How are Second Hand Mirrors Made?

At Home from Home we stock a wide range of second hand mirrors to fit any ones style. After doing some online research we have found out how second hand mirrors are really made!

A second hand mirror is essentially a highly reflective surface. The type that people see on walls or in bathrooms are known as back-silvered mirrors. This means that the reflective surface  (in most modern ones, this is aluminum) is viewed through a thin layer of glass. The glass protects the aluminum from scratching and bubbling, but also distorts the image somewhat. Modern ones are made by allowing liquid metals to condense on a sheet of glass can provide a surface far more reflective than anything achieved by polish. This can be done at home with only a few supplies easily acquired at a local chemistry shop.

With pure silver nitrate, distilled water, and ammonia, a person can make a second hand mirror virtually indistinguishable from those purchased at a store. The process (in abbreviated form) involves dissolving a small amount of silver nitrate in distilled water, then adding diluted ammonia until the mixture goes through distinct chemical changes. A second mixture is made using silver nitrate and Rochelle salts. This mixture must be boiled and filtered. By pouring these mixtures on to a very clean piece of glass sufficiently heated to the proper temperature, the silver will precipitate and form an even coating on the glass. After drying, the back of the silver can be coated with a solid paint to help prevent degradation of the silver.

Hope you enjoyed learning about how second hand mirrors are made! To view a wide range of second hand mirrors visit our website, or see in store for a bigger selection.

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How to Choose the Best Second Hand Pine Furniture

At Home from Home we stock a vast variety of second hand pine furniture. Pine looks very nice and stylish in a home, so after doing some research online we have discovered tips on how to choose the best second hand pine furniture.

An inexpensive way to populate your home with attractive pieces of furniture is to choose second hand pine furniture. This softwood is commonly used in furniture making because it is reasonably attractive and easy to work with, though it will be necessary to do a bit of maintenance to ensure the second hand pine furniture lasts a long time. Pine can come in a variety of shades and styles; some furniture will feature knotty pine, which will have a high amount of knots that add to the attractiveness of the piece.

Decide ahead of time what types of second hand pine furniture you will need, as well as how much you are willing to spend. Pine bedroom furniture does tend to be less expensive than hardwood furniture. If you intend to buy several pieces of second hand pine furniture, consider buying a set rather than buying each piece individually. This will save money and ensure that each piece has a consistent look and matches the other furniture in the room.

After you have taken careful measurements of the room, decide what pieces of furniture will fit best and where they will be placed in it. This will help prevent clutter in the room, which can make it uncomfortable and cramped. This may also help determine what set you buy, as bedroom sets may include various pieces, including bed frames, dressers and nightstands (if buying for a bedroom). Think carefully about what pieces you want and need for the room.

Decide what tone of wood you are looking for. Some second hand pine furniture will be very light in color and feature a smooth grain. This is a very attractive option for rooms with a clean aesthetic. Knotty pine features various knots throughout the pieces of wood, and the result is a more rustic look to the furniture. Unfinished second hand pine furniture will be the least expensive option in most cases, but it will need to be painted or otherwise treated to resist damage such as chipping, cracking, and warping. At the very least, a protective coating will be necessary, as the softwood can gouge or dent very easily. If you want to preserve the look of the unfinished second hand pine, a coating of clear lacquer should do the job.

To view a wide range of second hand pine furniture visit out website or see in store for a bigger selection.

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Add Elegance and Sophistication With a Second Hand Chaise Lounge

At Home from Home we often stock a variety of second hand chaise lounge chairs. These chairs add elegance and sophistication to your home and can also be a stylish centre piece in your room. After doing some online research, we have found some useful information you may like to know about those beautiful second hand chaise lounge chairs.

A second hand chaise lounge, a uniquely American term, refers to an elongated chair with four legs whose back slants to make reclining comfortable. This piece of furniture was created back in France in the 16th century which evolved in Europe. Some of the earliest indoor examples of chaise lounges can be traced back to France during the Renaissance. They were made out of curved wood and woven caning, or rattan. Unlike earlier recliner chairs of Ancient Greece, the French chairs were designed for the person to lie on their back, rather than on their side. Many varieties of chaise lounges decorate today’s adaptable living spaces and come in all different patterns and colours, very suitable for any style/decor home.

With the advent of modern construction materials, such as tubular steel and plastic, 20th century architects and interior designers remade the chaise lounge. The seat is most likely to be upholstered in fabric or leather to provide the comfort that the chaise is known for. The covering choices available are too many to list, and can be found in just about any pattern or color that a buyer desires. They embraced the hybridized piece of furniture as emblematic of the new, open, multi-functional home. The lounge could straddle bedroom, hallway, dining room and living room, and also flexible and affordable.

For a wide variety of second hand chaise lounge chairs visit our website or see in store for a bigger selection.

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Essential Tips on Buying a Second Hand Armchair

At Home from Home we stock a lot of second hand armchairs. Second hand armchairs can be an important centre piece of your room and can reflect your personality and style. After doing some on line research we have gathered together useful tips for buying a second hand armchair.

Whenever you’re browsing a second hand armchair, it is easy to be embroiled in just going through the styles, colours and fabrics and choosing based on looks alone. However, that is a mistake. A well-chosen armchair can be the focal point of your room, or it can improve the existing decor. Either way, there is more to picking the correct second hand armchair than what you would think.

How Much Room do You Need for Your Second Hand Armchair?

Planning your decor according to the size of your space is critical, no matter whether the room is large or small. Home furniture needs some space in between it to ensure proper room flow, traffic flow and safety. Should the second hand armchair you’re taking a look at is to be alongside a sofa, then you want to leave at least 2 feet between them. You also want to leave at least two feet between the second hand armchair and coffee table to stop banging the knees each and every time you stand up!

Get the Correct Dimensions of Your Second Hand Armchair

The second hand armchair itself has to be in comparative proportion to your room you’re placing it in. If you’ve got a large area, with heavy furniture, then a compact, thin-armed chair will appear delicate and out of place. If you’ve got a small room, then an armchair that’s got thick arms and curved features will overpower all of your furniture. Either way, a room will appear and feel off-balance.

Take Good Measurements Before Purchasing Your Second Hand Armchair

For a small space, you want to be sure to have enough room to sit down comfortably in your second hand armchair, while also ensuring it fits in the area. The smallest you need to look at for seat depth is approximately 24 inches wide for comfortable seating. Take external sizes too, so you will know your armchair will slot in perfectly to the space you’ve got reserved for it. In a larger place this is not as important, however you should still get the measurements of any armchair to ensure that you’ll be able to leave enough room. Once you have got your dimensions down, then you can consider looks and choose according to your taste!

For a wide range of second hand armchairs visit our website or see in store

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Top Tips to Choose the Perfect Second Hand Sofa for Your Home

At Home from Home we stock a lot of second hand sofas, as you may have guessed from previous blogs! We sell second hand sofas in lots of different sizes, shapes and materials. Whether its leather or fabric, its has 2, 3, 4 or more seats, its L-shaped or curved, we will have the perfect second hand sofa for you.

Determine the Size of Your Second Hand Sofa

The second hand sofa you choose should be neither too small nor large for your living room. Whether you are also looking at accommodating a few other chairs and a coffee table must also be determined before you make the purchase. When you have a big living room, you could choose a sofa that occupies a major portion of the room or even a second hand L shaped sofa would look remarkable and provide for a lot of seating space. In case your living area is small, you should choose a sofa that is of a smaller size yet very well designed.

Arrangement of Your Second Hand Sofa

Once you have decided the type of second hand sofa for your living room the next step would be to organize the sofa to suit your needs. If you use your living room as a space to unwind and relax watching television then it would be ideal to place the couch facing the TV.  If  you would also like to host some games or small wine sessions with friends and family then you could place the sofa in a circular or semi circular arrangement with a nice center table in between.

Pick the Perfect Material for Your Second Hand Sofa

The next step when buying a second hand sofa would be to analyze the material you want it to be made from. If you decide you like suede sofas you will need to consider whether you have small children or pets jumping all over the place, as cleaning it can often be difficult. Leather is nice, which looks majestic as well as well as hides stains. They can also be cleaned easily.

Pick Your Second Hand Sofa to Suit the Style of Your Room

Each home is distinct and unique in its own way so do not just blindly pick one second hand sofa because you saw it at your friend’s house. The sofa should be able to reflect your taste and still perfectly sink in with the other interiors of the room. So depending on the type of person you are select the sofa, which would best blend in, to your living area. You will also need to consider the colour theme and decor of your home to match your second hand sofa with.

To view a wide range of second hand sofas, visit out website or see in store for a bigger selection.

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How to Get Rid of Termites in Your Second Hand Wooden Furtiture

At Home from Home we stock a vast amount of second hand wooden furniture. After doing some on line research we have found some useful information on how to get rid of termites out of your second hand wooden furniture.

Termites, also known as white ants, are small insects that obtain nourishment from wood including wood structures, furniture and even trees. The insects burrow and live in dark, warm places and can destroy wood-based structures and items quickly if left undisturbed. When removing termites from furniture, it is important to kill any living termites in the item as well as any termite eggs that may be present in the hidden crevices of the piece of furniture.

Here are instructions on how to get rid of termites from your second hand wooden furniture:

  1. Place three to four pieces of newspaper on the floor of a storage shed, garage or other area that contains doors that can be closed.
  2. Place the piece of furniture on the newspaper-covered floor.
  3. Open any doors present on the piece of furniture. Pull out and remove any drawers. Place the drawers on a piece of newspaper.
  4. Place one bomb-type termite insecticides inside of the piece of furniture. Place another bomb-type termite insecticide outside of the piece of furniture.
  5. Activate the bomb-type termite insecticides by pressing the button on the insecticides. Leave the area immediately and close any doors and windows.
  6. Remove the piece of furniture from the area. Wipe down the item with a soft cloth or rag to remove any insecticide residue.

Warning: If your piece of second hand wooden furniture is antique or fragile, consult with an exterminator or a clerk at your area’s hardware/home improvement center about purchasing a termite insecticide that is non-chemical (green product). Use the non-chemical product instead of a standard termite insect insecticide.

For a wide range of second hand wooden furniture visit our website or see in store for a bigger collection.

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Feel Comfortable in Your Garden With a Second Hand Sun Lounger

The summer months are coming and it’s time for garden comfort. In Home from Home we stock a range of second hand sun loungers for your garden. After doing some research we’ve found some usual information about second hand sun loungers.

In choosing the best second hand lounge chair, determine a few simple things beforehand. One thing to consider is where you will place your second hand sun lounger many people prefer to use a beach lounge chair on the patio deck in the summer.

The seating should have a cushion and also resist fading in the sun. The seating may be made of nylon, but try to avoid cotton, as this may not be durable or hold up to the hot sun.

Your beach lounge chair should fold easily for portability and for storage. If the chair is intended for seasonal use, you’ll need it to be compact for storage. If you use the chair on your backyard deck,

Also, if you suspect the chair will get wet, choose steel or aluminum tubing for the frame. Something rust proof will keep a neat and attractive appearance.

Plastic may be an option for a sun loungers chair used for a child, as it will generally hold up to rough use. Keep in mind, however, that stains may be difficult to erase from this type of material. Also, many resin or plastic sun loungers do not fold and tend to be a bit bulky.

You also have the option of selecting a second hand sun loungers . Some of these recline in multiple positions. These chairs can stretch out and are especially useful for sunbathing. The main drawback to a reclining lounge beach chair is that it can be difficult to transport, as it is heavy and large, even when folded.

For a wide range of second hand sun loungers see in store.

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Add Unique Style With a Second Hand Bar Table

At Home from Home we often stock a range of second hand bar tables. After searching on line we have discovered some useful info when buying a second hand bar table.

A second hand bar table can look great in any style of kitchen. For an old decor home, a wooden pine kitchen bar table will look good. A farm house/barn style home would especially benefit from this type of second hand bar table. For a more modern home, go for a chrome, aluminum or white wood design that will match the theme and decor of your house.

Second hand bar tables are a great addition to your home. They add unique style to your kitchen making it look different from others by having a raised table. Second hand bar tables are very flexible as you could place them pretty much anywhere. You can put it in a conservatory to use for family dinners or special occasions. You can also purchase aluminium bar tables for your garden which can add an exclusive style. An alternative use for your second hand bar table is to use it as a desk as well as an eating area. This will be very useful for anyone who works from home or have kids who often have school or college work.

Furniture is one of the most important thing in our houses. Whether it is Bedroom, Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Dining Room or Playroom, furniture is the key to all these rooms. And when you want to purchase furniture for your home or office then there are lot of other things which you have to consider other than price.

Before purchasing any furniture for your home or office you must check the exact measurement of your room as too big or too small furniture make your room shape look slightly odd. You need to make sure your second hand bar table leaves enough room to pull out your stools or high chairs and leaves space around the table for movement.

For a wide range of second hand bar tables visit our website or view in store for a bigger selection.

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Choose the Best Second Hand Mattress for Your Comfort

At Home from Home we stock a wide range of second hand mattresses for your comfort. After doing some research on line we have found some useful tips on how to choose the right mattress for you!

What is the Best Second Hand Mattress for Back Pains?

Choosing the correct type of second hand mattress for back pain should be a matter of trying out several types and noting which feels the best. But ultimately you will have to decide what feels right for you in your usual sleeping position. You’ll want to be sure the mattress has proper support, yet not be so firm that it feels like sleeping on a board. A too-firm mattress may cause uncomfortable pressure points and prevent you from sleeping soundly. The best mattress for back pain will provide the support your body needs, but supportive does not necessarily mean overly firm. There is not one “best” mattress suitable to reduce back pain or back pain at night. Some individuals prefer a firm mattress, while others sleep better on a softer model. Either way, you can achieve a proper mattress for back pain with a second hand mattress constructed to support your weight and not sag.

Second Hand Foam Mattress

Second hand foam mattresses are extremely comfortable and relaxing. They help evenly distribute your weight, promoting a more pleasant sleep. They also reduce pressure on certain spots on your body and are helpful when sleeping with restless partners, as movement elsewhere on the bed doesn’t disturb your side of the bed.
Second Hand Posture/Orthopedic Mattressesis meant to help with a number of skeletal issues, as well as insomnia. Despite its name, the key purpose of a posture mattress is not to improve one’s posture in daily life.

Second Hand Posture/Orthopedic Mattress

A posture mattress, which is also sometimes referred to as an orthopedic mattress, is meant to help with a number of skeletal issues, as well as insomnia. Despite its name, the key purpose of a second hand posture mattress is not to improve one’s posture in daily life. The mattress works to properly align the spine during sleep and rest. Other possible benefits include a reduction in body stiffness and body aches.

How to Choose the Best Second Hand King Size Mattress

There are several advantages to owning a second hand king size mattress. The expanded sleeping area is ideal for two people, as it is still possible to enjoy some personal space. These mattresses take up a lot of room therefore you should measure the floor space in your bedroom carefully before buying any second hand mattress. For a smaller room you could consider a queen size mattress which wont take up as much space. it is possible to purchase king mattresses with just about any level of firmness you can imagine. If you share the bed with a spouse or partner, consider purchasing a mattress that allows each of you to adjust the two sides of the mattress to level of firmness that suits your individual tastes.

To view a wide range of second hand mattresses visit our website or see in store for a bigger selection.

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Add Style to Your Home With a Second Hand Display Unit

At Home from Home we offer stock a range of second hand display units. We have searched on line and found some useful tips about second hand display units.

Finding the perfect second hand display unit can be a challenging task. You want to find a display unit that will not only showcase your most prized possessions but have room for storage as well. Having a piece of furniture that has two purposes is very useful as it reduces clutter yet looks stunning in your home.

If your second hand display unit has sturdy shelves it can also be used as a bookcase. Bookcases are a great addition for the home, whether its just for display or for your all time favourite novels.

Most second hand display units are usually free standing and come in all shapes and sizes, tall or short, big or small, heavy or light in weight. Some come with lights or without, with adjustable shelves or not or maybe mirrored backing. There truly are display units for everyone’s taste, style and home.

Purchasing a second hand display unit with draws underneath can be very useful. Some come with cupboards underneath and some with draws. Your storage space could be used for special china plates or cutlery you want to keep from seperate china. Another idea is to use it for sofa pillow cushions or blankets.

For a wide range or second hand display units visit our website or see in store for a wider selection.

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