Furniture, and home décor, can represent CASUAL FURNITURE caters to today’s
various styles. Here’s a look at the most easy-living lifestyles. Think overstuffed sofas,
common styles, courtesy of the American care-free fabric covers, matte finishes and a
Home Furnishings Alliance. range of wood, including oak, pine, ash and
maple. Combined with earthy neutral colors,
TRADITIONAL FURNITURE is formal in textured upholstery and personal keepsakes,
every sense, with symmetrical designs, grace- casual interiors are spaces with warmth,
ful carved curves, rich and mellow colors, dark friendliness and lived-in ease.
polished wood and elegant upholstery. The
style includes reproductions of antiques made CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE encom-
before 1900, such as Biedermeier, Chippen- passes all things simple, streamlined and sleek.
dale, French Empire and Sheraton. Wingback Evolving since 1900, the look is modern. Bold
chairs, damask and chintz fabric covers, cherry colors. Sharp lines. Minimalist patterns. Larger-
and mahogany woods, indoor topiaries and scale accessories and art pieces are often used
Oriental carpets are classic examples of the to complement metal and glass—setting the
time-honored traditional style. stage for refreshing, uncomplicated contempo-
rary interiors.
COUNTRY-STYLE décors exude welcoming,
heartwarming coziness. Timeworn furnishings, ECLECTIC INTERIORS are highly individual-
distressed and painted woods, plump sofas istic and feature a mix of many styles. Collected
and ruffled skirts are reminiscent of the style objects from around the world and ethnic or
pioneered by the settlers of North America. artisan pieces may be highlighted accents.
Country’s hallmarks include pine and oak, Furniture and textured fabric covers cross
rounded and soft cushions, floral prints, bold styles and periods, while color is often the
stripes, gingham and plain fabric covers. Accent common denominator. True eclectic style
reflects a unique eye and personal interests. p ieces include quilts, braided rugs and folk art.
T o find out you r style, take the style profile
quiz at www.findyourfurniture.com.
HELPFUL HOW TO’S
PROTECTING YOUR
INVESTMENT
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS protect finished
surfaces. Most common furniture finishes
will not resist severe and, in some cases,
even moderate scratching. To take care
of your furniture, follow these easy steps:
• Use a soft, clean cloth that will not
scratch the surface when dusting.
• Using furniture polish is not necessary.
If you choose to use a furniture polish,
test it in a hidden area.
• Using solvents of any kind may damage
the finish.
• Never use water to clean your furniture.
• Always use coasters or protective pads
under beverage glasses, flower pots
and lamps.
• Liquid spills should be removed immediately.
U se a soft clean cloth and blot the spill
g ently. Avoid rubbing.
• Direct sunlight may damage wood finishes. Direct sunlight may damage wood finishes.
• Extreme temperature and humidity changes Extreme temperature and humidity changes
c an cause warping, shrinking and splitting
o f wood furniture. It is best to keep furniture
i n a climate-controlled environment.
• Always use protective pads under hot or Always use protective pads under hot or
c old dishes and plates. Extreme tempera-
tures can cause chemical changes that
m ay create spotting within the finish.
• Stains or marks from crayons or markers will Stains or marks from crayons or markers will
b e difficult to remove. Use a professional to
d oso. A
