The 1950’s house was a scientific
triumph, designed in a laboratory and tested on inhabitants of all
ages before being built for the masses. Never had homes been so
thoroughly contemporary, with antiques and period styles entirely
banished. This video explores the interior decor of that decade.
Explore the
Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Architecture, one of the most
influential styles of the 20th century. Known for its clean lines,
flat planes, large glass walls, natural materials, and strong
indoor–outdoor connection, Mid-Century Modern design shaped the way
people think about modern living. Click on the
title to view.
And look for other videos in selected articles.
Can't find what
you're looking for? Go to
our Sitemap
Find
out what's coming in the
2026 Holiday
Edition
of
the
THE ANTIQUES ALMANAC
"Christmas in America"
COMING IN
December
Share pages
of this ezine with your friends using the buttons
provided with each article.
The morning of December 17, 1903 dawned bright with a
strong chill in the air. The wind hit 25 miles per hour
over the dunes at Kill Devil Hills, dangerous conditions
for flying a prototype aircraft. The Wright Brothers of
Dayton, Ohio, dressed in coats and ties to add a touch
of private ceremony for an event that would alter the
world. To learn more read "The
Dream of Flight."
Caring for Vintage
Chrome
by Bob Brooke
The
secret to successful chrome restoration lies in removing rust and dirt
without scratching the shiny metal surface. The problem is, while chrome
is a very durable metal and can last for years, it doesn’t take long for
it to get dirty and dull looking. And because you will need to clean
chrome frequently, it is important to know how to clean chrome properly.
Never neglect chrome. The best way to avoid damage to chrome objects is
to not allow them to get dirty in the first place. The dirtier chrome
gets before you deal with it, the more effort and force you’re going to
have to use to clean chrome and the higher your risk of damaging it will
become. The moment you start to notice a dulling of the chrome, wash it.
Cleaning Chrome Sometimes,
you just need to clean chrome—a soft rag or piece of cheesecloth and
some good dish detergent will do the trick. If the chrome is really
dirty, you may want to add some vinegar to the rag as a chrome cleaner.
Because vinegar—either plain white or apple cider—is slightly acidic, it
works well for taking tarnish and gunk off of chrome. To make sure you
aren’t just moving the dirt around, use different parts of the rag as
you go, so you always have a clean section. For a little extra cleaning
power, sprinkle a little baking soda on the vinegar-dampened rag.
To
clean rust off of chrome, nothing beats good old aluminum foil. Crumble
up a bit of it, then dip it in vinegar and scrub. Scrub with medium
force and re-dip your foil into the vinegar often. Afterwards, rinse the
piece well in fresh water. For severe cases of rust, you may want to use
0000 steel wool. After cleaning and rinsing, make sure to dry the chrome
thoroughly with a soft, clean, dry towel.
To keep chrome looking nicer for longer, you should wax it after
cleaning. This will reduce the frequency of cleaning. Any carnauba car
wax will do. And make sure you give it at least two coats. The first
will fill in any pores, and the second will give it a good luster. Be
sure to buff the chrome with a soft cloth between coats.
Replating Chrome
Chrome pieces more than 50 years old can develop severe rust, pitting
and discoloration that you may find difficult to remove. To restore
badly damaged tables and chairs, consider having the chrome replated
using an electroplating technique. This process involves stripping,
polishing and plating the chrome to give it a smooth, shiny finish.
Electroplating involves dangerous chemicals and is strictly regulated,
so this is a job best left to the pros.
No antiques or collectibles
are sold on this site.
How to Recognize and
Refinish Antiques for Pleasure and Profit
Have
you ever bought an antique or collectible that was less than perfect and
needed some TLC? Bob's new book offers tips and step-by- step
instructions for simple maintenance and restoration of common antiques.
Read an
Excerpt
Auction News
Get up to the minute news of antiques auctions
around the country and the world.
The
secret to successful chrome restoration lies in removing rust and dirt
without scratching the shiny metal surface. The problem is, while chrome
is a very durable metal and can last for years, it doesn’t take long for
it to get dirty and dull looking. And because you will need to clean
chrome frequently, it is important to know how to clean chrome properly.
Sometimes,
you just need to clean chrome—a soft rag or piece of cheesecloth and
some good dish detergent will do the trick. If the chrome is really
dirty, you may want to add some vinegar to the rag as a chrome cleaner.
Because vinegar—either plain white or apple cider—is slightly acidic, it
works well for taking tarnish and gunk off of chrome. To make sure you
aren’t just moving the dirt around, use different parts of the rag as
you go, so you always have a clean section. For a little extra cleaning
power, sprinkle a little baking soda on the vinegar-dampened rag.
To
clean rust off of chrome, nothing beats good old aluminum foil. Crumble
up a bit of it, then dip it in vinegar and scrub. Scrub with medium
force and re-dip your foil into the vinegar often. Afterwards, rinse the
piece well in fresh water. For severe cases of rust, you may want to use
0000 steel wool. After cleaning and rinsing, make sure to dry the chrome
thoroughly with a soft, clean, dry towel. 
