Questions & Answer

Girlfriends, 

Buying fine antique furniture to add luxury and character to your home can become an 'art' for the right spot.  One does not have to go to Paris, London, and Rome to search for treasures to adorn a home. Combing in one's own area, large antiques shops and small, out-of-the-way market stalls, can be equally satisfactory, when you find exactly the right piece.  Here are some tips we have learned along the way.........

QUESTIONS WE HEAR OFTEN: 

• How can I describe what I'm seeking?  

Denise:  Learn the terms before going.   An example: a bergere is a French-style armchair with exposed wood.  A deux-coprs armoire has two pieces. Gaffrage velvet is embossed.

• How do I determine the scale of chairs for a room?  

Gwen: If it's not a comfortable seat height and depth for the average person, look for a quality reproduction, sized for today, instead.

• Should I choose style and condition over surface?

Denise: If the piece wobbles, find a good furniture craftsman in your area who can bring it back to a structurally sound condition.

Gwen:  Yes, and if there's a little paint flaking off, don't worry: it adds character to the room.

Denise:  True, but.....leave the original finish: touch up only the most obvious flaws.

• Why re-cover upholstered furniture in quality fabric and use only material that has a good "hand" (meaning how the fabric feels to the touch)?

Denise: Choose sturdy but luxurious hand-printed linens, needlepoint-tapestry weaves, sumptuous velvets, wool or antique leather.

Gwen: You can always add designer details such as pleats, nailhead trim, double welting, braids and covered buttons.

Lastly, Girlfriends,  buy a few quality gems (investments) rather than several mediocre pieces. Fine antiques with classic styling hold their value forever--as long as you take care of them.

Talk again,

Denise & Gwen

If you are anxious to upholster grandma's chair and you know the 

vendor

 pattern

  color

 please click on our website for low, low pricing

discountdesignerfabricsonline.com