Phil Pendleton asked:


Scandinavian furniture is an interesting category of furniture. However many of us hear this term applied to furniture and aren’t always sure why. In this article we’ll discuss what it means to be a piece of Scandinavian furniture and why this category continues to evolve and grow.

Scandinavian furniture originates from a region that includes the countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. This region has a rich cultural history that goes back even beyond the era of the Vikings who themselves were great explorers. Many instances of furniture from this era have been discovered including simple slatted beds and other furniture that proved that not only could the Vikings build great wooden ships but also wooden furniture as well.

The category itself didn’t really come into focus though until after the events of WW2. It was after this time frame that the development of mass production created the ability to create and build furniture with high quality, being less costly and making it more affordable for everyone. This is one of the most important principles to Scandinavian furniture in that it isn’t quality made furniture for just a few but made for everyone.

In the 1960’s many Scandinavian furniture manufacturers began working with different materials to create furniture that could almost be considered art. Fusing glass, metal, wood, plastics and other materials together created interesting and modern designs that hadn’t been tried in furniture before. So much so that a commission was set up honoring furniture manufacturers every year for excellence and promoting Scandinavian furniture worldwide. This attention to the form of the furniture was another important feature to Scandinavian furniture.

Around this same time frame manufacturers in Scandinavia also began experimenting with adding function into the furniture that had not been there before. Concealed storage compartments, slide out tables and furniture designed with multiple options to enhance the seating experience. Many of these manufacturers created innovation into their furniture and this quality of adding function into furniture was another important feature in Scandinavian furniture design.

Scandinavian furniture is a combination of features that make the category a popular choice for almost anyone. Quality made furniture that is both affordable, functional and has a unique form represent the major qualities that make up Scandinavian furniture. This furniture comes from a rich history of wood craftsmen originating in the Scandinavian region of Europe. This history combined with a desire to make furniture that everyone can afford and a mixture of form and function define Scandinavian furniture and the reason this category of furniture continues to still be popular today.



Maria

Tom Tomer asked:


As it is rightly said that where there is a will there is a way so, where there are expensive and beautiful furniture they ought to be cleaned. Just buying furniture according to the taste of own, or which suits one’s interior is not just the end of work. But in actual sense it is the beginning of work. As cleanliness of furniture is essential. They should be cleaned once on a week and properly according to their needs once in a month. Which products are right for furniture depend on the amount of use as well as climatic conditions?

There are a variety of products developed especially for furniture care. Such as Polishes, waxes, oil treatments, stains and preservatives are formulated to provide furniture protection from the elements and regular use. Variety of other products is also available in market for furniture cleaning

1. Furniture Waxes: Furniture waxes afford the longest lasting protection for furniture and are available as a paste or liquid.

2. Orange Oil: It can be used on any finish and does a superb job of removing everyday dirt and dust.

3. Lemon Oil: is recommended for heavier routine cleaning and dusting. It contains mineral spirits for strong dirt and grime removal.

Apart from that Furniture Cleaners can be found that help to protect the furniture finish and can be used regularly. The use of these products helps to avoid scratching the surface when dusting furniture with a dry rag. Furniture Polishes: Most furniture polishes are emulsion base and can be used regularly on most furniture surfaces.

These were the products which are generally found in market. But the basic furniture care can be summed up as:

1. Keep furniture out of direct sunlight.

2. Avoid placing furniture in front of or under windows.

3. Place furniture away from heating and air conditioning vents.

4. Blot up spills immediately.

5. Use coasters, placemats and tablecloths to protect furniture during use.

6. Lift and place items instead of sliding across furniture surfaces.

7. Rotate accessories on your furniture periodically.

8. Avoid prolonged use of plastic and rubber items on your furniture.

9. Dust your furniture regularly and polish every 4-6 months.

One should always remember to find such furniture which can be cleaned and maintained properly and easily. House loaded with heavy furniture’s and is not possible to clean be of waste of time and energy.



Demetrius

Jessica Whittaker asked:


Furniture designers make their own designs, which may be further manufactured into bulk production or in limited numbers or just a single piece. Furniture designers may need to work on many areas before the final process of furniture designing. They have to explore and create ideas and observe the outline of the item whether it will be safe, useful and at the same time beautiful. The costs to be incurred have to be taken into account. The material to be used should be easily available. All these factors need to be affordable for the customer. The CAD computer generated software will be a great help in visualizing the outline of the product created by furniture designers. They have to work in coordination with other professionals such as design engineers, production and marketing engineers. In case of self-employed furniture designers, they need to carry out various activities of manufacturing, administration and marketing of items.

Furniture designers have to do their BTEC HND (Higher National Diploma) or degree courses. The selection of courses needs to be such that you get both practical skills and creative design. Either a furniture degree or an applicable degree to such courses will be beneficial, for instance furniture technology, product design, 3-D design or a spatial design.

Carpentry/Cabinet Making is a program through which students can have a changeover from high school to the post-secondary education general carpenter or cabinetmaker apprenticeship.

Diploma of Arts (furniture design) is a career-oriented course for those, who want to take up their career into designing and production of contemporary furniture. After completing this course, the students can do other related course on furniture designing and or study product, object or industrial design.

There are various other courses such as Furniture Design and Realization by FDA foundation, B.Sc in Furniture Design and Manufacture, B.Sc in Furniture Production and Technology, B.Sc (Honors) in Design and Technology Education, certificate courses in subjects such as Furniture Craft and Design, and Furniture Manufacturing and Design.

Portfolio of the designs of furniture designers if taken along with for an interview will help the employer take a decision promptly. The portfolio will immediately reflect the creativity of the furniture designers thus proving their capabilities. The design industry at present is very competitive and thus previous working experience will be a plus point. Participating in exhibitions, shows and competitions will also help the furniture designers to display their work in front of the world.

In case of self-employment, furniture designers have to learn other skills such as carpentry and upholstery. If furniture designers need any help with the studio availability or resources, the local regional crafts officer of the arts board can be consulted.

Furniture designers can become design consultants or in-house designers for reputed organization or freelance furniture designers. Some furniture designers have also gone into design management. Some furniture designers have also started their career in teaching. Similarly, carpenters and cabinetmakers are employed by the carpentry contractors, maintenance department of plants and factories, construction companies or may be self-employed. They have other career scopes such as Furniture designers or finishers, Architectural Technician, Wooden Boat Builder, Renovator, Framer, Site Supervisor, Contractor or Building Inspector.



Edgar