Furniture Books

Very nice publication, well presented and concise. Information is limited as to the "how to" in my opinion but gives a very goog idea, and direction as to where to start when designing for manufacturing. Introduces a broad range of approaches regarding techniques and material. Well illustrated in an understantable and steady format. Good research and illustration (introduction) of manufacturing techniques and processes. Must have for furniture making teaching tool.

For those looking to be inspired and to get some insight into the design process from the product idea through to production, then read this book.

If you are looking for inspriation, this is a wonderful book. There are many full page photos, all in color, of some of the finest miniatures ever produced. The chapters start with the house itself, then examines each major room found in most houses. This is a must-have coffee table book for all miniaturists.

This book is filled with gorgeous photos of exquisite dollhouse rooms. However, I would hardly call it a sourcebook, since it doesn't mention the sources for any of the items or materials. Had it contained directions for making the projects, and/or information on where to buy them, I would have loved it. Instead, I'll use the photos for inspiration -- but certainly not as a sourcebook, since no sources are mentioned.

This book offers some wonderful inspiration. The author is very generous in sharing photographs, and does a nice job of sharing some techniques. Her work is fanciful, professional, and fun. This is a great source for clever design ideas - the author is a truly talented artist. The serious furniture painter will want an additional reference with more information on prep and finishing. This makes a nice addition to the craft painter's library.

I thought this was a fantastic book for the person who has some decorative paint and/or design experience. This book gives you very good instructions for specific and general projects, but does not give specific color info and would not be appropriate for the unsure beginner. The photos are beautiful and clear, and I felt really inspired with Ms. Rosenberg's fresh work and ideas. The recommnded reading and resources in the back is fantastic--I found a new paint supplier and saved money. Plus the author puts her personnel information in the book. I had a question and emailed her regarding something I was unclear about in the book, and she responded with an answer within a few hours. Great Book--I refer to this book more than any other in my painting library.

This book is great for someone with limited knowledge of painted furniture. The pictures are nice, covering both the older flowery country style and the new funky multi color style. It is short on in depth details of paints, supplies, and preperation. But there is enough info to get you through a project. For those that cant draw there are some patters for flowers ans such. The projects presented are inspiring and unique not cheap or tacky looking. The book does not cover classical faux paint techniques that could be combined into the projects presented. If you need that type of information I highly recommend The Art of Painted Finish by Isabel O-Neil.

The projects in this book are fun and eye-catching. It contains a broad range of do-it-yourself furniture painting, as well as sponging, stamping and stenciling. There's sure to be at least one project you'll want to try.

I've done a lot of painting, but not faux painting. Some of the projects were interesting and different, but many looked so obviously fake I cringed. I did give the book some stars for general instructions and the projects that seemed interesting. Unfortunately, there were only a few projects that caught my eye and I even found looking through the book was boring. The photography in the book is good and the instructions seem clear for the few projects I liked.

The few interesting projects:
~ covering an objects with cement (like garden furniture or in the project, a gargoyle)
~ get the look of bronze using paint
~ applying gilding leaf

This book would be an okay edition for a beginner if you buy it used.

Rhoda Rainey's Faux Finishing For The First Time (4483-8, $19.95) provides newcomers to faux with a basic survey of styles and approaches to projects using ordinary objects. Techniques are illustrated with a variety of color photos and a 'how do I' question/answer format lends to quick and easy consultation. All are excellent guides. An excellent guide.

We have over 40 pieces of wicker and have had a difficult time verifying the value of some of the pieces. Mr. Scott's book helps a great deal in establishing the authenticity and consequently the value. The photos are very defined and the descriptions adequate to determine the maker and circa of the wicker.

Tim Scott did a fine job assembling all the various wicker furniture pieces, photographing them and afixing a general price to each one. But as with most wicker price guides, it was obsolete the minute it was published.

Since it is the most current price guide on the market, however, I do use it to show my customers when they desire some confirmation on dating their item. I also use it as a good reference in conjunction with other wicker reference books I have in my library.

Reselling wicker furniture always depends on condition, location and market, which I believe Tim covers in his price guide in the back of the book. You must take these things into consideration when determining value to your wicker item.

It would have been easier reading if the prices had been written underneath each item rather than having to go to the back of the book to look up each price, but I realize the constraints publishers and authors are under regarding such book layouts. There are a few items that I take issue with in his dating and condition, but other than those minor disagreements, we are on the same general wavelength.

Tim Scott and Shiffer Publishing have done a very fine job of creating this price guide. I bought my copy when it first came out a few years ago and is a wonderful addition to my reference library. I highly recommend purchasing this book for yours.

Excellent as far as it goes, this 100-odd page book is actually a reprint of an exhibition catalogue rather than a literary or reference work in its own right. The text is informative but - apart from a couple of introductory essays - relates only to the specific pieces referred to in the catalogue and the exhibition it describes (at the Peabody). It is not intended to provide a guide to the criteria you should look for when buying antique Chinese furniture.

Most of the Chinese furniture available today - if one is not buying at auction- will almost certainly be that bought from rural villages and towns in China. The furniture will be old, dirty, and gernerally pretty rough before a dealer/reseller cleans it up and then sells it to you for too much or as something it is not. This book can tell one so much about the furniture they are likely to purchase. What woods are used and is the wood the dealer is purporting the furniture is made from consistent with the wood available at the time the furniture was supposedly made. Is it really zitan (probably not) or just stained rosewood. There are many books on Chinese furniture, some good and some bad. This one is good.

This book has sections on bedding, lampshades, curtains, and pillows. Each section has several ideas of great-looking projects that you can make at home. It never really occured to me that I could make my own lampshades in fabrics to match my room! The projects are all ingredibly simple, also... but the finished projects look stunning!

While the contents of this book are beautifully displayed and the instructions are relatively easy to follow, the book is a consolidation of the four individual Home Furnishing Workbooks -- pillows, bed linens, window treatments and lampshades. Unfortunately, that is not indicated in the information presented here. Therefore, if you own them, purchasing this book would be a waste of money.

The main reason I like this book is because in the back it has a chart for whichever kind of surface you'd like to paint. The chart will tell you how to prepare the surface and which kind of paint would be best to go on that particular surface. If I want to go paint my walkway, the chart will tell me exactly what needs to be done so that it will last.

The book gives you a lot of good ideas but they don't seem to be anything different than what the BHG website offers. My opinion, check with the website first before buying the book. If you don't find it in the website than I recommend it.

Very informative. Good source of information for anyone exploring the history of "Hoosier" style cabinets.

This updated 134 page guide-book has been updated from the previous edition, with more than 30 new pages. It's loaded with plenty of super photos, and includes a brief introduction to the collectible. You'll find plenty of manufacturers' catalog pages shown, along with advertising pieces. Collector's will find it interesting and informative. It covers Boon, Hoosier, Kitchen Maid, McDougall, Napanee, Sellers, Wilson Cabinets, and others. A worthwhile addition to your library.