Interior decorators and designers and furniture sales people speak English, the same language I do. But sometimes I get the idea that they don’t.

When they say a couch has welts, I immediately think of the angry red marks the boys bragged about after a visit to the headmaster’s office!

What they are talking about, is the covered cord frequently used to strengthen or decorate a seam on a couch or form the edge on cushions. It’s the same word with two different meanings. Every profession develops its own jargon, its own use of words and its own termi - nology. You may think furniture salespeople are talking about a violent wrestling match when they speak of knock-downs, corner blocks, convoluted springs, arm stumps and a distressed finish. Actually, they are only speaking in the language of the industry – the upholstered furniture industry.

How often have you wished that the bedrooms in your establishment were a little bigger, or that you had the space to accommodate a few more people in your breakfast room?

There is no getting away from the fact that good quality furniture, whether it is indoor or out, needs to be cared for and maintained.

Not only will this keep the object looking great, but it will protect it and make it last for a lifetime and more. Here are a few ideas on how to keep your solid hardwood furniture and various types of outdoor furniture in tip top shape, and how to maintain your furniture’s upholstery and leather coverings.