HOME HELP: 8 November
Q I have a Georgian cottage and want to replace the reproduction fireplace with an original. Where could I find one? PW, Yorkshire
A Nostalgia: Fine Antique Fireplaces in Stockport has a huge stock of fireplaces from all periods. What you are looking for is a simple hob grate. This comprises a basket with two shelves at the side as one cast-iron unit. The mantle would have been stone or wood. A fireback is optional, there wouldn’t have been one originally, just fireproof bricks. In Georgian times, the finish would have been black lead.
Nostalgia: 0161-477 7706, www.nostalgia-uk.com
Q I want to buy beanbags for Christmas. Having previously bought bags, I know quality and comfort vary. How can I get suitable ones for my grandchildren, who are both in their 20s?
LL, by email
A The more expensive the beanbag the more filling and better stitching there will be. Pay £70 upwards for one of decent size and support. Ru Comfy’s website shows models sitting on beanbags to give you a clue as to their scale and use.
Ru Comfy: 0800-088 4161, www.rucomfybeanbags.co.uk
Q I am refurbishing a shed to make it into a painting studio. I want to replace the neon strip lights, what do you suggest?
GB, Suffolk
A Why not attach to a beam or ceiling copies of the spun-steel factory lights that were used before the advent of neon strips? You can find examples at Skinflint Designs. Holloways of Ludlow offers lots of lovely, coloured industrial lights. For your worktable, they have lamps that come with clamps.
Skinflint Design: 01326-565227, www.skinflintdesign.co.uk
Holloways of Ludlow: 020-7602 5757, www.hollowaysofludlow.com
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com
A Nostalgia: Fine Antique Fireplaces in Stockport has a huge stock of fireplaces from all periods. What you are looking for is a simple hob grate. This comprises a basket with two shelves at the side as one cast-iron unit. The mantle would have been stone or wood. A fireback is optional, there wouldn’t have been one originally, just fireproof bricks. In Georgian times, the finish would have been black lead.
Nostalgia: 0161-477 7706, www.nostalgia-uk.com
Q I want to buy beanbags for Christmas. Having previously bought bags, I know quality and comfort vary. How can I get suitable ones for my grandchildren, who are both in their 20s?
LL, by email
A The more expensive the beanbag the more filling and better stitching there will be. Pay £70 upwards for one of decent size and support. Ru Comfy’s website shows models sitting on beanbags to give you a clue as to their scale and use.
Ru Comfy: 0800-088 4161, www.rucomfybeanbags.co.uk
Q I am refurbishing a shed to make it into a painting studio. I want to replace the neon strip lights, what do you suggest?
GB, Suffolk
A Why not attach to a beam or ceiling copies of the spun-steel factory lights that were used before the advent of neon strips? You can find examples at Skinflint Designs. Holloways of Ludlow offers lots of lovely, coloured industrial lights. For your worktable, they have lamps that come with clamps.
Skinflint Design: 01326-565227, www.skinflintdesign.co.uk
Holloways of Ludlow: 020-7602 5757, www.hollowaysofludlow.com
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com