HOME HELP: 31 January
Q I would like to give my son and his fiancée a four-poster bed for their wedding present. Ideally, it would be an antique, but I expect these are very expensive. Can you suggest somewhere to find one that looks old, but might be a reproduction?
JN, by email
A Bed Bazaar in Suffolk specialises in adapting antique beds and I am impressed by the results. I suggest you phone to discuss your precise needs. For a fourposter, you can expect to pay £3,000 for a Regencystyle, 5ft by 6ft 6in bed, and around £6,000 for a 6ft by 6ft 6in bed.
Bed Bazaar: 01728-723756, www.bedbazaar.co.uk
Q I need some small rugs but I can’t find anything I really like. I want something with a bit of character that looks as if it’s been around for a bit, but is in good condition.
CG, by email
A Tinsmith in Herefordshire sells kilims hand-woven in wool and jute. In soft reds, blues and greens, they would suit any room and a 4ft by 6ft rug costs £120. Its handwoven Ushka kilims are in red and blue but have a less-defined geometric pattern: a 4ft by 6ft rug costs around £195. I also like the jute braided rugs in Sea Spray and Chilli colours: a 3ft by 5ft rug costs £87.
Tinsmiths: 01531-632083, www.tinsmiths.co.uk
Q My friend brought her dog to my house and now there are hairs all over the sofa, which seem embedded in the fabric. What is the best way to remove them? The vacuum isn’t strong enough and I don’t want to damage the delicate fabric by using a stiff brush.
R D-S, by email
A I suggest you use a rubber-bristled brush, which will loosen the stubborn hairs. You can then sprinkle baking soda to reduce the static of pet hairs, which will make them easier to remove. Baking soda also neutralises pet smells. Finally, vacuum the sofa.
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com
JN, by email
A Bed Bazaar in Suffolk specialises in adapting antique beds and I am impressed by the results. I suggest you phone to discuss your precise needs. For a fourposter, you can expect to pay £3,000 for a Regencystyle, 5ft by 6ft 6in bed, and around £6,000 for a 6ft by 6ft 6in bed.
Bed Bazaar: 01728-723756, www.bedbazaar.co.uk
Q I need some small rugs but I can’t find anything I really like. I want something with a bit of character that looks as if it’s been around for a bit, but is in good condition.
CG, by email
A Tinsmith in Herefordshire sells kilims hand-woven in wool and jute. In soft reds, blues and greens, they would suit any room and a 4ft by 6ft rug costs £120. Its handwoven Ushka kilims are in red and blue but have a less-defined geometric pattern: a 4ft by 6ft rug costs around £195. I also like the jute braided rugs in Sea Spray and Chilli colours: a 3ft by 5ft rug costs £87.
Tinsmiths: 01531-632083, www.tinsmiths.co.uk
Q My friend brought her dog to my house and now there are hairs all over the sofa, which seem embedded in the fabric. What is the best way to remove them? The vacuum isn’t strong enough and I don’t want to damage the delicate fabric by using a stiff brush.
R D-S, by email
A I suggest you use a rubber-bristled brush, which will loosen the stubborn hairs. You can then sprinkle baking soda to reduce the static of pet hairs, which will make them easier to remove. Baking soda also neutralises pet smells. Finally, vacuum the sofa.
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com