hooks and ring rolls. The stylish box has a rich walnut finish on the outside and plush, fabric lining inside. Magnetic closure keeps jewelry safe and secure.

These options reveal that jewelry storage doesn’t have to be ordinary or tacky. Have fun selecting the right organizers for you or someone you love. Perhaps they’ll even become heirlooms someday… minus the ballerinas.

Mitchell Worthy is a freelance writer who writes about home maintenance topics and products such as a jewelry organizer.

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Concrete Garden Benches - Stone With More Than Personality

Concrete Garden Benches - Stone With More Than Personality

There are many varieties of the outdoor concrete garden benches, but with variety of choices, the personalized garden bench is one of the most popular. White in color; it is made from concrete and then to complete the look of the bench it has been finished with an antique rub. This is a fantastic one of a kind bench that is so unique, and it will look perfect in any part of your garden. Whether your garden is big or small, it will be a great fit. These concrete garden benches can either be standard or you can add a custom personalization onto it.

Along with the plain concrete garden bench there are also these benches:

Personalized Baby Bench

• This would be fantastic to gift for the birth of a baby, whether it be a boy or a girl. This bench can be ordered either blank or you can have the baby’s name printed onto it. It has various toys and baby blocks around the borders.

Personalized Grandparents Bench

• With this bench you can remind your grandparents how much they really mean to you. It is a beautiful bench with vine and ivy leaves all around the edges of it and there is some text written on the middle of the bench. And, in the top corner of the bench you will find a small set of footprints.

Personalized Grandma Bench

• Around the border of the bench there are vine and oak leaves with small acorns that are meant to symbolize the future. There is also some text for Grandma on the middle of the top of the bench. You will also find a small set of footprints in the upper right hand corner of this bench.

Personalized Grandpa Bench

• The Grandpa bench also has vine and oak leaves with acorns around the border to symbolize the future. There is some text written on the middle of the bench for Grandpa at the top with a small set of footprints in the upper right hand corner.

Personalized Mother Bench

• Every time she sits on this bench she will know how much she means to you. There is a lovely poem written onto it. The border is covered with a vine of oak leaves and small acorns to symbolize the future, with two interlocking hearts in the upper right hand corner.

Personalized Mom and Dad Bench

• This bench comes with text in the center. There is a small childlike drawing of a house in the upper right hand corner. There are oak leaves and small acorns to symbolize the future around the border.

Personalized Dad Bench

• This gift will last your dad a lifetime. There is text written on the middle of the bench. And, in the top right hand corner there is a small hand being held by the father’s hand. The border is covered with a vine of oak leaves and small acorns to symbolize the future.

Spiritual Personalized Bench

• This bench is meant to give you daily inspiration with the spiritual verse that has been scripted onto it. A very elegant bench, laced with a vine of ivy leaves on the border and a bird and flower motif on the legs.

These benches are a fantastic gift for anyone and will last a lifetime. Every time the bench gets sat on, it will remind that person of you.

Jesse Akre, offers product information on outdoor benches or indoor benches. Click outdoor benches.

www.newel.com - Newel.com: Antique English Renaissance style oak nest of tables (20th Cent) (English, Renaissance, table, nest of tables, oak) (Newel Art and Antiques, New York City)
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A Look at the Elegant Appearance of Quorum Ceiling Fans

A Look at the Elegant Appearance of Quorum Ceiling Fans

Quorum ceiling fans are high quality fans and have elegant appearance. You can decorate your home with Quorum ceiling fans within your budget. You can select from variety of styles and models available. The Quorum ceiling fans can be grouped into 5 types contemporary, traditional, transitional, period and outdoor ceiling fans.

Contemporary ceiling fans:

Contemporary quorum ceiling fans are having remarkable appearance. Colfax Quorum ceiling fans have designed blades. There are studio white blades, antique silver blades, Rose wood, oak and walnut blades in this model. Some types have leaf like blades. The blades are reversible. There are 5 blades in this model. They provide smooth air flow. You can add light to the kit. Dragon fly model has 62 or 70 inches blades. The 5 blades are made up of satin nickel. They have life time warranty. They are ideal for large rooms.

Pin wheel quorum ceiling fan has multi color blades which will attract your children. The blades have sweep ends and they provide cool air flow in the room. There is light kit and remote control to adjust light and fan. Retro quorum ceiling fans have 4 acrylic blades. You can add 70 watts bulb in the light kit.

Transitional quorum ceiling fans:

The transitional quorum ceiling fans come in a variety of styles. There are 5 blades ranging from 42 to 52 inches. You can use the down rod to adjust the height of the fan. All transitional fans have remote control and light kit. The motors have life time warranty. There is 80 inches lead wire in this model. You can get reverse and forward speeds. The garden quorum ceiling fan has oak or walnut blades. They have elegant look and you can decorate your house with Gardena quorum ceiling fans. You can get the matching lights separately. There is wall switch and remote control for adjusting speed.

Traditional ceiling fans:

The traditional ceiling fans add value to your money. There are 5 blades and the blades are made up of oak, walnut or rose wood. There are minute designs in the blades which make them attractive. The Carnegie ceiling fans have 19 different styles and designs in blades. They have high power motor that circulates fresh air. Empress ceiling fan has 5 blades and there are white blades, satin nickel, medium oak, rose wood, ancient gold and much more. All the models will offer fantastic look to any of your room.

Period quorum ceiling fans:

The period ceiling fans provide royal look to your room. The Chateaux quorum ceiling fans come in 18 different styles. The blades have sweep ends. They allow forward and reverse speed. There is life time warranty. The light kit provides options to include

bulbs. The blades have rose wood or oak finish. The down rod helps to provide air flow all over the room.

Outdoor quorum ceiling fans:

Outdoor ceiling fans are suitable for wet and damp locations. The dragon fly outdoor fans are suitable for damp location. You can install them easily. The blades have 62 or 70 inches size. OS you can use in wide areas. They are weather resistant blades. You can get estate patio fans in either 30 inches blades or 42 inches or 52 inches. They can be used in wet locations. They have sealed vent holes to disallow rain water.

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Ceiling Fans for Years. For More Information on Quorum Ceiling Fans, Visit His Site at QUORUM CEILING FANS

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Affordable Branded Bedroom Furniture Range

Affordable Branded Bedroom Furniture Range

If you are looking for individual bedroom furniture or any contemporary bedroom furniture sets, you have various choices and styles ranging from classic to contemporary and antique to rustic. You can mix and match the different bedroom furniture pieces for a custom collection. You have various extraordinary bedroom furniture sets available to suits your needs and home interiors. The modern bedroom furniture sets can easily suit any interior with their unique look and enhances the beauty of any home environment. Alaska, Atlantis, Century, Kansas, Provencal are few brands that supply bedroom furniture sets of various sizes and colors.

Alaska Bedroom Range

Alaska bedroom range is a collection of exclusively designed bedroom furniture to work in the contemporary or classic home. Alaska bedroom range is constructed with solid American oak and white gloss finish. Oak tops in Alaska bedroom furniture sets have oiled finish to create a natural surface. Alaska bedroom range is both durable and stylish. Alaska bedroom range includes Alaska vanity mirror, stool, bedstead, dressing table and different size drawer chest.

Atlantis Dark Bedroom Range

Atlantis dark bedroom range gives a long lasing appeal in any bedroom setting. Atlantis bedroom furniture sets are perfect for modern design tastes. Atlantis dark bedroom range is finished with dark solid oak, features slabs of highly polished and is fit to compete with any interior color. The bold collection of Alaska dark bedroom range suits both traditional and contemporary tastes. All types of bedroom furniture like mirror, headboard, slatted bedstead, double wardrobe and drawer chest can be available under Atlantis Dark Bedroom Range.

Century Bedroom Range

Century bedroom range is finished with elegant white gloss and has steel handles for clean and modern lines. Century Bedroom range comes with a variety of bedroom furniture sets like all wardrobes and chests are easy to transport or positioning due to its pop out castors. To prevent century bedroom furniture sets from floor scratching, they are fitted with floor guards. All bedroom furniture sets like Single & double wardrobe, 2 & 3 draw nightstand, dressing table, 5 draw tall boy, 4 & 5 draw chest are included in Century bedroom range.

Kansas Bedroom Range

The contemporary styled Kansas bedroom range finished with dark teak veneer and compliments all interiors. Kansas bedroom range has an eye catching contemporary look and give a sophisticated style to any bedroom. The high quality fittings and distinctive appearance enhance any bedroom. Kansas bedroom range includes Kansas drawer chests which are perfect for storage space and Kansas double wardrobe in dark wood color give amazing impression to your bedroom. Kansas Kingsize bedframe is an exclusive Kansas bedroom range and give maximum comfort.

Provencal Bedroom Range

To add individual look to your bedroom, Provencal Bedroom Range is perfect with sturdy honest designs in a traditional bedroom. Provencal Bedroom Range, full of warmth, is made from solid oak and real oak veneers. The rustic imperfections give Provencal bedroom range a unique character and bespoke appearance. The metal handles on drawers, doors and bedside cabinets are a perfect finishing touch to this beautiful suite. The different sizes of bed frames and chest of drawers are compatible with any taste.

Furniturenet features a large collection of bedroom, living room, dining room furniture and much more. We offer a huge variety of bedroom furniture, all at competitive prices with variety of styles, finishes and materials. We have high quality designed and solid wood branded bedroom furniture sets and help you in choosing the right furniture. To purchase your new bedroom furniture sets, just visit http://www.furniturenet.co.uk/

Author Info:

Keddy Smith has written many articles for furniturenet which provide massive collection of bedroom furniture for your bedroom. They also offer wide range of bedroom furniture set including Alaska bedroom range at affordable prices.

Authentic Cedar Hope Chest

Authentic Cedar Hope Chest

Woods are being cut in different ways, depending on the needs and how they are going to be used. A furniture can made out of few different cuts of woods that can combine and make up a nice design.

Plainsawing is the most simple and straightforward way of cutting wood. It will produces rectangular pieces by cutting it parallelly. The reason for plain sawing for being so commonly used is because it is economical but it produce the different grain pattern then the original on the surface.

When plainsawn wood are placed side by dew with the riftsawn wood, you will see that riftsawn wood are more beautiful in term of the aesthetic aspect.

As for the quatersawn wood, the wood is first cut into quater just as the name indicated before making cuts taht are perpendicular to the rings of the wood. This will results in more consistent grain pattern.

Each has their own specific characteristics which make them excellent components of antiques. For wooden chests, oak and cedar is a good combination

Cedar is known for its strength and resilience, especially with changing weather. Its one of the trees that is chiefly grown and harvested for their highly in demand lumber. Its mostly resistant to easy decay. Cedar is naturally insect-repellent and so moths are not seen destroying clothing articles in cedar pieces.

If you happen to look for a long-lasting piece of furniture yet pose a high value in asthetical purpose, you should have quarter sawn oak to construct your furniture.

Combining oak and cedar in a piece of bedroom furniture is a good choice as this process would yield an extremely strong and resilient piece of furniture. However, how the wood is processed needs to be considered.

Cedar on the other hand, lends its strengths and properties to the wooden chest usually as the wood that is placed inside the chest forming its four walls. Its resilience is excellent for its purpose. It can easily take the wear and tear, whatever you put inside the chest. The chest can be made to hold clothes, family memoirs, books etc. Since cedar wood is scented, you can expect that clothing articles would remain fresh and deodorized. It also has attractive colors and patterns that would go well with your quartersawn oak.

With these two combination, oak and cedar, you don’t have to worry about the durability of your furniture anymore. It will definitely out last your lifetime.

Eldon is a part-time woodworker, a substitute teacher and a lover of fine dining!

You can find many of his favorite cedar chests at www.erikorganic.com.

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Acorn Tattoo Designs History

Acorn Tattoo Designs History

The acorn has long been valued for its potential strength and virility, and was a widespread symbol of regeneration. From the little acorn springs the mighty oak, prompting various cultures to see in it the qualities of fecundity and patience, and urging those who start small projects to persevere.

In ancient cultures, the acorn was taken as a talisman to ward off evil spirits. In Britain, to carry around an acorn meant long life, good luck, and guidance when lost. Old English folklore says that a woman who carried an acorn on her person kept wrinkles at bay. For Thor, the Norse god of thunder, the oak was sacred because it withstood lightning strikes. The acorn subsequently became associated with protection from storms. Keeping an acorn on the window sill was recommended for just this purpose.

The acorn motif is found in ancient statues and carvings — on Greek statues of Artemis, goddess of the hunt, and on the necklace of her Roman equivalent, Diana. Celtic goddesses also liked the acorn for its association with fertility and immortality.

The oak has long been associated with England, and its fruit, the acorn, frequently showing up in heraldry as a symbol of antiquity and strength. Shown with leaves, the acorn represents new growth and development. Beloved by royalty, the acorn was embroidered into cloth as symbols of fertility and life. Perhaps no one appreciated the acorn more than Charles II, who, after defeat in battle, successfully concealed himself in an oak tree. The ancient Druids believed oak trees were home to fairies, and today the acorn remains a favourite image in woodland tales. If you’re an elf, you’re probably depicted of wearing an acorn cap.

I am the proud owner and operator of Tattoo Design Blog. Check It Out if you would like to find more information on other great tattoo designs.

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Kitchen Cabinets and the different wood choices

Kitchen Cabinets and the different wood choices

Maple finishes properly in any coloring- from a Honey Complete to a Chestnut Glaze.

Proper now, you will only discover Bamboo getting used by custom shops primarily on the West Coast

With the push towards getting eco-friendly, a lot more and a lot more cabinets are becoming made utilizing Bamboo. Oak
Paint Grade
Most stock and semi-custom cabinet companies that apply a painted carry out may possibly even use MDF or Particleboard rather of solid wood. This is almost certainly the most typical timber observed in RTA Cabinets , since it is grows abundantly in Northern China and most RTA cabinets appear from China. Most contractor class cabinets, and much more economically priced cabinets will be made of Oak. Custom cabinets will provide the biggest selections of wooden sorts, but you will also pay drastically a lot more for them. Whether or not you are making a large end kitchen, or just updating a rental unit, there are a broad selection of solid wood varieties to select from. Mahogany produces a extremely rich look, and the timber itself is reddish-brown. Maple
Oak is possibly the most widely utilized timber for cabinets. Pine is fantastic for making a rustic sense for your house.

Oak is obtainable in more than 200 various species and is grown all around the world. The special characteristic about Cherry is that with a light stain applied, it will really get darker with time. Oak is a robust, dense wood that will maintain up to daily use and can accept spot effectively.

As the wooden ages and is exposed to sunlight, it will modify to the reddish brown color most people associate with antique cherry furniture.

Aside from exotic woods, this is heading to be a single of the most expensive choices in the frequent wooden sorts. Most maple is extremely simple to work with and will acknowledge spot effortlessly. Picking a wooden variety that will hold up to the quantity of use and abuse it will incurr is just as important as how the completed product will appear, so keep that in thoughts when buying for kitchen Cabinets.
Cherry
Bamboo is a hearty plant that grows rapidly. Mahogany
Cherry is normally utilized in the mid-priced to increased stop cabinets. Paint Class solid wood can truly consist of a extensive variety of timber sorts. Mahogany accepts stain extremely nicely, but is not an overly robust timber.

There are also more than 10 species of Maple that arrive out of the US, so there is a extensive selection of grains. Bamboo
The largest drawback to bamboo is that it has to be veneered more than an additional solid wood, because Bamboo plants do not grow thick adequate to cut into planks. Pine
Right here is a list of timber sorts that you might occur across in your research for kitchen cabinets (listed in purchase of cost)

When you commence purchasing for Kitchen Cabinets , the variety of wooden used is just as important as the overall seem or carry out of the cabinets.

Depending on whether you are acquiring RTA (ready-to-assemble), stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets will have a big effect on the varieties of woods that are offered for you to pick from.

I have been remodeling many homes and have saved a ton of money .  This is how I <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.ekitchen.net/”>Buy Kitchen Cabinets</a> and save.

www.newel.com - Newel.com: Antique English Country oak campaign style (2 section) desk with 6 drawers and brown leather top (19/20th Cent.) (English, Country, table, desk, oak) (Newel Art and Antiques, New York City)

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Kitchen Decor and Design Styles

Kitchen Decor and Design Styles

When planning your kitchen you may need some design inspiration. Choosing a style can help you make many of your selections, when you know what fits in that design style. Things like architectural details, decor, and colors can be found in the details for each design style. No matter what design style you choose in planning your dream kitchen, if you have a counter with an extended overhang you are going to need support brackets. Listed below are top design styles and some of their features. We hope this will help you in the planning and designing of your new dream kitchen.

Rustic American - Stainless Steel is an attractive design element which complements the gray tones and pewter hardware. Steel countertop support brackets can also be painted in the off white and neutral colors if you prefer to match wall color.

Color accents in grayed tones or sun-baked colors with predominately white, off-white or neutral base colors work well. Surface selections like ceramic tile, soapstone, slate and wood in a matte finish with a natural and heavy appearance are all appropriate. Pewter, rustic metals, wood and wrought iron can all be used in hardware choices. Wood finishes in oak, pine and walnut are the most popular wood species for these styles.

Modern/Contemporary -Sleek stainless steel contemporary brackets would work well in this style. This design style is an excellent complement to stainless steel countertop brackets as noted in the hardware choices below.

Stainless steel can be used as an accent color, but vibrant colors of blues, oranges, reds and yellows predominate. Recently, dark black-brown colors are becoming more popular. Surface selections would be natural stone, quartz or concrete as your best options. Nickel, chrome and stainless steel are the most appropriate for hardware. Straight grained woods such as birch, maple and bamboo are the most prevalent for wood finishes in this design style.

Traditional/Country - In this design style you may wish to use the hidden support bracket, or choose one a decorative bracket to paint in a color that falls in the categories below.

Reflect original dye colors from the American Colonial time period using reds, blues and yellows. Items containing small patterns also reflect this time period. Soapstone, granite, wood trimmed laminate and solid surface material with square edge profiles can all be used as your surface selections. Hardware choices should be rustic finishes such as wrought iron and oil rubbed bronze fit in nicely as well as copper and antique brass. Light wood finishes on maple, pine, oak, birch and cherry work well in this style.

Missions/Arts and Crafts - This style lends itself well to the metal finishes offered. Any solid built, metal bracket would be a trusted and beautiful support for your counter. Warm colors such as golden yellow, soft green, natural dyes and earth tones work in this style. Natural stone, multi-colored porcelain pottery, and the matte finish of rough earthenware materials are natural choices for surfaces. Almost any brushed finish or metal, other than brass will work with this design. Missions inspired designs use mainly items constructed of oak. Arts & Crafts designs often use cherry in place of oak today.

French Country - This style comes from France and has predominately curved lines and light colors. Several styles of brackets have curved lines that would fit nicely into this catagory. Pastels are the best choice for colors in a French Country setting. Ceramic tile backsplash areas with laminate tops that have a wood edge are appropriate. You can also use natural stone, quartz and solid surface materials. Your hardware choices would be nice hammered finishes in iron, pewter, copper or bronze. Your wood colors would be in lighter finishes such as pine, walnut, or cherry with some distressing.

Tuscan/Mediterranean - Arched openings and heavily plastered, oversized rooms along with vibrantly painted tile murals, and dark wood balanced with soft edged stone surfaces help define this style. Hidden brackets would lend themselves well to this design style for counter overhangs. Olive green and terra cotta have a definite Italian feel to them as do warm colors in yellows, oranges and reds balanced by blues and greens. Granite with an active pattern and other rustic patterned surfaces are appropriate in this style. Italian environments support the use of metallic surfaces beyond hardware but in most cases, rustic metals and crackled finishes on porcelain are excellent selections. Heavy woods with strong grain work well in this setting. Painted finishes should be worn through and distressed.

Victorian - Medieval motifs such as stylized floral patterns, filigree; lancet arched windows and leaded glass panes are part of this design style. Any bracket in cold rolled steel material could be painted in the dark colors that go so well with this time period. A black powder coat would provide a beautiful supported counter. Golden tones along with olive green, black and burgundy can be used as your color palette. Ceramic tile, granite, and wood are all appropriate for surfaces and hardware could be ceramic or marble, you will typically see ornate polished brass. Heavy dark woods are commonly used such as mahogany, blackened oak, walnut, satinwood or rosewood for your wood finishes.

Transitional - Is a relatively new style combining Modern/Contemporary with more Traditional Old World design style, creating a bridge between the old and the new style. Brushed metals would be very common sight in this style. Stainless steel brackets have become very popular, come in various styles and are a perfect match in this setting. While colors in the contemporary style tend to be bright and bold, more subtle colors or a combination of colors lean more towards the tradition style. Combining granite or quartz with wood accent areas would help define a transitional space. Brushed metals, oil rubbed bronze or wrought iron finishes will all work. Tight grained woods such as maple, birch and cherry can be used.

American Shaker - Defines a woodworking style that is beautifully executed and simple in detail. The Shaker’s homes were multipurpose rooms and they hung chairs on pegs along the outer walls so floor space was available for other activities. This style lends itself to beautiful wood décor. A strong metal L bracket with a wood facade provides the sturdy strength of steel with the beautiful wood look to match this design style. Colors range from pinky tones and terra cotta earth shades, through yellow ochre and olive green, to greenish blues and denim. Granite, limestone, slate and square-edged solid surfaces are all appropriate for surface finishes. Wood pegs are the most authentic in place of hardware. You can also use simple metal or hand-forged finishes. Predominate wood choices include maple and cherry. Warm or medium range wood tones are appropriate.

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Kitchen Cabinets- Selecting the Right Type of Wood

Kitchen Cabinets- Selecting the Right Type of Wood

When you start shopping for kitchen cabinets, the type of wood used is just as important as the overall look or finish of the cabinets. Depending on whether you are buying RTA (ready-to-assemble), stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets will have a big impact on the types of woods that are available for you to select from. Custom cabinets will offer the largest selections of wood types, but you will also pay significantly more for them. Here is a list of wood types that you may come across in your search for kitchen cabinets (listed in order of price)

Paint Grade

Paint Grade wood can really consist of a wide range of wood types. Most stock and semi-custom cabinet companies that apply a painted finish may even use MDF or Particleboard instead of wood. The most common paint grade woods will be Birch, Poplar, or Maple.

Oak

Oak is probably the most widely used wood for cabinets. Most contractor grade cabinets, and more economically priced cabinets will be made of Oak. Oak is available in over 200 different species and is grown all around the world. The most common finish for Oak cabinets is just a natural or honey finish. Oak is a strong, dense wood that will hold up to everyday use and can accept stain well.

Pine

Pine comes in three different versions- white, yellow, or ponderosa. White pine can be very easy to work with and will accept stain easily, while ponderosa will require some special attention because of the resin that may still be concentrated in the wood. Pine is great for creating a rustic feel for your home.

Maple

Maple is another widely used wood type and can be found in a wide variety of species. This is probably the most common wood found in RTA Cabinets, because it is grows abundantly in Northern China and most RTA cabinets come from China. There are also more than 10 species of Maple that come out of the US, so there is a wide variety of grains. Most maple is very easy to work with and will accept stain easily. Maple finishes well in any color- from a Honey Finish to a Chestnut Glaze.

Cherry

Cherry is typically used in the mid-priced to higher end cabinets. The unique feature about Cherry is that with a light stain applied, it will actually get darker with time. As the wood ages and is exposed to sunlight, it will change to the reddish brown color most people associate with antique cherry furniture.

Bamboo

With the push towards becoming eco-friendly, more and more cabinets are being designed using Bamboo. Bamboo is a hearty plant that grows rapidly. The biggest drawback to bamboo is that it has to be veneered over another wood, since Bamboo plants do not grow thick enough to cut into planks. Right now, you will only find Bamboo being used by custom shops primarily on the West Coast

Mahogany

Mahogany creates a very rich look, and the wood itself is reddish-brown. Aside from exotic woods, this is going to be one of the most expensive options in the common wood types. Mahogany accepts stain very well, but is not an overly strong wood.

Whether you are building a high end kitchen, or just updating a rental unit, there are a wide variety of wood types to select from. Selecting a wood type that will hold up to the amount of use and abuse it will incurr is just as important as how the finished product will look, so keep that in mind when shopping for kitchen cabinets.

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