Teak Tables - They've Made A Comeback

Teak tables are back and stronger than ever.

You may remember back in the 50s and 60s when teak tables were what everyone who was anyone had in their home. Then, like other trends in fashion, they went by the wayside and went out of style.

But, they are back, and it seems this time they are here to stay. Not only do those purchasing teak tables today understand the beauty of the wood but they also realize there are many other benefits to teak than just its looks.

Teak tables were not a new thing in the 50s and 60s when they were popular. They actually have been around for centuries, being used for generations in other areas of the world.

When the strong and watertight properties of teak were discovered, this wood became a common material to create boats and other water-faring vessels.

The realization that the wood was not only strong and waterproof, but also durable and beautiful saw its role expand from a building material into furniture items like teak tables.

From the standpoint of a furniture maker, teak is a wood that is very easy to work with. They can make a few mistakes in their construction and be forgiven by the ever-strong teak wood that doesn't easily spit or crack.

This same strength and durability that makes teak easy to work with is also the reason that teak tables are so popular in homes. Teak tables will go through a lot of use and abuse in a home, and put up with it.

Consider what you ask your dining room or kitchen tables to go through. These pieces of furniture are banged into, dinged, knocked around and generally beaten up by those who are making their way around your home every day. A lesser wood would start to show dings, scratches and grooves from all that abuse, but teak tables don't show their weaknesses that easily.

Teak tables are not just great for the inside of the house, but outside as well.

Part of the reason is because they are naturally waterproof. For other wooden tables left outdoors when it rains the water can seep into the wood and cause it to contract and expand, breaking and bending the wood over time.
Additionally, they are insect-proof. Insects are not a fan of the natural oils in teak and therefore avoid this kind of wood when they are looking for something to munch on. For those in termite territory, this is a priceless trait in wood tables.

When it comes to price, teak tables are going to be more expensive than other tables. This turns many people off of the tables at first because they don't want to be out a large amount of money. But, it is also important to remember the overall investment. They are going to hold up longer and stronger than other tables you may have considered.

Piano Covers - Simple Protection For Your Piano Investment

A piano cover is a must for any person who has a piano that is not used on a daily basis. Many older pianos are placed in back rooms and not cared for as part of the regular upkeep of the household and suffer from deterioration at much earlier ages as a result. A piano cover can protect a piano from early aging by protecting it from the dust, mildew, sunlight and dampness of unvisited rooms.

A growing number of piano owners today are purchasing piano covers in order to protect the piano from grandchildren and pets. While grandchildren are always welcome to play the piano and enjoy the lovely sounds as they plunk away at the keyboard, it is best to keep the piano covered and protected when the grandchildren are not playing it. A number of household pets can quickly learn to call the piano home, at least for a long afternoon nap. I have seen many homes where the cat will use the strings of a grand piano as a wonderful resting place. While it is very relaxing for the cat, it is not great for the piano and can cause harm to the inner box and will likely cause the piano to lose its tune more quickly. Keeping the piano covered with a well constructed piano cover will allow the pet to find a better location for the afternoon snooze and the owner of the piano to more fully enjoy the musical instrument.

Piano covers today can be manufactured form about any material, even if the material is provided by the customer to the manufacturer. The manufacturer can take the measurements and produce a custom-fitted masterpiece made of your exact material specifications to allow the piano cover to be a welcome addition to your home.

Achieving That Rustic Look

Perhaps you're like a lot of us: you want to get away from those recent trends in home décor that can often leave a living room looking well, unlivable. You may want a warmer feel to your home, a touch of rustic charm. Well, there are a lot of others who feel the same way, but are unsure where to start - redecorating ones home can be a big job and it is certainly possible to overwhelm the look of your home by overdoing the rustic look. Don't worry; there are a lot of ways to add just the right touch to your home without going off the deep end. Read on for a few hints on getting a start on this endeavor. Soon enough, you can sit back and enjoy your home's new look.

1.Rugs

A rug can really dress up a hardwood floor and make an entire room seem warmer and more inviting. Try adding a rug to your kitchen or bathroom; you'll be surprised how this small step changes the entire feel of the room. A flea market or estate sale is a good place to look for rugs - however, if you are going for the rustic look stay away from rugs with ultramodern styles such as geometric patterns. Instead, opt for oval or circular shaped rugs.

2.Blankets

Blankets on your chairs and couches can add a very lived-in welcoming feel to your home. Try to select blankets which are hand woven, or at least have the appearance of being homespun. Natural fibers are a must here; try wool, hemp or mohair. Not only warm and homey in appearance, they are very practical when it gets a bit chilly or you feel like a nap.

3.Coat Racks

The humble coat rack is often overlooked, but can be a fantastic accent in your home and a charming addition to your rustic décor. Look for a coat rack which is made of wood, especially unfinished wood if you are going for an all-out rustic look.

4.Shopping for antiques

When we say antiques, we do not necessarily mean items which will break the bank. Far from it; you can pick up antique pieces which will nicely complement your rustic look at quite reasonable prices. Estate and garage are good places to look for antiques. Farm equipment can be especially attractive as long as it is not overdone in your home. Another good choice if the idea of farm implements is simply too rustic for what you had in mind is antique household items which are still functional - think mugs, tea kettles and the like.

As you see, there are a lot of options open to you to give your home that rustic, welcoming feel. Shop around and explore all the possibilities - after all, it's your home.