Tag Archive | "Europe"

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Hotel Chairs, Hotel Tables, Hotel Furniture


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When considering hotel furniture the U.K. hotel owner, whether a large hotel chain or a single owner must think about finding a balance between choosing hotel chairs and tables that are of a quality that attracts customers and encourages them to come again and recommend the hotel to their friends and being affordable enough that the cost of them does not wipe out any benefit that replacing the old hotel furniture may bring. In these toughest of economic times when banks are at their most cautious with new lending this consideration is especially important and many private owners may consider deferring renewals until the economy improves. Many may not be able to – if their hotel furniture is to the point that it is worn out then the owner has little room for manoeuvre – to wait could mean disaster because they will lose their clientele and so their revenue stream. Of course another consideration is that the disastrous U.K. economy has led to a rapid and extreme fall in the value of the GB Pound again every major world currency, especially the U.S. Dollar and the Euro.

While this has had a real negative effect in terms of the cost of hotel furniture from the USA, Europe and the Far East, the positive effect is that U.K residents considering a holiday for their family this year are sure to be aware of how much extra a holiday to any European country will cost them and must have heard horror stories from their friends about how much more a pint or a meal costs now, let along accommodation if they are arranging this themselves. So there will be many potential holidaymakers in the UK planning a British holiday this year rather than a US or European one. So for the coastal trade and established areas of tourism this must be good news this year with rising demand giving the hotel owner the opportunity to enjoy high occupancy and even – heaven forbid – increase their room rates a little.

Right now there is a bewildering range of hotel furniture available. A simple internet search of hotel furniture will bring up many Companies offering anything from the most modern to the most traditional ranges of hotel chairs and tables in wood or steel, fully upholstered or with solid seat. When choosing a style that is right for their hotel the owner can consider the kind of client that they are attracting already and think if they need to keep the style the same or make changes to reinforce the style they have created or make changes in order to attract a different kind of customer. Of course the interior of the rooms must play a part in their choice too, as a hotel with oak timbered rooms is likely to look more than a little strange with modern chrome plated stacking chairs and steel framed tables!

A traditional hotel looks very attractive with wooden chairs for the bar area, with wooden framed bar chairs with some upholstery at least, traditional designs like the ‘Mates’ or ‘Captains’ chairs being favoured. With these, wooden framed tables with turned wooden legs can be bought in a variety of sizes, round, rectangular or square. Because these are made of natural timber they can be finished in any colour from the natural shade of the timber used through to an attractive rich brown walnut, deep red mahogany or dark Jacobean oak colour. So whatever interior style the dining room has, the hotel tables and chairs can be made to complement it.

For the breakfast and dining areas steel framed chairs and tables are often chosen because they offer good strength at a low price and the chairs can be bought as stacking chairs to give the added advantage of being stackable to save space when the room is required for another function. Right now there is fierce competition between Companies selling this kind of chair, so prices are at their lowest for many years. The frames are available made of steel or aluminium which is lighter but carries a premium in terms of price. These chairs are available with a wide choice of colours, the most popular being gold, silver or black. Recently special printed coatings are also available, so a wooden effect can be achieved. With these chairs it is important to remember that when they are stacked they are heavy, so it is necessary to buy a transport trolley so that staff members can move them without risk of injury. These are not expensive and are often given free of charge with a large order of chairs if the customer requests it.

When choosing the hotel furniture for the bedrooms, the most welcoming look is created with real wooden framed beds and drawer units. Once again, since the recession hit, many Companies are competing hard to retain sales so the hotel owner should be looking for good discounts.

The cheapest timbers for bedroom hotel furniture are rubberwood, from Malaysia and China and Sheesham or Thakat wood from India. These are acceptable timbers for furniture use and again can be stained to colours from natural light colour through to dark Jacobean oak. Good medium priced timbers available are Ashwood, Oakwood and Birchwood, all of which can be bought from factories using ecologically sourced timber farms.

For the more exotic timbers like Mahogany, Kingwood, Rosewood and Cedar, deals are available, but the purchaser should consider the effect buying new furniture of this kind has on the remaining rainforests, as these slow growing timbers are very rarely available ecologically sourced and any claims to that effect should be treated with the greatest suspicion.



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Buying Nursery Furniture – a Guide for New Parents


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Having your first baby is a wonderful and at times, frightening experience as you grasp how much there is to do. You want your newborn’s nursery and the nursery furniture to be better than a fairy tale dream, but it is essential to think about you and your little one’s safety and security above all else. So when dreaming up that new nursery take care to consider the following guidance.

The first thing to fit to a child’s room is a smoke alarm, for just a couple of pounds (or free from your local fire prevention officer) these life saving devises must be your paramount purchase. When your child begins to wander it’s important that any spare electrical outlet is sealed with a simple plastic socket protector to stop your inquisitive baby from sticking his fingers. It’s also a good idea to locate bedroom furniture in the way to prevent your baby from finding outlets.

The next most important thing is your child’s cot since this is where they will initially spend most of their time in those first few months. When picking a cot it’s important to ensure they comply with the government safety regulations (EN 716 within Europe. The cot must be deep enough so your baby cannot climb out. Ensure that the spacing between the rails is not capable of allowing the child to trap their head. Make sure that if the cot has drop down sides that they have robust locks to prevent them from being accidently operated by your baby. It’s important that second hand cots are inspected thoroughly for damage to fixtures and fastenings and that you buy a brand new mattress for your baby. It’s also vital to ensure the mattress is a snug fit and leaves not more than a 4cm gap around the outside to prevent your child from becoming trapped.

Remember to place your baby down to sleep on her back to reduce the risks of SIDS and stop using pillows or very fluffy bed clothes in the cot. If you have a nightlight in your nursery, place it away from the cot so the bed clothes doesn’t catch fire and avoid locating the light near drapes, plastic, or other objects that may ignite from the heat.

When designing your nursery plan ensure no furniture is located near windows, when your child learns to stand they may try to climb up and have a look out. Also avoid placing anything that may permit your toddler to stand on to peer out of a window. Keep the windows in the nursery properly locked. When opening a window for airing ensure it is firmly fixed and ideally never open more than 5cm.

Another item of nursery furniture to blame for numerous infant injuries is the changing station. Using a wedge shaped changing mat can assist enormously in making sure your child can’t roll away and some changing stations even have straps to strap your child. Keep your changing supplies out of baby’s reach. Babies and toddlers are instinctively inquisitive and nappy sacks or rash creams can be potentially harmful.

Rather worryingly one of the most common causes of harm in a child’s room are window dressings and blinds. It’s important that short window dressings are used that small children can’t become trapped in and that the cords on Venetian blinds are kept short. When using blinds ensure the cords are tied up to keep them short and are never within a baby’s reach.

It’s essential to have storage for the masses of playthings baby will no doubt collect but choose cautiously. Look for toy chests that have no lid or have very lightweight or child friendly hinged lids. As your baby gets older, he may climb inside the toy chesttoy box and a heavy lid may trap her so it’s important they be fitted with safety hinges or lightweight lids. You should also try to select nursery furniture with lids and drawers that are not as likely to trap your youngster’s tiny digits. Wardrobe and cupboard doors are also a possible danger to your child and you must consider fitting child safe mechanisms to prevent your baby from injuring themselves

By following sound guidance and following common sense, new parents can ensure they select the right choices when buying nursery furniture and create the perfect room for their youngster.



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Master Bedroom Furniture


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Platform beds are a variation on an older concept, the loft bed. These were raised on poles, allowing the utilization of the floor space under the bed for everyday activities. As homes became larger and more comfortable, the loft bed was lowered and the platform bed took its place.

As the platform bed originated in Europe, today’s beds reflect this birthplace in cleaner, straighter lines. This style works well in many interiors. Usually, there is a headboard, the bed itself, and a mattress, although some include a footboard. This is simple and functional elegance that mixes successfully with other furniture.

Japanese platform beds are gaining in popularity, too. These have more graceful, swooping lines than their European counterparts. Additionally, the Japanese beds make use of tatami mats to isolate the sleeper from the bed frame itself. When it comes to minimalism and wise use of limited space, the Japanese are on to a good thing with their version of the platform bed.

Platform beds are usually made of either wood or metal or a combination of the two. Selection of material depends on the lifestyle of the person buying it. Metal frames provide an edgier urban feel to the bedroom, while wood frames tend to be a little warmer and homier in appeal.

If a minimalist look is desired, there’s no need for a headboard or footboard at all. For those who want a more “dressed” look, there are several styles of platform bed frames that include posts and curtains which give a canopy effect.

There are several advantages to a platform bed. The space beneath the bed can be filled with drawers, thus taking advantage of otherwise wasted space, an important consideration in today’s urban apartments. By not opting for a headboard or footboard, valuable space is saved, as well as offering more decorating options, especially if the bed has casters on its legs. It does not require the use of a box spring, which cuts down on the initial cost of the bed. Moreover, as the mattress is placed directly on the bed’s slats, a firmer sleeping surface is provided.

Mattresses are available in all the standard American sizes: twin, full, queen, king, and sometimes California king. If a European platform bed is under consideration, it’s wise to note that the European beds are a bit longer, which will make finding sheets and other bedding more challenging. Keep in mind that a platform bed will present a firmer sleeping surface. For those wanting or needing some cushioning due to back or joint problems, a featherbed on top of the mattress may provide that necessary “cuddly” effect.

Prices for platform beds range from about $200 for a barebones twin to more than $1,000 for those constructed of more expensive woods, of more ornate styles, and in larger sizes. The mid-range price is around $400 or $500.

Platform beds offer a wide range of sleeping options for those who’d rather count sheep than be one. They make sense for those who like to “think out of the box.”

http://platformbedsandmore.com has a wide selection of platform beds and the accessories that help make your living space more comfortable and enjoyable.



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Buying the Right Furniture for Your Needs


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You have recently invested your life’s savings in your dream home, and are now looking to furnish it with the choicest furniture. After all, a house without the right furniture is just a set of walls. What you put inside is what really matters. You have a large variety to pick from, and making the correct decision is central to your aim of living in your dream home. You have to decide the right mix between showcasing your taste and taking heed of practical requirements. Another subject where a lot of people tend to get confused is the choice of material. This article looks at some of the choices you have.

Of the various materials that furniture is made of, wood continues to be the most popular. The teaks, rosewoods and oaks would any day beat the wrought irons and plastics of the modern day. While I am not here to criticize the others, the fact is that any furniture lover’s first choice is generally wood. There is something about this greatly versatile material that makes people fall in love with it at first glance. It is one of the most versatile materials, and you would do well to gain knowledge of the various kinds available to decide what will work best for you.

You can go for heavy woods for a solid finish, and furniture that will last for several generations. Preferred heavy woods are teak, oak and rosewood. Classic Amish handcrafted furniture is one of the best in terms of quality and uniqueness. Each piece is specially crafted by workers who work long hours to create pieces that are special and exclusive. Use of oak is another reason this special furniture really lasts, as the wood itself is greatly weather resistant and lasts for extremely long periods of time. Of course, a little anti-termite treatment and regular maintenance would be needed, but that is true for practically any kind of wood.

If you want maintenance free furniture that does not need anti termite treatment every year, look no further than pine and deodar woods. These have natural oils that repel insects of all kinds. An added advantage is that these woods are very light, and are useful for people who have to shift frequently. It is also useful if you are the kinds who want to have a new arrangement every few months, and would not like to break your back doing so!

Teak wood is one of the favorites of furniture vendors and customers alike worldwide. The reasons for this are not difficult to seek. Teak is one of the most versatile woods, and lends itself to nearly any kind of molding. It is heavy and termite resistant, which gives it a longer life than most of its peers. It also grows in major forests of the world, and is available commercially practically all over the world as well. The grain of the wood is such that it is bound to melt the heart of any furniture lover. So you should not be surprised to find the finest teak furniture in the biggest castles of Europe, or the homes of ordinary mortals with a taste for fine furniture. You can indulge yourself too, and your grandchildren would still use that dining furniture decades later.

Rosewood is another wood that is heavy, insect resistant, and extremely popular. It is dark in color and polished in dark shades. Rosewood gives a deep brown finish that is enchanting and mysterious at the same time, and is sure to give a fillip to your bedroom and dining room furniture.

Use the right wood for your needs, and you will get furniture that you would greatly enjoy using over the years. Good wooden furniture lasts for centuries, and you would be doing a great favor to your future generations as well!



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Tapestries in American Décor: A Short History


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A tapestry exudes warmth, colour and adds an interesting design perspective in the home. Tapestries have been used in American homes for centuries and were the height of fashion in the 17th and 18th century. They suit any period home and remain a popular choice today.

Early Colonial Use

Tapestries were brought to America by European colonists who aspired to be as refined as the well heeled in their mother countries. America saw a number of fashions imported from Europe at this time to ensure the new immigrants kept up with changes in vogue. Tapestries were used as wall hangings or bed hangings and European made work was often listed among the most valued item in a householder’s inventory. At this time the best bed in the house was often decorated lavishly with tapestry art and found more often in a parlour than a bedroom.

Parlours and best rooms in the 18th and 19th century saw rich fabrics and tapestry used in the décor. Furniture covering was a more likely feature at this time than wall hangings. Indeed the industrialisation of the modern city resulted in concern that dust and smoke would destroy these lavish works of art.

Growing popularity with wealthy Americans

At the end of the 19th century America began to see unprecedented wealth from the various industrial developments that spread across the country. Families such as the Astors, Vanderbilts and others who perceived themselves as the aristocracy of America found new wealth from the industrial growth of America and built European styled palaces and homes in vogue with their newly found status. These grand homes gave rise to resurgence in popularity for tapestries. The focal point of George Washington Vanderbilt’s Biltmore were two massive tapestries of Vulcan and Venus. The imitation of the splendour and extravagance of European stately homes and palaces was a classical way in which the newly rich of America chose to display their wealth.

The Arts and Crafts Revival

Tapestry appeared in the less luxurious homes, as furniture decoration rather than lavish wall hangings. The Arts and Crafts movement led by William Morris enabled modern design to be easily reproduced in a classical way. providing colour and texture to a decorative scheme. This trend was seen both in America and Europe, however was somewhat short lived.

A second revival of tapestry art occurred in the mid 20th century when large walls found themselves decorated once again with tapestry hangings. As people moved from one area to another the flexibility a tapestry gave enabled it to be rolled up and re-homed in the new house. It became an alternative to framed paintings in a changing world and made art more accessible to the growing population.

Poplar choices for any home

Tapestries have enabled their owners to be very creative with how they are displayed in a home, be it wall hanging, furniture cover or a unique touch to a corner. They remain a focal point in the modern home and are a versatile feature in interior design.



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French Furniture Adding that Touch of Elegance!


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Looking for some elegant interiors to furnish your home? While there are several options to choose from, you might want to consider French furniture. French furniture was essentially Parisian furniture that was created for the royalty, upper bourgeoisie and the aristocrats. The furniture is crafted artistically with a lot of attention to detail. It embodies mainstream designs of Europe and its decorative arts; it draws its influence from regions such as Russia, Spain and Sweden.

If one is looking at elegance that brilliantly stupefies craftsmanship with the inclusion of scrumptious fabrics, then French Furniture is of your type.

Every piece of French furniture has its own identity and does not require any other adornments. You can compare a single stand alone piece of furniture as a painting on the wall. They can lighten up and beautify any part of the room, even if it is just a single piece of furniture that is placed in the hallway. The fabrics are brightly coloured with gold gilds and the fabric used to complete the look of the furniture is usually high quality silk.

There are a few contemporary French furniture types that need mentioning, like the French Beds and Chaise Lounges.

The French bed is made of strong sturdy wood or iron which is always accompanied with delicate and ornate carvings. French beds have the most elegant look and can easily add a touch of class to a bedroom. They are all time classics and can go along with any decor or theme of a bedroom. Simple bedrooms can be decorated with the classic white or cream coloured French beds. There are also glamorous beds that come particularly with gold gilts and the upholstery is mainly made of silk. French beds are opulent, graceful, charming and luxurious and are simply timeless. There is something very unique about French beds and not many styles of furniture can be regarded as the same.  Trends in furniture never stay too long, however the French bed is always avant-garde furniture that goes along with any style.

Chaise Lounges were invented during the 18th century in France and the reason for it being upholstered was mainly for comfort. The feeling of lounging on a chaise lounge is immaculate and only makes one feel like a rock star. Several other lounge designs are inspired by the shape of the chaise lounges.  Chaise lounges typically means a long chair and is nothing close to a day bed that has no back, no arms and is flat. The chaise lounges are handcrafted individually to give it that unique touch and feel. The fabric again can be according to the buyers preference, however they mainly come upholstered in silk. A chaise lounge can be placed anywhere inside a room or even outdoors. Wherever it is placed, it definitely improves the look and feel of the room, giving it a soft elegant and opulent touch. It can even spruce up the dull look of a bedroom or living room. Who wouldn’t want to add a touch of elegance to their home and a chaise lounge will help achieve just that.



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Platform Beds-perfection Has Made Its Way Into the Bedroom Furniture


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The craze from Europe has finally made its way overseas to the states. With its sleek design and style that can flatter any bedroom, you’re bound to find a platform bed that fits perfectly into your decor. The benefits of these contemporary beds go far beyond the eye catching, clean cut appearance that they portray.

Design isn’t the only thing that will fit perfectly into your lifestyle, the price will too. Although the platform bed is now the hottest thing to show off in your house, they are affordable and realistic. These beds require only an inner spring mattress or futon mattress because of the support slats that are built right into the bed. There is no need for a box spring. No more downsizing the bed from king to queen size so that you can afford a box spring set. If you use a box spring because you like the height of it, you can certainly set up various platform beds with a box spring as well. Keep in mind though, being lower to the ground means a cooler nights sleep for you. I guess you could say the platform bed is the Hybrid of beds. Plain and simple, it is economical.

With the simplicity of the platform bed comes versatility and easy maintenance. Whether you are looking to replace your existing bed or looking for an entirely new bedroom set, this bed is perfect for the occasion. Being so transitional, the platform bed can blend into any set that you already have or that you are looking to purchase. It compliments all different styles and can be decorated to have a more modern, clean line look or even to have a warm, inviting look, depending on your taste.

The style of the platform bed allows for ease and convenience. On some models there are storage drawers beneath the bed or storage areas within the headboard of the bed. This makes it convenient to have extra linens and pillows right there within reach or to even use the space as an extension of your closet if your wife’s cloths are overwhelming your side of the walk-in. Whatever it’s use, it adds to the beds charm and character.

There are many different platform beds out there, which can make it almost impossible to see each and every one while shopping for your new bed. But with all of those choices, you can be certain you will find the perfect one for your needs. You can choose from wood frames, metal, upholstered, leather, or canopy. Some have high headboards, low headboards, no headboards – all is true for the footboards as well. You can have one that sits on the floor or one that is lifted slightly. Not only can you choose the size of the bed, like you would with any other, from twin to king, but you can also choose to have a round bed. That should add a new spice to the bedroom.

With its many designs, styles and shapes there is sure to be one to complete and compliment the look of your room. If ever there was a bed to be so versatile and economical at the same time, this is it. The best word to describe the platform bed is PERFECT.



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With over 50 years experience, Gautier, the Premium French Furniture manufacturer reveals its latest trendy and affordable collection for 2009


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Internationally recognized brand

Known as a leading furniture manufacturer in France and throughout Europe, Gautier increasingly deals with international consumers worldwide, offering comfort, trendy and fashionable design, and a collection of models for any use and any age at affordable prices.

Gautier was the first manufacturer to simultaneously obtain three ISO certifications. In fact, materials used in Gautier furniture production are carefully selected, to respect the environment and sustainable development.

These facts highlight and prove Gautier’s will to match the strictest international standards and seriously compete worldwide. To enhance that philosophy Gautier has recently opened many shops in four continents.

The newest design tendencies reproduced by Gautier

In order to match the various needs worldwide, Gautier has always developed a broad range of furniture for children, babies and adult bedrooms. In addition Gautier now offers many modular pieces designed to fit any living room space.

Here are the latest Gautier collections for the current year:

Five ranges have been just conceived:

1. Stuart.

2. Manhattan.

3. Setis.

4. Power.

5. Lola.

All Gautier collections are guaranteed 5 years.

Be the first to know about each of Gautier collections – 2009

Stuart

Stuart is the new range of sliding door wardrobes which blend with a variety of schemes and efficiently suit any space.

Note that the Stuart wardrobes can be equipped with additional optional fittings, to meet any of your needs. You can find a trouser rack, a shoe rack and various shelves in different widths, which you can fix to your wardrobes.

Manhattan

The Manhattan range is made to give you more flexibility to make your living room more and more stylish. TV units and desks of this collection have been conceived to be adaptable and adjustable. Reflect on the easiness on the eye of the whole Gautier unit.

Setis

You will find every basic furniture item you need for any room, in the Setis collection: Dining tables, chairs, coffee tables and TV units. All the items of Setis collection are alluring by their stylish graphic design and mixture of trendy materials they are made of.

Power

The Power collection is especially conceived for your ambitious teenage child, or just to help you find the most suitable design and colors for your studio. Innovative and ingenious pieces are used in ways to optimize your space without settling for any compromises on aesthetics.

Lola

What if you have a dreamful daughter? Gautier just offers a special tender and romantic atmosphere through its Lola collection. This range includes refined furniture with curved contours in soft ‘cosmetic’ tones.

Visit Gautier’s illustrated website www.gautier.co.uk and you will see clearly the differences between these ranges, and feel the remarkable evolution of both design and ergonomics. You won’t be disappointed.



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A Quick Guide to Beds


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Whenever you start the process of shopping for furniture, it can become time-consuming, wasting energy and effort over the simple decision of choosing pieces that match your personality and taste. If you’re in the market for a new bed, don’t fret—there are plenty of options to choose from. Generally speaking, whether or not you like a classic take or a modern one on bedroom furniture, you will probably enjoy a platform bed, a sleigh bed, or a canopy bed the most.

“http://www.eco-furniture.com/bedroom-furniture/platform-beds.php”>Platform beds are the best way to contemporize your bedroom furniture without going over your budget. These low-profile beds give off an Asian or European vibe with their sleek lines and modern chic. Because the bed is so minimal in its design, its unadorned headboard blends into its surroundings. Despite the understated sophisticated of a “http://www.eco-furniture.com/bedroom-furniture/platform-beds.php”>platform bed, they are money savers because they don’t need a box spring for your mattress. Instead, slats run across the width of the bed, effortlessly supporting the mattress.

Sleigh beds are ideal for someone who wants a touch of modern bedroom furniture while still keeping aligned with more traditional fare. Created during the Empire period, sleigh beds were originally designed with elaborate detail work and scrolling on the headboard. Newer sleigh beds are a bit more pared down, with headboards and feet with less design, making them a great match to nearly any bedroom décor.

Canopy beds exude traditional style and elegance; if you love the look of time-honored four posters, the canopy bed is the best fit for you. First used in the 1400s in Europe, the canopy bed has grown throughout the centuries into a more delicately decorative piece of bedroom furniture. Oftentimes they will come with top enclosures so you can hang your favorite fabrics on the sides. Today, canopy beds range from overly ornate to a more contemporary look.



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Baroque interiors – main features


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Europe between 1600 and 1750 was an area of new scientific discoveries, new philosophies, new political ideologies, development of cities, time of social transformations and time of absolutism. In brief it was time of great transition, social adolescence – it was dynamic and turbulence time. Baroque as each multimedial style reflects this social, cultural and political mood. New art dimension was supported by powerful Roman Catholic Church as perfect propaganda instrument and by despotic European leaders as kings – emperors. As a consequence this style as other before was plying in theatrical rules to achieve the biggest impression. In fact were differences in style dependent from part of Europe, social patronage or function of art, but what about interiors…?

Tropme l’oeil

Illusory paint technique commonly used in baroque for great – scale ceilings pictures but also as a mural, oil and furniture. It was applied both in churches, palaces, private residential houses, in galleries, libraries, halls, and bedrooms or internal domes with mainly allegorical scenes. From great painters should to mention Pietro da Cortona, Andrea Pozzo, Baciccio and Charles Le Brun.

Stucco Work

It is kind of application used on walls or as a cartouches for trompe l’oeil in manner of three dimensional decoration. Forms to use in this period were s-shaped, organics and ovals. Common were gilding, silvering or painting stucco with sharp colours. Final effect was more similar to sculpture than basic form.

Gilding

Gilding was an application of thin layers of gold on different surfaces as plaster, wood or metal. In the case of furniture similar technique was Ormolu, as spectacular as deathly dangerous for workers using it because of poisonous fumes generated in that process.

Wall treatment and coverings

The walls were treated in different ways, with wood paneling, painting in fresco, with stucco work and plaster, covering by wallpapers, tapestries, large – scale mirrors (includes Venetian Mirrors), with enormous windows (includes French Windows) extending interiors on gardens or artistic creating landscape and with carved wooden doors. Other types of wall elements were marble pilasters, columns and fireplaces with masterpieces mantels. Wallpapers in baroque were both, imported from China with beautiful, rich colourful patterns and also rich, damasks. In both cases it gives oriental taste. Tapestries were know before, but in baroque considerable development in production was evident. The most remarkable workshops were in Italy – Agostino Melissi and Francesco Barberini, some in France and Netherlands Mirrors in baroque constituted particular facility. Firstly, they expended the interiors and intensified dynamic impression but what is more important put into the rooms theatrical, unreal and mysterious aura. It could be small or medium, handed on the wall carved and framed, covering large parts of walls of which an excellent example was Galerie des Glasses in Versailles, where mirrors were made by first royal glass manufacture founded in 1665 on the initiative of Louis XIV and Colbert, still existing today. Windows as a symbol of status were used to greate scale with transparent glass. Divided in rectangles, toped with arcs to let the light penetrate the rooms, give clearity architectural details and integrate interiors with fabulous gardens. Marble pilatsers and columns were elements which divided walls into the section for sculptures or paintings displays or to set the pace and floating impression. Chimneypieces in Baroque were carved especially from marble, decorated with gilded ornaments and frequently were parts of wall’s composition with mirrors, columns, pediments, sculptures, lights and other movable objects. A sometimes mantel includes timber or steel parts such as parts of decoration and essential for fireplaces equipments.

Floor

In fact, floor coverings were rarity but great baroque achievements were wood parquets arranged with simple geometrical patterns with multicolored timber. Sometimes stone or marble were used in parquet order. Typical woods for parquet were cherry, maple and beech and other types of hardwoods as they may be cleaned easily and are more durable.

Stairs

Other very important element of baroque interiors were stairs, because of its forms rooms could definitely change movable character. Usually stones stairs were twisted into the space, curved line put energy and permanently turbulence. Widely settled with stone or metal balustrades, carved and often topped by sculptures and lights.

Wood, woodwork and furniture

Timber as a material was very preferable and common in that period. Usually used were oak and walnut in view of flexibility, natural abilities and sustainability. It was the great material for wall paneling, later it could by incrusted by decorative layers exotic woods like mahogany or zebrawood, common gilded and painted. It was used to build cupboards, balconies, canopies, cabinets, book shelves or other steady equipment for new types of rooms like libraries, wealthy and powerful citizens or ecclesiastical interiors. Another woods elements were doors, rich carved, scientific objects like globes or measures instruments. Furniture to compare it with renaissance gained more ornaments, more curved lines and bulging shapes. They were often painted with techniques imitating marbling or graining, lavish gilded, with inlays exotics material like ivory, tortoise – shells and silver.

Lights

Both, natural and artificial light in baroque had particular meaning. As many other inventions as light stunt vastly usable as decorative elements of contemporary interiors. Heavy, large – scale’s crystal chandelier or made from bronze with glass finish were used as often as possible.

Sculpture and other objects

Indispensible elements were sculpture and also other objects to be connected with news inventions. Because movement was one the most important principles in baroque and sculptures as objects reflected human movement that this medium turn into basic interior elements of this period. Arguably the greatest Master of this time was Bernini. Mainly marble sculptures as human portraits or group of people in most cases with ecclesiastical themes were arranged like free-standing, standing in niches, as tombs and large compositions. In late baroque one more element had begun his existence. As a new device for time measure clock became a new element which was more decorative then usable but always with triple meaning of dynamism: forms of clock, movement of hands and changing of time.

To summarise, baroque as a style was so unconsciously varying that final effect of artistic creation was very often as splendid as kitsch.



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