Antique Information
antique camp furniture Article Of The MonthVessel Sinks Work With Antiques
By Ken Melchert
'It is hard to be funny when you have to be clean,' Mae West
We all need a sink to clean up in, and the proliferation of great designer vessel sinks has opened a world of possibilities to recycle all manner of
antique cabinets, chests and tables as vanity cabinets. Endless design possibilities can create a truly unique bathroom in almost any style. Juxtaposing historic pieces with contemporary fittings generates excitement, and many vessel sinks cleverly mounted on cabinets are really works of art. Sinks are available in countless styles and colors of glass, painted porcelain, brass, copper and nickel. Faucets have many different finishes in traditional and modern configurations. Antique and vintage dressers, sideboards, writing tables, work benches, and bakers tables can all be recycled into sink cabinets that are one of a kind, reflecting your individual taste and creativity. Many of these pieces are much less expensive than than the charmless mass-produced cabinets seen in home centers and bath design shops. It takes a little more planning and vision, but the result is certainly worthwhile.
An example uses a late Victorian or Eastlake washstand from the 1880s. Originally made for a bedroom in the days before plumbing, a bowl and pitcher would have sat on the marble top, and the waste jug would have been behind the door on the bottom. Built of solid walnut, the original beveled mirror and marble top were fitted to accommodate a glass vessel sink and brushed nickel contemporary faucet. The stunning result is functional and truly unique. A craftsman easily drilled the marble top, made adjustments to the interior of the chest, and the installation was relatively simple. The result is an elegant and historic look.
Another bathroom recycles an Art Deco cabinet from about 1930 that was meant to hold sheet music next to a piano. Now fitted with a textured glass vessel sink and a waterfall faucet, this adaptation of an antique piece was even simpler. Compact enough for a small bathroom, this installation is bright and cheerful with the clean, sleek lines of the 1930s.
Countless antique and vintage pieces of furniture can be adapted to hold a sink. I suggest ignoring the original function of the furniture, judge how much the piece appeals to you, and consider its size and scale for your project. Take the time to find a piece you really like to live with. As Willie Nelson says, 'The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.' Bathroom sinks can be so much more fun than the 'hospital equipment' look of the past. Surprisingly, historic cabinets are the latest innovation not only in bathrooms, but in kitchens as well, anywhere a sink would be convenient. Go for an exciting or timeless look - 'Exuberance is beauty,' according to William Blake. Of course, recycling a historic piece is so much better for our environment as well.
About The Author
Ken Melchert is a co-owner of The Harp Gallery, a renowned antique furniture gallery located in Appleton, WI. Ken and his wife Rebecca have been selling and restoring superior antique furniture for over 20 years. Visit their store online:
Harp Gallery Antique Furniture.
More Information On antique camp furnitureNever use furniture oil such as lemon oil on antique furniture. Just wipe it with a damp cloth or use only clear paste wax (Minwax or beeswax) to keep the wood in good condition.
Buy antique beds today!
Do not store foods or beverages in crystal bowls or bottles for long periods of time. Vinegar, acidic juice, and alcoholic beverages will leach the lead out of the glass.
Buy antique furniture today!
Ask around about dealers: ask friends, call your local museum or try a nearby historical board. You're looking for a good reputation and somebody who has put down roots in a community. They depend on good word of mouth and repeat customers. One group you could consider shopping with is the Canadian Association of Antique Dealers. Members of this organization have a refund policy.
Buy an Zenith antique radio today!
antique camp furniture StoriesOriental and Persian Area Rug Styles - Patterns and DesignsFri, 18 Jul 2008 23:21:57 -0600
The older an oriental rug is, the greater its value. In Persian Area Rugs, the hand made rugs are one of a kind but there are many, listed by the city of production, from Arak to Tabriz and Tribal, which are the rugs woven by nomadic groups. Perhaps the most well-known of the Tabriz works are the twin Ardabil carpets most likely made for the shrine at Ardabil, today in the collections of the Victoria and Albert.
Estate Jewelry - Antique or Vintage - Which is WhichFri, 18 Jul 2008 23:21:51 -0600
When it comes to estate jewelry there is always much confusion about what is and what is not estate jewelry. Although many pieces of estate jewelry are antique, many pieces are also vintage, retro, or fairly modern. Estate jewelry also does not mean fine jewelry. Estate jewelry can be costume or ...
Antique Slot Cars - Old, Rare CollectiblesFri, 18 Jul 2008 23:22:57 -0600
Vintage DieCast Models - Scalextrix and rare Lionel Star Wars sets, old NASCAR, Formula One, Tyco, LifeLike brands and tips on searching for those Hard-to-Find diecast models.
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