Sample 400-Word Consumer Article: Urban, Hip, and Space Saving Bistro Sets

 

Urban, Hip, and Space Saving Bistro Sets

keywords: bistro sets, balcony sets, balcony tables

Urban lifestyle sometimes require a little bit of ingenuity on the part of the homeowners. While some people enjoy the large and airy backyard of the country and vacation homes, others create their own outdoor space with just a small space on the apartment balcony. Outdoor relaxation doesn't have to be difficult to achieve. With bistro sets, even city dwellers can have their own quiet coffee time by the balcony. 

Bistro sets are perfect in a smaller space. Generally the diameter of the table defines how much area it will take to create a dining set for at least two to four people. Table and chair height generally differ, but the standard is approximately 30 inches from the ground to the table top. Of course if you are conjuring up the image of pub style or tiki style balcony sets, then they are a little bit higher than ordinary ones. Also consider how many people are going to share the balcony table since the set can only accommodate so many. 

Wicker is a favorite choice since it is made of natural fibers that look pretty on the patio or balcony. Most are made with aluminum frames for added strength. Genuine wicker can be made of bamboo or rattan, but these days synthetic or resin material and a tougher finish is used to add more durability to the items. Marble tops are also growing popular since they are very easy to clean and are attractive. They can also be easily replaced if you get tired of one pattern and want to switch to a different one. 

Bistro sets come in different shapes and sizes. A general feature though is the fact that like other dining or patio sets, they may require some assembly. Some balcony sets are not upholstered so padding or cushions can be added for more comfort. Other accessories on a bistro set include umbrellas. If you live in a sunny place, you may want to purchase a balcony table with an umbrella hole. Umbrellas can be tilted also to direction of the sun and they come in manual or automatic features. 

Just like most other types of outdoor tables, balcony tables that are included in the bistro sets are designed in ways more useful than one. For example, some have built in drawers or shelves for storage while others are equipped with casters for easier mobility. Still others can be folded and stacked along with the bistro chairs. The more innovative ones are even built with a space big enough underneath to house a small pet! 

The bottom line is that bistro sets save a lot of space and are therefore perfect for couples or families with a smaller outdoor room. If you can find bistro sets on balconies of urban apartments, you can also spot them in fancy restaurants or coffee shops! They are very popular and have a great variety of styles and designs. 

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Sample 400 Word SEO Article: How to Keep Wrought Iron Lawn Furniture in Great Shape

How to Keep Wrought Iron Lawn Furniture in Great Shape

keywords: wrought iron lawn furniture

The number one concern among homeowners who have big backyards with swimming pools or great looking patios is how to maintain their wrought iron lawn furniture. Outdoor furniture made of this type of material can last a very long time. However, with certain factors such as the weather, frequent use, dust, and dirt can ruin the classic beauty of your lawn setting. 

What are the best ways to care for your wrought iron lawn furniture? Homeowners sometimes pay little attention until they notice a chipped paint or rusting. There are very easy remedies that make this type of furniture set easy to maintain. 

Rusting and chipping are sometimes inevitable on wrought iron furniture. If these happen, simply wash the rusty or chipped area with detergent or dishwashing soap and water. Rub around the area with sand paper and wipe it dry. Choose a paint that matches the furniture and touch it up. The best way to do this is to apply a thin coat and let it dry up before applying the next one. It may take several paint coating to achieve the original color of the furniture. 

In fact, the best way to maintain the beauty of wrought iron lawn furniture is to wash it with soap and water at least three times a year. Washing will remove simple stains, dirt, or even suntan lotion. Make it a part of your spring cleaning activity as well as when you're getting ready to store it away for the winter season. 

Wrought iron chairs and tables tend to lose their glossiness in time. To keep it looking new, apply car wax on non-textured furniture while you can use baby oil on textured ones. Winter storage is extremely important as this will preserve your furniture's beauty. The great thing, however, is if you do not have to store it away for winter, wrought iron furniture can look nice even if left outdoors for an entire year. Also, you don't have to worry about windy days since this type of furniture is heavy enough to keep from being blown away. 

Compared to other material, wrought iron lawn furniture is by far the favorite amongst many homeowners. The term "wrought" literally means it is crafted by skilled artisans. They can be made so unique as even hand made. Most designs blend well with just about any type of furniture style regardless of whether they are traditional or modern. If you treat your wrought iron furniture right, they will last longer and age more gracefully. 

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Sample Consumer Buying Guide: A Quick Guide to Buying Wooden Patio Chairs

 

A Quick Guide to Buying Wooden Patio Chairs

keywords: wooden patio chairs

The general rule in buying wooden patio chairs is the size should be big enough to accommodate the person sitting on it. So humorous as it may seem, a family whose members are stocky should only purchase chairs that are wide, while size is not always a big issue with family members that are on the skinny side. To be more specific, furniture buyers should also take into account the seat height, the seat depth, the height of the chairs' back, and even the presence or absence of armrest. Typically, the seat of the chair should be at least a foot away underneath from the top of the table. 

Some other factors to consider are the veneer and laminate used on wooden patio chairs or tables. Hardly trivial, this actually determines how long your wooden furniture will stay beautiful. If you are not aware of the wood material from which your furniture is made of, it is advisable to ask the manufacturer. This way you know whether you are buying real solid hardwood such as oak and not a collection of bonded plywood or veneers meant to look like real oak. Because veneer designs are limitless, you can choose the type that matches best with the style of your patio. 

Do you know the purpose of your wooden patio chairs? If yes, then you will have no trouble finding the right type. Some people have big enough patio space for a little bit of tete-a-tete or afternoon snacking, so Adirondacks, benches, and tea chairs are perfect. Others prefer to relax in the middle of the day so chaise lounges, ottomans, and easy chairs are a good bet. If you are spending time with kids in your patio, relax with a big and small version of rocking chairs that fit both you and your little ones. 

Having figured out the type of chairs, their construction, size, and veneer, did you ever stop to think about how they will be upholstered? Upholstery does add a little bit of sophistication as well as comfort in your wooden patio chairs. Fabrics such as silk and velvet are a favorite, but leather is perhaps the most durable. Suede is another alternative. If you do not care for upholstery, add cushions or pillows for extra comfort in your patio relaxation. 

Of course, wooden patio chairs also come with features that make them more attractive. If you do not have a big patio space, try foldable or stackable chairs. If your patio is big enough for a mini bar, consider getting wooden bar stools. Wood furniture is beautiful and will last a very long time if maintained well. 

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Furniture Articles, Antiques Articles, Household Articles, Home Articles

Marie Soleil (pen name) authored hundreds of articles for the Associated Content-Yahoo Voices (Yahoo Contributor Network) platform. 

Browse through some of her works in the pdf files embedded below.

For collaboration, email marie @ globalguide.info.

 

Yahoo! Voices, formerly Associated Content (AC), was a division of Yahoo! that focused on online publishing. Yahoo! Voices distributed a large variety of writing through its website and content partners, including Yahoo! News. In early December 2011, its owners Yahoo! announced a major shakeup involving the introduction of a new service, Yahoo! Voices, which would replace the Associated Content site and take on the bulk of its content, while some 75,000 items would be retired under the new site's more stringent content submission rules. 

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