The term “whatnot” seems to have originated in Scotland in the late 18th century. Initially, it was used to refer to a stand with multiple tiers and open shelves often used for displaying decorative items.
As the design began to evolve, so did the name, which eventually came to refer to any piece of furniture with multiple shelves, used for storage or display. As well as being used to describe the pieces of furniture themselves, the term “whatnot” has come to mean a collection of miscellaneous items.
What is not a piece of furniture?
A chair, a sofa, a coffee table, and a rug are all pieces of furniture. A refrigerator, a washing machine, a computer, and a television are not pieces of furniture. While these items are typically found in the home, they are not typically considered pieces of furniture and are not necessarily used for sitting or lounging.
How old does furniture have to be to be considered antique?
Antiques are generally accepted to be furniture pieces that are more than 100 years old. However, there are exceptions to this rule — furniture must generally meet certain criteria to be considered an antique.
The piece must generally be handmade, to start, meaning it was constructed without the use of power tools. Hand-carved details, dovetail joints, and mortise and tenon joints are also an indicator of an older piece.
The piece must also be from a certain era, typically from before the Industrial Revolution, which changed the way furniture was made. Quality construction and materials, such as solid wood joinery, are also a sign of an antique piece.
Additionally, any hardware used (hinges, locks, pulls, knobs, etc. ) should be hand-forged as well.
Finally, to be considered an antique, a piece should also have provenance — documentation that shows the history and prior owners of the piece. In sum, the furniture should meet all of the criteria described above and be at least 100 years old in order to be considered an antique.
How can you tell if furniture is vintage?
To tell if furniture is vintage, the best option is to research the piece and look for clues that will reveal its age. If you are unable to find any information on the piece, it may still be possible to date it by looking at certain features.
One of the most common indicators of vintage furniture is craftsmanship. If a piece of furniture has intricate carvings, hand-lathed legs, or other unique detailing, it’s likely that it was made before the advent of modern manufacturing techniques.
Folks often prefer vintage furniture for its superior craftsmanship, durability and beauty. Other visual clues to look for in order to tell if furniture is vintage are the materials used as well as the shape and style of the piece.
Check for signs of wear, such as a patina on the wood from age, or a more modern material like plastic or nylon. Furniture made in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s often have a more modern style, whereas pieces made before 1920 are often more ornate.
Examine the screws and nails used to hold the piece together and see which type they are. Lastly, consider the branding and labels – some vintage furniture pieces have identifiers such as a manufacturer name or logo.
Taking all of these signs into consideration can help you identify if a piece of furniture is vintage or not.
What is the only piece of furniture that Cannot go in the room last?
The only piece of furniture that cannot go in the room last is the bed. In most cases, the bed should be the first piece of furniture to be placed in the room to provide the foundation for the room design.
A bed should always be the first item to be placed as it is typically the largest and most central piece in any bedroom. Once the bed is set in place, other pieces of furniture such as a dresser, nightstand, and bedside table can then be arranged around it.
Additionally, the bed should be placed in such a way that it allows for ample space to move around from one side of the room to the other.
What is the couch in front of a bed called?
The couch in front of a bed is typically referred to as a daybed. Daybeds are extremely versatile pieces of furniture and can be used as seating in a living room, as a bed for guests to sleep in, or simply as a spot to relax with a good book.
Daybeds come in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing you to choose the best one for your space. They usually consist of a frame made of wood, metal, or upholstery, with a mattress and pillows on top.
Some daybeds even come with a built-in trundle bed beneath so it can be used as two separate beds. Daybeds are an excellent way to make the most of a smaller bedroom or guest room since they offer both seating and sleeping options.
How do you hang shelves in a corner?
Hanging shelves in a corner is a great way to make use of unused space and add more storage or display options to a room. To hang shelves in a corner, you will need to use a corner brace, which is typically a metal plate and corner bracket combination.
Begin by using a stud finder and marking the studs on the wall. If there is no studs, installing molly bolts or toggle bolts can help secure the shelves in place.
Next, you’ll need to measure, mark and cut the miters to build the shelf out of the material of your choice, such as lumber, metal, or plastic.
Once the shelf has been constructed, position the corner brace on the wall and secure with the appropriate screws and anchors. Once the corner brace is in place, hang the shelf from the corner brace by fixing the shelf’s mounting brackets to the corner brace.
Finally, give the shelf a good tug and make sure it’s secure before you add any items. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to hang a shelf in a corner with confidence and create another space to use in your home.
How much weight can a corner shelf hold?
The amount of weight a corner shelf can hold depends on the material, construction, size, and amount of reinforcement. Generally, corner shelves made of particle board, MDF, or pressed wood tend to have a lower weight capacity than those made of solid wood.
The weight capacity also tends to be lower for corner shelves with thinner construction and/or minimal reinforcement. A well-constructed corner shelf made from solid wood and reinforced with L-braces can generally handle up to 50 to 100lbs, depending on the size.
For heavier items, it’s recommended to either reduce the amount of weight the shelf is holding or further reinforce the shelf with metal brackets. Ultimately, it’s important to carefully consider the shelf’s material and construction when determining the weight capacity.
Do floating shelves have to go into studs?
No, floating shelves do not necessarily have to go into studs. There are a variety of ways that you can install floating shelves, depending on where you will be mounting them and how much weight they will be carrying.
If the shelves are going up into studs, then you should use screw-in anchors to secure the shelves. If you are mounting shelves onto drywall, then you can use toggle bolts, which will help secure the shelves and distribute the weight.
If you are mounting the shelves onto a masonry surface, then you should use anchors and masonry screws to secure the shelves. Additionally, if you don’t have a stud for the shelf, you can hang it from metal standards and clips.
How do I know how much weight a shelf can hold?
In order to know how much weight a shelf can hold, you will need to consult the shelf’s manufacturer, who will be able to provide you with a specific weight capacity. Alternatively, if you have access to the shelf’s construction material and measurements, you may be able to calculate an estimated weight capacity.
To do this, you will need to calculate the Shelf Area Moment of Inertia, also known as the lamination strength, which is a mathematical measure of a flat surface’s resistance to bending. Once you have calculated the Shelf Area Moment of Inertia, you can use it to estimate the amount of weight the shelf can safely hold by multiplying the figure by a Load Multiplier (which is specific to the material the shelf is made from).
Additionally, you may want to consult an engineer or structural calculations firm to make sure your calculation is up to standard, as structural standards vary from region to region.
Can floating shelves hold a lot of weight?
Yes, floating shelves can hold a lot of weight, depending on what material they are made out of and the exact design of the shelf. Generally speaking, wood floating shelves can hold up to 50 pounds per linear foot, while metal shelves can hold up to 75 pounds per linear foot.
If the shelves are well-constructed and mounted properly, they can support even more weight. If you are planning to store heavier items, like books or records, you should opt for shelves that are made of a material such as solid wood or steel.
Additionally, if the shelves are going to bear a lot of weight, it is important to use the right anchors and hardware to ensure that your shelves are secure.
Can a wall shelf hold a TV?
Yes, a wall shelf can hold a TV, depending on the size of the TV and the shelf itself. If the shelf is big enough to fit the size of the TV, then it can definitely hold it. When mounting a TV on a wall shelf, it’s important to make sure the wall shelf can take the weight of the TV, as it could become dangerous and unstable if the shelf isn’t strong enough.
It’s recommended to use a wall bracket specifically designed for TVs to ensure the shelf can carry the weight. A professional can help ensure the shelf and the TV are safely installed.
Are floating shelves strong enough for books?
Yes, floating shelves can provide adequate support for books. Depending on the shelf and its mounting configuration, floating shelves are generally strong enough to hold the weight of several books. Floating shelves are attached to walls using anchors and brackets, which helps to disperse the weight of the books across the width of the shelf, making it more stable and secure.
In addition, some shelves feature additional supportive crossbars for added strength and stability. As long as the shelf is properly and securely mounted to the wall, with the appropriate amount of strength for the load, it should be able to hold several books without issue.
What angle do I cut for a corner shelf?
The exact angle for cutting a corner shelf depends on the specific design of your shelf. A typical corner shelf will require two pieces of wood cut at an angle of 45 degrees. However, the angle may need to be adjusted depending on the size and shape of the shelf and the specific corner in which it will be placed.
For example, if the shelf will fit tightly in the corner and not project beyond the walls, then you may need to cut the wood at an angle of more than 45 degrees. Additionally, if the shelf will be curved then the angle will need to be modified to fit the desired shape.
To determine the exact angle for your corner shelf, you could use an angle finder tool to measure the angle of the corner, then adjust the angle of the cut to match.
