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      <title>Beginner&apos;s Guide to Furniture</title>
      <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/</link>
      <description>Furniture</description>
      <language>en</language>
      <copyright>Copyright 2007</copyright>
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         <title>Bedroom Furniture Overview</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>A bedroom should be your retreat and escape from the stress of everyday life. Many homes in America have at least two bedrooms. One bedroom is usually designated as the master bedroom because it is designed for the heads of the household. Other bedrooms are for children or guests. We spend a lot of time in these rooms and making them as pleasant and peaceful as possible is a desire of many homeowners. Furniture defines the bedroom space giving it basic functions such as sleeping while at the same time enhancing your home&rsquo;s d&eacute;cor. Bedroom furniture varies greatly from one home to another depending on the homeowner&rsquo;s personalities and tastes. A master bedroom may include a fairly large bed (double, queen or king); a dresser, nightstands and a chest of drawers. Many master bedrooms are equipped with armoires, an entertainment center and sitting areas. The well-equipped child&rsquo;s bedroom would include a bed such as <a href="http://beginnersguide.com/beds/bunk-beds/">bunk beds</a>, a desk for homework, a dresser, toy box and even a TV. The homeowner has the option of purchasing a bedroom set or purchasing individual pieces that should complement each other and the d&eacute;cor. Your bedroom furniture should reflect your personal style. The bedroom should be a place to call your own. It should by stylish and above all relaxing. <br /><br /><strong>The Bed</strong>: By far the most important piece of furniture in any bedroom, is the bed. The bed is usually placed at a position of prominence in the room. The choices and styles of beds are numerous. If you bedroom is large enough, a king size bed is ideal for a couple. Most bedroom suits and beds are available in all sizes including twin, double, queen and king. Not only are there mattress choices there are many, many choices of beds. There is the contemporary platform bed. There are beautiful ornate beds such as sleigh beds, four-poster beds and canopy beds. A canopy bed gives your bedroom a fairy-tale touch. The sleigh bed is a beautiful alternative if you want to make your bed focus point of your bedroom. The headboards and footboards that make up your bed are available in brass, metal, wood, upholstered and even leather. Select a good quality mattress and bed so it can be used in comfort for years to come. <br /><br /><strong>The Dresser</strong>: The dresser is not just for looks. This is a functional piece of furniture used to hold jewelry, make-up and clothes. Dressers can be purchased in maples, ash, birchwood, oak and the every beautiful mahogany. Before purchasing a dresser, it is crucial to check the drawers for durability and easy closure. If drawers don&rsquo;t fit correctly the seem to be warped, keep looking. <br /><br /><strong>The Chest of Drawers</strong>: This important piece of bedroom furniture should give you plenty of storage. Drawers should be deep enough to accommodate sweaters and pants. It&rsquo;s the ample drawers that give this piece of furniture it name-chest of drawers. A good quality chest is a must in a bedroom. Make sure the drawers open and shut without dragging to ensure durability as you open and close the drawers several times a day. <br /><br /><strong>The Nightstand</strong>: The nightstand or bedside table is a necessity on the side or both sides of your bed. The nightstand is crucial because it holds a reading light, alarm clocks and other nighttime necessities. It isn&rsquo;t necessary to have both nightstands match. Alternate the look with two different nightstands that complement each other. Nightstands are offered in every style, finish and price. <br /><br /><strong>The Armoire</strong>: The beautiful armoire can be utilized in a variety of ways in the bedroom. If you are short on closet space, then the armoire will extend storage for your clothes. Armoires can substitute for entertainment centers. This versatile piece of furniture can hide the TV so it isn&rsquo;t the focal point when you walk into your bedroom. If you room is large enough for an armoire, it is a wise purchase for the consumer. <br /><br /><strong>Miscellaneous Furniture</strong>: Don&rsquo;t be limited by your imagination when decorating your bedroom. There are a number of other pieces that will enhance your bedroom d&eacute;cor and make your room more functional. The jewelry armoire is a woman&rsquo;s dream. These armoires are usually displayed on small legs or feet and contain a number of drawers for jewelry. Many jewelry armoires open to reveal a mirror and places for rings. If the chest is large enough, side doors will open to reveal hangers for necklaces. Lingerie chests are another bonus to any bedroom. These chests are usually narrow so they don&rsquo;t take up much room. Lingerie chests have multiple drawers to store and protect your intimates. <br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/bedroom-furniture/bedroom-furniture-overview.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/bedroom-furniture/bedroom-furniture-overview.php</guid>
         <category>Bedroom Furniture</category>
         <pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:21:18 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
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         <title>Styles of Bedroom Furniture</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Choosing the perfect bedroom suit or separate pieces begins with your own personal style. If the majority of your home is decorated with traditional furniture, then most likely you will want a somewhat traditional look in your bedroom. Give your room an eclectic look by combining the old and the new. If is a contemporary look you want, purchase sleek, unadorned furniture that will give your room an uncluttered feel. The contemporary platform bed with its box-springless design and is low to the ground and has an exposed wood frame. Whatever your style, give it your own statement and show your personality. <br /><br /><strong>Traditional</strong>: The advantages of traditional furniture are numerous. Traditional furniture mixes well with other styles that lend itself to an eclectic feel. This style combines period furniture, rich colors, heirlooms, antiques and define trends. Traditional furniture also includes classical pieces as Queen Anne, Chippendale and Victorian. Traditional bedroom furniture displays a warm, rich and inviting environment. <br /><br /><strong>Antique</strong>: If you desire a bedroom with bedroom furniture that is actually a set, then the older antique look won&rsquo;t be for you. The heirloom look naturally lends itself to an eclectic style. Older pieces that actually match can be difficult to find. The eclectic look is beautiful and unique if mixed in the proper way. This look combines the old and the new, different types of woods and different materials to create an interesting room that displays your individual personality. <br /><br /><strong>Country Style</strong>: There are many variances in the country American design. This style is unpretentious, warm and inviting. American, English and even French bedroom furniture offers a cozy alternative for the bedroom. Painted chests, stenciling, pine and flowery chintz fabrics define the country style. If you want a cozy and welcoming bedroom, then country style may be the route to take. <br /><br /><strong>Contemporary</strong>: Bedroom furniture that leans towards the contemporary conveys a sleek, clean look to your room. This look offers the homeowner a unique and different decorating opportunity. The platform bed is a popular choice in the modern bedroom with accenting dressers and chests designed with clean lines and minimal detailing. This look gives your bedroom an uncluttered look. By adding special touches like silk pillows and cushioned chairs, the contemporary room takes on an even greater appeal. <br /><br />Decorating your bedroom can be both challenging and lots of fun! Take time to decide your style and the pieces you need to ensure your bedroom is both functional and fashionable. Before making any large purchases, choose something you really like and visualize it in your room. Is the piece too large to go with the king size bed? Is the piece too small and will be dwarfed by larger dresser and chests? These are crucial questions when redecorating this important room. After choosing you&rsquo;re the bedroom furniture to meet your needs and design, remember to choose complementing <a href="http://beginnersguide.com/window-treatments/curtains/">curtains</a>, blinds and linens for your bed. Just because the bedroom is a room that is not often frequented by guests, don&rsquo;t skimp on its decorating components. This is the place where you relax, rejuvenate yourself and sleep. <br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/bedroom-furniture/styles-of-bedroom-furniture.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/bedroom-furniture/styles-of-bedroom-furniture.php</guid>
         <category>Bedroom Furniture</category>
         <pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:26:07 +0000</pubDate>
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         <title>Coverlets/Covers Overview</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>The bedroom should be a reflection of your personality and personal taste. The most important piece of furniture in your bedroom is your bed. Your bed should be outfitted with a comfortable mattress and topped off with linens and covers that enhance your bedroom furniture and keep you cozy at night. If you want to give your bedroom an update without extensive remodeling, then changing the comforter or bedspread is a relatively easy way to transform your room. The market is flooded with beautiful comforters, bedspreads, coverlets, quilts and duvet covers. The beds from our past have evolved through the years from hand-made quilts, coverlets and embroidered blankets to the modern comforter that adorns many, many beds in modern America. Historic covers were often hand embroidered on plain cloth. Quilts were sewn with different fabrics and patchworks (hexagons, squares, triangles). Coverlets were adorned with colored yarns and appliqu&eacute;. Appliques were often hearts, flower, leaves or birds. A professional weaver usually made the coverlet. It consisted of two layers of cloth woven simultaneously. These lovely coverlets were reversible. Vintage quilts were filled with a variety of fillings including oat straw, cotton and down. The modern quilt is filled with a combination of soft, hypoallergenic materials for maximum warmth and comfort. Throughout history, bed covers have evolved to meet family&rsquo;s needs and modern design. Even though modern covers don&rsquo;t have the personal touch the vintage quilt has, we can still purchase bed linens that echo&rsquo;s our personality.</p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/coverletscovers/coverletscovers-overview.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/coverletscovers/coverletscovers-overview.php</guid>
         <category>Coverlets/Covers</category>
         <pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:29:42 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Style</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Comforters, bedspreads, coverlets, quilts and duvet covers are available in mass to meet your decorating needs. Purchase a beautiful comforter and add a coverlet to the foot of the bed to use for added warmth or a decorative accent. The choices are endless. The comforter is a more traditional or contemporary look. The quilt and matalesse will give your bedroom a warm, country ambiance. Whatever your style, there is a cover to meet your needs. <br /><br /><strong>Comforters</strong>: The comforter is a popular choice for bedding for the modern family. Comforters differ several ways from the regular bedspread. Comforters don&rsquo;t usually cover the pillows or the box spring so comforter sets are available with matching pillow shams and dust ruffles. Even if sets are not available, the comforter will have matching shams, pillows and dust ruffles that can be purchased separately. Comforters are mainly used as decorative due to the design. They don&rsquo;t provide much cover or warmth, unlike a blanket. Making your bed each morning is made easier with a comforter and shams. It isn&rsquo;t as large as a bedspread so just pulling it up over the sheets makes the bed look neat and tidy. This bedding is available in several fabrics including down, silk, cotton and cotton/polyester. <br /><br /><strong>Bedspreads</strong>: The market for bedspreads has declined in the past few years. They have fallen out of popularity and have been replaced with the comforter. In the late 19th century the tufted bedspread made its appearance on the American scene. These bedspreads are what we now know as chenille. During the 1920&rsquo;s tufted bedspreads appeared on department store shelves in major American cities. The chenille bedspread is still available today and has made a recent resurgence in popularity. What sets the bedspread apart from the comforter or duvet cover is its size. The bedspread covers the pillows and is large enough to hang down to the floor when the bed is made. Bedspreads are available in twin, double and queen sizes. The larger the bed the more difficult making it will become. However, once a bed adorned with a bedspread is made the bed looks straight, uncluttered and neat. Bedspreads are available in a multitude of fabrics such as satin, chenille, cotton, cotton blends and silk. <br /><br /><strong>Coverlets</strong>: Throws, blankets, lap rugs or afghans cover the gamut when it comes to coverlets. Coverlets can be used to adorn the foot of you bed, cover you when you are cold and keep you cozy when you are sick. A popular coverlet that has gained popularity recently is the chenille cover. It is soft, durable and machine washable. Many afghans are available that display your favorite hobby, holidays or even events in history. Afghan coverlets is often kitted or crocheted in a variety of colors. Every home should be equipped with a variety of coverlets to use as decorative accents to throw over a chair or couch. Family&rsquo;s also need coverlets to snuggle with on cold days. Holiday afghans are available to even use as wall accents. <br /><br /><strong>Matelasse Coverlets</strong>: These covers have gained in popularity in the past few years. Matelasses covers resemble quilts with delicate stitiching. They are soft, pliable and are as thin as a comforter is plump. The matelasse offers a timeless look and quality to a bed. They are usually made of cotton or cotton blends. The matelasse has the same dimensions as a comforter so matching shams and some type of dust ruffle will be needed to complete the look. <br /><br /><strong>Quilts</strong>: This versatile cover not only serves the purpose of keeping us warm it also is a beautiful addition to your bed and bedroom. Vintage quilts are made by hand using familiar materials such as clothing scraps, old flour sacks and odd pieces of fabric. Often the vintage quilt reflected the family for which they were made. Throughout generations, quilts were used to record and preserve history. Quilts are like two blankets sewn together with added padding in between the two layers. This added padding is called batting. Intricate stitching by hand or tying yarn through the layers keeps the batting from shifting during use. Older quilts come in many different designs like the friendship quilt, wedding ring quilt, Star of Bethlehem quilts and many other different styles and names abound. Truly, quilting is a tradition that is still alive and well in American tradition. If you desire the look of this American tradition in your bedroom, but don&rsquo;t want to invest in a vintage quilt than the modern quilt is the answer. These quilts are available in hand-quilted or sewn on a machine. The modern quilt is often sold with matching pillow shams. Quilts are available in many different materials including down, feather/down blend, cotton, flannel and pre-washed fabrics for added softness. The modern quilt is available in all sizes including twin, double, queen and king. <br /><br /><strong>Duvet Covers</strong>: This covering is a type of bedding that originated in Europe hence the French name-Duvet. They were originally made of Eider which is a type of down used for its insular value. It is has made its way to the United States during the late twentieth century. Duvets, like comforters, reduce the effort of making the bed. The duvet is a cover filled with down, polyester batting or other materials used for warmth. The comforter is used for decorative touches whereas the duvet is used for warmth. Duvet covers are available in many decorative styles. They can also be used to cover an old comforter when your need to update your bedroom style or cover an old comforter. <br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/coverletscovers/style.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/coverletscovers/style.php</guid>
         <category>Coverlets/Covers</category>
         <pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:30:31 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Purchasing Tips</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Comforters are so popular for the modern household. They are available at any price range, in any fabric and for any design style. Comforters in a bag are usually a great buy because the comforter, sham and bed skirt are sold together for one price. Comforters and their coordinating pillows, shams dust ruffles are also available to purchase separately but usually at a higher price. Bedspreads are available for the most budget conscious consumer. They can start as low as $9.99 for a twin size bedspread. Modern quilts are start around $50 and are also available at the high-end price of $275. A modern quilt that costs $275 would be an instant heirloom in your family despite its newness. The matelasse cover starts around $50 and can climb as high as $395. The expensive matelasse is has a thread count up to 400 and is made of Egyptian cotton. Coverlets are also available at any cost and are usually affordable at very reasonable prices. <br /><br />When deciding on covers for your bed, just remember your bedroom and your bed is your sanctuary. It should reflect your style and personality. With the plethora of bed covers available, you should be able to make your bed a place of coziness and comfort! <br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/coverletscovers/purchasing-tips.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/coverletscovers/purchasing-tips.php</guid>
         <category>Coverlets/Covers</category>
         <pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2006 21:31:55 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Wicker Furniture Blog</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Two years ago, Cathryn Peters started one of the most successful furniture blogs on the net - <a href="http://www.wickerwoman.com/">The Wicker Woman</a>, a site focusing on wicker furniture repair and seat weaving.</p>
<p>Peters has been in the furniture business for around 30 years, supplementing her monthly online magazine, Wicker Woman's Weavings, with a blog that disseminates current topics and pointers in the wicker business.</p>
<p>Weekly posts feature interesting websites to visit, exhibitions and antique shows to check out, tips on how to care for your furniture and basketry collections, and how-to articles on chair caning and basketry.<br /><br />The blog is also a good place to find updates to the Furniture Repair Directory on WickerWoman.com, and notices of magizine publications and summarizations.<br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/blog/wicker-furniture-blog.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/blog/wicker-furniture-blog.php</guid>
         <category>Blog</category>
         <pubDate>Mon, 20 Mar 2006 14:05:52 +0000</pubDate>
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         <title>New line from Dover Studios</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Dover Studio At Home has lately announced a new line of painted furniture and home accessories. The complete line features a Sherwin Williams color palette with new surface designs.</p>
<p>Dubbed the &quot;At Home Collection,&quot; the set will be available to the trade at a launch party in Dover Studios on March 25th. The concept behind the collection is to create pieces that are contemporary takes on design and color while using traditional templates. Most of the furniture has hand-applied, large-format patterns in a variety of colors.</p>
<p>Dover Studios has been in the furniture industry for over a decade, offering unique surface design services. In addition to furniture, their techniques have been used on walls and other architectural elements. </p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/blog/new-line-from-dover-studios.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/blog/new-line-from-dover-studios.php</guid>
         <category>Blog</category>
         <pubDate>Wed, 22 Mar 2006 17:59:30 +0000</pubDate>
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         <title>Choosing Upholstery for New Furniture</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Thousands of upholstery fabric are available when purchasing new furniture. Depending on the store, brand and style of furniture, you may be able to purchase the display model at the store. However, you can also purchase the same style of sofa, chair, or ottoman in an upholstery fabric of your choice. <br /><br />Chenille woven fabric is one choice that is available. These fabrics are a loosely woven, soft fabric that is available in both solids and patterns. The benefit of a chenille fabric is that is easy to clean. Chenille is great for young families because of its durability. <br /><br />Even thought you may not think of leather as an upholstery fabric, leather is another choice for upholstered furniture. Leather is a material made of tanned hides, or skins. Most leather is produced from cowhide, but other leather products are also available, such as sheep skin and deer pelts. Leather&rsquo;s durability and lasting beauty fit well in almost any d&eacute;cor. Leather must be cared for according to the manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions, but if cared for properly leather upholstered furniture will last for many years. <br /><br />If real leather is out of your price range, there are also many faux leather products available. The care for faux leather products is often comparable to that of real leather, but the cost is usually significantly lower. Another leather choice is suede. As with leather, there are true suede fabrics as well as faux suede. When caring for suede and faux suede, it is important to follow the manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions completely. <br /><br />There are many other fabric choices for upholstered furniture, such as tapestry, denim, jacquards, and even fabrics designed for outdoor use. Whatever the style of furniture, there is a fabric available that will compliment your d&eacute;cor. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask for more samples if you don&rsquo;t see what you&rsquo;re looking for on the showroom floor. <br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/choosing-upholstery-for-new-furniture.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/choosing-upholstery-for-new-furniture.php</guid>
         <category>Upholstery</category>
         <pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2006 16:47:25 +0000</pubDate>
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         <title>Reupholstering Existing Furniture</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>If you have a favorite old sofa, chair, or ottoman, don&rsquo;t discard it! Reupholster it! There are many local companies that can tackle this task for you. Most will pick up and deliver the completed project to your home for a small fee, or you can deliver and pick it up yourself to save that charge. <br /><br />Reupholstering offers even more choices in fabrics, leathers, tapestries and suede&rsquo;s than a new purchase can offer. You&rsquo;re never limited to the fabrics available through the reupholsters. You may also choose to purchase your fabric on your own and provide it to the company handling the work for you. The other benefit of having a reupholsters complete the project for you is that they can also provide new foam for cushions, repair any breaks or other defects in the original piece, and can even make minor changes to the style of the piece, such as removing wings from a wingback chair. Minor style changes to an otherwise sturdy chair can give your room a whole new look for a fraction of the price of new furniture. <br /><br />When contracting with an upholstery company, it is important to get references from previous customers and to check those references before the project begins. Talk to friends and relatives who may have used an upholstery company, and ask for their recommendations. After you have checked the references for the companies you are thinking of hiring, also check with the better business bureau or other local agency that can help you select a reputable company. <br /><br />Once you&rsquo;ve chosen the company with which you&rsquo;ll entrust your furniture, discuss what types of fabric they have available, what types of repairs are needed and how long the project will take. Ask for written estimates and don&rsquo;t pay for the entire project until it is completed to your satisfaction. It may be customary in your area to pay a deposit or a percentage of the materials which will be needed to complete the project, but most businesses will not expect any payment until the project is complete. If you, or someone in your family, have allergies, discuss these with the reupholsters before leaving your furniture with them. Having your refurbished sofa delivered only to find that the workmen smoked near your sofa is not only disappointing, but can cause severe allergies and even asthma attacks. Even though it seems unlikely, if you are hiring a local company or family friend to do the work for you, discuss allergies to smoke and pet dander before the project begins to avoid an unhealthy outcome after the work is complete. <br /><br />If you are a do-it-yourselfer, there are many web sites, books, magazines, and manuals available to help you with your project. Most home improvement stores and fabric stores will offer patterns, instruction manuals and other helps for every step of the project. But do not be fooled into thinking this is an easy, one day project unless you are an experienced upholsterer. Television shows make it look as though one person can reupholster a sofa in an afternoon, but most of us would find that is not the case. <br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/reupholstering-existing-furniture.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/reupholstering-existing-furniture.php</guid>
         <category>Upholstery</category>
         <pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2006 16:48:45 +0000</pubDate>
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         <title>Caring for Upholstered Furniture</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>To clean dust, crumbs, and minor soils from upholstered furniture, remove all loose cushions and vacuum all surfaces of the upholstered furniture, using a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner hose. A long, narrow nozzle attachment may also help you get deep down between cushions and the frame of the piece. <br /><br />Weekly vacuuming is all most upholstered furniture will ever need, but if your family snacks in the living room or you find a stain after entertaining, prompt cleaning and care is essential. When an upholstered piece needs more intensive cleaning than the vacuum can manage there are many commercial products available for spot cleaning upholstery. However, before purchasing a cleaner at the local discount store, check with the manufacturer of the upholstery fabric before attempting any cleaning. If no recommendations are made and you have a cleaning product that you trust, spot test the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot of the fabric and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before cleaning the entire piece. If discoloration, fading or other conspicuous spotting occurs, do not proceed, but rather call a professional upholstery cleaner for their recommendations. <br /><br />If your upholstered furniture is leather, suede, cotton or other natural material, the manufacturer will most surely have made recommendations about cleaning and those instructions should be followed. If you cannot find a tag or cleaning instructions from the manufacturer, it would be wise to call a local furniture company and ask about any general cleaning instructions they can offer for your type of upholstery. <br /><br />Steams cleaning is a very effective type of upholstery cleaning, but beware of cleaning any upholstery before doing a spot test in an inconspicuous area. The cleansers typically used in steam cleaning are caustic and can cause water spots on wood, fading and bleeding of colors. <br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/caring-for-upholstered-furniture.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/caring-for-upholstered-furniture.php</guid>
         <category>Upholstery</category>
         <pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2006 16:49:42 +0000</pubDate>
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         <title>Upholstery and Allergies</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>For most people, allergies are a minor annoyance. However, if you are one of those people who are allergic to dust, mold, pet dander, pollen, or the new artificially produced products used to make clothing and furniture, such as rayon or acrylic, those allergies may not seem so minor. If your furniture is a breeding ground for dust mites or if you have pets in your home, your home may be what&rsquo;s making you feel so terrible. <br /><br />There are many things you can do to ease and even eliminate your symptoms. Carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture capture allergens and hold on to them, causing you to feel allergic every time you are in the same room. Beds, dust ruffles, <a href="http://beginnersguide.com/window-treatments/curtains/">curtains</a>, and drapes also hold on to allergens, causing symptoms that range from uncomfortable to dangerous. <br /><br />The easiest way to avoid the allergen trap is to have no fabric at all in your home. Sounds incredibly sterile and uncomfortable, doesn&rsquo;t it? If that option sounds distasteful to you, there are other options. Wood floors can be just as warm and inviting as carpeted floors and leather furniture can be just as soft and comfortable as fabric upholstered furniture. If you have severe allergies, changing your floors and upholstery fabric may be necessary. <br /><br />However, if you like most people, regular dusting and cleaning will take care of most allergens in a way that makes you and your family more comfortable. Some tips that will help keep dust and other allergens to a minimum are: <br /><br />&bull; Never dry dust, but rather use a dusting product that is commercially available or a damp cloth for furniture and a damp dust mop for floors. <br /><br />&bull; Change your vacuum cleaner bag or empty your vacuum cleaner&rsquo;s filter and canister after every cleaning. Saving the dust and accompanying dust mites inside the vacuum cleaner is just as harmful as having it on your furniture. <br /><br />&bull; Don&rsquo;t neglect vacuuming drapes, blinds, and upholstered furniture when vacuuming your floors. Each of these surfaces can trap allergens. <br /><br />&bull; Regularly have your fireplace flue and all ductwork cleaned by a professional. <br /><br />&bull; Replace air filters as often as is necessary to keep your home as dust free as possible. Every other month is usually sufficient. <br /><br />&bull; Wash and dry bedding on all beds weekly, even in your guest room. <br /><br />&bull; Rugs should be cleaned by a professional at least twice a year, but more often if you have pets in the home. <br /><br />By keeping your home clean and dust free, you will diminish or eliminate most allergens. Upholstered fabrics do not have to be banned from your home. A good quality vacuum cleaner and fresh bags and filters after each vacuuming will usually do the trick. <br /></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/upholstery-and-allergies.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/upholstery-and-allergies.php</guid>
         <category>Upholstery</category>
         <pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2006 16:50:36 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Upholstery</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="upholst.jpg" src="http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/images/upholst.jpg" width="128" height="76" class="floatimgleft" /></p>

<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/choosing-upholstery-for-new-furniture.php > Choosing Upholstery for New Furniture</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/reupholstering-existing-furniture.php > Reupholstering Existing Furniture</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/caring-for-upholstered-furniture.php > Caring for Upholstered Furniture</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/upholstery/upholstery-and-allergies.php > Upholstery and Allergies</a></h3>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/newbies-picks/upholstery.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/newbies-picks/upholstery.php</guid>
         <category>Newbie&apos;s Picks</category>
         <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:16:19 +0000</pubDate>
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            <item>
         <title>Recliners</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="recline.jpg" src="http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/images/recline.jpg" width="128" height="114" class="floatimgleft" /></p>

<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/recliners/introduction-to-recliners.php > Introduction to Recliners</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/recliners/how-to-choose-a-recliner.php > How to Choose a Recliner</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/recliners/types-of-recliners.php > Types of Recliners</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/recliners/fabrics-for-recliners.php > Fabrics for Recliners</a></h3>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/newbies-picks/recliners.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/newbies-picks/recliners.php</guid>
         <category>Newbie&apos;s Picks</category>
         <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:19:07 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Leather Furniture</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="leather.jpg" src="http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/images/leather.jpg" width="128" height="96" class="floatimgleft" /></p>

<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/leather-furniture/why-should-i-choose-leather-furniture.php > Why Should I Choose Leather Furniture?</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/leather-furniture/the-history-of-leather.php > The History of Leather</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/leather-furniture/are-there-different-grades-of-leather-furniture.php > Are there Different Grades of Leather Furniture?</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/leather-furniture/how-do-i-clean-and-care-for-my-leather-furniture.php > How Do I Clean and Care For My Leather Furniture?</a></h3>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/newbies-picks/leather-furniture.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/newbies-picks/leather-furniture.php</guid>
         <category>Newbie&apos;s Picks</category>
         <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:21:28 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Bookcases</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p><img alt="bookcase.jpg" src="http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/images/bookcase.jpg" width="128" height="100" class="floatimgleft" /></p>

<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/bookcases/bookcases-overview.php > Bookcases Overview</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/bookcases/will-i-be-able-to-put-a-bookcase-together-if-i-buy-from-one-of-these-warehouse-stores.php > Will I be able to put a bookcase together if I buy from one of these warehouse stores?</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/bookcases/writers-review.php > Writer's Review</a></h3>
<h3><a href=http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/bookcases/final-thoughts.php > Final Thoughts</a></h3>]]></description>
         <link>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/newbies-picks/bookcases.php</link>
         <guid>http://beginnersguide.com/furniture/newbies-picks/bookcases.php</guid>
         <category>Newbie&apos;s Picks</category>
         <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:31:26 +0000</pubDate>
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