Furnishing Your Home With Hickory

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When you’re filling your first home with furniture, or replacing pieces that haven’t stood up to wear and tear over the years, consider buying pieces made from hickory. Handcrafted from this strong, beautiful wood, hickory furniture will withstand the test of time and might even be passed down in your family for generations to come.

 

Not only is the look and style of hickory furniture beautiful and classic, the pieces at Carriage House Furnishings are sure to be well made, sturdily built, and crafted with care and precision. Here at Carriage House Furnishings, we know that when you buy furniture, you’re not just buying a dining room set, you’re building your home.

 

Consider, for example, the 3 door hickory hutch, and the hickory dining table. These pieces, made of naturally finished hickory, can be eye-catching additions to your current dining room, or striking centerpieces around which you build your dining room set. The table would also fit nicely in an eat-in kitchen.

 

Some of our other most popular pieces include the blanket chest and the coffee table. A hickory blanket chest can double as a bench in a living room to provide extra seating and storage, or simply an accent piece in your bedroom at the foot of the bed. The chests also make great gifts! The coffee table is classic, comfortable, and sturdy, and will stand the test of time and spilled drinks.

 

Hickory furniture from Carriage House Furnishings is sure to go great with your current décor, and all of our pieces – especially those with a natural finish – offer an attractive, rustic look.

 

This Spring, Spruce up Your Porch with Amish Furniture

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At Carriage House Furnishings, we’re committed to adding comfort and style to your outdoor living spaces. And isn’t the beginning of spring the perfect time to redecorate your outdoor living room?

 

Many of our outdoor products are made from premium recycled plastic and stainless steel hardware, which will give you years of continued use with minimal maintenance.

 

The classic Adirondack chair gives your back yard a comfortable and rustic look, and a couple of chairs gathered in a semicircle will create a wonderful spot to hang out with family and friends. Not only are these chairs stylish and sturdy, they blend easily with any kind of backyard décor, from Tiki torches to fire pits to volleyball nets.

 

For a slightly more modern option, check out our gliders, such as the Poly Curved Back Swivel Glider. This chair is perfect on the patio or on the grass, paired with a beautiful matching Poly End Table. After all, you’ll need a spot to put your snacks and drinks!

 

Another classic is the Curved Back Swing, great for porches both front and back, and perfect for creating a brand new living space with just a few simple installation steps. If you can’t hang a swing from your porch, but are still looking for that classic porch swing look, try our Poly Curved Back 4 Foot Glider to achieve the same look as the porch swing with no installation required.

 

No matter what you’re looking for, we’ll be able to help you find the perfect set of furniture to spruce up your outdoor living space. Don’t be afraid to reimagine your yard! A few new pieces of furniture, and you have a whole new living area. And hurry, spring is almost here!

 

Want to Work with Wood? Start with Whittling!

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“I’ve always wanted to work with wood, but I never know where to start. There’s just so much to learn!”

 

It’s a common quandary, one we hear all too often from friend and patrons of Carriage House. Woodworking is a wonderful hobby that can bring its practitioners years of satisfaction and enjoyment. It’s true that there’s a lot to learn, but that’s half the fun! It’s time to embrace your status as a fresh-off-the-sawmill scholar of this fine discipline. But first, we have to address that all important question – where to start.

 

Well, with whittling, of course!

 

Many of us probably experimented with rudimentary whittling projects as children – sitting around a campfire and turning large sticks into smaller, pointier sticks.

 

Whittling requires a minimal investment in equipment, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the way wood behaves as we shape it. To get started, all you’ll need is a knife and a block of raw wood.

 

The Knife

 

Generations of handy craftspeople have used nothing but a trusty pocket knife to whittle. If you already have a favorite pocket knife, you’re halfway there. If, on the other hand, you’re more inclined toward using specialized tools, there are a number of fixed-blade whittling knives available on the market. Whatever knife you use, you’ll want to keep it sharp. This will not only make whittling easier, it will protect your thumb from becoming collateral damage. A sharp knife will glide easily through wood, whereas a dull knife is more likely to catch, snag, and jump toward your hand. If you’re especially concerned about the health and well-being of your thumb, you might consider investing in a leather thumb guard to protect your digit. As long as you keep your knife sharp, however, the risk of injury is fairly minimal.

 

The Wood

 

When you first start whittling, you’ll want to avoid hard woods, knots, and complex grains. Basswood, known for its softness and simple grain, is a favorite of many novice whittlers. Pine is another good candidate for beginners, however it is so soft that you might have a hard time carving fine details. Balsa is another popular option, as it is cheap, easy to work with, and readily available at many craft stores.

 

Perhaps the most important advice we can give to aspiring whittlers is to take your time. Two basic cuts – the push stroke and the pull stroke – will constitute the bulk of your early whittling work. The push stroke is likely the stroke you used when you whittled those tiny spears as a child. The pull stroke is similar to the motion of paring an apple. Practice these basic motions to get a feel for the way your knife moves through wood.

 

There are all sorts of great resources for beginner whittlers online. Veteran whittler Lawrence Spinak maintains one such site devoted to providing aspiring whittlers with all sorts of tips and tricks to help improve their craft.

 

Why wait any longer? It’s time to get whittling!

 

History of the Adirondack Chair

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The Adirondack chair is perhaps the most easily identifiable piece of outdoor furniture in North America today. Since the first Adirondack chair was built in 1903, the design has spread from its point of origin on the shores of Lake Champlain in New York to front lawns all across the country.  Nowadays, these chairs are so common that it can be easy to forget just how clever their design really easy. So, with this in mind, we’d like to take a moment to enlighten our readers about the history of these charming pieces of craftsmanship.

The chair’s beginnings are as humble as its rugged construction. A resourceful New Yorker by the name of Thomas Lee had a summer house with a beautiful view and no comfortable seating from which to enjoy it. And so, guided by his simple desire for a place to lounge, he set out to build a better lawn chair.

Lee needed a chair that was not only comfortable, but also durable. After all, New York winters can do a number on outdoor furniture. He also wanted a chair that could be built with relative ease. Hence, the Adirondack chair, which could be constructed from eleven pieces of wood all cut from the same plank. Wide armrests offered a convenient place to set beverages while a low, deep seat made for comfortable place to unwind. It was, by all accounts, a lovely chair.

Before long, Lee’s friends began to take notice of his new outdoor décor. One friend in particular, Harry Bunnell, recognized the unique appeal of Lee’s chairs. Bunnell was a carpenter by trade, so he offered to help Lee manufacture them in his shop. As orders for the chairs started to roll in, Bunnell saw an opportunity to turn a profit on the chairs. In 1904, without obtaining Lee’s permission, Bunnell applied for a patent on his friend’s design.

For the next twenty years, Bunnell had great success building the chairs and selling them under the moniker of the “Westport Plank Chair.” It’s safe to assume that by this point, Lee and Burnell weren’t getting along so well.

Eventually, Bunnell’s patent expired and a new generation of craftspeople was free to build their own versions of the iconic chairs. At Carriage House Furnishings, we even carry our very own uniquely Amish interpretation of the Adirondack chair.

Want to learn more about the outdoor furniture available at Carriage House Furnishings? Give us a call today for more information!

 

Furniture Restoration 101

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As purveyors of fine wooden furniture, we feel an obligation to our work that compels us to preserve the work of the artisans who came before us. In an earlier post we shared some helpful tips for staining furniture with our readers. While a fresh stain and finish can work wonders to revitalize a piece of furniture that has fallen into disrepair, there are a number of other simple, effective techniques we can use to keep our furniture looking and feeling its very best.

 

Use Epoxy to Fill Gouges

 

Epoxy, commonly known as wood putty, is an essential component in our furniture repair toolkit. For small nicks and divots, take a small amount of putty and knead it between your fingers until it is soft and malleable. Next, simply press and mold the putty into the damaged area until it roughly assumes the original shape and curvature of the piece. Once it’s dry, you can sand it down until it’s smooth and flush with the existing wood. Stain the epoxied area to match the rest of the piece, and it will be virtually indistinguishable from the natural wood. This technique is also great for fixing chipped or cracked veneers.

 

Use Water to Lift Dents

 

Many shallow dents in wood can be repaired with nothing but a little care and moisture. Take a wet cloth and apply it to the dent. Wring the cloth gently to apply water directly to the damage. Allow the water to soak into the wood, and before long the wood will swell slightly and return to its original shape. Furniture sealer will prevent water from soaking into the wood, so you’ll want to sand down the finish in the affected area first in order to facilitate adequate penetration.

 

Furniture Restoration

 

Use Mineral Spirits to Reveal Blemishes

 

Before you delve too deep into your restoration project, we suggest that you apply a light coat of mineral spirits to the piece with a clean cloth in order to get a better idea of the condition of the wood. Make sure you do this in a well ventilated area and wear protective gloves, as mineral spirits are petroleum based. The mineral spirits will clean off any dirt and grime residue and reveal light damage such as scratches and water rings that might have been concealed by dull, old finishes.

 

When it comes to furniture restoration, experience is the greatest teacher of all. Have you already had success restoring a dilapidated piece of furniture to its former glory? Share what you learned with other users in the comments section!

 

How to Arrange Your Bedroom Furniture

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When deciding how you want to arrange your bedroom the first thing you should consider is what you want to use the space for.

If you have a large bedroom you have more space to utilize and if you have a smaller bedroom you have to be smarter about the space you are using. The largest focal point for the bedroom should be your bed and your headboard. It is the largest piece of furniture you typically have in your bedroom so why not show it off?

The bed is typically placed across from the door of your bedroom so when you open the door it is the first thing you see. There are a few more things to consider before placing your bed there. First, is it blocking a window? Not only is the window going to be used for air but it also allows light to come into the bedroom. If you block the window you won’t have the light and it will make it more difficult to open when needed.

Also be sure to not obstruct the door or a walkway within the bedroom. If you cut off access to your closet or dresser with the bed, then your bedroom is not going to operate as you wish.

A few more things to think about when planning your bedroom arrangements are where your other furniture pieces are going to go. First: your dressers. If you have a large enough closet, consider placing your dresser inside the closet to free up floor space. Also you will need a place for your bed side table. If you have glasses or other loose items you probably want to place them next to you when you sleep. A bedside table would make this easier. But, make sure you are buying a table that isn’t too large for the space.

 

New Uses for Barrels in Your Home Decor

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Your home decor is a part of you and speaks about, not only your style, but also says a bit about who you are. All of us want to be inspired when decorating our homes, and do something unique to us. Using unusual pieces, things that can be transformed from their original intention, may just be your defining moment.

 

A barrel is one such item. Its versatility may come as a complete surprise. Wine barrels can become so much more than what they seem to be. They can be dressed up or down, go with the rustic or the elegant, and used in a wide variety of ways.

 

The regular sized wine barrel can be a side table in your living room – the perfect place for a lamp, a cup of tea, and your favorite book. Two of them can be used as night stands in your bedroom, or serve as a sideboard in your dining room. Take three and place them under a long board of wood and they become a buffet table.

 

You can take a wine barrel, cut it in half and stain it to match your other living room furniture, and it becomes a beautiful and unusual coffee table. Use the other half as a chiller for cold drinks. Fill it with ice and put your favorite beverages in it, ready for a barbecue.

 

There are also gigantic barrels, and people have, quite ingeniously, made them into a cozy sleeping area, complete with ladder and mattress.

 

Carriage House Furnishings has a beautifully stained and stamped Jack Daniels barrel for sale for $352.50. It can become a pedestal for a flower arrangement or, if you are having a rustic wedding, it can be a table for the wedding cake.

 

Used inside or outside, the barrel can have a multitude of functions, depending on how wild your imagination can get. So be creative and think outside the box. As a table, as a buffet support, a nightstand or just as decoration, barrels are unique and whimsical. They are gorgeous just standing alone or used for something more practical. And using a barrel in your home’s decor might just say something special about you.

Tips For Staining Your Wood Furniture

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Wood furniture is treasured; and often passed down to younger generations, because it is so versatile and durable. Many people prize their wood furniture above any other pieces in their home, and will purchase unstained wood, simply for its traditional look, and its ability to stand the test of time.

 

DIY projects, such as staining your own wood furniture, can often save a good deal of money. However, it is good to follow instructions and jot down a few notes and suggestions. If wood furniture is not stained properly, it will only need to be redone in time; which then makes the process more expensive.

 

Tips For Staining Your Wood Furniture:

 

Test your stain on a piece of scrap wood that is the same type of wood as your furniture. This is the only way to see the true color of the stain before beginning your project.

 

Apply a coat of wood conditioner before staining. This helps to protect your furniture, and to keep the stain from soaking into the grains of the wood.

 

When using an oil-based stain, make sure to stir well before using. There are dyes and pigments combined with mineral spirits, that sink to the bottom of the can.

 

If you choose to use a brush to apply your stain, make sure you brush against the grain, as well as,  with the grain. You can also use a rag to apply your stain. Don’t worry about being neat and precise; your main concern should be to get a good even coat of stain on your furniture. Allow it to set for a few minutes before wiping.

 

Remove any excess stain by wiping with the grain, only. By wiping in the direction of the wood grain, the stain is sure to get into the wood, instead of laying on top.

 

If you want to avoid the fumes that come with using an oil-based stain; choose a water-based solution for your woodwork.

 

Since a stain is only good for adding color to the wood; you will need to apply a finishing coat for shine and protection.

 

You are able to mix different color stains to create your own unique blend; just make sure they are both made by the same manufacturer.

 

You can store leftover stain in a dark, cool area. It will usually last a long time and remain of good quality. If your leftover stain has a skin of residue on top when you go to use it; it is best to throw it away.  To avoid this type of spoiling, try to reseal your cans as tightly as possible.
 

 

Winter Storage Tips for Outdoor Furniture

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Summer has come to a close and it is time to start packing away all those summer items. This includes our summer outdoor furniture.
 
It is important to take the time to properly store and care for these items at the end of the season. They will be packed away and not thought of for a few months, you will not want to go out and check on them in the dead of winter. Even if you don’t have snow it will be colder than you want to deal with.
 
Packing and storing the furniture properly now also means you will have your outdoor living space up and running in no time when spring blooms.

     

  1. Clean the furniture- This is the first step to making sure you have an easy transition in the spring time. All wooden furniture items can be washed with murphy oil and water and set out to dry. Mesh, wicker, and iron items can be washed with soap and water and let to dry. The drying process is important as you do not want the items to grow mold or mildew.

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  2. Clean cushions- Yes those pesky cushions (if you have any on them) also need a good cleaning and drying time. For these use Lysol cleaner and water, if heavy stains use bleach. But make sure to do an inconspicuous test area first.

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  3. Treat Teak Furniture- Use specialty oil to keep your teak furniture looking like new.

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  4. Tuck it in- Use furniture covers to keep them protected. Even if they are going inside, it important to cover them to protect them from the dust that may collect over the winter months.

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  5. Store them- If you have indoor storage then use it to store the items you think will need the most protection, make sure to play Tetris and use all the possible space. If there isn’t storage available inside or you run out of space make sure those items are covered. Then throughout the winter periodically brush snow and leaves off the covers. This will ensure the snow doesn’t melt through the covers.

 
 

 

How to Keep Your Jewelry Uncluttered

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We all have “stuff,” and for many of us, our stuff speaks to who we are. With jewelry, something that is usually very personal as we buy it for ourselves or are given it as a treasured gift, the reveal about who we are is a bit more intimate. So we take good care of it and wear it with pride and joy.
 
But even jewelry can become a big clutter, disorganized and messy, so you want to try to keep it in some kind of order so it is easier to find what you want to wear. Here are a few tips to help you de-clutter your collection of jewelry. It may take a bit of time, but the end result is well worth the work.
 
Go through all your jewelry and separate things into categories: rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches and pins, etc.
 
Now separate your jewelry into two types: jewelry you wear every day or frequently, and pieces that you only wear on special occasions. You might also want to separate things into precious jewelry and costume jewelry, and keep the precious jewelry less accessible.
 
If you have a jewelry case or cabinet you can place things appropriately according to the frequency with which you wear it, and the category of piece it is. If you keep your jewelry in a dresser drawer, get yourself some drawer separators that divide your drawer space into compartments.
 
You can also make some of your jewelry into room accents by displaying pieces on your dresser or vanity top, and you can hang necklaces on your wall. It not only enables you to know where to find what you want and gives you ease of access, but is also a very attractive way to organize your jewelry.
 
Once you have taken the time to organize your jewelry, you can congratulate yourself. Now you will know where everything is and be able to get to it easily. It may take a good part of your day to do it, but you won’t regret having given the time to this.
 
If all else fails, you can use some of our jewelry chests with drawers and cabinets in order to keep everything organized. Check them out!
 

 

How to Organize and Stylize Your Bookshelf

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Bookshelves can become a cluttered mess if you aren’t careful of the things you place on them or where you place them. If you want the stylized look you see in the magazines follow our tips and we will have your home in the magazines soon too.
 
1. Less is More- Don’t place too many things on the shelf it will become cluttered.
 
2. Color Scheme- You cannot make sure all books are the same color, it simply doesn’t work like that. You can however color coordinate the accessories you use on the shelves. If you are using storage boxes and vases try to keep within the same color family.
 
3. Decorate the inside wall- use a printed pattern or wallpaper inside the shelf to bring more drama to the look of the wall.
 
4. Bold Colors- use a bold color to paint the shelf to stand out in the room.
 
5. Symmetry- if you two or more shelves next to each other try to make them look symmetrical.
 
6. Storage Bins- If you feel there is no way to organize the things on the shelf you can place all the items into a decorative storage bin and place that to fill the entire shelf space.
 
7. Loose Papers and Magazines- These items can be hard to store because they flimsy. Use a desk organizer typically used for binders in a office to store those items upright.
 
8. Layers- If you have deep shelves use these to create layers. Place taller items in the back and shorter items in the front.
 

Give Your Hutch a Makeover!

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Hutches can be used to display your valuables and even as a place to safely store breakable items. However after some time, it may need a bit of a facelift. Here are some tips for giving your hutch some TLC.

    • First, remove all of the items in the hutch and wash down the walls and the shelves. Clean any glass in the display so that you can see into the hutch.
    • Look through the items that you took out of the hutch. Are there items that really belong somewhere else in the home? Make sure to put them back where they belong so as to use the space as effectively as possible.
    • If you have any decorative items in there, make sure you take a moment to consider where to put them, prominently displaying your favorite pieces. Using either a plate rail or a stand will help to display plates and mug trees can be used for decorative cups.
    • For the more fragile items, make sure to store them carefully. If you are stacking dishes, put either a coffee filter or a paper plate between each plate. To fit more stemware into your hutch, alternate upside down goblets with ones that are right side up. This will fit them in close together and closer to the shelf and helps to avoid scratches.
    • Any silver items should be polished before putting them back inside the hutch. There are bags and boxes that are lined with soft materials, so make sure to use those as they are made specifically for silver storage.
  • Make sure to wash any linen you may have stored, including any that haven’t been used in a while. Fold them neatly and store them either in drawers or in a box. Do not use the iron or any starch on them until they are ready for use. Starch can attract moths and if left for too long, can cause yellowing.

Following these steps will ensure that your hutch will look practically brand new. If you have any questions about hutches, please contact Carriage House Furnishings today.