The History of Rocking Chairs

Do you remember those days when your grandparents used to tell you stories while sitting in their favorite rocking chairs? Did you ever experience the thrill of being rocked back and forth on that chair for the first time? For some people, rocking chairs are endearing parts of their lives. But, do you know that rocking chairs also have their own stories to tell? If not, here’s the history of rocking chairs that not all of you may have heard about.

The First Rockers

The original inventor of the rocking chair is still unknown. Though some stories attribute its invention to Benjamin Franklin, no historical evidence can prove them right. Historians can only trace the rocking chair’s origins to North America during the early 18th century. They were originally used in gardens and were just ordinary chairs with two rockers at their bottoms. It was in 1725 that early rocking chairs first appeared in England. They were also used as garden chairs and had hoop-shaped backs. The distinction of being the creator of the first popular rocking chair design actually belonged to England’s North American colonies. Windsor rockers, as this design was called, were first built near the Windsor Castle in the early 1700s. These rocking chairs featured a round hoop back, a birdcage (with spindles known for its cage-like appearance), and a comb-back (with comb-shaped head rest). The wicker rocking chair was another popular design created during that time. The production of wicker rocking chairs reached its peak in America during the middle of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were popularly known, were famous for their craftsmanship and creative designs.

Into the Modern Era

Michael Thonet, a German craftsman, created the first bentwood rocking chair in 1860. This design is distinguished by its graceful shape and its light weight. Thonet used bent steamed wood for these rocking chairs. Because of their affordability and beautiful design, bentwood rocking chairs not only became famous around the world but spawned countless imitators as well. Neoclassical designs also became a trend in the US during the 1890s. These rocking chairs were influenced by Greek and Roman designs as well as Renaissance and colonial era artistry. During the 1920s, however, folding rocking chairs became more popular in the US and in Europe. They were handy for outdoor activities and travel purposes. By the 1950s, rocking chairs built by Sam Maloof, a US craftsman, became famous for their durability and deluxe appearance. Maloof’s rocking chairs are distinguished by their ski-shaped rockers.

The Rockers of Today

Today’s rocking chairs are distinguished by their diverse materials and cutting edge, sometimes outrageous, designs. One of the modern era’s most unique was created by Ron Arad in 1990. The single volume rocking arm chair is made of steel that also tilts upward when it is not used. Meanwhile, Peter Opsvik of Norway created the “gravity balance” in 1999. This ergonomic rocking chair allows the sitter to relax or stretch through its four positions. Another unique one was created in 1999 by Illka Terho and Teppo Asikaine of Sweden. Known as the “chip lounger,” this rocking chair is shaped like a surfboard. In 2001, MAC Sports, USA released the “malibu” rocking chair, which can be folded up completely into its own carrying case.


Source by Jerry Brecken

Wood Furniture: 3 Clever Methods To Make Use Of All The Space In Your Home

Space is never enough even when you have a lot to spare. No matter how small or unusual a room is, an open and creative mind will always see unused space changed from perfect to poky. The experts tell us how.

Solid Wood Furniture Extra Space Using Tips

Embrace Change
Wood furniture types that serve multiple purposes are everything and the new trend. Find a table that can work as a dining table and as a work desk, purchase a sofa that can be doubled as a guest bed or can also serve the purpose of a coffee table and bonus seats when a guest comes over.

Bare Walls
If your room feels messy, put your empty walls to use. They are good for more than just hanging inspirational wall hangings, you know!

  • Built-In Shelves – Built-in shelves or wall shelves are perfect for creating storage without any space away from the room.
  • Bar Racks – Kitchen cabinets are overflowing with pans and pots? Adding some barracks to your wall will make more storage space as well as quirky kitchen display.
  • Corner Shelves – Often left ignored to collect piles of dust, an empty corner shelf is a great way for additional shelving. Add some life to your oak living room furniture sets by adding some beautiful decoration items of the corner shelves.
Conceal
Nothing makes a small space look smaller and more clustered – than being able to see everything. So consider all the covering methods available to you. Curtains and other fabric are great and easy to hang across doorways and over shelving. Invest in baskets and lidded boxes that you like the look of to hide loose matters is a great idea. Furniture with hidden storage, built-in is worth the investment.

Declutter
OK – are you sick of hearing this? But to be honest, this is one of the best tips so far to maximise that space in your home. There are a lot of things in your house which need to be replaced or are just taking extra space in the store. We have posted about it tons of times, and indeed, there are plenty of tips to try out. But the most important advice is to have the ability to let go of stuff. Instead of holding to every object you own, it’s better to consider replacing it. Ask yourself “Do I need this?”

Hide Your Storage
It’s not necessary that all the items you are storing should be displayed. Wood furniture is an excellent piece for hiding things – you can help to protect baskets, shelves and the like for a clean look that still boosts storage.

  • Under The Bed – Its time to drain the dust bunnies and take benefit of the space under your bed. Under-bed storage is a smart way to keep your bedroom organised and tidy.
  • Open Shelves – change your bed base for open shelves. This creates piles of storage space and doubles as a cute shelf for your favourite books and houseplants.
  • Rolling Drawers – Sensible, right? Just grab yourself some old drawers or caster wheels from a local hardware shop, and you have got yourself some roller under-bed storage.
Home décor requires a lot of diversity and creativity to play around with styles and space to understand that best of your furniture. You need to experiment continually to achieve the ideal results. Do you have any kind space creating ideas, feel free to share them with us?


Source by Andrew Scott

How to Find Affordable Home Office Computer Desks

There is no shortage of home office computer desks out there on the market, but finding one that is affordable is the hard part. Many times, the only ones that are on display are the high end ones that only attorneys and doctors seem to be able to afford. For those who live on a tighter budget, getting what you need and what you want at a reasonable price can turn into a chore.

You could look for a used desk, but when you do that you are likely to find that the desk is pretty well used up. Lots of dings and wear, maybe it’s just not stable. When you do find one in good repair, you learn you have to take it apart to get it through the doors, but then when you go to put it back together it just doesn’t quite fit right.

One option is to look at home office computer desks that are new but made of materials that aren’t as expensive. A good composite wood will bring you as many years of beauty and purpose as a solid wood desk will, and it only takes a little maintenance. There are many beautiful desks that are laminates or veneers that look expensive, but really aren’t.

You may choose to go with a contemporary design. These are generally less expensive as they are very popular and supply is good. They have simple lines that make it a breeze to take care of them and they always look great with other pieces of furniture. Generally they are in a natural light wood color, which helps them coordinate well with any decor. Rugged and beautiful with a wide variety of options, they can handle just about any project you need them to.

Take the time to do a little shopping around. You might be one of the lucky few that find a great used desk, but most of the time, looking at the new home office computer desks is going to be the best bet. After all, you want to make sure you get just what you need, not what you can settle for.


Source by Stewart Baker

How to Find the Perfect Dining Chairs

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Dining chairs are essential for any dining room. After all, when it comes to enjoying any good meal, a good chair makes all the difference. You can find dining chairs at practically any price level-there are chairs that are unbelievably expensive and high end and then there are chairs that barely make a dent in your pocketbook. These are usually garage sale finds or bargain outlet discounts.

When it comes to finding the perfect chairs for your dining space, it all boils down to style and comfort. One of the most important things you should begin with when deciding what sort of dining chairs to buy is how to combine a good, comfortable chair that doesn’t give you a backache, with something that is chic and fashionable. Of course, you’ll have a range of picks, spanning in shapes, sizes and styles; your chairs should be inviting, and beckon your guests to sit back and relax.

Your classic dining chair is usually a wood affair with an upholstered back. The mid-Georgian-style mahogany dining chair, with hand carved detail and fitted loose seat, is an example of this traditional style, offering both elegance and comfort when sharing a meal with good friends. Another way to go is a steel chair like the Robert Mallet Stevens iconic steel chair of 1928. This chair is extremely streamlined and sleek; it screams simple luxury. You can usually find brushed and polished finishes; powder coated chairs in a range of colors are also available. Of course, if you do opt for a designer chair, the price tag will run a tad higher than something you’d find at Ikea. Metal chairs go well with glass or metal dining tables and they also complement the Bauhaus style. Other designer chairs worth a look include the boxy square chair by BDDW, the solid Deer chair by Autobahn, or the lower end, but fun Olle Ikea chair.

For those looking for something a little more low key, there’s always estate sales and yard sales. These are great places to find hidden treasures. Do some searching and you can find some classic fixeruppers. Many chairs can be sanded and painted over; you can add slips or reupholster the seat covers. Additionally, you could add throw pillows for a more cozy, comfortable look. Consider painting a set of similar chairs different colors for a more compelling look. Try sticking to primary colors for a Mondrian-inspired look; or if you prefer one color, try gradations, paint the chairs different shades to achieve a Pantone-ish gradient. Or, if you’ve found an assortment of mismatched chairs, paint them one uniform color to give the dining room a unified look; each chair retains its distinctive shape and personality, adding depth to the room. For an assortment of mix matched chairs, such as low lying stools, high back chairs etc, stick to a close range of shades. The hodge podge already makes your chairs stand out, so you want to keep things together by choosing one shade, for example, dark walnut or light blonde.

Remember that before buying anything, you have to consider your lifestyle and tastes. If you have children for instance, you might want to lay off the designer styles and do some bargain hunting. If you like throwing lavish dinner parties for friends and associates, seek to impress.

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Source by Bill William

Tips to Set Up Fabulous Open Living Room Designs for Dreamy Residences

Designing the constituents of a home starts with space planning. A living room not only brings all the family members together, but facilitates a series of activities like entertainment and meetings. A corner of a spacious living room could very well serve as a valuable little office with communication, internet and printing facilities. Create a welcoming aura for the family and guests with a promise of relaxation and serenity. An aesthetic well designed contemporary living room takes the breath away.

Interior spaces would depend upon the design choice and the cost factor too, that decides many things. If space is congested, a large living room would subtract from the bedrooms and the passages, kitchen and bathrooms. A compromise will have to be worked out all right, with the family deciding upon the priorities. An extensive living room has many advantages, though.

Residences often represent a company or a philosophy that finds expression, perhaps at the entrance, the gate and the interiors too. The entire set up would then work like a huge advertisement and rightly so. Get down to the task of sprucing up the living room with an adequate budget. If renovations have to be made, it is well worth the effort, time and expense. The spirit of the home often depends upon the living room that is common to all and guests too.

Expenses on furniture and carpets, curtains and cushions

Luxuries apart, certain aspects like abundant lighting fixtures, curtains and furniture, cushions and carpets are essential, the more colorful the better, matching or contrasting with walls and floors, according to the planned effect. Adornments like art works and show pieces elevate moods and feelings. Electronics has become compulsory in the present day set up.

A new construction has many advantages

While extensions and refurbishments can be challenging, a new building raises interesting and dynamic possibilities. A palatial living room, perhaps enclosed in glass, with a view that sails across greenery or the blue sea front could be mesmerizing. Not all sitting rooms can achieve such a fairy tale effect, but designs can create wonders that look like masterpieces.

What would be the dominant color scheme? Many people go for the minimalist grays and browns, creams and yellow. Those are fine, but a dramatic effect is achieved by introducing a couple of dark and shining shades of red or blue. The soothing impact with uncluttered expression remains with a streak of lightning like effect. Contemporary themes would work out fine with some lavish marble tiles too on the floor or walls.


Source by Gracia Brown

The Best 5 Types of Desks for You to Nail Work-From-Home

Desks are needed everywhere, be it home, office, schools or even a hospital. There are a huge number of people who opt for work-from-home as working hours are flexible. They also benefit people who do not have a regular job, as they use it for performing their daily home duties, working on budgets and much more. Finding the right desk for your needs is very important. Here are some of the few types of desks.

WRITING DESK

The writing desk is the simplest one available in the market. It is a flat surface that permits you to sit at the desk, on the chair of your choice. You get maximum working space as there are no drawers or other details which the other types of desks have. Be it working on your bills or writing a novel, this desk will provide you the comfort to do your job. These come in different styles and designs, and you can choose the one which suits your needs.

FLOATING DESK

A floating desk is fixed or built into a wall of the room which allows the floor space to be open. This means that, the floor will be unoccupied by the bulky legs of the desk or other details which can cram the room. This is the best one for a small home office and will look great if the room has a window with a beautiful view. This is for someone who loves simplicity, and the look of clean lines. This also provides great space for you to move your legs around while you work.

COMPUTER DESK

A computer desk is also a desk, which shouts simplicity just like a writing desk, but, it provides a large space for you to keep all the devices which you require. There will be ample amount of space to house your monitor, CPU, and other cables and connectors. Most of the computer desks come with a keyboard tray which can be slid out when they keyboard is in use and slid in when it is not required. Some also come with small drawers and a shelving unit to keep all your office supplies.

CORNER DESK

A corner desk is well suited for a home office, which does not have much foot space. The desk sits perfectly in one of the four corners of a room which allows the main part of the room to be unoccupied for other activities. There are many variations of the corner desk, from small, simple setups, to large, spacious desk tops with shelving units.

STANDING DESK

A standing desk is suitable if the kind of work you do from home does not take a lot of time or if you like to stand and work. A standing desk is taller than the other types which helps the monitor’s screen to be at your standing level. Height adjustment is available in most of the standing desks. The look and design is simple and can completely change the way you work.


Source by Shalini M