Don’t Tilt Back in Your Chair

Your mother was right so remember what she said, “Don’t tilt back in your chair.” It may weaken the frame or even break the chair and you may be sitting in it.  

Tufts or No Tufts?

Tufted Victorian furniture covered in dark velvet needs to be dusted in each tuft, a time-consuming project. Consider reupholstering without tufts, a style also done in Victorian times.  

Glass Paperweights

You cannot fix a cracked snow dome paperweight. But you can polish a scratch off the glass of any glass paperweight.  

Cleaning Plastic

There is a special polish for Lucite and other plastics. It can be found in lamp shops.  

Rotate Furniture Once a Year

Rotate your dining room and kitchen furniture and your coffee table on your birthday. If you remember to do this each year, the furniture will fade evenly.  

Removing Gum

If you get gum on your Oriental rug or carpet, freeze it with an ice cube in a plastic bag, and then scrape it off with a plastic credit card.  

Removing Gum from Your Carpet

If you get gum on your oriental rug or carpet, freeze it with an ice cube in a plastic bag, then scrape it off with a plastic credit card.    

Furniture and Your Humidifier

Keep furniture away from a humidifier, especially the type that vaporizes water. The damp air will eventually cause the wooden parts of the furniture to mildew.  

Use Your Cellphone

Your cell phone’s camera can be a magnifying glass. Focus on the marking you want to read and go in for a close-up. You can pinch it open on your phone for a closer look. It is great for ceramics or prints, but a little difficult for metal because of glare. No need for a […]

Specialized Auctions Popular

Specialized antiques and collectibles shows are becoming more popular. There are shows devoted to garden antiques, political memorabilia, toys, clocks, advertising, art pottery, petroliana, beer cans, dolls, modern design, textiles, vintage clothing, bottles, glass, posters, paper ephemera and jewelry. Makes sense, the serious collector can see more of interest at a one themed show.   […]