Interiors tell stories, keep memories, unite eras and can look balanced, even if you add the most unexpected ingredients to the “recipe”.
Vintage things, remembering our grandmothers’ childhood or those found in the treasuries of antique stores and flea markets, can harmoniously coexist with the hottest trends, collections of modern designers and practical mass-market. Here’s how to make them work together.
Styling
One way to twin retro with modern is to make vintage items the main protagonists of the interior, and all the rest of the furniture and decorations pick up under them. Nowadays it is an easy task. To assemble an interior in the style of a certain era, it is not necessary to hunt for rare items at auctions, or to arrange excavations in attics.
Contemporary designers are actively nostalgic for bygone eras, regularly reviving them in their collections and projects: glamorous art deco from the roaring ’20s, practical mid-senchuried modern on thin lacquered legs, relaxed hippie era and bold Memphis from the ’80s are all relevant and relatively easy to access now.
Striving for one hundred percent conformity to a particular era is not necessary, after all, we are not talking about an art production in a movie, but about a residential interior.
Contrast
A mix of styles and eras in one interior has every right to look contrasting. And the sharper and more noticeable the contrast, the better. The most relevant technique at the moment: take a simple, solid interior base and expressive accents. By solid base we mean a neutral finish and modern interior minimalism, and by expressive accents – accentuated non-residential furniture and accessories.
If you want to beat the vintage sofa, add contrasts in the form of cushions with modern prints. Put modern tableware in a vintage sideboard, or misuse it at all – for example, to store hats. Surround an antique homestead wooden table with modern chairs – all to make it clear that you’re only playing with retro.
As always, the key is the right proportions. The abundance of vintage can squeeze the air out of the space, turning it into an antique shop. Use retro elements as condiments.
Making furniture shapes from different eras come together is a challenge; it’s easier with accessories. The more minimalist the interior, the more interesting a vintage object will look in it. In an abode of glass and concrete perfectly fit “beaten by time” wooden stool. On the shelves of minimalist kitchens with smooth fronts without handles vintage utensils will take root. Faded carpet will lie beautifully on the stone floor or porcelain tiles, it is desirable that the furniture and other accessories in the room looked emphasized modern, then the contrast will look like a deliberate decision, and the carpet will not seem like a random relic of bygone times.
The principle is simple: the cozy vintage contrasts with the modern technological. In such a contrast, retro things seem even more “alive”.
Especially brave ones can hang a nostalgic carpet on the wall. But it is better not to pull this trick in a classic interior among the massive wooden furniture – it may look too Soviet.
Recycling
Sometimes we want to nestle a vintage piece in the interior not only because of its aesthetic or practical qualities, but simply because it is memorable. Some of these items can no longer be used for their intended purpose, but you can always give them a new life.
Your grandfather’s vintage suitcases can become a bedside table.A three-liter jar, in which grandma rolled cucumbers, can be used as a colorful vase. Do not be afraid to fit such a seemingly unsightly accessory into a modern interior, the main thing is to pick him the right neighbors.
Old boards that have already lived the life of a rustic fence or the wall of a private house can be used as screens for radiators, decorative panels or bed headboard cladding. Window trim will turn into a frame, Dad’s bicycle into a creative coat rack. And such things as a samovar, kerosene lamp, typewriter or gramophone and did not need to look for alternative uses, they can be seen purely as decorative objects.
Vintage and modern things can look like forced neighbors, to turn their cohabitation into a thoughtful interior, you need a concept.
Retro motifs in the interior – at the peak of popularity. You, too, can bring them into your surroundings, and it’s not too difficult to do it with your own hands.
1. Painting with a worn-out effect
The most common way to paint your furniture to create a vintage effect is to first apply a layer of contrasting paint, and after it dries, rub it with a candle (the most common one) on the ledges, corners and other places where you want to see scuffs and the effect of the peeling from time. Then cover the item in the base color, allow to dry and go over the areas rubbed with a candle with a spatula or fine sandpaper. The top layer of paint is easy to remove, exposing the contrasting “substrate.
A tip: if your furniture is dark and you decided to repaint it in a light color (or vice versa: the furniture is light and the new planned look is dark), you can omit applying a contrasting “undercoat”.
2. Wax tinting.
To give furniture and accessories an aged look, you can also use waxes. The effect is especially noticeable if the surface has ledges and recesses, or if it is rather textured in itself. Depending on the desired effect, you may want to see a more pronounced effect, but choose a more contrasting one.
For the tinting process, you can combine several waxes for a more interesting result.
3. Stencils
Using a stencil (ready-made or homemade), you can apply a vintage inscription or a distinctive pattern to furniture or an accessory to give the item a retro look.
4. Dry Brush Method
Another method for paint lovers is dry-brush painting. Pick a color that contrasts with the base color – and with an almost dry brush, go over the projections and edges with light tapping motions, simulating scuffs and scratches.
5. Adding Filler Paint
By adding filler to the paint (often quartz is used), you can create a peeling effect in places. Apply the filler paint and after it has dried, gently scrape away the excess with a spatula. However, if you like textured protrusions on the surface of the object, you can not knock them down, it also looks original.
6. Physical Damage
The method is especially good for antiquing wooden furniture, boards, and storage boxes. If you want to physically damage the object, make it look as if it has been physically damaged, beat it with a hammer, scratch it with nails. You can make a mallet out of plywood and self-tapping screws and tap it on the surface to imitate pest-eaten wood.
7. Liquid metals
Liquid metals and oxidizing agents can turn even an object that just came off the assembly line into a vintage object.
8. Moldings
Add a retro touch to your furniture and accessories with moldings by painting them the same color as your object and then gluing them to the surface.
If a gap develops between the molding and the surface, use filler, and when dry, paint the joint.
9. Changing the upholstery
By changing the upholstery of a sofa, chair or chair with retro-style textiles, you will give the furniture a more vintage look.
10. Vintage details
You can add vintage details to an item (or replace existing pieces with other pieces) and its look will instantly change. A pedestal from a Singer sewing machine will turn even the most modern table into a retro piece. Antique fittings can easily transform your furniture, boxes or storage boxes.
11. Paste for volumetric decor
In the assortment of construction stores and in stores with goods for creativity you will find a special paste for creating volumetric decor.
With its help, you can use a stencil and a spatula to create a three-dimensional drawing on the surface of an object, giving it an antique feel.
12. Uneven staining
Is there an artist in you? Give him free rein: deliberately uneven staining is another great way to age your furniture. At once it seems as if the object has been painted and repainted more than once, and its history is counted in decades.
LIFT: For a more pronounced effect, this technique can be combined with others. For example, apply a contrasting undertones or imitate dents and scratches.
13. Tinting with Tea
Textiles and paper can be aged by tinting with strong tea or coffee.
14. Tinting with diluted wood paint
If you stain natural wood and boards with well-diluted (to the consistency of a stain) paint, you are guaranteed a vintage effect.
Tip: You can pre-burn the wood (of course, if it is not painted and varnished) portable torch and go through the metal brush along the fibers, so the effect will be much more pronounced.
15. Decoupage
A simple, proven by many craftswomen way to give an object a vintage spirit is decoupage. By the way, it is not necessary to hunt for special tissues, you can print the image on a laser printer and briefly soak it in warm water before applying it to the surface.
Retro style – unique in its essence in the interior. Why? Because it is never outdated and always fascinates with the combination of grace and contrast! Complicated in simplicity – this is about retro.
But where is the boundary that separates the retro from the vintage? Which style can really be considered retro? What good is a retro style? And why the retro style renovation – is not only beautiful but also beneficial?
Let’s find out?
What is retro and what can this style be?
Retro is quite a broad concept, in which it is very easy to get confused. Music, clothing and interiors in this style can be interpreted in different ways. Some people say that retro is something that is older than 30-50 years. Others say that retro is the 1930s and 1950s. And others attribute the concept of “retro” to the second half of the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century. Where is the truth?
We will not argue with the opinions, and consider the broadest understanding of style – it originated in the 1850s. Then it was not quite retro, but retro, strongly seasoned Rococo: pleats, ruffles, curved candlesticks and gilding. But the very form of objects is already getting more strict and simple forms. The interior is dominated by light neutral or dark deep shades in combination with gilding. Wall decorations are characteristic: paintings in wooden frames, wallpaper and trellises with gilding.
To get a good idea of such an interior, visit the museum with the interior of a pre-revolutionary noble family. There is a very good transition from complex Rococo forms to simpler and clearer, but at the same time there are bright elements of chic French style.
If we talk about timing, retro style for a while frozen, stopped in development and up to the 1950s almost unchanged. The reason for this is the war, which made people forget about aesthetics. But after its end people who were tired of asceticism, deprivation and lack of bright colors made a real revolution in style. Here begins the heyday of retro, revealing its essence and character.
If you’ve seen the movie “Stilyagi”, then you can imagine how retro was realized in ordinary living spaces. And if we talk about elaborate repair in the style of retro – it is already vinyl records, Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe. Sleek lines, elements of gloss, strict and thoughtful forms – it’s all retro. Simplicity is combined with laconic glamour, and retro acquires its characteristic look, still beloved by many for its refinement, thoughtfulness and absence of unnecessary details. What is called “firm”!
Important elements: Retro walls, prints and decorations
The modern retro style is made today materials and furniture, stylized as the products of that time. Some of the requirements of this style are high quality materials, good finishes, neat workmanship. It is for this reason that retro can be confused with vintage. However, vintage is a style that implies not stylized, but original elements of the time. In other words, if you can buy furniture, wallpaper or other items in the retro style in a regular store, then the vintage items in their majority will be sold in an antique store.
Bright (sometimes to the point of acidity) colors in combination with precise, absolutely thought-out lines of furniture or drawings. No picture frames, abstract color or black and white prints, lacquered surfaces and gloss. These can be attributed to the main features of retro, which is still popular today. For a standard apartment in a high-rise building, this is one of the universal style choices. If you love vintage, you know that styles that are from earlier periods require breadth and scope. And that’s what we all tend to be limited in.
You might say that retro is a kind of elaborate chic. Beauty is where you can afford it, and no more. For example, the walls can be painted with monochrome paint or wallpapered with a small or medium repetitive pattern. A lot of finishing elements is not about retro. Here it’s more of a play with color and lines. Contrasts in color are combined with soft roundness of lines, the atmosphere of a soldier’s barracks meets joyful colored prints.
Interesting accents in the retro style are curtains and paintings. The former are not without rococo influence. And this means that curtains can be of heavy, satin or translucent fabric, but necessarily with soft drapery, laid with large or medium ruffles. The very essence of the style here is the thoughtfulness of each fold. Hence the impression of chic.
As for wall decorations – pictures without frames, there are often portraits with interesting and bright color combinations, characteristic font: clear, with smoothed lines. The style of paintings – printed on a color printer, and no realism.
Chandeliers in the retro style are also laconic and simple forms. They can be light or colored (again, contrast and alternation of colors) and even minimalist in their design.
The good news is that retro is not too demanding on wall finishes. It’s all about the elements with which they will be decorated. Gramophone, records from it, paintings, carpets with short pile and abstract neat lines and even waffle towels instead of the analog from microfiber and will make the right impression of the room.
Retro style furniture
Requirements for furniture – the same alignment and severity of forms. But, it must be said, it can also manifest itself in unusual forms: elongated chair backs, round seats and asymmetry. But the most important thing is the impression of completeness.
Another important feature is the quality of the furniture. Retro is often wood, the lack of luster of fittings, stability and durability. Therefore, if you prefer this style in the interior, you make quite a profitable investment. High-quality materials last for decades, and the retro style (which is already actually antique) does not lose relevance over time.
A good substitute for expensive wood are three-layer chipboard and deep milled MDF. With quality workmanship, these materials create things comparable to durable wood.
Metal is also present in the frame of furniture: chairs, beds, tables. Closets are more chests of drawers and sideboards on legs rather than full-wall closets. Good fittings are the key to the “health” of furniture. And for retro it is especially important, because moving metal parts of poor quality quickly lose their look and performance. And if you do not know which style to choose, if you doubt your information savvy, if you want practical advice and high-quality work, contact a consultant from “Angstrem”. Any questions about the interior, furniture and the quality of materials, as well as ordering work from one of the largest holdings with a good reputation. A good choice, isn’t it?
In every room there are meaningful centers of composition. In the kitchen it is a set or a dining group, in the bedroom – a bed, and in the study – a desk. In the living room with a fireplace and a television, there are two such centers. Therefore, it is easy to get confused when decorating the interior. Let’s figure out how to place furniture in such cases. If you want to find the most trendy design and decor ideas, you will find them on this site www.decoreso.com.
Types of fireplaces
Planning the design of the living room with a fireplace and a TV, it is worth deciding which model is right for you. The layout of the entire room depends on this. All models differ in two main parameters: the method of placement and the fuel you need to work. Let’s consider each group.
According to the method of placement
Built-in. This is a classic that requires a chimney. Just to make it in the apartment will not work, the designs are designed at the stage of construction of the house. In city houses and new buildings almost never provide for a chimney, so this option is suitable for a cottage or a private country house. But in the apartment you can install an electric or bio-fireplace in this way, and complement the wall with a construction made of plasterboard.
Wall-mounted. Another classic option, this is the model of the American and English type with a U-shaped portal.
Island. Can be placed in any part of the room, and even in the center. It can be suspended and floor-mounted.
Corner, as the name suggests, is located in the corner. It can be both built-in and wall-mounted, and even island.
According to the type of fuel
Another important parameter, on which depends not only the functioning of the device, but also its design.
Biofire is one of the novelties, works on alcohol fuel. It requires neither a chimney, nor a hood, nor communications. And you can place it almost everywhere: in the photo interiors of the living room TV over such a fireplace looks very effective.
Wood-burning – a classic with a chimney and a place for the logs. This is not an option for the apartment, you can make a real stove of this type only in a country house.
Electric. Safe, convenient and environmentally friendly. In fact, this is a heater, which imitates the flame. And today you can find models with remote control and the sound of crackling wood.
Gas. Another model that is designed for the private home. It runs on natural gas, the fuel supply can be regulated. You will need approval from the gas service for the arrangement.
Options for the placement of the TV screen and stove
Fireplace under the TV in the living room
Most design projects offer exactly this arrangement of the two elements. It is especially relevant for built-in and wall-mounted stoves. For the composition to be balanced, consider the following points.
The most harmonious in terms of design is when the diagonal of the TV and the portal of the stove are approximately equal. In this case, no element will visually clash and weight down the picture.
Pay attention to the design photos: the fireplace under the TV in the living room is the center of the composition, and the sides are symmetrical. In some designs, two windows create symmetry. But if the wall is blank, you can create it with the same cabinets, pictures or other furniture.
Another technique to create symmetry in such projects: a sofa and armchairs that stand on either side of it. Thus, even if the wall is not symmetrical, they balance it out.
A long biofireplace, located under the TV, also looks very organic. And it can occupy almost the entire wall. There are no special rules for decoration, so you can not only decorate the wall, but also add dynamics to it. This is a great technique for interiors in a modern style.
TV on the side
When there is no possibility to place the TV above the portal, you can hang or put it next to it. But this is a solution for the brave, because you have to determine how you will balance the composition.
If you have a TV hanging on one side, you can put a cabinet, table or hang a painting about the same size as the plasma on the other.
Placement on different walls
It is good if the fireplace and TV in the interior of the living room are on adjacent walls. In the center you can put a coffee table, and next to it – a sofa and chairs. You will get a circular composition with a central unifying element.
The TV and the stove are rarely placed on parallel walls. In small rooms it is uncomfortable: the light from the fire can interfere with watching TV. And in large rooms it is not very practical. Both elements require the equipment of places to rest, so that in the end you get a room with two zones and very limited functionality.
The subtleties of placing a corner stove model
If the stove is corner, there are not many layout options. The most thoughtful solution is a TV on the adjacent wall. If there is a window, try to hang the panel against the sunlight. Otherwise, the glare will interfere with watching the programs in the daytime.
Modern models of biofires, which are built into the corner of the partition also look interesting. Such a design can also be used to divide a large space into zones. And not only in the house, but also in a city apartment.
Location of the island stove
In addition to the classic location by the wall and in the partition, with the help of an island stove you can zone the space. This is exactly what the owner of the apartment in the photo below did. The dining room and living room are divided not only with the help of color, but also with a small cute island stove.
Mold on fabrics is a natural occurrence, but it can be frustrating and difficult to get rid of without damaging the appearance of your furniture – but how do you safely remove it from your favorite fabric items?
Bleach is a common ingredient used in many store-bought mold remedies, but its powerful stain and mold removal properties mean it should be avoided when it comes to fabrics, writes express.co.uk. The chlorine in bleach will remove colored pigment from household materials, so it’s best to avoid commercial mold removers when you find mold on upholstered furniture – but what are the best alternatives?
Mold and mildew appear when there is moisture and heat, which is then absorbed by upholstered furniture such as curtains, sofas and mattresses, presenting as dark green stains of mildew-smelling bacteria.
Everything from cooking and showering to drying clothes and even breathing can contribute to the moisture levels in our homes, so learning to limit mold growth around your property is essential to learning to live with this common household nuisance.
What’s the difference between mold and mildew?
Mold grows under the surface of materials, penetrating the fabric that looks moldy.
Mold is a visible element that grows on the surface and is much easier to remove.
Treating mold and mildew is a joint effort, as you need to target deep penetrating mold to prevent visible mold from returning.
How to scrub mold from fabric
While bleach is considered a surefire way to remove mold spores, there is widespread controversy over its durability in cleaning mold from fabrics, with many experts claiming that it merely brightens surface spores rather than targeting the growth of deep-rooted bacteria.
While mold and mildew can be cleaned fairly easily, preventing the growth of these nasty bacteria on your furniture begins with prevention through simple measures such as airing and dehumidifying your home.
The first step in removing mold from upholstered furniture is to vacuum up loose particles before removing deep-rooted debris with a liquid cleaning solution.
People with allergies and asthma are especially susceptible to irritation caused by mold spores, and removing them can be dangerous if you suffer from them yourself.
Wear a mask and gloves and ventilate your property when removing mold to limit exposure to spores in a confined space, and throw away any cleaning products used when working on furniture.
White Vinegar
You can get this homemade solution right in your kitchen cabinet. It is a powerful mold and mildew remover that is gentle on your fabrics, especially leather and fabrics.
Pure white vinegar is said to kill 82 percent of mold, so this natural solution provides a reliable recipe against mold.
It’s best to use a sprayer and spray it directly on the affected area.
White distilled vinegar can be poured undiluted into a spray bottle to get rid of mold on furniture.
Once you have treated the affected area, leave it for about half an hour, then rinse with clean water and leave it to dry.
Isopropyl alcohol
Fill an empty spray bottle with equal parts warm water and high-proof isopropyl alcohol for a quick solution to mold and mildew.
Some rubbing alcohols contain dyes that can leave a film-like layer on fabrics and stain them even more, so always choose isopropyl alcohol, which is less likely to leave stains on your fabric.
Tips
Essential oil-based cleaners, such as grapefruit seed or tea tree oil, may seem tempting as a fresher-scented home remedy for mold. But keep in mind that oil stains fabric, so it’s best to avoid using oil blends or bleach.
Direct sunlight is great for mold-treated furniture because it dries the surface, lightly bleaching any dark spots left by mold spores.
Always test the solution on an inconspicuous area of fabric to make sure it does not discolor the surface.
Curtains are especially susceptible to mold and mildew growth because they are close to windows, which are prone to condensation and excess moisture.
You can easily minimize condensation by following these simple steps:
Insulate ceilings, floors and walls
Improve the insulating properties of your windows by closing curtains/blinds every day as the sun goes down.
Place curtains or blinds as close to the wall as possible to trap air at the window.
Draw the curtains to the floor to keep air from escaping from underneath them.
Switch to double-glazing in older homes and check any existing double-glazing for faults that may need repair.
In the apartments of persistent smokers, who do not want to go out with a cigarette on the balcony or outside, the smell of tobacco is usually felt from the very threshold. It is so strongly penetrated into the surface of furniture and walls that it seems impossible to get it out. Meanwhile, there are several ways to help if not completely eliminate, then at least minimize the unpleasant smell in the room of the smoker. And most of them can be attributed to a fairly simple and budgetary.
We resort to fragrance remedies
These are quite common today air fresheners, available in different forms.
Special scent mixtures should be spread in the room, making sure to place them on furniture, including upholstered furniture. They can be bought or prepared independently, using, for example, coffee beans, mandarin or orange peel, aromatic oils, etc. and selecting components based on personal preferences.
Of the aerosols, it is desirable to choose those that have an automatic atomization system. It is enough to set the atomization mode and the room will always smell nice.
Other options are scented candles and lamps, but they must be lit when someone is present in the room.
The disadvantage of scented products is that they only temporarily mask the smell, but do not eliminate it completely.
Preparing a shampoo for furniture
This method is relevant if the room is upholstered furniture. To treat it is very simple. Here are step by step instructions:
In warm water, dilute some ordinary shampoo or carpet cleaner (powder, gel – it does not matter).
Whip the solution into a foam.
Dip a sponge into the resulting foam, and work it into the covering of upholstered furniture.
Wait for the upholstery to dry, then vacuum the furniture.
For greater efficiency, you can add a little salt to the resulting shampoo.
Using Vinegar
Another tool for treating tobacco-soaked upholstery on furniture is apple cider vinegar.
It is enough to prepare a solution of 0.5 cup of apple cider vinegar, one cup of water and any foaming carpet cleaner to get rid of the problem with the unpleasant smell. The solution can also treat upholstered furniture, closet shelves, and a table…
If you do not risk wiping the furniture with a wet rag, simply place small bowls of vinegar next to it and cover them with towels, pre-moistened in the vinegar solution.
The only drawback is that the apartment will need to be well ventilated afterwards.
Using a damp towel
This method will appeal to those who are against the above methods. A damp terry towel is known to absorb tobacco smoke and odor well. Well, just spread the wet towels around the room. You may have to change them several times as they dry, which is quite a hassle. Then send the towels to the washing machine.
Lonizing the air
Quick, easy, convenient – that’s how you can describe this kind of method of getting rid of tobacco smoke. The only problem is that you need to buy an ionizer first. If there is a heavy smoker living in the apartment, this might be necessary. Although, to be fair, it should be noted: the household air ionizer perfectly copes with any unpleasant odors. This means that its purchase will pay off: by setting the necessary mode, you will always feel the freshness in the room.
What else can I do?
A few more simple but effective ways to get rid of tobacco smell in a room can be suggested:
timely (i.e. immediately after smoking) to ventilate the room and humidify the air – this will prevent the absorption of tobacco odor, from which you will need to get rid of later;
put old newspapers in the furniture – they will constantly absorb the smoke, partially solving the problem;
Get an ozone generator – it, like the ionizer, effectively eliminates odors, fights fungi and bacteria;
Use charcoal – this natural absorbent should be wrapped in a thin “breathing” cloth and placed indoors.
True, the methods with newspapers and charcoal cannot be called fast, because it will take more than one day to eliminate the stench with their help.
The best way to get rid of the problem is to eliminate its causes
And in general, in connection with the topic under discussion, the saying comes to mind: “Clean is not where you clean, but where you don’t litter. It’s the same with smoking – if you don’t want to have a strong smell of tobacco in the room, don’t smoke in it. Although situations, of course, are different: it’s one thing to be lazy, not wanting to go outside, and another to be forced to lie down. In any case, you can give a few more tips:
If you can not go outdoors or on the balcony, smoke next to the hood in the kitchen – so most of the smoke will be pulled from the room;
do not keep an ashtray full of cigarette butts and ash in the room, because it is an additional source of unpleasant odor.
By the way, our advice will be relevant not only for the owners of residential premises, but also for the owners of cafes, offices, etc. – Yes, among them there are some where smoking is not forbidden.
Wooden furniture has a fairly high cost, because the material is natural and environmentally friendly. However, having a lot of advantages, wood under the influence of external factors is subjected to deformation, cracking, changing color and desiccation. Therefore, you need to know in time how to coat furniture with varnish to prevent these processes.
The main varieties of materials
Unlike paint, transparent varnish does not hide the natural pattern of wood, while protecting it from moisture, UV rays, mechanical influences and the formation of roughness. But not all materials have the same properties and are suitable for use in the home. Therefore, it is necessary to be clearly oriented in their varieties to get the expected result.
Furniture varnishes, depending on their purpose, are divided into:
water-repellent;
weather-resistant;
heat-resistant;
heat-resistant;
shock-resistant.
By type, these materials are divided into:
semi-glossy;
glossy;
semimatte;
matte;
colored.
Depending on the composition, a distinction is made between:
acrylic;
oil;
alkyd;
polyurethane;
epoxy;
craquelure;
nitrolacquers.
Varnishes are available in the form of solutions and sprays, which are easy to handle hard-to-reach places.
Main characteristics of materials
Depending on the basis of the material differ and features of work with it.
Water-based
For enclosed spaces, it is best to choose matte or glossy water-based acrylic varnishes, which do not contain organic solvents. They:
are odorless;
do not support combustion;
Do not cause allergies and are completely harmless to human health;
do not change the natural color of wood;
have high strength indicators;
dries quickly enough.
The only disadvantage of this coating is the sensitivity to moisture. Therefore, it is desirable to apply it in rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms, offices and children’s rooms. To apply acrylic lacquers, a special roller is used. This material is also available in spray cans in the form of a spray.
Polyurethane
But water-based polyurethane varnishes combine the listed properties of acrylic analogues with moisture resistance, which makes it much easier to care for varnished furniture. This makes them the most popular protective materials and makes it possible to cover wooden products both inside and outside the premises. Polyurethane materials are ideal for children’s rooms, as kids can get the furniture wet or paint it.
Oil
To give furniture different shades, it is better to choose matte oil varnishes. Their production uses vegetable oils and resins, as well as organic solvents. After drying, these materials form a dense transparent film on the wood surface with a wide range of colors.
Alkyd
Alkyd varnish is considered to be a solid, waterproof colorless material. The coating is based on alkyd resins mixed with organic solvents. The disadvantages include the long drying time, which is 72 hours. However, the manufacturers have managed to improve the formula and added a special hardener to the lacquer, reducing this figure to 24 hours. The coating can be applied by roller or sprayer, which turns it into a spray, which also contributes to faster drying.
Antique Finish
Antique furniture, covered with modern materials, does not look very natural. Therefore, it is better to choose a matte krakelure varnish for it, which is able to create an imitation of an aged surface. This effect is achieved due to its ability to dehydrate the paint applied from above. The coloring technology includes two steps. First, krakelure varnish is applied, and after it dries only slightly, it is covered with paint.
When drying, small cracks form between them, giving the objects an antique look.
Nitro-based
Nitro-lacquers could be called the ideal material to protect furniture, with excellent adhesive qualities, high coefficient of strength, moisture resistance and flexibility, if it were not for the presence of toxic solvents. And although these substances evaporate during drying and have no harmful effects on the human body, you should not use them to decorate furniture in the children’s room. Working with nitrovarnishes preferably in the open air or in a well-ventilated room, using reliable personal respiratory and eye protection.
To treat furniture in the children’s room should buy varnishes certified for resistance to saliva, as infants often chew on the wooden parts of cribs and playpens.
For children’s public facilities, experts recommend choosing a universal varnish that does not contain dyes and consists of natural materials such as ricin oil, rosin and various types of microspray.
Rules of operation
Deciding to restore the furniture yourself with the help of coating its surface with varnish, you should adhere to certain rules:
Work should be carried out only in rooms with good ventilation.
Do not allow the presence of open flame sources.
Processing must be carried out with gloves, a respirator and goggles (the exception may be water-based varnishes).
Carefully read and follow all instructions.
If there is an old coating, it must be carefully removed, leaving not even small “islands”.
If after cleaning there are cracks, bulges or cavities on the furniture, they must be putty, and then very well sanded.
Before applying lacquer, you should cover the surface with one or two layers of primer.
Lacquer should be applied in thin layers, giving each enough time to dry.
Spray varnishes
On a prepared wooden surface, you can apply varnish in the form of a spray. This will speed up the process of processing, but it is necessary to have certain skills. Therefore, first it is worth practicing on a sheet of plywood or a wooden board, especially if we are talking about krakelure varnish.
The rules for applying the spray include the following points:
Shake the can well.
Holding it 25-30 cm away from the surface to be treated, start applying with broad strokes in a horizontal direction.
The presence of drips indicates that the can is too close.
After spraying, let the coating dry for 48 hours (other times may be indicated on the packaging).
Finish the first coat with fine sandpaper and remove the dust with a cloth.
Apply a second coat and let it dry completely.
If necessary, the process can be repeated a third time.
Do not take a negligent approach to the choice of varnishes for coating furniture, as this can not only lead to a reduction in its life, but also make it completely unusable due to deterioration of the appearance.
Particular attention should be paid to the selection of material for children’s furniture, as it has higher hygienic requirements.
Beautiful, elegant leather furniture can decorate and add solidity to any interior. It perfectly complements the office, living room, and leather chairs perfectly dilute the interior of the kitchen. Cleaning leather furniture is a must if you decide to buy such furniture. In order not to damage the structure of the material during cleaning, it is worth knowing the basic rules of work with leather, choose the right tools, as well as take into account possible factors of damage.
Rules for working with leather
Sofas and chairs made of leather not only have an attractive appearance, but have a lot of other advantages. They are durable, hard-wearing, unaffected by moisture. Pleasant aroma of leather gently fills the room where the product is installed. Modern manufacturers use special impregnations in the workshops, not allowing the furniture to fail quickly. Depending on the raw material from which the furniture is made, it will matter the selection of cleaning products and the choice of cleaning techniques for products.
Referring to the instructions that come with the furniture, you can learn about the composition of the material, as well as the type of impregnation, located on the surface. This information will help in the future not to spoil the coating and perform cleaning correctly at home. Before you perform the cleaning of the surface, it is important to know the rules of working with leather. They also include the specific conditions of the models, daily care of the furniture. If you perform a daily light cleaning, it will take less time for the general treatment:
When cleaning furniture at home, you should not rub the surface of sofas and armchairs heavily every day. Such care is excessive and will lead to scuffing of the covering, which will cause unsightly light stains on the surface;
Careful cleaning of seams. The joints and seams of the material often form deep crevices. In them visibly settles dust and accumulates dirt. It is best to vacuum these areas once a week with a narrow slot nozzle;
Wiping. It is advisable to wipe the surface of the skin with a soft, damp cloth. After that, it is advisable to wipe the surface dry;
Using special products, folk methods. There are developed for the care of leather products cleaning compositions – they are of several kinds and are designed for different stages of processing. In addition, it is recommended to use orange peel to mask scuffs. This should be done only after information about the real leather on the furniture has been obtained.
Clean synthetic materials, such as leatherette, should be cleaned with other products. They are more gentle than compositions for leather.
Materials and tools needed
The first thing to do before you start cleaning is to find out what material is to be worked with. Study the label and find out if the manufacturer allows cleaning procedures, what recommendations he makes in this regard.
Some types of leather cannot be cleaned with water. It is worth contacting professionals to work with such furniture.
If when buying furniture, the manufacturer offers to buy special cleaning products designed specifically for this furniture – it is better to choose them, because the manufacturer knows exactly what is necessary for the products. To work on cleaning sofas and armchairs made of leather, you will need the following tools:
Vacuum cleaner equipped with a soft brush head;
A quality liquid soap with a mild composition;
Purified water (distilled water can be used);
Several containers of water – to rinse the rags;
Four scraps of soft cloth, such as viscose;
Leather conditioner or other types of products used for this furniture: rinses, shampoos, polishes or balms.
In addition to the tools and materials listed above, special components may be needed. For example, if you need to clean the sofa from mold stains – you need alcohol; if the surface is stuck to chewing gum – you need ice in bags. Note: to remove grease stains from leather, you do not need to use water. They are removed with a simple dry napkin.
How to properly clean
The method of cleaning furniture will be different if it is upholstered with leather of different colors. For example, to clean white furniture, it is recommended to replace ordinary water with milk – this natural component will not allow the leather to darken and will gently and gently clean the upholstery.
The entire procedure for cleaning leather furniture consists of several stages:
Preparation;
The cleaning process;
Post-treatment.
Let’s consider each phase separately, highlighting the main nuances of the work.
Preparation
Before proceeding to the main phase of cleaning leather sofas, chairs and armchairs, their preparation. Professional craftsmen use specialized tools and materials for this purpose. For cleaning with your own hands at home you will need a vacuum cleaner. He will help to remove the top layer of dirt to access the surface and treat it with compositions. Stages of work:
Fix the narrow slot nozzle on the device and turn it on;
Vacuum the entire surface of the furniture where there are seams and joints. Try to reach the hardest to reach corners. If necessary, recline your sofa or recline an armchair;
Cleaning leather furniture implies preliminary preparation of the entire plane of sofas. Take the second type of nozzle vacuum cleaner – the one that is similar to the main brush, but has a small size. On its surface, there are soft fluffs, which do not damage the coating. Using this nozzle, clean the entire plane of sofas and chairs: seats, backs, sides;
After the furniture is prepared for further treatment, you need to decide: will be made routine cleaning or cleaning is dedicated to the removal of different types of stains. For standard cleaning will require materials and tools listed above, for specialized – other compositions.
At the output after cleaning with a vacuum cleaner should get a clean surface, without impurities of dust and dirt.
Cleaning process
For normal cleaning, you should use the following method: mix a few drops of liquid soap with 0.5 liters of water until foam forms in a container. Cleaning begins with an inconspicuous area, where it is necessary to try the resulting product. The rag is dipped in the solution with soap, wipe the furniture. Then take the second rag, dipped in a container with clean water, remove the remnants of soap. After that, take a dry clean rag and completely removed traces of dirt, soap and water.
Before cleaning leather furniture at home from other types of dirt use the same preparation. Methods of cleaning will be applied with other means.
Home remedies for stain cleaning:
Traces of felt-tip pens can be removed with hairspray. On the soiled surface you need to spray hairspray, then wipe the remains with a dry rag – there will be no trace of felt-tip pens.
Ink stains can be removed with isopropyl alcohol. Moisten a cotton pad with alcohol, gently wipe the damaged piece of furniture.
Starch or talcum powder will get rid of grease stains. Sprinkle the white substance on the furniture surface where the stain is located for 4 hours. After the time has elapsed, wipe off the residue with a dry cloth.
Traces of blood can be washed off with ordinary soap and water. If the stain is long dry, use cool water and soap. If you have a fresh blood stain, use plain water.
Remove pigmented paint stains with purified gasoline. It is recommended to use the product carefully – first test its action on an inconspicuous area. Do not rub the skin strongly, it’s better to gently blot the area with paint.
After performing a complete cleaning of leather furniture, you need to proceed to its polishing and other methods of post-treatment – this procedure gives sofas and chairs shine and creates a protective layer.
Post-treatment
After the work of home cleaning of leather furniture is over, it is necessary to proceed to the post-treatment of the material. It involves polishing the surface, making it shiny, soft. You can do this with an ordinary rag, as well as using a variety of products for leather.
To carry out the procedure yourself, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the steps step by step:
A dry cloth should be wiped the entire perimeter of the leather sofa or chair. It is best to start with the seats where the person spends the most time. It is necessary to polish the leather carefully, but it is not necessary to apply a lot of force – there may be scuffs;
Acquired care product is applied to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the structure of the surface. It is important to make sure that the composition does not leave traces on the surface of the furniture, otherwise stains will be visible.
Choosing a polishing composition, pay attention to the conditioners for leather. They have not only protective properties, but also give a beautiful appearance and provide the material with breathability. Particular attention should be paid to the places of seams and joints, where the manufacturers have made tucked material. It is best to read the instructions before using the purchased product.
Side effects and defects
A new leather sofa over time can fall into disrepair if its surface is quickly torn. To avoid further deterioration of the surface, it is imperative to patch the hole before cleaning the furniture. For such a case, it is worth contacting a salon or repair shop.
Below are a few recommendations for taking care of furniture that has defects on the surface:
Never use baby wet wipes to remove stains of various kinds. The use of such means will lead to damage to the coating, but do not despair – it can be restored. To do this, special paint for leather is sold in stores. It is diluted according to the instructions and gently masks the defect;
If after every cleaning you find that the skin has lost its elasticity, you can fix it with a folk remedy: 1 part vinegar, add 2 parts linseed oil. The resulting mixture should be rubbed into the skin in a circular motion, and then polish with a dry rag.
If even after cleaning at home the furniture has lost its attractiveness, this is a reason to turn to professional dry-cleaning. It is better to do it twice a year. Masters use special impregnations that do not allow the leather to crack and dry. It retains its external characteristics for a long time.
During the use of upholstered leather furniture, do not allow its frequent contact with animals and tufted plaids, blankets. Such textiles clog the pores of the structure of the leather, creates particles of debris on the seams, as a result – they are difficult to remove from the surface. Weekly wet cleaning will facilitate the general cleaning of leather furniture.
For most people, far from the professional world of design, vintage and antique furniture are synonymous words. It is something bright and clean from our childhood, the time of our parents and grandparents. Things that evoke nostalgia. At the same time, there is a significant difference between the antique furniture and vintage style.
What is the fundamental difference between antique furniture and vintage
If in a nutshell, it’s in the time frame. Although in both styles we surround ourselves with elements of the past in order to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of a bygone era, but in the case of antique furniture it is the stylistic features, form and color scheme typical of the 50s-80s of the 20th century.
Vintage can cover the whole of the last century. Including such significant for the development of fashion and design epochs as the twenties of the 20th century and the pre-war period. But we can also call things from the 50s and 60s vintage. Items that are more than a century old are called antiques.
However, for each area of fashion, design and decor there are nuances. For example, clothing older than 50 years is already considered antique, and younger than 15 years – modern. Those made from 1915 to 50-60s are considered vintage. And in different countries the time range can be different.
Age is not the main thing!
Can we call antique furniture and vintage the style of the 90s? From that time many people for sure have such archaic things as cassette players and tape recorders, radios, CRTs, VCRs, push-button phones, tableware, souvenirs.
If we approach formally, vintage is defined as objects and style over 30 and under 100 years old. However, depending on the application, the upper limit may be 20 or 40 years. Antique furniture style formally has no clear time limit. In this case, they should have a bright distinguishing features of the historical period, which they represent.
That is, age is not the main criterion. Things can be vintage up to the end of the twentieth century, if they are recognizable and stand out against the background of contemporary fashion. And at the same time “gray” impersonal items have no historical and artistic value, no matter how old they are.
Materials used
The term “vintage” is borrowed from the world of winemaking, where so called aged noble wines. As a rule, these are objects made of wood, stone, natural textiles, cane, rattan, with brass or bronze as accessories. When recreating antique furniture style in interior design, natural materials are also used.
On the other hand, the antique furniture style has its roots in the era of popularized space travel and the boom of the chemical industry. In the ’50s and ’70s, plastic, textiles made of synthetic fibers and synthetic leather were widely used. That is, synthetics in a certain combination is not only allowed, but also welcomed.
In contrast to the charm full of vintage items with a clear imprint of antiquity and traces of the impact of time, antique furniture-style likes bold, catchy, bright, lacquered, smooth surfaces.
A world of color
The difference between the two styles is clearly visible in the color scheme. Vintage tends toward old-fashioned elegance, romantic charm, restraint, creating peace of mind and harmony. The most suitable colors are white, beige, sandy, gray-blue, pale pink, cream and other pastel tones.
Antique furniture-style is much more straightforward. He “likes” provocative, bold and vivid colors. Since the early 50s previously unpopular brown, green, orange, ochre-yellow tones were actively used. In the 60s the color scheme became quite screaming. Bubble-gum style came into vogue.
Developing at that time aesthetics of hippie movement and dissemination of Andy Warhol’s art direction, sharp contrasts and strong colors preferred by pop art played their role in this.
Shape and Style
Vintage is associated with carved frames, wooden ceiling beams, antique mirrors, glass or porcelain vases, lace tablecloths, small decorative statuettes.
Priority is given to functionality, not fashion. Minimalism is not in vogue. Chic big curtains, a bed with a canopy, a fur rug in front of the fireplace are typical and appropriate.
For antique furniture, style is important. As the historical period coincided with the technological revolution, industrialism, minimalism, futuristic and space themes are in fashion.
Motifs
Patterns of home textiles and wallpaper are strictly separated in these two directions, reminiscent of past trends. Antique furniture “prefers” geometric shapes, and vintage is associated with plant and floral motifs.
