SHABBY CHIC FURNITURE | FRENCH STYLE FURNITURE | MIRRORED FURNITURE
Wood furniture looks great in any home, so lots of people will have wood surfaces throughout their rooms to bring in some natural material that makes a space feel more homely. The problem is, however, that mold can become a problem with wood furniture and actually ruin the look of the wood surface. Not only is it problematic for the wooden furniture, depending on the type of mold and mold spores you have, it can be hazardous to your health, too. But don't worry, in today's guide, we'll be taking you through the risks of mold growth on wooden furniture. We'll also talk about the different mold species, and then talk you through how to remove mold from a wood surface safely. Why is mold growth common on wood furniture?Before we start by looking at the different types of mold, let's just talk for a moment about why wooden surfaces are so susceptible to mold growth to begin with. First off, organic materials will always be more susceptible to a mold problem, but wood especially so because porous surfaces (like wood) offer a perfect environment for mold to grow in. That's why wood mold is especially concerning for the furniture itself, because removing mold doesn't just involve removing mold stains and surface mold, but actually penetrating the wood effectively with the cleaning process in order to kill mold entirely from both the surface, and the inner portions of the wood. If left to grow, the mold will ruin the integrity of the wood and damage it beyond repair. But don't worry, there are ways to effectively remove mold and treat the affected area completely so the mold won't return. For now, though, let's focus on the different types of wood mold that are most common. Source: https://nara.getarchive.net/media/flooding-severe-storm-memphis-tenn-may-28-2011-mold-grows-on-the-kitchen-cabinets-0032fc Identifying mold speciesYou'll already be aware that there are different types of mold, but what you might not realise is that there are three different types of mold that are common on wood surfaces. All three types will need your attention, of course, but some are more serious, and need to be treated more quickly than others. Below, we'll look at how to identify the different types, and talk about the precautions you need to be aware of before you even attempt to treat the mold. Black moldPossibly the most concerning mold to find, both in terms of your furniture's integrity and your health, is black mold. There are many types of black mold, but the most serious of which is Stachybotrys chartarum, which release toxic fumes or mycotoxins, which can cause respiratory problems and also skin irritation. Whenever you remove mold from wood, you have to be very cautious and wear protective gear to prevent mold spores from causing you any harm, but black mold is especially serious, so it's really important when you start the mold removal process from the wooden surface that you're very aware of how serious this type of mold could be. By now you've probably guessed that black mold gets its name because, well, it's black mold, so whenever you come across this type of mold on your wood, be cautious. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eclectic-echoes/9744017716 Why does black mold grow?Black mold growth is more common in places that are very damp and have poor ventilation, because this type of mold actually needs far more moisture than the others we'll cover below to develop. You'll most likely notice black mold on wood furniture that has been exposed to a leak or flooding. This might be more common in bathrooms and kitchens, but even a leaky roof in the garage or bedrooms can cause black mold on your bedroom furniture and storage too. If you notice black mold on wood in your home, then it's more likely that there's a bigger problem than just the mold, so keep an eye out for flooding, leaks, and bad ventilation where the furniture is. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/diversey/46195388355 White moldFrom the worst type of mold spores to the least harmful now, we have white mold. This type of mold doesn't typically cause health problems, but you'll still need to wear the proper protective gear and skin protection when dealing with it. And despite it not being as serious as black mold, white mold is still a sign that there's a problem with high humidity and moisture in the room where the wood surface that's been affected is. You'll notice white mold, again, by its white colour, but it also has a stringy or powdery quality to it. Whilst these powdery mold spores aren't particularly hazardous to health, you still don't want to be breathing that in, so removing white mold from the affected material is still really important. Later we'll talk more about preventing mold, but when there are white mold spores on wood, you'll want to make sure that any air vents in the room are clear and that there is proper ventilation to prevent the moisture that mold needs to grow. Green moldThis final type of mold that's common on wood may be a bit of a surprise, as typically you'd associate it with food, however green mold on wood is more common than most people realise. In fact, green and white mold on wood is more common than black mold, but green mold is a little more serious than white. Unlike white mold, green is much more likely to cause medical problems (although it isn't as serious a concern as black mold is). Again, green mold is a sign of moisture buildup on a surface, and much like white mold, it's likely because of bad ventilation and a lot of humidity rather than a leak. Whatever type of mold spores and surface mold you notice around your home, though, you need to treat mold in much the same way to remove it and then prevent it from coming back. What do I need to remove mold?Before we talk about the actual process of removing mold and the different protective gear you will need to treat the affected wood etc., you should be aware of some of the products that work best to remove mold (typically these products kill mold, and some will even form a protective barrier to prevent mold from returning). Here's a quick list of some products that work for killing mold. You won't need all of these, but it may help to have a few different products if you are trying to remove light mold vs a lot of mold to get the job done properly:
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cleaning-supplies-in-a-bucket-3177257/ Supporting productsIt's not just the cleaning solution that will kill the mold that you need, but some other products too to help remove it. This includes cleaning products and protective gear:
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-wearing-protective-suit-4099468/ Picking the right product for the jobThis guide isn't always going to be 100% accurate because there are lots of different types of mold in the 'black', 'white', and 'green' broad categories we've talked about today. However, depending on the severity of the mold growth and type of mold, different products may be better suited to cleaning mold from the wood's surface. Small jobsFor small jobs, you can get away with using homemade solutions by filling up a spray bottle with a solution of your own. These solutions are best for smaller jobs because it's likely that you've caught the mold problem early before they have a chance to go deep into the wood. When you catch mold early, it's much easier to get rid of it with a spray bottle filled with warm water and distilled white vinegar. When you remove mold from wood in this way, it will treat the affected area and deal with the light mold swiftly. Larger jobsTo clean mold from wood when it's a larger job, homemade solutions may still help, but make sure you know the exact mold you're cleaning. Black mold, for example, will need more than a distilled vinegar solution and warm water in a spray bottle to clear it up. But we'll talk more about black mold in the 'Severe mold growth' section below. If there are large patches of white or green mold, then you may be able to use vodka, vinegar, or washing up liquid to remove it. Just make sure you look out for loose mold spores and ensure you clean them all up. Loose spores can grow again and you'll need to remove the mold from wood later down the line. When you clean mold, be thorough, to prevent mold from reappearing again. Severe mold sporesBlack mold remains the biggest threat as we've already established throughout today's post - to remove this mold from wood, you'll need to invest in the commercial mold removers we mentioned above. Again, be thorough, clearing up all loose spores. You'll need to wear protective gear, rubber gloves, and safety goggles etc., for all the cleaning methods above, but especially so when using commercial mold removers to clear up the affected area. Please note: if you're concerned about the severity of your black mold issue, or if you have white or green mold in unmanageable amounts, you may be able to contact professional cleaning services to deal with the problem for you. They will be trained to make the affected area mold free and also help prevent mold growing back again. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/satemkemet/4370813521 Cleaning up the moldNow we'll talk you through how to clean mold effectively. Step 1: choose the right methodFirst, look at the severity of the situation and, using our advice above, decide if you need to use homemade solutions or commercial mold killers. Step 2: protective gearWear safety goggles, gloves, and protective gear to cover yourself and your clothes completely, regardless of what type of mold you have or how big a job it is. Only a small amount of commercial grade mold killer on your skin could be enough to cause a reaction, and the same is true of the mold itself. So make sure you're well covered and you're able to breathe safely whilst cleaning the mold. Step 3: scrubbing the areaNow on to the actual cleaning. Whether it's homemade or commercial, the key is to only lightly spray the area with the cleaning solution. Leave it for 30 seconds or so before scrubbing. Take a soft bristled brush or a scrub pad and gently scrub the area in a circular motion. You have to be careful to prevent damage to the wood, so start gently and lightly and increase the pressure only if necessary. At this stage, you just want the colour of the mold to disappear. After it is clear, take a wet cloth and wipe down the area and allow to dry before moving on to the next stage. Please note: if you're using commercial mold cleaner, ensure you read the package instructions and follow it to the letter. Step 4: sanding the areaThe sanding process may seem dramatic, but you'll definitely need to sand down the area if the mold problem was particularly large or if there are any stains left behind. Here you can use an electric sander if the problem is large, or just sanding paper. Again, go slow and gently. You don't want to damage the wood. Once it's been sanded, you may need to repeat step 3 above to completely kill and remove the mold from the wood further into the wood. Step 5: clear upAfter you're happy, you'll need to be thorough with the cleanup, making sure all mold is completely gone, and anything that came into contact with the fungi is cleared up and properly disposed of. If not, anything with mold still on it can grow again and the problem will persist, so make sure you get everything from the wood chips from the sanding to the cloth you used to wipe the surface - every little thing must be disposed of. Step 6: preventing mold in the futureAnd finally, the most important section of today's post - preventing the mold from forming in the first place or coming back! The two things mold needs are moisture and humidity, so the key is to remove this from the area you plan on keeping the wooden furniture. Just make sure there is proper ventilation, clear vents nearby, or else just remember to open a window half an inch each day in the area to allow the room to breathe and moisture and humidity to leave. This will prevent any regrowth. Final takeawayHopefully, today's post has taught you that yes, mold can be dangerous to your furniture, but it can also be dangerous to you. With proper protective gear and the right cleaning mix though, you can easily fix any mold issue - from small to large - so long as you stick to the advice in this guide and on any commercial products you've purchased. Is mold on wood furniture dangerous? Find more on: HD365 from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/06/is-mold-on-wood-furniture-dangerous/ via Blogger Is mold on wood furniture dangerous?
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The idea of having your very own bar at home is attractive to many people. While it's great to head out to a pub, restaurant or bar once in a while, what better way to relax and unwind after a long day than kicking back and settling down at home in front of your own bar with a Mai Tai or ice-cold beer? You don't need to get dressed up, you don't need to worry about taxis or designated drivers, and last orders aren't going to be a problem! Home bars are also excellent for entertaining guests, providing a handy focal point from where to serve alcohol or soft drinks along with food or snacks. If you're considering whether to install an in-home bar there are two basic choices: a wet bar or a dry bar. What's The Difference?Essentially, wet bars have running water and a sink, so they require plumbing. Dry bars don't have a sink or taps, so there's no need for extra plumbing to run a water line where it's needed, which makes them a generally cheaper option. While wet bars have their advantages, saving you the trouble of taking piles of glasses or dishes to the kitchen, they are a permanent fixture that can't be moved. Once it's in place, that's where it stays. A dry bar, on the other hand, can potentially be portable. Some are even set on wheels, allowing you to relocate them to wherever the party is! Let's be clear, these are different compared to your drinks cabinets. We're not talking about a sideboard stacked with bottles and glasses or a globe that hides liquor. No, these are properly made bars that really look the part. Standing Black Trunk Drinks Cabinet What Does A Dry Bar Include?The idea is to have all the accoutrements of a traditional home bar but generally on a smaller scale, although some examples rival the real thing! So, you'll have counter space on top for placing glasses and bottles, and maybe some dishes with snacks. There'll also be shelves, cabinets, and a mini-fridge for white wine, beer and soda cans. Some people like to have a microwave oven for heating food, maybe a coffee machine or a kettle for hot drinks, and a blender for whizzing up smoothies and ingredients for cocktails. Don't forget extra space for napkins, wine racks, and cabinets for all the barware you might need. You might even want to install a sound system to add to the ambience, and maybe even a TV for those special sporting events! Essentially, they can be as big and elaborate or small and uncomplicated as you want them to be. It comes down to the amount of space you have as well as your budget. Why Have An In-Home Bar?We already alluded to the fact that it's a convenient means of creating an entertainment area and a space for chilling out. If you like to entertain, a dry bar provides an ideal central location from which to prepare drinks and make sure your guests are having a good time. And when you want to shut yourself away from the bustle and noise of the outside world, heading off to your bar for a drink is the perfect way to relax without leaving your house. They are a great place to socialise or enjoy quality time with the family, and the drinks are a lot cheaper! Wet Bar Vs Dry Bar: Which Is Best?That really depends on you! We've explained the difference, so you need to consider the benefits of each type. Let's bullet-point the pros and cons to help you out: Wet Bars
Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/98586679333124428/ Dry Bars
What Style Can I Have?Way back in the past, most people built their own bars, with varying degrees of success, it has to be said. To keep costs down, many people built their own bars using cheap materials, including wood-effect panelling, which didn't always look too great. Still, they seemed happy enough with the results, and tastes have changed over the years, so who are we to judge? Thankfully, both the range and quality of available materials have improved, making the results much more pleasing. However, this really depends on your prowess when it comes to DIY! For those who aren't happy with the idea of getting covered in sawdust and handling potentially deadly power tools, help is at hand: you can buy purpose-made dry bars that come complete or you can have them installed professionally. And they look amazing! Mahogany, walnut and oak finished bars are among the most popular and make great choices! Here are some ideas for your own dry bar at home: Indoor Dry BarIf you're lucky enough to have a spare reception room, you can create the perfect space for relaxing and entertaining with a dry bar at one end. Alternatively, a small bar in your dining room or living room could be a great addition, if handled tastefully. Outdoor Dry BarThe growing popularity of kitchens in covered outdoor spaces has fuelled a rise in dry bars (and wet bars) in decked areas, patios and gardens. Some are modest in size, while others resemble beachside tavernas of Greece or Spain. Either way, it's an excellent use of space, creating a sense of fun and frivolity that we all need in our lives. Garage Dry BarLet's be honest: how many of us actually use the garage for anything other than storing old junk? Why not put it to better use by converting it into a chill-out room complete with a dry bar? Lots of people have done so already, gaining an extra room in which to unwind. Basement Dry BarThese became massively popular across America in the 1950s, and have experienced a revival in recent years. Obviously, here in the UK not many properties built in the last half-century actually have basements, which is something of an obstacle! However, for those with basements, converting it to a dry bar is a brilliant use of the space and will add value to your home. Of course, a wet bar may add more value (especially if you include a bathroom) but is much more expensive. Man Cave Dry BarWhether in a shed at the bottom of the garden or a room over the garage, a man cave is the ultimate getaway space for many hard-working males. But why should men have all the fun? A more recent term has emerged: the she shed, for equally hard-working ladies! So, you can set up your dry bar and enjoy a lads' or ladies' night in. While there's nothing wrong with a night out, there's a lot to be said for getting a small group of friends together for a private party. Iron and Mango Wood Vintage Bike Bar Spa/Hot Tub Dry BarFor the ultimate pamper session, you can't beat soaking in a hot tub with a pina colada or a chilled bottle of lager. Imagine: music is playing in the background, the fairy lights are twinkling, and you're sipping your drink as you enjoy a laugh with your loved ones, watching the sun go down. Pure bliss! Should I Get A Dry Bar?Wet bar or dry bar, the choice is yours. But both are a great investment. As we noted earlier, a wet bar costs more but has its advantages. Nevertheless, a dry bar is well worth the money, especially in the long term. Society is changing, partly in response to factors like the recent pandemic, and we are spending more time at home for work and leisure. Sadly, costs are rising rapidly, meaning that socialising away from home is hugely expensive. A dry bar provides a safe space for relaxing and entertaining, and it could save you a lot of money! The following post What Is A Dry Bar? See more on: Homes Direct 365 Limited from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/05/what-is-a-dry-bar/ via Blogger What Is A Dry Bar? Essentially, a wet bar is a space set aside for preparing and serving alcoholic drinks, usually in your house. This might be for your own private use, but most wet bars are used for entertainment purposes when people have friends and family around. So, you might be wondering, what makes it a wet bar? Also, what's the difference between these and dry bars? Happily, you're in the right place to find all the information you need about home bars! Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/98586679333124428/ Why Wet Bar?First, let's deal with the basics: it's called a wet bar because it has running water and a sink. That's pretty straightforward, isn't it? On the flip side, a dry bar doesn't have a sink or require any plumbing, it's simply a counter for preparing drinks. But let's examine this further to see why the distinction between wet and dry bars is so important. Benefits Of A Wet BarThe fundamental difference is that a sink with running water allows you to stay at the heart of things while entertaining guests. Imagine you're hosting a cocktail party and it's in full swing. Your guests need a top-up, but the glasses are in need of washing. As it's unlikely that they'll all finish their drinks at the same time, you find yourself going back and forth all evening, dashing from the kitchen sink to the dining room or patio or wherever your party is happening. Don't Miss OutWith a wet bar, you're able to stay in place as the perfect host as you prepare drinks, and you won't be missing out on the fun! Also, a sink is handy for those inevitable spills that are going to happen. There's always one person you can rely on to knock over drinks or drop food on the floor! Another bonus of wet bars is that the sink can double as an extra ice bucket if necessary. What Else Is Included In A Wet Bar?We know that a wet bar includes a sink, but clearly, that's not all! Most home bars have these elements:
Of course, it depends on how much room you have as to what you can fit in, but wet bars can be as big or as small as you want them to be. At the very least, you'll need a counter, storage space and a mini fridge. Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/goVkUb6wVuk Where Can I Put My Wet Bar?Basically, you can locate it anywhere you like, as long as you can arrange for the plumbing to be installed. Obviously, this will add to the cost. The home bar became popular from the late 1960s onwards (although some people had them well before this, usually the rich and famous) as people had more leisure time and started to become more daring with home decor and interior design. By the 1970s and 80s, many homeowners across the UK had installed a bar space of some description, although it's fair to say that tastes and fashions have changed drastically since those times! Changing LifestylesMost people placed home bars in the living room or dining room back then, as this was where entertainment took place. We're more adventurous today, using a man cave, or a finished basement. Basement 'pubs' were all the rage in the 1970s and 80s, and have become incredibly popular again recently, as homeowners make the most of the space with a new-found appreciation of their homes. Wet bars make sense here, as nobody wants to keep going up and down the stairs! Some people also have game rooms with a bar, which is an excellent space for entertaining, get some much-needed R&R, or simply hang out with your loved ones. Alternatively, you could place your bar close by a hot tub or spa. The Outdoor LifeHowever, in recent years, more people are taken with the idea of connecting the inside of their homes to the outside, often using patio or bifold doors. It seems that we love the alfresco life - when the Great British Weather allows! Even so, many people are creating wet bars outdoors, which is a great use of space and means you aren't as restricted when it comes to the size of your bar. The main factors when considering the location of your wet bar are as follows:
Once you've figured these out, you're ready to go ahead. What Style Can I Have?We're all different, and what appeals to one person will be shocking to another. With this in mind, your wet bar can be as elaborate or as plain and simple as you wish. Let your imagination run wild! Ideas for inspiration:
Effectively, the possibilities are endless. It all depends on your personal taste! You can enhance any of these with ambient lighting and a sound system for the best effect. How Do I Get My Own Wet Bar?Both wet bars and dry bars are a great addition to any home. They provide a place from which to entertain and prepare drinks and serve food, either for you and your family or for any events you may organise. If you want to install a wet bar in your own home, there are several options open to you. The first, and cheapest option is to build one yourself, for a couple of hundred pounds. The success of this project depends on your DIY skills. Alternatively, there are companies that sell off-the-shelf wet bars, or even bespoke designs. The total cost will depend on the size and what equipment is included. The good news is that they are very affordable, and that's something that you can raise a glass and drink to! What Is A Wet Bar? was originally seen on Homes Direct 365 Shabby Chic from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/05/what-is-a-wet-bar/ via Blogger What Is A Wet Bar? There's something about antique furniture that appeals to us. Maybe it's the quality of the craftsmanship or the beautiful finish of the wood. Maybe it's the nostalgic styles that evoke times past, the fact that it's pre-loved, or even that it provides a connection with periods of history where things seemed simpler somehow. Perhaps it's all of these and more. Whatever the reasons, antique furniture is as popular as ever, as enthusiasts strive to claim a beautiful and tangible piece of history for themselves in these increasingly confusing and uncertain times. If you have an antique piece of your own and you've been wondering which era it dates from, we've got some pointers to guide you. Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/victorian-furniture-luxury-vintage-940933/ Identifying Furniture StylesOne of the best ways of discovering which period your furniture belongs to is by comparing its style to other examples. Furniture designs have changed dramatically in style over the years, and it's not always easy to know which style dates from when. So, when a furniture style is referred to as Queen Anne or Gothic revival, what does it actually mean? Tall Back Upholstered Dining Chair with Queen Anne Style Legs Here is an overview of this timeline with some of the furniture styles presented during these periods, linked to the reigns of British monarchs: Elizabethan EraElizabethan furniture is extremely rare, so it's very unlikely that you have any at home! Most pieces are part of exclusive collections in museums or grand stately homes. This period dates between 1558 and 1603 when Elizabeth I was on the throne and furniture from this time is regarded as Primitive style. During this time, English furniture makers were heavily influenced by Renaissance and Gothic styles from Europe, resulting in more ornamented pieces. Key features:
Gold Antique French Style Throne Chair Jacobean EraThis period runs from 1603 to 1649, taking in the reigns of James I and Charles I, although the latter half is sometimes called Carolean. Key features:
Cromwellian (Commonwealth) EraEngland's Republican experiment lasted from 1649 to 1660, during which time Cromwell and his Puritan followers had a marked effect on all aspects of life, including furniture styles. Key features:
Restoration PeriodFrom 1660 to 1689, after Cromwell's fall and the return of the monarchy, craftsmen went into overdrive, realigning their designs with European examples, often in extreme ways. It was a means of wiping out the austerity of the Puritan years. During this era, taking in the reigns of Charles II and James II, baroque styles really took off. Key features:
Green Antique French Style Sideboard William And Mary PeriodThe William and Mary period lasted from 1689 to 1702 and is one of the most influential periods of British furniture history, even though Mary only reigned until 1694. Key features:
Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/540502392765242377/ Queen Anne EraLasting from 1702 to 1714, the Queen Anne era is another influential period in British furniture making, sometimes called Late Baroque. Key features:
Baroque White Bedroom Collection Georgian EraThis period is divided into two sections: early and late Georgian, covering the reigns of George I, George II, George III and George IV between 1714 and 1830, taking in the Regency period. Key features:
Mahogany Antique French Style Console Table Regency PeriodThis sub-period of the Georgian era technically dates from 1795 to 1830 including covering the time between 1811 and 1820 when Prince George IV stood as Regent in place of his sick father. Key features:
William IV EraThis period doesn't receive as much attention as others, but it is important nevertheless, covering the years 1830 to 1837 when William took over from his brother, George IV. Key features:
Victorian PeriodVictorian furniture tends to be eclectic, influencing styles between 1837 and 1901. Key features:
Rococo Antique French Style Bed Edwardian EraOddly enough, Edwardian furniture dates from 1890 to 1911, even though Edward only took the throne in 1901. As with Victorian-era furniture, the styles remain eclectic. Key features:
The Furniture MakersMany antique experts talk about the items by referring to the makers. This doesn't mean that each piece of furniture was individually made by that person! It simply refers to a specific workshop owned and run by a master designer that produced certain styles of furniture. Looking at antique furniture maker's marks can also help you identify antique furniture and it's originality. Source: https://antiquesworld.co.uk/antique-furniture-by-johnstone-jeanes/ Here are some of the most highly regarded cabinet makers in the business, along with details of the styles that made them famous: Thomas Sheraton 1751 - 1806An accomplished draughtsman and designer, Thomas Sheraton influenced furniture design until the early 1900s. His designs are noted for their use of contrasting veneers, tapered legs, and fluting. He is regarded as one of the big three, the most British furniture designers, along with Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite. Thomas Hope 1769 - 1831Dutch by birth, Hope made England his home after travelling around Europe extensively and accumulating a vast collection of antique furniture that inspired his genius design elements that feature heavily in Regency style furniture. Thomas Johnson 1714 - 1778Johnson was a highly-gifted craftsman who combined the three most popular motifs (Louis XIV, Chinese, and Gothic) amazingly well. Birds, fish, animals and humans feature heavily in his work. George Smith 1786 - 1826Smith was a great fan of Thomas Hope, writing several books on his designs with the aim of making them accessible to the masses, not just the nobility. His own designs focused on Greek, Roman, and Egyptian themes. Thomas Chippendale 1718 -1779Famous for his outstanding styles that incorporated rich carvings, especially those in his book, The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director which influenced master craftsmen from the Georgian period onwards. Oriental design in Europe prompted Chippendale to include them in his designs. He is one of the few British designers who ever achieved worldwide fame, as Chippendale furniture is known almost everywhere. Robert Adam 1728 - 1792One of the most important proponents of the Neo-classical style, Adam was inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman ideas, using them in his architecture and interior design work as well as furniture. Considered one of the most influential designers of the time, his distinctive designs came to be known as the 'Adam Style.' George Hepplewhite 1727 - 1786Hepplewhite is an enigma. Despite being one of the big three, we don't know a lot about him at all! However, his designs are distinctive: well-balanced with pronounced curviness and very slender. They also feature shield-back chairs with shorter, curved arms and straight legs, without any carvings. Any other details were painted or inlaid at a later date. Looking For CluesAside from identifying your furniture by its style or the wood used in its manufacture, you can get a rough idea of its age from how it was made: Check The JoineryLook for dovetail joints on the back or underneath of your furniture or the underside of drawers. Early furniture usually has one large dovetail joint with imperfections in the cut. This tells you that the piece probably dates to the 18th Century. Several smaller joins, still with saw and tool marks, suggest a 19th Century date is more likely. If the dovetails are small, perfectly spaced and smooth, the piece is almost definitely machine-cut, meaning that it is post-Industrial Revolution or Victorian furniture dating from 1860 onwards. Screws And NailsHandmade screws are a good clue, as these were rough-looking with the slots often being off-centre. Cabinet makers often had to cut a slot into the head using a hacksaw on screws that were partially machine-made. Although the earliest machine-made screws were around in 1790, it wasn't until 1856 that most makers started using machine-cut screws, and these are uniform in size and appearance. They are also tapered to a sharp point, whereas earlier examples were blunt and did not taper as much. Nails, which were always handmade by blacksmiths prior to 1790, usually have a square rose head, where the end was flattened with a hammer. Modern nails have round heads. Check For Slight DifferencesLook at the drawer knobs, handles or spindles to see if they are perfectly identical. If so, your item probably dates from 1860 and later. Earlier pieces will never be absolutely identical as they are made by hand. Which Period Is Your Furniture From?Hopefully, you'll now be equipped with a little knowledge to be able to identify when your antique furniture was produced. At the very least, you should be able to narrow down the possibilities and find an approximate date, and you'll be able to tell Jacobean from Art Nouveau! Tudor furniture isn't included here as it is even rarer than Elizabethan, and the timeline cuts off around the Edwardian and Art Nouveau eras as anything from the mid 19th Century doesn't qualify as an antique - just yet! Antique Grape Tiffany Small Table Lamp The following article What Period Is My Furniture? was first published to Homes Direct 365 French Furniture from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/05/what-period-is-my-furniture/ via Blogger What Period Is My Furniture? Moving soon and wood furniture needs safe packing? At Homes Direct 365 we are experts in furniture, and whether you need to move out or simply redecorate, to relocate furnishing yourself, you must prioritise the safety and integrity of heavy possessions and move them with care. After all, you want to ensure that any beautiful non-flatpack furnishing arrives at your new home in one piece, unless you want to get rid of some. Large, bulky wood furniture, especially antiques, can be a challenge to transport safely. Without taking the necessary precautions, certain pieces can be gouged, upholstery can be ripped, and glass can shatter. Thus, the proper preparation, tools, and time are required for each step of the prep and moving process. In this guide, we’ve gathered easy-to-follow tips that will ensure you wrap up and transport scratch-sensitive wooden furnishing without a mark. Prep Wood Furniture for PackingBefore you begin wrapping, take your time and clean your furniture thoroughly. During packing and transportation, dust and other debris can scratch hard surfaces and damage the condition of your items. Cleaning has another upside - wiping up ensures you won’t bring any unwanted grime, bacteria, or fungi into your new home. Read: How To Spot Clean Aged or Set-In Stains in Upholstered How To Wrap Wood Furniture Properly?Due to the nature of the material, wood furniture is prone to damage during transportation. Whether you own antiques, a desk passed down for generations, or even a brand new coffee table, you must make it your top priority to protect and safely transport your wooden pieces. TipsUse Furniture Pads, Foam Padding & Moving BlanketsHow you wrap and pack your wood furniture, especially antiques, makes all the difference in the world. Proper packing equipment and tools ensure that wooden objects, be it entire pieces of furniture or modular units yet to be assembled is the one sure guarantee for wood or wood-made materials, like MDF, to arrive intact and in good condition, comments experts in packing and transporting wood, Kitchen Capital. No such thing as too much protection, professionals add. Use pads and blankets to cover every inch of the wooden pieces. If any of your possessions have hutches, layer them up with foam padding and blankets to ensure they arrive in your new home damage-free. Better safe than sorry. Do NOT Rely On Bubble Or Plastic Shrink Wrap To Protect Wooden FurnitureSince wood is porous, it would be a mistake to cover your items in a bubble or plastic shrink wrap. Popular packaging materials not only contradict eco moving, but entrap moisture easily, thus making your wood furniture prone to warps, cracks, and mould! Bubble and plastic shrink wraps are perfect for an extra layer of coating, so feel free to use them on top of the padding and blankets. Keep Drawers Shut, Remove All Knobs, Handles & Smaller PartsMost wooden pieces have components like knobs, handles, and casters that are easy to dislocate during a move. Before you begin to pack.
Note: Don’t apply tape to the surface of your wooden furniture, as when you remove it, it can ruin the varnish and leave sticky spots all over the piece. Duct tape might be your best friend in various situations, but in this case, we suggest you refrain from using it. Disassemble If PossibleSlim down bulky furniture by dismantling intricate legs, drawers, bed frames, etc. This tiring process will pay off by making your wooden pieces easier to transport. It will also prevent damage that usually happens when you brush furniture up against walls or door frames. Not to mention, deconstructed items are easier to fit in the moving van, comment kitchen experts Veejay's. Be extremely careful when dismantling antique furniture! You don’t want to ruin your great-grandfather's desk you have been keeping for ages. Remove & Wrap Glass Elements
How to Move & Load Wood FurnitureAfter you finish wrapping your wood pieces, the next step is to load the moving truck. Move and load your possessions with extra care, as this part of the process is typically when the most damage is done.
Turn To A Professional Moving CompanyBetter safe than sorry, right? If you feel nervous about the outcome of the furniture protection process or if you reach a dead-end in your preparations, you don’t have to put the entire relocation operation in jeopardy. Do the sensible thing - hire moving professionals, take a breather and focus on more pressing matters comments relocation company What Removals. Furthermore, moving companies provide valuation coverage and insurance options, in case your possessions get damaged, experts add. The Bottom LineThe trick to a successful move is proper planning. It is vital to have the knowledge, equipment, and patience to relocate your wood furniture safely. Don’t have the time or the nerves to do it by yourself? Use the buddy system, or turn to a professional and focus on the next chapter of your relocation. We hope our article was helpful and will take you one step further to a smooth and damage-free move. Wrap & Pack Wood Furniture See more on: http://www.homesdirect365.co.uk from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/03/tips-on-how-to-safely-pack-your-wood-furniture/ via Blogger Wrap & Pack Wood Furniture Mood boards can be the difference between a successful creative project and a dud. They're that helpful. Creating mood boards doesn't need to be difficult either. It's all about finding design elements you like, and then putting them on a board for you to look at. But with so many ways of doing it, it can be hard knowing exactly how to do it successfully, so you feel inspired and focus on the theme you want for your project. So today, we'll show you exactly how to create a mood board to get those creative juices flowing. What Exactly is a Mood Board?Mood boards are basically an inspiration board. Whatever your creative project might be, you fill your mood board (which can be a physical board or a digital mood board if you prefer) with a bunch of different things, including:
How Does a Mood Board Help?A mood board helps at the start of a project because it allows you to keep your eyes open for new ideas. Having the imagery in front of you of the collection of things you like can be a great source of inspiration moving forwards. A beautiful moodboard is visually appealing and will help you hone your design skills to create a consistent look once you eventually finish the project. Basically, every design project needs a roadmap, and a mood board is yours, filled with all your creative ideas and visual inspiration to get the ball rolling! Who Uses Mood Boards?That's the best thing about an inspiration board - anyone can use it. Although admittedly, certain individuals will use it more:
First Things First: Choosing Your Mood Board FormatYou've got two options: a digital mood board or a physical board. Which one you prefer will depend on two things. First, how do you prefer to work? With physical things in front of you that you can move, or with a computer that you can edit freely as you please? Second, which are you going to use more? This is the most important thing to consider. There's no use getting more material together for the project if you aren't going to put it on your mood board and update it constantly. So choose the mood board you'll use the most. Digital Board ExplainedA digital moodboard is exactly what it sounds like. They're used on your computer or other device and you basically put all your images and ideas in one place there, which you can update whenever you like. Digital moodboards are popular because it allows you to use multiple moodboards at the same time so you can break down the project more. This can often save time if you're somebody who likes to store your ideas and images in separate places, rather than seeing the project as a whole on one board. It also allows you to explore different visual directions more, as you might put similar ideas on both boards, but with different color palettes, etc. With a digital board, you can play around with photos, images, words, fonts and style more - but you won't be able to explore textures and materials like you can with a physical mood board. Where to Create a Digital Mood BoardCreating a digital mood board is easy enough. You just need to know where to look for a free moodboard template online that will help you get all your images and ideas in one place. Here are the best places to create a free digital mood board online:
Explore these three options, and you'll find one that suits your style and process more to create the mood boards you need. Physical Board ExplainedA physical board is a mood board you have in front of you. Usually, you stick your ideas on to a piece of foam board, after cutting out images and gathering different materials, paint (for your color palette), textures, fonts, and words to put them all on the board in front of you. Here you can experiment with different styles to convey different messages and it's a much more fluid process since you can remove and add things as you see fit. Being able to see all the different design elements in front of you can be really helpful when figuring out the direction you want to take with your project. And, if we're being honest, there's something quite satisfying about ripping down different photos and images that aren't working and replacing them until you find the right style. Why are Physical Mood Boards Becoming More Popular?Slowly, we're starting to see a return to physical mood boards more and more - despite the free digital options that are available. But why is that? Well, lots of people find having their imagery in front of them to be much more helpful, just from a project management perspective, since it's always there whilst you work reminding you of the direction. Others find working with materials and textures to be an integral part of their design process, and you can only really experiment with materials on physical boards. But one of the most important has to be that designers are creating physical mood boards all the time, filled with beautiful images and inspiration, expressing unique style, and exploring different elements of design to create a unique theme. And if it works for designers, then it ought to work for us, right? Sometimes Digital Boards are Better...Despite that, we just wanted to remind you that sometimes digital moodboards will work better for you and that's OK. Whatever suits your style of working is important. And sometimes you'll simply have to use digital moodboards because you don't have everything you need for a physical mood board in front of you. Inspiration can be found anywhere, and online is often a great place to search for that! So, decide which is better for you first, and then move on to our step-by-step guide below! Creating Mood Boards: A Step-By-Step Guide1. Knowing Your ThemeGetting your theme nailed down is the first thing to drive your inspiration onwards. And to do this, you don't even need a mood board yet. Whatever your project might be - designing a website, planning a wedding, interior design - look for sources of inspiration. Pick out the running theme you like about all of them, and decide on the theme that's going to work best for this venture. You can do this by looking at others' style, exploring images online, or even looking at another person's mood board online in places like Pinterest. This initial stage is just about gathering info and setting a direction - only in the next step does the mood board creating begin! 2. Time to Hunter-GatherAt this point, it's time to put all your energy into finding everything you need to make your creative endeavour work. This is where your ability to see the bigger picture and create something truly special will kick in. For example, if you're building a website for your brand, then here is where you'll look for image after image online to find different elements that show off your brand. The same applies to those of you just thinking about redecorating at home. Finding a brand voice to sell your brand on a website is a lot like finding your style to sell your personality at home. But to know your style, you'll need images, photos, paints, materials, etc., to explore. The point is, this part of the process lives and dies by your ability to find the images and sources of inspiration that will drive the rest of your tasks forwards. Here is where you'll start tacking your ideas to your mood board and exploring what you like and what you don't. Find an image that doesn't speak to your brand/image/style, then don't waste energy on it. Just remove it, and find something to replace it! 3. CONTROL YOUR IDEASThis is so important! After working so hard on making the mood board to start with, it can be tempting to throw the kitchen sink at it. But if you overload your mood board with images of a bunch of different styles, it'll be your downfall. That's why we focussed on finding a theme at the start - you should always keep this in mind because it'll keep you on the right track. Once you've completed your mood board, ask yourself if everything on it is relevant to your initial ideas. If it isn't, then it's time to cut them out. All the images should make sense on your board, and if they don't, it's a sure sign you've lost direction along the way, and you might want to head back to square one and try again. But don't worry if this happens to you! It just means you get to go through the fun, creative process all over again! 4. Finalise Your IdeasOnce you think you're there, it's time to finalise your ideas. And to do that, you just have to ask yourself one key question: Does this mood board convey my brand/style/image in the way I wanted it to? If yes, then just neaten up your mood board and get ready to start your project. But if no, then continue experimenting a little more - you'll nail the brand/style/image etc. eventually, you just need to keep at it. Top Tips for Mood Board CreationThere are some additional tips you might benefit from, so before we leave you, we thought we'd give you some last-minute pointers below. Collaboration HelpsWorking with others helps in creativity, so if you're ever feeling like you're lost for ideas or stuck for inspiration, then seek some guidance from others. It doesn't have to be someone who knows a lot about design or website building or whatever it is you're doing - any outside help can be valuable. Keep Notes on Your ThoughtsAlongside your mood board, make sure you keep some notes about your thoughts. Without them, you can sometimes risk returning to your mood board later on and being confused by what your thinking was at the time. With notes, you'll avoid this. If You're Unsure, Create MoreIf you're not entirely satisfied when you finish the mood board, then don't take it as a sign to quit - just make another one from scratch. Nine times out of ten you'll have just got sidetracked in your hunter-gather stage, and by starting again, you'll get back on track. Don't get Trapped in the Mood Board LoopThere can sometimes be a problem with mood boards, and it's what we call the mood board loop. Where you spend so much time editing your mood board that you never actually move on to the thing you created the mood board for... Avoid this by setting a firm schedule. No more editing after this time, or you might never finish the task you originally set out to do. NEVER Limit Your CreativityFinally, never limit your creativity. The mood board phase is the perfect time to get whacky and creative and try things you'd never have thought of before. If it doesn't work, fine, but if it does - well, you've found yourself a unique way of looking at things again, and that's always exciting. Round-upThat's the basic premise of making mood boards. You pick your method, you pick a theme; you find what you like, control your ideas, and then finalise, neaten up, and then use the final mood board to drive your tasks onwards. It's as simple as that, so all that's left for us to say is get out there and create one. You'll definitely find them useful, so long as you avoid that moodboard loop we talked about! The following article How to Make a Moodboard was originally seen on https://homesdirect365.co.uk/ from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/02/how-to-make-a-moodboard/ via Blogger How to Make a Moodboard Ever felt like you needed a full list of furniture designers and makers to understand their contributions to the furniture design world? Do you want a one-stop shop for names of furniture makers that have run a successful furniture business, created iconic furniture, or blurred the lines between artistic projects and design trends in furniture? What about finding out about modern British furniture design businesses? Well, you're in the right place, because here is where you'll find a compete list of furniture makers, furniture designers, and modern British businesses that have left (or will leave) their mark in history! Famous Furniture Makers and Designers1. Charles Rennie MackintoshCharles Rennie Mackintosh is a renowned Scottish designer known for his lucrative design career. He's known for his simple approach to design, mixing practical furniture with art - Asian art and Art nouveau specifically. His standout collection of simple, but stylish work is credited as being the beginning of the Modernist Movement design trend. 2. Le CorbusierLe Corbusier (a Swiss-French architect) worked in architecture and furniture, and brought elements of both to his work. As an architect, he was famous for his contributions to large pieces of architecture in France and India (Indian states Punjab and Haryana specifically). His name amongst architects is well known. But it was the way this architect brought elements of architecture to his furniture designs that made him so famous. Working with Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret, they launched standout pieces (namely lounge chairs) in 1928 when he started his furniture company. 3. Charlotte PerriandAlthough initially refused to assist Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand later became an integral part of his furniture design studio, and stamped her name firmly on the furniture design scene in her own right. She is accredited with working alongside Le Corbusier on a series of light chairs that proved to be popular - specifically the Grand Confort. This is a fine example of her architecture and furniture designs blending into a beautiful piece. After leaving Corbusier's studio in 1937, she continued her own practice with her furniture design business. 4. Frank Lloyd WrightFrank Lloyd Wright was a renowned architect known for his craftsmanship and innovative architectural projects. But it was his work as a furniture designer in later life that really brought his style to the forefront. His work with natural materials did away with traditional techniques and instead he focussed on blending exterior and interior in interior design, blending art and industrial design too. This forward thinking style made him not only a prominent architect, but one of the most impressive furniture designers too. 5. Marcel BreuerMarcel Breuer started his own furniture design company in 1946 in the USA, with Bauhaus roots in art. His work was amazing, but only after he developed the Wassily chair did he really become famous. They were bold, yet light, and were a clean break from other design trends that had come before. 6. Vico MagistrettiVico Magistretti is widely regarded as one of the leading Italian furniture designers, although he actually began his career in industrial design in Milan. It was during the 1950s that he transitioned to join the furniture designers, and even today, his pieces are some of the most iconic furniture in the world. 7. Charles and Ray EamesCharles and Ray Eames were essentially a power couple amongst interior designers, having dabbled in almost every artistic pursuit. With pieces such as their Eames lounge and ottoman chairs that rival even modern works today, they rightly earned their place as designers that will go down in history. 8. Arne JacobsenThe Eames' influenced many designers throughout their interior designer and furniture designer careers, but none more so than Danish furniture designer Arne Jacobsen. Their influence is clear in his infamous egg chair. This iconic egg shaped chair is still as modern today as it ever was. The egg chair has earned its place in design history, for its quality, style, and ability to complement even modern works. 9. Oscar NiemeyerOscar Niemeyer was one of the most prolific interior designers. Based in Brazil, he had plenty of notable pieces, including the Rio Lounge Chair, but there were many more besides. He proved that quality could remain with every chair, table, or other piece of furniture he made, regardless of how many pieces he produced. Living to 104 years old, this great man contributed a lot to the modern furniture design we see today. 10. Florence Knoll BassettIt was upon meeting her husband, Hans Knoll, that she moved from architect extraordinaire to furniture designer. Together they ran a company specialising in furniture design. When Hans Knoll sadly passed away, it was left to Bassett to drive the company onwards - and she certainly did, making her company one of the most successful in the world throughout the 1950s and 60s. It was her use of space and contemporary design techniques that made her so famous, because nobody thought of space as a design feature in quite the same way Florence Knoll Bassett did. 11. Jens RisomJens Risom actually worked with Florence Knoll in 1941, but he made a name for himself amongst interior designers and makers. His work is often seen as perfect examples of the mid-century modern style, and his most famous chair of all was simply a birch chair (he favoured wood in his designs, given how well they work with interiors) with spare parachute strings attached. He made use of these materials because they were the only materials readily available after the war - showing his considerable craftsmanship. 12. MiesLudwig Mies van der Rohe (Mies, more commonly) was mostly known for his architect business, but he had 2 major contributions to the world of design. His infamous Barcelona chair and Brno chair were copied the world over after breaking on the scene. After he had created these two fine examples, his contribution to furniture largely ended. Although once you've developed two pieces so widely recognised, why would you carry on? 13. Philippe StarckPhilippe Starck is best known for his industrial designs and work with buildings in Japan, France, and the USA - but he diversified too. After shifting his focus to interiors, Starck made multiple contributions to design through his company, Starck Product (or Ubik). 14. George NakashimaGeorge Nakashima was a skilled architect and maker, specifically known for his 'free edge' style. He worked with wood and created many different interesting pieces, making him famous in the world of design. One example that springs to mind is his infamous coffee table - a rustic wooden, free edged table sitting on a cedar stump. Stylish. Innovative. Natural. 15. Giovanni PontiGio Ponti was a design-focussed individual that understood interiors implicity. His ability to design modern furniture blended with architecture was almost unrivalled. He had multiple works, including famous chests of drawers, mirrors, and even a table whose simple wooden design and curved shape has been copied time and again. 16. Sam MaloofSam Maloof was infamous in the 1950s for his chairs. Often wooden, these pieces took on a life of their own. Likened to sculptures, or like something out of a painting, these chairs were known for their stunning curves and interesting designs. But more than that, they were ergonomic, and some of the most comfortable seats you could find anywhere! 17. Gustav StickleyGustav is known for his craftsman approach to his work, making every piece unique and special in the way he approached it. He even founded a magazine called 'The Craftsman' to highlight how important this natural, modest design approach was. It garnered some attention too, making him one of the most influential and successful designers of all. 18. Yves KleinYves Klein is known for one thing above everything else: Table IKB (or the infamous cocktail table). Although this one piece is amazing, everything about it describes his approach to all his designs, as well as the table itself. It's minimal, simple, and elegant. It's pop art and modern, basic, but fun. But above all else, it's ridiculously stylish. 19. Vladimir KaganKnown for his 'Serpentine Sofa', Kagan rightly stands proud amongst the top designers of the 20th century. All his work was very respectful of the era he worked in - curves, soft colours, exciting lines. All of that applies to the Serpentine Sofa, and all the other work he produced too. 20. Josef HoffmanHis Club 1910 chair with its dark leather, deep cushion, and wide arms is a design signature of his that's almost like an autograph. Although easily his most famous piece, Hoffman developed a range of upholstered chairs that still remain popular today, making him a very well respected and much missed maker. British designers and businessesTo finish, we thought we'd give you a closer look at some of the best British designers and businesses in the design and furniture game. And no, not all of them are London based as you'd expect (although some, of course, are). 21. SwyftKnown for their beautiful sofas that fit into any space, Swyft is a pretty big business right now when it comes to furniture. Fast delivery, an amazing selection, and all the help you could need when deciding what's right for your home - this is a great British option. 22. The Dining Chair CompanyYou'd expect them to know their way around a chair given their name, and they do! With everything from golden oldies to new pieces that are modern and stylish, this business really ticks all the boxes if you're looking for something fun and fresh for your home. 23. LinleyFounded by David Snowdon (nee Linley) in 1985, this is already a well-established place to come when looking to freshen up your interiors. As far as British furniture goes, if it isn't stocked at Linley, then it probably isn't the best of the best. They stock all sorts from famous furniture designers and makers, so come here for your fix of modern designers. 24. OchreOchre's focus is on interiors and making beautiful pieces that work with the rooms you've already established at home. Their main focus is on what everyone calls 'discreet glamour' - that's to say it's stylish and sleek, without being too in your face about it. 25. Heal'sOriginally the brainchild of John Harris Heal in the early 19th century, Heal's has come far since its early days celebrating all things French. Today, they focus on the best of British, and all of their designs are fresh, modern, and incredibly on trend. ConclusionThat's it: the most famous furniture designers of years gone by and the most influential businesses in the game today! Hopefully, you've found this list helpful if you're looking for some new inspiration when jazzing up your own home! The Most Famous Furniture Designers was originally published to HD365 from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/02/famous-furniture-designers-makers/ via Blogger The Most Famous Furniture Designers Ever felt like you needed a full list of furniture designers and makers to understand their contributions to the furniture design world? Do you want a one-stop shop for names of furniture makers that have run a successful furniture business, created iconic furniture, or blurred the lines between artistic projects and design trends in furniture? What about finding out about modern British furniture design businesses? Well, you're in the right place, because here is where you'll find a compete list of furniture makers, furniture designers, and modern British businesses that have left (or will leave) their mark in history! Famous Furniture Makers and Designers1. Charles Rennie MackintoshCharles Rennie Mackintosh is a renowned Scottish designer known for his lucrative design career. He's known for his simple approach to design, mixing practical furniture with art - Asian art and Art nouveau specifically. His standout collection of simple, but stylish work is credited as being the beginning of the Modernist Movement design trend. 2. Le CorbusierLe Corbusier (a Swiss-French architect) worked in architecture and furniture, and brought elements of both to his work. As an architect, he was famous for his contributions to large pieces of architecture in France and India (Indian states Punjab and Haryana specifically). His name amongst architects is well known. But it was the way this architect brought elements of architecture to his furniture designs that made him so famous. Working with Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret, they launched standout pieces (namely lounge chairs) in 1928 when he started his furniture company. 3. Charlotte PerriandAlthough initially refused to assist Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand later became an integral part of his furniture design studio, and stamped her name firmly on the furniture design scene in her own right. She is accredited with working alongside Le Corbusier on a series of light chairs that proved to be popular - specifically the Grand Confort. This is a fine example of her architecture and furniture designs blending into a beautiful piece. After leaving Corbusier's studio in 1937, she continued her own practice with her furniture design business. 4. Frank Lloyd WrightFrank Lloyd Wright was a renowned architect known for his craftsmanship and innovative architectural projects. But it was his work as a furniture designer in later life that really brought his style to the forefront. His work with natural materials did away with traditional techniques and instead he focussed on blending exterior and interior in interior design, blending art and industrial design too. This forward thinking style made him not only a prominent architect, but one of the most impressive furniture designers too. 5. Marcel BreuerMarcel Breuer started his own furniture design company in 1946 in the USA, with Bauhaus roots in art. His work was amazing, but only after he developed the Wassily chair did he really become famous. They were bold, yet light, and were a clean break from other design trends that had come before. 6. Vico MagistrettiVico Magistretti is widely regarded as one of the leading Italian furniture designers, although he actually began his career in industrial design in Milan. It was during the 1950s that he transitioned to join the furniture designers, and even today, his pieces are some of the most iconic furniture in the world. 7. Charles and Ray EamesCharles and Ray Eames were essentially a power couple amongst interior designers, having dabbled in almost every artistic pursuit. With pieces such as their Eames lounge and ottoman chairs that rival even modern works today, they rightly earned their place as designers that will go down in history. 8. Arne JacobsenThe Eames' influenced many designers throughout their interior designer and furniture designer careers, but none more so than Danish furniture designer Arne Jacobsen. Their influence is clear in his infamous egg chair. This iconic egg shaped chair is still as modern today as it ever was. The egg chair has earned its place in design history, for its quality, style, and ability to complement even modern works. 9. Oscar NiemeyerOscar Niemeyer was one of the most prolific interior designers. Based in Brazil, he had plenty of notable pieces, including the Rio Lounge Chair, but there were many more besides. He proved that quality could remain with every chair, table, or other piece of furniture he made, regardless of how many pieces he produced. Living to 104 years old, this great man contributed a lot to the modern furniture design we see today. 10. Florence Knoll BassettIt was upon meeting her husband, Hans Knoll, that she moved from architect extraordinaire to furniture designer. Together they ran a company specialising in furniture design. When Hans Knoll sadly passed away, it was left to Bassett to drive the company onwards - and she certainly did, making her company one of the most successful in the world throughout the 1950s and 60s. It was her use of space and contemporary design techniques that made her so famous, because nobody thought of space as a design feature in quite the same way Florence Knoll Bassett did. 11. Jens RisomJens Risom actually worked with Florence Knoll in 1941, but he made a name for himself amongst interior designers and makers. His work is often seen as perfect examples of the mid-century modern style, and his most famous chair of all was simply a birch chair (he favoured wood in his designs, given how well they work with interiors) with spare parachute strings attached. He made use of these materials because they were the only materials readily available after the war - showing his considerable craftsmanship. 12. MiesLudwig Mies van der Rohe (Mies, more commonly) was mostly known for his architect business, but he had 2 major contributions to the world of design. His infamous Barcelona chair and Brno chair were copied the world over after breaking on the scene. After he had created these two fine examples, his contribution to furniture largely ended. Although once you've developed two pieces so widely recognised, why would you carry on? 13. Philippe StarckPhilippe Starck is best known for his industrial designs and work with buildings in Japan, France, and the USA - but he diversified too. After shifting his focus to interiors, Starck made multiple contributions to design through his company, Starck Product (or Ubik). 14. George NakashimaGeorge Nakashima was a skilled architect and maker, specifically known for his 'free edge' style. He worked with wood and created many different interesting pieces, making him famous in the world of design. One example that springs to mind is his infamous coffee table - a rustic wooden, free edged table sitting on a cedar stump. Stylish. Innovative. Natural. 15. Giovanni PontiGio Ponti was a design-focussed individual that understood interiors implicity. His ability to design modern furniture blended with architecture was almost unrivalled. He had multiple works, including famous chests of drawers, mirrors, and even a table whose simple wooden design and curved shape has been copied time and again. 16. Sam MaloofSam Maloof was infamous in the 1950s for his chairs. Often wooden, these pieces took on a life of their own. Likened to sculptures, or like something out of a painting, these chairs were known for their stunning curves and interesting designs. But more than that, they were ergonomic, and some of the most comfortable seats you could find anywhere! 17. Gustav StickleyGustav is known for his craftsman approach to his work, making every piece unique and special in the way he approached it. He even founded a magazine called 'The Craftsman' to highlight how important this natural, modest design approach was. It garnered some attention too, making him one of the most influential and successful designers of all. 18. Yves KleinYves Klein is known for one thing above everything else: Table IKB (or the infamous cocktail table). Although this one piece is amazing, everything about it describes his approach to all his designs, as well as the table itself. It's minimal, simple, and elegant. It's pop art and modern, basic, but fun. But above all else, it's ridiculously stylish. 19. Vladimir KaganKnown for his 'Serpentine Sofa', Kagan rightly stands proud amongst the top designers of the 20th century. All his work was very respectful of the era he worked in - curves, soft colours, exciting lines. All of that applies to the Serpentine Sofa, and all the other work he produced too. 20. Josef HoffmanHis Club 1910 chair with its dark leather, deep cushion, and wide arms is a design signature of his that's almost like an autograph. Although easily his most famous piece, Hoffman developed a range of upholstered chairs that still remain popular today, making him a very well respected and much missed maker. British designers and businessesTo finish, we thought we'd give you a closer look at some of the best British designers and businesses in the design and furniture game. And no, not all of them are London based as you'd expect (although some, of course, are). 21. SwyftKnown for their beautiful sofas that fit into any space, Swyft is a pretty big business right now when it comes to furniture. Fast delivery, an amazing selection, and all the help you could need when deciding what's right for your home - this is a great British option. 22. The Dining Chair CompanyYou'd expect them to know their way around a chair given their name, and they do! With everything from golden oldies to new pieces that are modern and stylish, this business really ticks all the boxes if you're looking for something fun and fresh for your home. 23. LinleyFounded by David Snowdon (nee Linley) in 1985, this is already a well-established place to come when looking to freshen up your interiors. As far as British furniture goes, if it isn't stocked at Linley, then it probably isn't the best of the best. They stock all sorts from famous furniture designers and makers, so come here for your fix of modern designers. 24. OchreOchre's focus is on interiors and making beautiful pieces that work with the rooms you've already established at home. Their main focus is on what everyone calls 'discreet glamour' - that's to say it's stylish and sleek, without being too in your face about it. 25. Heal'sOriginally the brainchild of John Harris Heal in the early 19th century, Heal's has come far since its early days celebrating all things French. Today, they focus on the best of British, and all of their designs are fresh, modern, and incredibly on trend. ConclusionThat's it: the most famous furniture designers of years gone by and the most influential businesses in the game today! Hopefully, you've found this list helpful if you're looking for some new inspiration when jazzing up your own home! The following blog post The Most Famous Furniture Makers is courtesy of https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/ from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/02/famous-furniture-makers/ via Blogger The Most Famous Furniture Makers To understand Feng Shui, you have to understand more than just mirror placement and the way that the mirror reflects based on where you hang mirrors in your home. There are Feng Shui rules. Rules that affect negative energy, positive energy, energy flow, and encompass all the elements. Fire energy, the water element, earth element - they all play a part in Feng Shui mirror placement. But don't worry, today we'll give you a comprehensive guide to Feng Shui mirror placement to help, not only with the exact placement of your mirrors, but to also help you understand the rules and stop you from breaking them. What is Feng Shui?Before we think about mirror placement, let's just talk about what good Feng Shui is, and how it can affect the feel of your home. Basically, these are your Feng Shui guidelines and they'll affect everything in your home, including where to hang mirrors later. Feng Shui is an ancient belief system of Chinese origin. It's based on the movement of Qi, an omnipresent energy that moves from one place to another and can be categorised as either auspicious or inauspicious. Auspicious Qi is what you're aiming for - it's where the energy in your home moves at a moderate pace - not too lively, or too slowly. This is good Feng Shui. Inauspicious Qi is lively or slow, and it means your home has a feeling of chaos or stagnation, which isn't a good look, and is NOT good Feng Shui. Nowadays, Feng Shui is most often associated with interior design. And whilst yes, it certainly helps with interior design because following Feng Shui principles means your rooms will look great, it's the movement of energy that's really the most important thing in Feng Shui - not how a room looks, but rather how it feels. Why is Feng Shui Important With Mirrors?Feng Shui doesn't just tell you about Qi and leave you to work it out for yourself, though. There are many helpful Feng Shui tips and tricks that can help improve the feel of your home. Placing mirrors is one of them. Mirrors are associated with the water element, whilst Qi is associated with air. Water elements can pool Qi, either slowing down the movement or speeding it up as necessary by multiplying the energy. That's why Feng Shui mirror placement is so important. And following Feng Shui guidelines on this matter could be the difference between your home feeling calm and balanced, or chaotic and unbalanced. Feng Shui mirror: Where to Place ThemBecause there are so many rules around Feng Shui mirror placement, it'll be much easier for you to use this guide to be able to understand the rules as they pertain to each room of the house. So, to make things easier, here are all the areas where Feng Shui mirror placement is vital in your home:
There are also some general Feng Shui do's and Feng Shui don'ts when you come to hang a mirror, so we'll cover those first before looking at individual rooms and explaining the best way to hang mirrors to get the right Feng Shui mirror placement room by room. Feng Shui Mirror Do'sThe first thing you need to know is that square mirrors and rectangular mirrors are often considered the best. It doesn't matter if it's a wall mirror, standing mirror, large mirror, small mirrors, or antique mirrors - square and rectangular are always best because they capture Qi better, according to Feng Shui traditions. Second, when you hang a mirror, as a wall mirror, make sure it is at least 4-5 ft off the ground. Third, hang mirrors only on a North wall or East wall, and make sure it's a solid wall. Hang mirror on a West wall or South wall, and you'll invite negative energy. You also need to think about how a mirror reflects. That means you'll need to keep your mirror reflecting to the best of its ability at all times - yes, you'll need to clean them regularly to promote negative energy leaving your home, and inviting positive energy in. In addition, you should also think about hanging mirrors where they can reflect beautiful views from outdoors. There are some exceptions to this rule we'll cover later, but generally, if the view outside your home is natural, i.e. trees to invite the wood element, plants and flowers to invite earth energy etc., then you should reflect that into your home. Anything unnatural or manmade shouldn't be reflected though, as this is considered negative in Feng Shui. Things like telephone wires, lampposts, etc. Always think about how a mirror adds light and movement to the space, too. Qi can work with your mirror to bring more positivity. Finally, consider using Bagua mirrors - if you're unsure what a Bagua mirror is, don't worry, we'll have a section near the end that explains it all, and it's really important you read it, because the wrong placement of a Bagua mirror could spell disaster for the balance of Qi in your home. Feng Shui Mirror Don'tsNEVER hang mirrors so they face doors. Mirrors facing doors welcome negative energy and send positive energy away. When standing in any doorway of your house, you shouldn't be able to see a mirror. Don't buy oval or oddly shaped mirrors unless advised by a Feng Shui mirror expert. Placing a mirror of this shape will not allow Qi to flow properly around the home. Avoid placing mirrors on a West wall or South wall, because a North wall or East wall is best. You should never hang a mirror within 5ft of entering your home, as this invites Qi to leave again the moment it enters. Never use an unframed mirror, because when you hang a mirror like this, it's not able to control Qi as it should. You should avoid placing mirrors in a position where the mirror reflects dirty drains, poisoned arrows, sharp corners, clutter, toilet seats, dustbins, or tv screen (a tv screen should also be covered when not in use to avoid it acting like a mirror). Avoid hanging mirrors at a height that cuts off the top of the tallest household member's head when the mirror reflects their reflection. You should throw out antique mirrors that are damaged, and all broken mirrors, for that matter. Damaged antique mirrors and broken mirrors will fragment yourself, making you feel disordered and broken too. Mirrors facing each other are a big no. One mirror opposite another welcomes chaotic, negative energy into the home. A mirror reflecting another mirror in any way is never a good idea. You should never place two mirrors facing one another. Two mirrors that are on the wall opposite to one another breeds negativity. Think about it. If the two mirrors can reflect and multiply negativity, then more chaos will be created with them both playing off one another. Two mirrors in the same room is generally a bad idea anyway, unless advised by a Feng Shui expert to help with energy flow. Avoid mirror leaning forward when you hang a mirror. Flat mirrors against a solid wall are best, because leaning forward invites negative Qi. Window glass should be translucent, not transparent in panes and doors, to avoid energy flowing out of the home. And finally, mirrored tiles and mirrored ceilings should be avoided. That's because these mirrored tiles and ceilings distort your image and the image of your home, making you and your living space feel fragmented. Feng Shui Mirror Placement Room by RoomNow that we've covered the general Feng Shui mirror do's and don'ts, we can move on to the room specific advice. Follow these tips for good Feng Shui in each room, meaning good Feng Shui and energy flow across your entire house! Dining RoomYour dining room is an important place to start. In Chinese culture, the dining room is a central meeting point for home life, and the right energy flow here is important. You want your dining room Feng Shui to be calm, but not too calm as you want it to be the hub of your home too. Thinking about what your mirror reflects can help turn your dining room into the perfect spot! 1. Your Dining Room Will LOVE MirrorsYour dining room represents the 'vault' of your wealth in Feng Shui. That means the dining room is where you show your wealth - based on the abundance of food on the table, and the love surrounding it. Now think for a moment about why a mirror reflecting your dining room table is a good idea. If your dining room is the vault, then your dining table is the heart of that vault. If your mirror reflects your dining table, then it brings in more light, makes the space feel larger, and ultimately multiplies your wealth! There's a caveat, though. Hang a mirror facing your dining table, and that doesn't mean you'll attract more wealth. Rather, a mirror facing your dining table means you'll appreciate your wealth more. So, a large mirror is still a good idea here from a Feng Shui perspective, even if it won't bring more wealth your way. 2. Avoid Mirrors Opposite WindowsWhen you place a mirror in your dining room, make sure it faces the dining table, but NOT the window. A mirror facing a window in your dining room specifically is a bad idea (that's the exception to the rule we mentioned earlier about reflecting nature into your home), so avoid mirrors doing this where you can. Your mirror inside is capable of bringing negative energy from the outside world in. Your mirror inside acts as a magnet to energy, so whilst a mirror facing the window might bring in more light, it won't be all it's bringing in. The last thing you want to do is bring negative Qi into your dining area and be punished for placing mirrors poorly. This might also mean you'll need to think carefully about where you hang a mirror in your dining area to avoid placing it on a West wall or South wall too, so pick the North wall or East wall that faces the dining table, but without facing a window. KitchenKitchens are naturally chaotic sorts of places. There isn't always natural light, it's often very hot, and there's always the risk of dirty drains, which, we know from earlier, should never be reflected when you place mirrors. So, can you place mirrors in your kitchen? Well, the answer might surprise you... 1. Mirrors in the Kitchen is a No-NoYou'll want to place mirrors elsewhere, because to hang a mirror in your kitchen is poor Feng Shui. That chaotic energy we talked about above won't just disappear when you hang a mirror - no, it'll multiply. The more you reflect a chaotic scene, the more chaos there will be. In short, chaos breeds chaos when it comes to mirrors and Feng Shui. You should avoid mirrors in your kitchen because there's too much potential for negativity:
Amplifying these sorts of negative Qi is not good, and it'll turn your kitchen into a really negative, chaotic space. Hang a mirror elsewhere, but not in your kitchen! 2. There is ONE ExceptionYes, it's bad Feng Shui to have a mirror in your kitchen, especially if it's on the opposite wall to your stove. However, you can place your mirror next to your stove, so it isn't on the opposite wall, but only in very special circumstances. First, make sure your stove isn't on a South wall or West wall - the North wall and East wall rule will still apply. Even though we're breaking another Feng Shui rule by allowing you to hang a mirror in the kitchen, there's a good reason for it! OK, if your stove isn't on a West or South wall, then you can place a mirror next to it, but only if your stove faces away from the kitchen door. If your back is to the kitchen door whilst cooking, then you can use a mirror. Some claim that to place mirrors like this isn't really Feng Shui, so much as it is common sense - it's a good idea to see what's behind you at all times. Either way, placing mirrors opposite stoves is the biggest no-go, so if you can place it next to the stove to see behind you when you cook, that isn't such a bad idea, especially if it makes you feel more comfortable and positive whilst cooking. Restroom/BathroomLike a kitchen, restrooms and bathrooms are complicated spaces when it comes to Feng Shui and the movement of Qi around your home. Bathrooms create negative Qi, and without putting too fine a point on it, it's because that's where we dispel our waste. A space that's designed for ridding ourselves of things we don't need is always going to create that negative sort of energy we're trying to avoid. But can we use mirrors to reflect that energy away, or is it the case that mirrors in the bathroom will create even more negativity - like the kitchen? 1. In Bathrooms, Mirrors Breed More Negative EnergyThat's right, in traditional Feng Shui, a mirror shouldn't be found in the bathroom at all. That's because a mirror will only reflect and multiply the negative Qi. Is that practical today, though? Most of us use a mirror to brush our teeth in the bathroom, so of course, many of us will need to use one for practical reasons. If you're sticking to traditional Feng Shui rules, though, you shouldn't. However, if you feel you must, then there is a way of hanging a mirror in your bathroom to stop the negativity from amplifying and ruining the Feng Shui of the rest of your house... 2. Mirror Placement is VITALOK, so if you've decided to place a mirror in your bathroom for practical reasons, then there's one key thing you need to know. NEVER place your mirror so it looks at the toilet. From a Feng Shui perspective, it'll amplify the amount of negative Qi - since this is where you're dispelling waste, you don't want a mirror to be able to reflect that wasteful energy around the rest of your home and make the spaces elsewhere flow less well. But also, from just a human perspective, it's never comfortable to use a toilet if you can look yourself in the eye whilst doing so. So, if you must put a mirror in the bathroom, maybe think about placing it on the same wall as your toilet so it isn't on the wall opposite and reflecting the toilet. 3. Mirrors in a Bathroom Should Never be in DarknessThis rule actually helps you a lot if you're thinking about mirror placement in a bathroom. That's because, if you really need a mirror in your bathroom, then you should consider hanging it on the outside of your bathroom door. That's because the outside of your bathroom door will rarely be in darkness, whereas any mirror on the inside of the bathroom often will. The reason behind this darkness rule is that darkness is often associated with negative Qi. Given that your bathroom is already a place that attracts negative Qi, leaving a bathroom mirror in darkness is not a good idea, because it'll just breed more negativity. Placing your mirror on the outside of the door is a great idea when it comes to using the bathroom, too. If the mirror is on the outside of your bathroom door, then it can't reflect you when you close it to use the toilet. But, when you need to brush your teeth or fix your hair, then the bathroom door doesn't need to be closed, you can leave it open, and still use the mirror. This is probably the best placement for your bathroom mirror when sticking to strict Feng Shui rules. 4. No Mirror in Your Home Should Reflect the Bathroom DoorFinally, every other mirror in your house should never reflect the bathroom door. First, because if you choose to hang the mirror on the outside of the bathroom door, then that would mean the two mirrors are facing one another and we already know that's not something you should do. And second, because the bathroom is a private place that shouldn't be seen by others, even if the door is closed. The negative Qi that breeds in a bathroom will only spread around your house if other mirrors reflect the bathroom door, so avoid this at all costs. BedroomA bedroom is where you sleep, so you'd think that it would be a place of calm, positive energy that you'd want to double with mirrors, right? Well, mirrors in your bedroom are a little more complicated when it comes to Feng Shui... 1. Some Say to Avoid Mirrors in the Bedroom at All CostsTo some, bedrooms, like bathrooms, are private places for private matters, and reflecting that around your home isn't a good idea. Negative Qi isn't really something to worry about with a bedroom, but it is still a private place that you might occupy alone or share with one other person. Either way, it's your own sanctuary away from the rest of your home - the rest of the world. If you place a mirror in your sanctuary, then it kind of defeats the point. 2. If You Must Use a Mirror, NEVER Allow it to Reflect the BedIf there's one thing all Feng Shui experts and practisers agree on, though, it's that if there is a mirror in the bedroom, it should never reflect the bed. Why people say that differs slightly, but the basic point is the same: it will only invite chaos into your life. Here are some common explanations as to why placing a mirror in your bedroom across from your bed is a bad idea:
Any of these explanations is reason enough to avoid reflecting your bed. But the bed is the main furniture in your bedroom, so how do you avoid it? To clear things up now, a mirror should never be hung behind your bed either, because it can store negative energy above your head whilst sleeping, which will only make for an even more disturbed night's sleep. So where can you put a mirror in the bedroom if you need one? 3. Use Your Closet DoorsCloset doors are brilliant ways of hiding mirrors and guaranteeing they won't reflect the bed. By hanging a mirror on the inside of your closet door, you'll be able to keep the door closed when you're in bed, and only open the closet door to use the mirror when absolutely necessary. There is a word of warning from Feng Shui experts here, though. Make sure your closet is organised, or else the disorder inside will be reflected by the mirror and amplify the negative Qi in the rest of your home, upsetting the balance of energy and making your bedroom feel like it's a place of distress, too. Living RoomWhen it comes to your living room, there are mixed messages again. We suppose that's because Feng Shui is all about the balance of energy, and different Feng Shui experts come down on different sides of the argument with the best way to balance energy in your home. Even though mirrors in the living room is a hotly contested debate, it's still worth knowing the different arguments so you can decide for yourself if a mirror in your living room is right for you. 1. Arguments for Mirrors in Your Living RoomIf you want to place a mirror in your living room, then you'll find many experts who will tell you to go ahead and do it. That's because, at parties and social gatherings in your living room, a mirror will reflect the scene and double the positive energy. Not only that, but it will also double the amount of guests (because of the reflection) and make your living room feel more festive and welcoming for others. Also, a living room is usually the room with the best views of the outdoors in your house. If your living room is overlooking a natural scene, then using your mirror to reflect that into your home is a great way of inviting better energy into your living room. 2. Arguments Against Mirrors in Your Living RoomFor others, though, placing a mirror in your living room is never a good idea. That's because a mirror will reflect and amplify the energy in the room. If that energy is positive, then that's great. But if that energy is negative, well, that's a different story... Many Feng Shui experts point to the fact that your living room is your entertaining space - the place your guests will visit the most. By hanging a mirror here, you'll reflect whatever energy they bring with them, and we all know that sometimes guests don't come in good moods. Sometimes they're sad, angry, or hurt, and if you have a mirror in the room that can reflect that, then your whole Qi balance at home can be shifted negatively. Of course, you could just be stricter about who you invite into your home, but turning away a friend in need because you don't want to upset your Feng Shui might be fine for your Qi, but it won't sit right with your karma... 3. One Rule You Should Never BreakEven those in favour of mirrors in your living room agree that a mirror over your sofa is a bad idea. First, sofas should be against a wall according to Feng Shui to increase security - basically, you'll always know who is coming if your back is to the wall when you're sitting on a sofa. By placing a mirror behind you, you remove that security because you're reflecting things behind your head that you can't see. Another explanation is that a mirror is able to pool energy, and if that energy is negative, then you'll literally spend your whole day with a sort of negative cloud above your head on the sofa. That's not good for Feng Shui, and it won't be good for your mood either. So, whatever you do, never hang a mirror behind your sofa if you're going to have one in the living room. Foyer and Front DoorPlacing a mirror in your foyer and by your front door is often a good idea. It's the main door to your house, and so you're always coming and going from this point. A mirror by the front door means you can check that you look OK one last time before leaving. Even if your foyer is small, a small mirror on a small wall is still something we like to have for one last quick look at ourselves. And actually, Feng Shui experts encourage mirrors by the main door to your home and in the foyer, but only if you stick to certain rules... 1. Never Reflect the Front DoorJust like how the main door to your home is our entrance and exit points, your front door is the same for Qi. You can attract all the good energy and Qi you like, but if your mirror is reflecting the main door to your home, then you'll reflect any Qi out your front door, because it isn't welcoming it. Instead, place your mirror on a wall perpendicular to your front door. When it's on a wall perpendicular to it, the Qi won't be reflected right out the front door as before, and you'll be able to benefit from the positive Qi. Also, remember the general rule from earlier of avoiding placing any mirror within 5ft of your front door. If you have a small foyer, then this may not be possible, but try to keep mirrors as far away from your front door as possible, and make sure it isn't reflecting it. 2. Think About Your Sliding DoorThis won't be applicable to everyone, but a lot of people have a sliding door right next to their entrance door because it's convenient for moving large objects in and out of the house. Even if you don't use this sliding door often, it's still an entrance door for Qi, and so mirrors shouldn't reflect this either. The general rule from earlier about mirrors not reflecting doors in your home applies to the entrance points, as well as all internal doors. Staircases and HallwaysThe last important spaces in your home that must be thought about carefully for Feng Shui and mirror placement are your staircases and your hallways. A narrow staircase or small hallway could be made to feel bigger with a mirror or two (so long as they aren't facing), but what do Feng Shui experts suggest? Let's deal with staircases first. 1. Placing Your Mirror on a StaircaseIf your staircase is narrow, then a mirror isn't just a good idea, it's a necessity. According to Feng Shui, a narrow staircase diminishes fortune and abundance, so will attract more negative Qi to your home. To tackle this, a mirror placed on the staircase can make the staircase feel much wider than it really is. This then welcomes more fortune and abundance than before, and stops the spread of negative Qi. If your staircase is quite wide already, though, then a mirror will probably have the opposite effect. Instead of attracting more abundance and fortune, it'll actually cut the positive Qi and stop it from spreading to the rest of your house. This is likely because, in Chinese culture, bragging or showiness is a bad thing. So, if you already have a wide staircase inviting abundance and fortune, then a mirror trying to attract more isn't a good look and will mess with your Feng Shui balance. 2. Placing your Mirror in a HallwayYour hallways are natural travel routes in your home, taking you from place to place. Without hallways, your home wouldn't flow. And what works for humans works for Qi. That means Qi travels around your home through hallways too, and many people forget that. So, to help with the flow of Qi around your home, hallways should absolutely have a mirror or two. There is one key rule when placing a mirror in your hallways, though, and that's to make sure your mirror is never at the end of a hallway looking down it. A mirror on the side walls is fine and will help with flow, but a mirror staring straight down the hallway is a bad idea. This is because the Qi will be slowed by the mirror, and many believe that it's a very unwelcoming sign, so it might not just slow your Qi, but stop it flowing altogether. That could mean you end up with balanced Qi downstairs, for example, but no Qi upstairs because a mirror at the end of your hallway is sending it away. So, place them on the sidewalls, by all means, to help Qi flow around your home, but never place a mirror at the end of the hallway. Feng Shui Mirror Room by Room Round-UpThat brings us to the end of room-specific advice for mirror placement in Feng Shui. Just remember the general do's and don'ts of Feng Shui, so you don't accidentally break one of the rules, and then follow the advice in this guide room by room to make sure your Qi is balanced at home. However, right near the start we said you should try to use Bagua mirrors in your home, and a Bagua mirror is really important in Feng Shui, so we'll explain that below. Bagua Mirrors ExplainedA Bagua mirror is a protective amulet used to send negative Qi and poison arrows away from your home. It is by far the most powerful mirror in Feng Shui, and it's used to depict the Former Heaven Sequence or Early Heaven Sequence. You can find a Bagua mirror here and there that depicts the Later Heaven Sequence in Chinese Feng Shui, but really, it's the early version you want to protect your home from the worst kinds of Qi. A Bagua mirror has 8 trigrams around its octagon or round shape, and these trigrams represent 8 different directions:
This is important because when negative Qi arrives at your Bagua mirror, it is dispersed in any one of these directions, or reflected back at the source. Either way, your home is protected. It might seem like a good idea to invest in a Bagua mirror to protect your home, but there are a few rules you'll need to follow too. 1. Bagua is About More Than Just MirrorsBefore we talk about Bagua mirror placement, we just wanted to remind you that Bagua is about more than that. It's about your whole home and how it relates to different aspects of your life. You can often find and use a Bagua map to help make this clearer, so you understand how each room (and the direction it's facing: North, East, South, etc.) affects your life. 2. A Bagua Mirror Should Never be Placed IndoorsA Bagua mirror is incredibly powerful. To place one indoors is a dangerous thing and can often lead to unrivalled chaos in your home. Only if directly instructed to place a Bagua mirror indoors by a Feng Shui expert should you do it. And this will only be given as advice in exceptional circumstances because Qi is struggling to flow properly around your home, or there is so much stagnant, negative Qi in your home already that regular mirrors just won't do it. But unless directly told to place a Bagua mirror inside, avoid it. Besides that, it's best to place a Bagua mirror above your front door outside. This helps keep the worst negative Qi away from your home and stops it from entering. This is definitely recommended if you have something negative directly facing your front door too, such as the sharp corners of a roof, or a lamppost, for example. Remember, these welcome negative Qi, so anything you can do to stop it from entering your home is a good idea. 3. Convex Mirrors Matter in BaguaWhen a Bagua mirror is convex (that is to say, it curves outwards) it can reflect negative Qi away. When it hits the mirror, it is simply reflected elsewhere, so it's unable to enter your home. However, some Feng Shui experts will warn against using a convex mirror because it can reflect negative Qi away from your home but into your neighbours, which isn't ethical. This can obviously cause upset if your neighbour practices Feng Shui too and recognises the convex Bagua mirror as a problem for them and their Feng Shui in their home. In general, then, it's best to avoid using a convex Bagua mirror where possible. 4. What About a Concave Mirror?If the Bagua mirror is concave (curves inwards) then it actually absorbs and neutralises the negative Qi. That means it won't reflect it on your neighbours or anywhere else, for that matter. Thi is a much more ethical way of dealing with negative Qi. Think about it. If you're able to absorb the negative Qi, then not only is it not going to upset your neighbour's Feng Shui, but it also won't be out in the world to affect anybody else either, so really a concave Bagua mirror can only be a good thing. A concave Bagua mirror is best when it depicts the Former Heaven Sequence too, as Feng Shui experts suggest it not only absorbs negative Qi. But stops it coming in your home but welcomes positive Qi too. 5. A Warning About a Flat Bagua MirrorThere are some people who claim a flat Bagua mirror is best. According to them, a flat mirror is able to both reflect negative Qi and attract positive Qi. However, many Feng Shui experts would still always suggest using a concave Bagua mirror over anything else, as it still has the power to absorb negative energies and stop them from spreading elsewhere. Others are sceptical of a flat Bagua mirror anyway because traditionally these mirrors were always made of either convex or concave mirrors. So, if you want to stick to traditional Feng Shui advice, stick with a concave Bagua. Feng Shui Mirror Takeaway MessageThat brings us to the end of our Feng Shui mirror guide. You can always head back here to read through the guide whenever you need to in the future. Remember the general do's and don'ts that apply to your entire house, and then check out the room by room guide to help with mirror placement in your home. The general rules should always be kept in mind first because these are the Feng Shui rules that impact the rest of the advice people give about Feng Shui. However, room-by-room guidance is often a good way to think practically about how these rules apply so you can make sure your home is flowing as it should. And, of course, don't forget to use a concave Bagua mirror on the outside of your home above your front door to absorb negative Qi before it enters your home. This is the most ethical way of using a Bagua mirror, and Feng Shui experts will always suggest concave mirrors over convex or flat ones for this reason. If you follow the advice in this guide, stick to the Feng Shui principles and think carefully about your mirrors, and you should find your home is balanced with auspicious Qi that'll bring a sense of calm and positivity to your home. This will then mean your home is more inviting to guests and more comfortable for you, which is ultimately what Feng Shui aims to achieve. A home can look stylish, but without the proper balance and flow of energy, it won't feel like a place people can congregate comfortably. So, stick to the advice in this guide, and you'll soon see that your home is a much more positive place to be! The post Feng Shui Mirror is republished from https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/ from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/02/feng-shui-mirror/ via Blogger Feng Shui Mirror Thinking about the history of mirrors might not have been something you've done before, but they've had a very fascinating history. Even today, we use small mirrors made of glass in scientific equipment to help us make some of the most amazing discoveries - but you might not have realised that the foundations for this were made in the early middle ages. So today, we'll take you through everything you need to know about the history of mirrors, from earlier glass mirrors, to polished stone mirrors and polished metal mirrors (including polished copper, bronze mirrors, silver mirrors, etc.), all the way to the mirror making process of modern mirrors today. Are you ready to learn about far more than just the glass mirrors we're used to? Then let's get started! What is a Mirror?Before we get started talking about mirrors, where they were first found, and the different ways cultures viewed them, we thought it'd be a good idea to explore what exactly a mirror is. Well, a mirror can be either curved or flat (flat mirrors are more useful for us in our everyday lives, but mirrors that are curved can be helpful, too, especially in instruments like telescopes). They're usually made of glass, and have a reflective coating made of metal applied to it to make them reflect light and show us our mirror image. But How Do Mirrors Work?Without getting too science-y, because we're interested in history today, mirrors work by reflecting light back at you. When you stand in front of a mirror, light hits you, and it reflects off of you in a very haphazard and disorderly way. That means the light travels in all directions - and some, when standing in front of a mirror, will reflect directly at the mirror in front of you. The light then travels through the glass mirror and hits the metal reflective surface behind. Those light rays then travel back at us, allowing us to see our mirror image in the mirror in front of us. Pretty easy, right? But what happens when the surface of the mirror isn't flat? The Three Types of MirrorThere are plane mirrors, concave mirrors, and convex mirrors, and they all react differently when light hits them.
Why is all of this relevant? Because when you explore the history of mirrors, it's important to remember that everything we know now wasn't known before. We only understand the different effects of the mirror's shape now because of years of research and observation. That means, when people thousands of years ago created mirrors, they wouldn't have had this information. As you read the rest of today's post, keep this in mind. People reacting with fear to mirrors in ancient times might seem odd, but if you found yourself accidentally looking at yourself in a concave mirror for the first time, you might think you were looking at a monster, too, not a distorted reflection of yourself... So, the history of mirrors - let's get started, shall we? Mirrors in the Ancient WorldRather than producing mirrors, people in the ancient world likely used natural mirrors, such as water collected in a vessel, to create a small mirror. Nature was the true inventor of the looking glass by giving us water with reflective properties. This is where the idea that we could create mirrors came from in the first place - by observing the world around us and using the reflective properties of water to our advantage. Of course, they don't work as well as the flat surface glass mirrors we use today, but that's because they relied on natural reflective surfaces back then, unaware of how uneven surface mirrors, such as water in a vessel, distorted their own reflection. (Remember the concave and convex mirrors we talked about above). Thankfully, people soon realised that keeping water in vessels was not a permanent solution, and they began exploring ways of producing mirrors that were a little more durable. The First Produced MirrorsAnatoliaThe first mirrors were found in Anatolia (modern day Turkey) dating back to 6000 BC, according to vision scientist Dr Jay Enoch, published in the vision science journal. These mirrors were made from polished stone, such as naturally occurring volcanic glass polished obsidian mirrors. The surface roughness made them much poorer quality than mirrors we might expect today, but they certainly did their job. Polishing the obsidian helped, and there are examples of how obsidian can be polished to a give it some amazing reflective properties. The only downside to obsidian is that it's black, so whilst the surface could be polished to reflect light better, it still wasn't a perfect solution. The black colour made the image reflecting back at its user much darker, and seeing things clearly wasn't always possible. There have been many obsidian mirrors found in central Turkey, mostly in the tombs of women, showing that perhaps mirrors were mostly important to women during this time. Central and South AmericaSuch mirrors, made of polished stone, have been found since, including in Central and South America, dating from around 2000 BC, showing how far-reaching the idea of manufacturing mirrors was during these ancient times. The idea that, back then, mirror making ideas involving polished stone (such as volcanic glass) were spreading from modern day Turkey to Central and South America is fascinating, and shows that mirror makers were in high demand. But the likelihood of different creators of mirrors meeting up somehow and discussing their methods isn't entirely plausible. Perhaps then, it's of cultural significance to think that people in lands hundreds of miles apart still worked to find ways of creating mirrors so they could look at themselves. Maybe there's a base human need there? But we'll come back to that thought later... Copper MirrorsThere are more examples of mirrors that progress from the early polished stone mirrors, especially ones made of copper. Mesopotamians created polished metal mirrors made of copper in around 4000 BC, and the ancient Egyptians in ancient Egypt seemed to follow suit with polished copper mirrors in 3000 BC. These copper based mirrors weren't used like we use metal in mirrors today. Rather than glass sitting on top of the metal, these mirrors were just solid metal. No glass involved. They worked in much the same way as the polished stone example above - by polishing it well, the surface became more reflective, allowing you to see yourself in it. But the same problems around the colour of the metal and its effects on reflection remained. It wasn't just polished copper used in metal mirrors, though, and other metals were used too. Metal Mirrors in ChinaThere are a few examples of polished bronze being used as mirrors from China in 2000BC, but there are also examples of copper and tin speculum metal mirrors being used around this time, too. Speculum metals were precious, and so it is believed that back then, only the wealthiest people would have owned mirrors in China, especially of these high quality. Others may have relied on more primitive methods, or used some other, less permanent method of mirror production. What they were, we can't be entirely sure, however, because no such examples of other mirrors besides these metal ones can be found in China from around this time. Metal-Coated Early Glass MirrorsEarly mirror making techniques were eventually improved, and glass mirrors were being developed with metallic coatings. The way they were created differs greatly from our techniques for manufacturing mirrors today, but it was during the middle ages that mirror making really advanced. Really, it's here that we first see the idea of glass being used with metal behind to create mirrors that are truly reflective. As you'll see below, it differs from our approach today, but the basic idea that light can pass through glass, hit a reflective metal, and then show us our reflections is the same. Mirrors in the 1st Century AD and Middle AgesMirrors found in modern day Lebanon (then known as Sidon) used metallic coatings in the first century AD. These were the first mirrors that crudely resembled the ones we're used to today, and metal mirrors remained popular during this time. Gold leaf and lead were often the metal of choice to use as the coating on the glass, as these were readily available and highly reflective. The Romans eventually discovered how they could use blown glass mirrors (by blowing a glass bubble) to create a reflective surface, but they more closely resemble convex mirrors. Convex mirrors distort the face slightly, but these glass mirrors still proved popular around this time, as they were functional. Were they examples of a beautiful mirror? No, but they did their job - even if they didn't do them especially well. Finally, making mirrors was becoming more advanced. Mirrors weren't quite perfected yet, but people at this time were slowly starting to develop new manufacturing processes. Prior to discovering the glass blowing method, the Greco-Roman culture, throughout the middle ages, relied heavily on convex mirrors made of polished metal. Although still basic, the glass mirrors made using the blowing technique were far more practical. 16th Century Europe - Venetian MirrorAfter the middle ages, techniques weren't really developed further until the 16th century, where we saw the birth of the infamous venetian mirror. Venetian mirrors were developed in 16th century Venice, and they mark a turning point in the history of mirrors, as a new method of coating glass with a tin mercury amalgam was created. Using metal to coat glass to create mirrors wasn't a new idea, but the way the new metal amalgam could be applied was much more effective. And Venice soon became the home of manufactured mirrors because of their new way of applying a metal coating to the mirrors for a better effect. The result was that venetian mirrors soon became the best quality mirrors around, and the Saint-Gobain factory in France began using this new way of manufacturing mirrors, too, showing how the method was spreading as one of the more effective ways of getting the job done. Venice remained the go-to city for mirrors until the 17th century, when mirror production largely moved to London and Paris. The Importance of Mirror HandlesIt may seem odd to us now, but until the 17th and 18th centuries, the way a mirror looked wasn't particularly important. Only around this time did the handles of mirrors become important for decoration. Until then, mirrors were purely functional. That is, except in ancient Chinese culture, where the back of their speculum mirrors were inscribed with images of plants and animals, and messages translating to 'sunlight'. Clearly, in this culture, the decorative nature of objects was more important - even to the point of inscribing basic copper and speculum mirrors. Glass mirrors were still popular with the venetian method of coating, since no new method had been discovered, but handles were now being produced for style over function. Unearthed buried mirrors from around this time show handles made of ivory, tortoiseshell, ebony and silver. Manufactured mirrors by the 18th century were not only being made with handles of fine quality but also were being carved for decoration. Popular patterns included floral and classical ornaments. This marks another turning point in the mirror's long history, because no longer was it just about function, but style too, and many European cultures, especially, began using mirrors as decoration. The Invention of the Silvered Glass MirrorThe silvered glass mirror, using a thin layer of metallic silver to create a reflective surface, first began in 1835. They differed from the previous solid metal mirrors and glass-metal combinations we've been discussing today because of the thin layer of metal used. The silvered glass mirror is accredited to German chemist, Justus von Liebig. His method was quite complex, and far more advanced than any of the mirrors that came before him. A thin layer of metallic silver was put on to the clear glass through the chemical reduction of silver nature. Such mirrors changed the face of mirror production because only a small amount of silver was required, but the same light enhancing properties remained. It turned out that it wasn't about the amount of silver used to reflect light back at the mirror's user; even a small layer would suffice. Production sped up after this discovery, making mirrors far more affordable because they were more easily produced and less expensive to do so. Producing Mirrors TodayDid the very first mirrors impact upon our modern mirror making? Well, the primitive vessels and water of 6000 BC probably didn't impact upon our production methods today, but they played a part. It was von Liebig's invention in 1835 that truly resembles our production methods today. Instead of silver for the reflective coating, though, we now use aluminium or soda lime glass (although silver is still used for more expensive mirrors). Today, a thin layer of molten aluminium or silver is added to glass in a vacuum to create the reflective coating. This has meant that producing mirrors is faster than ever. Glass mirrors are still the norm today, and not much has changed on that front compared to the early Romans, but our method of producing these mirrors couldn't be more different. How a Glass Mirror Can Aid Technological AdvancesIt seems odd, doesn't it? That a glass mirror was born out of ancient times when someone decided to use water as a sort of mirror, but they were. Nowadays, a glass mirror offers more than just something to look at ourselves in. In fact, a glass mirror can be found in many different contraptions and inventions that we use to aid in our understanding of the universe, improve safety, and for our own entertainment. Here's just a few:
As you can see, the humble glass mirror adds a lot to our lives. Whether it's entertainment or technological, a glass mirror plays a big part. You might think that after reaching modern day mirrors and exploring how a glass mirror can improve multiple aspects of our lives, the story of mirrors would be over. But oh no, because the actual object of a mirror itself is only half the story... Mirrors and the Different Cultural PerceptionsMirrors are just objects until you place them in the context of different cultures to understand why developing mirrors was so important. Everything from the way we view mirrors in terms of religious significance, magic, spirits, and just viewing human bodies differently matters, because this is all part of the history of mirrors. There are myths and legends surrounding mirrors, and it's important to explore these too. A glass mirror to us now might just be a mirror. But to many others, years ago, a mirror was anything but an everyday object. So, now that the cold hard facts are out of the way, let's explore a mirror's history from a juicier perspective! Why Seeing Ourselves Matters?A mirror is more than just a way to look at yourself in many cultures, but being able to see yourself is the thread that ties us back to our ancestors in the ancient world who went out of their way to build vessels for water so they could see themselves. They could just have easily have stood by the flowing river, or looked down at themselves in a still lake. But they didn't. Something made them want to make water's reflective properties portable, and it was so they could look at themselves whenever they wanted. You can see different human bodies as you walk around, but only a mirror allows us to see ourselves. There's both a power and a human need in being able to do that. That's why vessels were created in the ancient world, because it was so important to see oneself, and it still is today. The way glass mirrors were created and used is important, but it's the human need to see ourselves that is a common thread throughout all of history, and it binds us all. Modern Perceptions'You'll waste away in front of the mirror.' 'If you look in that mirror any longer, you'll fall through it.' 'Do you have to spend so long in the mirror to put your makeup on?' These are all things we'd have heard at some point in our lives, but really, we're no more 'obsessed' by our reflections today than we were thousands of years ago. And is it such a bad thing to look in the mirror, anyway? There's no denying it increases our job and mating prospects because we can see how we look, and then make ourselves look better. This isn't a discussion on the philosophy of makeup, and it doesn't have to be. We're ALL guilty of flattening our hair in the morning or removing sleep from our eyes in the mirror. Every one of us looks in the mirror whilst we brush our teeth to make ourselves look our best. The point is, a mirror is an integral part of our lives, and we use them casually all the time without thinking about it. But has it always been that way? Well, if you look at a 1970s study where an anthropologist introduced mirrors to an isolated tribe in Papua New Guinea, you'll see that mirrors are often met with scepticism and fear. Rather than being fascinated by the reflections of themselves they'd never seen before, the people of this tribe were terrified. It's especially interesting to think about how human's natural reactions to seeing mirrors for the first time were most likely fear. Early Scepticism of Obsidian MirrorsThe early obsidian polished mirrors of 6000 BC may have been used for more than just flattening your hair before meeting a friend. In fact, these mirrors have been linked to evil spirits. It is believed that mirrors during this time were seen as dangerous things that only religious figures, such as shamans, should use to communicate with the spirit world. They could predict the future, according to some, and help religious figures protect the world from spirits. How true this is or not can never be verified, but the idea that mirrors are somehow connected to spirits or the magical and mystical realms can be seen across multiple cultures, so it's likely that these early mirrors garnered the same sort of reactions. Mirrors and Spiritual BeliefsTo see that mirrors were connected with spirits, magic, and mystical realms and had great magical or religious significance, you need only look at a handful of cultures. Ancient Mexicans and Mayan CultureAncient Mexicans wore stone mirrors to bring life giving flames, start fires, and show their status. They were worn in deference to the sun god, or sun king. The tradition continues with the Mayans, who buried mirrors with their elite dead, believing that a reflective mirror was a connection to an alternate dimension. Here, gods and their ancestors lived together, and communicating with them was possible through a mirror. This method of communication opened the possibility of being able to predict the future. The Mayans chose only to bury a mirror with the elite, because they believed that by giving the dead a mirror in their tomb, they'd be able to communicate with others through the mirrors owned by the living. Ancient Chinese BeliefsThe pattern continues with ancient Chinese beliefs. The mirrors made of speculum metals for the wealthy we talked about earlier were not just for admiring yourself. They were also used as a burial accessory to ward off evil spirits and protect tombs and homes from crime. Mirrors were also covered or removed after a death to stop them from returning from the spirit world where they belong. This practice is actually quite common today in other parts of the world, but whether or not it's for similar reasons, we cannot say. It certainly has its basis in these ancient Chinese beliefs, though. The idea that mirrors are connected to magic is prominent in Taoism. Mirrors help priests practice magic to call for spiritual protection and keep bad spirits away. Even today, there's an almost spiritual feel to feng-shui, which Chinese cultures still use to place mirrors in a way that allows energy to flow freely around the room. Yes, it's a part of interior design tradition, but it's also relevant to the spiritual connection mirrors seem to have. Black MirrorsPerhaps the most famous mirror of all, though, is the black mirror (made of obsidian). Even today, it's associated with black magic and is used as a scrying mirror which allows people to look into the future. This type of mirror is still used today and there are many spiritual and magical people that believe in the power of the black mirror. Nostradamus, a famous 16th century French philosopher, used these types of black mirrors and other similar mirrors to make predictions (which many argue came true) and gain occult knowledge. They still hold similar importance to many people today. Modern SuperstitionsRelated to spiritual beliefs, but slightly different, are the modern superstitions we hold today. Ever hear that if you break a glass mirror you'll have seven years' bad luck? Well, that's not just something we say - it might date back to the first humans. You see, early beliefs were that mirrors didn't show your reflection, but your soul. Breaking a mirror or interfering with your reflection in any way was thought to be a sure-fire way of damaging your connection to the soul and losing it forever. Although today we don't hold the belief quite as seriously, it's this idea that mirrors connect us to our souls that means breaking a mirror would bring such bad luck. But why seven years? Well, we have the ancient Romans to thank for that. It was their belief that it takes seven years for life to renew itself, so, if you broke your connection to your soul by breaking glass, or smashing a mirror, you wouldn't die, but you would have to wait seven years for your soul to be renewed. There are ways to fix this, though, according to the Romans. If you didn't want to wait seven years, there were a few things you could do:
By taking part in these traditions, you'd be saved from the seven years' bad luck. So if you break a mirror, it might just be worth a try... Round-upMirrors are fascinating objects with a long history - much longer than most of you will have realised, we're sure. But it isn't just the different ways different cultures created mirrors that's important, but why they did, and what they believed mirrors were capable of doing too. In many ways, mirrors are different today. How we make mirrors, the materials we use for mirrors, and the different styles of mirrors are all different from how they were centuries ago. Just the fact that we care how a mirror looks now is an important change. But we still use mirrors to look at ourselves, and a mirror is still something we don't fully understand. We know a glass mirror reflects our faces, but that doesn't stop some of us from using it to look at our souls, divine the future, and protect ourselves from spirits like those who came before us. Maybe there really is just something slightly mystical and spiritual about an object that shows us our faces in a way nothing else can. The point is, a mirror is more than just a mirror. It's a window into our past too, and you can see the differences in how we made them, and how we used them, but you can also see how some of the superstitions and legends surrounding them remain to this day. That's why knowing mirror history is important, because it binds us to our past, it shows us how we look in the present, and, for some, it might even show us our futures... History of Mirrors Read more on: Homes Direct 365 Limited from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/02/history-of-mirrors/ via Blogger History of Mirrors |
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