Comfortable and Practical Outdoor Furniture

Being outside is such a great feeling and people who have gardens will often want to make the most of them when the weather is good. If you are looking for furniture for your garden you will want to make sure that you are choosing the best possible types for your needs. Maybe you have never bought outdoor furniture before and need a little help on the subject to make sure you get it right. So here are a few things that you should think about before you go out and purchase your furniture.

• What type of outdoor furniture do you need? Some people love the look of Rattan furniture whereas other people will always want to go for traditional wicker furniture for their garden. Spend a little time thinking about this and check out the different styles and you will soon know which type you would prefer in your garden.

• Is the furniture going to be outside all year round? Many people do not have the space to take their outdoor furniture inside during the wetter months. With this in mind it makes really good financial sense to choose outdoor furniture that is all weather. This kind of furniture will stand up to wet weather and hot weather and will not start to disintegrate all look old and shabby.

• Do you need to provide shade with your furniture? If you are going to be positioning your outdoor furniture in a very sunny spot you need to think about UV protection. Make sure that you can buy a canopy or garden umbrella that will match your furniture so people are able to protect themselves from the sun while they are sat in the garden.

• How much are you planning to spend on the furniture that you buy? If you are trying to stick to what you might want to consider furniture that is made out of lighter materials and has an aluminum frame. These will work out to be much cheaper than furniture is made from hand woven materials and so on. However when it comes to choosing furniture for your backyard you should never compromise on quality as you want this furniture to last for a long time and give you many years of use as you enjoy your garden.

• If you have children choose outdoor furniture that can be used by them comfortably. There are plenty of different sizes of furniture that you can buy a used outdoors. So consider your children when you're making your purchase and they will have the furniture that they need while they are outdoors.

• Can you build your outdoor furniture or will you need help? There are some steps that will come ready prepared and if you are not very good DIY you might want to think about buying this type. However if you have no problem with projects that will require you to build furniture yourself you can go ahead and choose any of the types that are currently on the market.

Get top quality designer wicker outdoor furniture at the lowest prices guaranteed. Retro Designs has a wide range of rattan outdoor settings from outdoor lounge to outdoor dinning furniture. Call or order online with our simple order process. All orders are backed with hassle free money back guarantee so you can shop with confident.

Modern Furniture For a Modern Way of Life

If you want to update the decor in your home there is no better way to do it than with modern furniture. Even an older home can be given a fresh new look with modern furniture, and if you have some precious antique or older pieces you want to keep it is possible to mix the two styles together.

Whilst older furniture was designed to look reassuringly solid & was made in fairly dark woods, the new modern aesthetic is light, bright & ethereal. White, pale beige & pale grey are the staple colours, but modern furniture is also being made in fabulous brights as well, either combine different colours if you are feeling brave, or combine with neutrals to create a special feature. Modern furniture is often the style of choice for many newer homes as it takes up less room. The clean lines & minimal styling mean it also looks like it takes up less space as well, an important feature when you are trying to decorate a smaller home.

The materials used to make modern furniture are an important part of this, white gloss lacquer reflects the light, whilst glass, shiny chrome & pale fabric & leather, combined with thin legs on tables, sideboards & sofas add to the illusion of space.

In addition technological advancements & market demand has lead to many pieces of contemporary furniture having hidden, inbuilt storage or being decorative space efficient storage in their own right. The new wall units are a perfect example of this, leaving the floor empty they are barely there yet provide an incredible amount of storage for all of the possessions that might otherwise be scattered around your living room.

Most of the best modern furniture is made in Italy. Whilst not inexpensive the quality & attention to detail make it worthwhile. Contemporary furniture can be very unforgiving, marks on the top of a table won't give the piece an air of shabby chic, it will simply make it look like it should be thrown out, so it is important to buy pieces that will last for a long time whilst still looking good, & that look good to begin with.

Because the Italians are so expert in creating contemporary furniture they also lead the market in terms of innovations. From special mechanisms for extending dining tables to amazing new storage options for wardrobes & the most incredible leather on their sofas it is fair to say no one makes furniture like the Italians.

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons modern furniture from Italy is so popular is that it is made to order. Whilst this means customers will have to wait anything up to 12 weeks it has some significant advantages. The first is the choice of colours available, which means you can incorporate new furniture into your existing colour scheme easily. In addition a lot of contemporary furniture from Italy is made in a lot of different sizes, so if you have a difficult gap to fill, or simply want to make sure the size of the piece suits your room it is always possible to get something that is just right.

Modern furniture is growing rapidly in popularity, because it can be adapted to the way we live, & makes our home a calming refuge from our ever busier world.

Ways To Achieve Success In Your Backyard Furniture Business

In any business whether it is a backyard furniture or metal patio furniture business, there must always be the element of success. You don't have that business just to earn. You don't own that just because you want to make use of your skills in furniture making. But, you have such business because you aim for success. For sure, you want to feel how it is to be on the peak of success knowing that you have worked so hard. Today, a lot of people think of getting into ventures despite the fact that they already have their jobs. Maybe because they want to have another alternative in case of a financial crisis or they want to practice whatever managerial skills they have. Now, if you have chosen to be a part of the furniture making industry, below are the ways on how you'll achieve success.

Hire Good People: You don't need to work alone just to make sure that your backyard furniture business will become stable one day. If you are the one who started it then just take the managerial position. Be the manager of your own business and manage every deal, manage costumers, workers, etc. As you take the authority to run the business, make sure that you hire good people. Filter your employees thoroughly before hiring them. Make sure that your people are experienced, skilled, can work under pressure, and are trustworthy. The success of any business is not only due to setting goals but also in having good people.

Be Updated With The New: As the trend for backyard furniture making changes, your company must also learn how to adapt to such changes for it to succeed. If the latest magazine issue talks about home improvement revealing contemporary chair designs then get the latest updates, call for a meeting and inform everyone involved in the company. The only constant thing in this world is change so if you want to meet your costumers' demands and you want to be always updated in furniture making, learn how to adapt, communicate fairly and set rules.

Use Quality Construction Materials Or Equipment: Since shoppers become wiser everyday, use only quality construction materials or equipment in building your furniture sets. Tell your people to always prioritize the quality. Allow them to use more efficient tools for fast furniture making and be the one to check the materials that are being used. Make a list of quality and durable materials in furniture making and always double-check. If you don't cheat in giving clients what they need, success can be at reach.

Decorating With Solid-Slab Furniture

The Growing Trend

One of the most popular trends in furnishings and design today is the use of pieces that are eco-friendly or "green". An example of this is found in the popularity of solid-slab furniture, which is made from large, solid pieces of wood that has often been reclaimed or reused from another source. Wood used from naturally fallen timber, rather than traditionally produced timber, is another example of eco-friendly sourcing for furniture. This way of recycling wood makes for unique and attractive pieces of furniture while conserving resources. The shape of the furniture is usually slightly irregular, not a traditional rectangle or circle, which adds to its handcrafted aesthetic appeal.

Varieties

Perhaps the most common examples of solid-slab furniture are tables. Kitchen tables are topped with a large, often irregularly shaped piece of wood, and paired with legs that either complement the rustic aesthetic, such as wood, or contrast with it, such as steel or metal. Other pieces that are made from solid wood include headboards, dressers, cupboards, and chairs.

Complementary Decor

This type of furniture fits in with a few different styles of decor. It obviously works well with rustic, cabin-like settings since it's very natural-looking and woodsy. Many times, traditionally rustic beds made from rough-hewn logs are given a solid-slab headboard. Yet, solid-slab also suits a more contemporary design, particularly when it is paired with industrial or metal finishings. A table with sleek metal legs and a natural, organic looking solid-slab top is an example of this "contemporary rustic" design.

Organic Appeal

Just as people are looking for ways to buy organic foods, so they are seeking to include organic design in their homes. A solid-slab table, chair, or headboard works well with this idea of decor. Many retailers offer pillows and bedding made from organic cotton, which look beautiful and natural paired with a solid-slab headboard. Another way to add organic or organic-looking accessories is to use natural materials such as reeds, dried flowers, and other plants in decorating and filling vases, rather than plastic or fake flowers. These type of organic arrangements look perfect on one of these kinds of tables.

Advantages

In addition to their unique visual appeal, solid-slab furniture is generally very high in quality and lasts for many years. Its durability and size make it furniture a good long-term investment. Well-crafted pieces can even be passed down to future generations.

Going green has never looked as stylish, contemporary, and stylish as it has with this trend. The ability to express your design aesthetic as well as your eco-friendly mindset in one decorative piece is amazing.

What Type of Furniture Should I Buy?

What is Solid Wood Furniture?

Solid wood is wood that has been harvested and cut into solid slabs and fashioned into furniture. The common types used are Mahogany, Cherry, Oak, Maple, and Walnut. Our Custom Furniture and Imported Furniture is hand crafted using sustainable solid mahogany and other Grade A woods throughout, we do not use particle board or Medium Density Foam.

While it is cost-effective and other times practical to use veneers and other composite wood materials, the best choice for longevity is solid wood furniture. Furniture manufactured by MBW is built to last a lifetime. Each piece is hand crafted, resulting in truly unique characteristics.

Why should I buy solid furniture?

Appearance
Solid wood will have the most naturally beautiful wood grain.

Durability
Solid wood furniture is durable and with proper care, will last for generations. Unlike composite wood, solid wood will more resistance to water damage and not disintegrate.

Maintenance
Small nicks and scratches can be easily touched up. Also, the finish of the furniture can be changed more easily. Whether it is to refresh the piece repurpose an item to fit in another space, solid wood can be stained and re-stained time and time again.

Design
Wood allows for much more ease in carving intricate details and ornamentation. This is especially important in Antique reproductions and other furniture that require many curves in the wood.

Will Solid furniture cost more?
Wood furniture (solid) requires large sections of wood that are relatively free from defects, so the cost is higher than those made of composite wood and veneers. however, we are able to offer superior solid wood furniture for the most affordable prices. Be assured that you are getting an heirloom quality piece of furniture that, with appropriate care, will last for decades or generations.

What does it mean when the wood is Kiln Dried?
Kilns are large ovens in which wood is dried or cured through carefully controlled heat and humidity. Kiln drying removes about 93% of the moisture from wood. Our factories employ this method in order to guarantee that your custom furniture maintains its stability for years to come.

Kiln-dried wood advantages:

Wood that has been kiln dried resists warping splitting and cracking.

Less likelihood of stain or decay during transit, storage, and use.

Reduced susceptibility to insect damage.

Increased strength

Better "hold." Nails, screws, and glue hold better in seasoned wood.

Better finishing. Paints and finishes adhere better to seasoned wood.

Better preservation. Dry wood must be used when treating with most wood preservatives.

Wood placed in kiln to removes moisture content for maximum durability and stability

What is Teak?
Teak is a type of tropical hardwood, recognized for its durability and stability. Teak is more durable than any other hardwood and has unparalleled rich beauty. Teak can withstand all types of weather, making it the perfect choice for patio or deck furniture.

Why should I buy Teak Furniture?
Teak is very durable in all kinds of weather, rain or shine! Teak is a very dense grain hard wood that preserves its original form and is resistant to physical changes such as warping or termite attacks. As teak gets older, its appearance actually improves since it develops a silver grey patina that really adds that individual character to the furniture.

Does MBW offer Teak furniture?
We offer most designs to be built with solid Teak wood at the customer's request. Please see our collection of Teak Furniture.

ENGINEERED WOOD

What is Plywood?
Plywood is created by pressing several layers of wood together. In certain cases, plywood is used with a combination of veneers instead of solid wood because of its resistance to cracking, shrinkage, and twisting/warping, and its general high degree of strength. It has a similar look to wood, but its layered structure is visible on the ends. While plywood maybe used in back panels and other parts of furniture, it is no match for solid wood in terms of beauty or ease of carvings and ornamentation.

Plywood with veneer

What is MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)?
MDF is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down solid wood into wood fibers, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. It is commonly used in budget-friendly furniture in combination with veneers and is not as durable or strong as solid wood.

Medium Density Fiberboard

What is MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)?
MDF is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down solid wood into wood fibers, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. It is commonly used in budget-friendly furniture in combination with veneers and is not as durable or strong as solid wood.

Getting Organized With Wall Coat Racks

If you have children, you know how difficult it can be to keep your home organized. When children come home from school, books, backpacks, coats and jackets, all may be strewn throughout the house. Having a designated place to keep each persons belongings can help with this problem. This can help the frustration everyone feels when they need to find their belongings and can make for a more peaceful sendoff to school and work.

In order to create a place for items that make their way into the home a small space is needed. If you can find a bare wall anywhere in your home, you can make a dedicated place for organizing personal belongings. This place does not need to be in the entryway. A hallway, corner or back-porch area will work fine. Finding a wooden coat rack that is the size you need will be your first task. If you have the space a large coat rack is a good idea because items can quickly accumulate. A shelf that you can place underneath this rack, with room for baskets will make it possible for things to be neatly stored. You can find baskets at many department stores, and finding baskets that fit in your bookcase or shelf will not be hard. If each child has one or two baskets this should be sufficient. All of their school books, important papers and other school items can be left in these baskets.

A picture frame, painted in the same colors as your coat rack can be made in to the perfect bulletin board. You can create a bulletin board that does not use thumb tacks by using ribbon to hold your items. This will let you avoid the problem of having thumb tacks fall on the floor. Cover a piece of cardboard in a fabric that matches your decor. Next take ribbon and wrap it in a crisscross pattern across your new bulletin board. This will be placed in your frame for a great place for children to slip in school notices, pictures and other important items. This should be hung at a level where small hands can reach. Children can learn to place important items on this bulletin board. This will prevent misplacing letters, invitations, report cards and any other items that need to be seen by parents.

A large basket can be placed on the floor for shoes, sports equipment or other items that need a home of their own. When you make a dedicated place for things that are used daily, it will be easy to keep your home organized. It can also help everyone be ontime for school and work when everything is located in one place.

Summer Romance

There are many things to look forward to in the summer - the weather, the beach, vacation and of course, the possibility of falling in love. There is something about the summertime that makes people want to fall in love. Maybe it's because the warm weather keeps people out longer, inspires them to flirt or just generally makes them a bit sexier. Perhaps it's the tans, the liberating clothes, or the saltwater hair, whatever it is, it makes us all hopeless romantics.

Romantic summer must-haves:

White lace:

Fashion is as important to summer as anything else. From denim shorts to bright coloured maxi dresses, espadrilles to big beads, it's everything you need to be hot and gorgeous all summer long. There is something about white lace though that just feels so romantic. Perhaps it's the creaminess and the sandy colour it turns when dragging along the beach, but white lace is something every girl should have in her summer wardrobe.

Beach reads:

'Love and Summer' by William Trevor, 'Too Much Happiness' by Alice Monroe, 'Love' by Toni Morrison, these are all wonderful books to bring to the beach with you. They will suck you in and entertain you while you lay back and relax in the sun. They are wonderful love stories that will help you escape your world of singleness, if that's what you're looking for.

Somewhere to rest outside:

One of the nicest parts about summer is the ability to doze off outside in the middle of the afternoon. It's warm enough that you don't even need a blanket. Whether you're on a boat or in your garden you should have some sort of chaise lounge to take a little nap on. Collapse on an outdoor couch, love seat or hammock with your summer love and let the sun kiss your skin while the wind keeps you cool while you sleep.

A sense of adventure:

If you want to experience summer love you have to be open to it. Those who are in the mindset to go out and enjoy their summer, meet new people and try new things are the ones who will probably find love. Be a bit adventurous with your time this summer. Plan a camping trip with friends, take a road trip to the beach for a day or so, explore new parts of your city and take in a festival or two.

With the right environment and the right mindset, you may end up finding love this summer after all.