Mecox

Mecox Guides

Design Guides & Collector Care

Practical, expert-led guides on caring for, styling, and living with fine furniture, antiques, and decorative art — written by the Mecox team, the leading authority in sourcing and stewarding one-of-a-kind pieces.

How to Style a Marble Top Dining Table: Expert Tips and Techniques
Styling & Composition

How to Style a Marble Top Dining Table: Expert Tips and Techniques

Style a marble top dining table by balancing heights, mixing materials, and applying the rule of thirds for a harmonious look.

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What Is Faux Shagreen? Understanding the Luxury Material
Material Education

What Is Faux Shagreen? Understanding the Luxury Material

Faux shagreen is a synthetic material mimicking the texture of stingray skin, crafted from resin or leather, offering a durable, luxurious finish.

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Choosing the Perfect Small Sitting Stool for Your Bedroom
Room & Space

Choosing the Perfect Small Sitting Stool for Your Bedroom

Select a small sitting stool for your bedroom by considering scale, circulation, and design to enhance both functionality and style.

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Provenance & History

Understanding the History and Evolution of the Antique Bench

Antique benches, originating in medieval Europe, evolved from functional seating to decorative art pieces, reflecting diverse styles and craftsmanship.

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The History and Evolution of the Vintage Chest of Drawers
Provenance & History

The History and Evolution of the Vintage Chest of Drawers

Vintage chests of drawers originated in the 17th century as practical storage. They evolved from simple chests to intricate designs, reflecting changing styles.

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Understanding the Small Antique Side Stool: History and Evolution
Provenance & History

Understanding the Small Antique Side Stool: History and Evolution

Small antique side stools originated in 16th-century Europe as compact, portable seating, evolving in style and use over centuries.

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Who Made the Golden Stool? Exploring Its Origins and Evolution
Provenance & History

Who Made the Golden Stool? Exploring Its Origins and Evolution

The Golden Stool, crafted by the Ashanti people, symbolizes authority and unity. It has evolved in form but retains its cultural significance.

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How to Restore an Old Garden Bench: Steps for Reviving Timeless Beauty
Care & Maintenance

How to Restore an Old Garden Bench: Steps for Reviving Timeless Beauty

Restore an old garden bench by cleaning, sanding, repairing, and repainting. Use wood filler for cracks, sand surfaces, and apply weather-resistant paint.

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Provenance & History

Understanding the History and Evolution of Vintage Rattan Furniture

Vintage rattan furniture, originating from Southeast Asia, became popular in Western interiors post-1850s, evolving from colonial verandas to modern homes.

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Choosing the Best Outdoor Rattan Furniture: A Guide to Quality and Longevity
Buying Guide

Choosing the Best Outdoor Rattan Furniture: A Guide to Quality and Longevity

For lasting outdoor rattan furniture, prioritize solid construction, durable materials, and high-quality finishes.

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The Evolution of the Antique Looking Chest of Drawers
Provenance & History

The Evolution of the Antique Looking Chest of Drawers

The chest of drawers originated in 17th-century Europe as a practical storage solution, evolving from simple box forms to ornate designs.

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Choosing the Right Narrow Tall Chest of Drawers for Small Spaces
Room & Space

Choosing the Right Narrow Tall Chest of Drawers for Small Spaces

Select a narrow tall chest of drawers for your space by focusing on circulation, sightlines, and scale. Opt for re-edition Italian designs with versatile finishes.

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Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Patio Coffee Table for Your Space
Room & Space

Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Patio Coffee Table for Your Space

Select an outdoor patio coffee table by considering your space's size, circulation, and weather conditions, using materials like faux bois or stone.

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What Makes the Best Outdoor Side Tables Last?
Buying Guide

What Makes the Best Outdoor Side Tables Last?

The best outdoor side tables use weather-resistant materials, expert joinery, and protective finishes for durability and style.

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Choosing the Best Outdoor Coffee Table: Key Criteria and Exemplary Pieces
Buying Guide

Choosing the Best Outdoor Coffee Table: Key Criteria and Exemplary Pieces

Select the best outdoor coffee table by examining construction, materials, finish, and detail. Discover pieces that exemplify these criteria.

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How to Style Your Rattan Coffee Table: Ideas and Techniques
Styling & Composition

How to Style Your Rattan Coffee Table: Ideas and Techniques

Arrange rattan coffee tables using the rule of thirds, layer heights, and mix finishes for a balanced, inviting space.

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How to Decorate a Rattan Coffee Table with Elegance and Style
Styling & Composition

How to Decorate a Rattan Coffee Table with Elegance and Style

Decorate a rattan coffee table using the rule of thirds, layering heights, and mixing finishes. Use odd numbers and leave negative space.

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How to Style a Rattan Console Table: Expert Tips and Techniques
Styling & Composition

How to Style a Rattan Console Table: Expert Tips and Techniques

Style a rattan console table by using the rule of thirds, layering heights, and mixing finishes. Balance negative space with decor elements.

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Mastering Marble Table Decor Ideas for a Luxurious Home
Styling & Composition

Mastering Marble Table Decor Ideas for a Luxurious Home

Use marble table decor with the rule of thirds, layering heights, and mixing finishes to create a balanced, sophisticated arrangement.

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What Is a Mahogany Table? Understanding the Craft and Quality
Material Education

What Is a Mahogany Table? Understanding the Craft and Quality

A mahogany table is a piece of furniture crafted from mahogany wood, prized for its strength, deep color, and fine grain. It ages beautifully, developing a rich patina.

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How to Style Coffee Table and Ottoman for a Luxurious Living Room
Styling & Composition

How to Style Coffee Table and Ottoman for a Luxurious Living Room

Style a coffee table and ottoman by layering heights, using odd numbers, and mixing materials like oak and brass for a balanced look.

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Understanding Types of Marble Table Tops: A Comprehensive Guide
Material Education

Understanding Types of Marble Table Tops: A Comprehensive Guide

Marble table tops vary by color, veining, finish, and thickness. High-quality pieces exhibit uniformity and craftsmanship, without excessive chips.

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How to Start a Curated Art Collection for Your Home
Styling & Composition

How to Start a Curated Art Collection for Your Home

Define a theme, choose focal points, use the rule of thirds, aim for odd numbers, mix materials, and utilize negative space.

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How to Choose a Painting for Your Home
Buying Guide

How to Choose a Painting for Your Home

Choose a painting by considering quality, materials, finish, proportions, and craftsmanship details to ensure longevity and suitability.

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How Big Should a Painting Be Over a Couch?
Sizing & Fit

How Big Should a Painting Be Over a Couch?

Hang a painting 60-75% the width of your couch, with the bottom edge slightly above the sofa for balanced visual harmony.

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How to Choose Art for Your Living Room: A Designer’s Guide
Room & Space

How to Choose Art for Your Living Room: A Designer’s Guide

Choose art by considering space constraints: vertical pieces for corners, wide art for low ceilings, and gallery styles for narrow halls.

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How to Collect Art Like a Connoisseur
Value & Identification

How to Collect Art Like a Connoisseur

Examine craftsmanship, wear patterns, signatures, materials, and composition to collect art like a connoisseur. Consider condition, rarity, and demand.

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Elegant Marble Tabletop Styling Ideas for Your Home
Styling & Composition

Elegant Marble Tabletop Styling Ideas for Your Home

Style a marble tabletop by balancing visual weight, using the rule of thirds, layering heights, and incorporating negative space.

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What is a Faux Marble Table Top?
Material Education

What is a Faux Marble Table Top?

Faux marble table tops mimic real marble using materials like resin or laminate, offering durability, low maintenance, and realistic appearance.

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How to Style Nesting Side Tables for a Cohesive Look
Styling & Composition

How to Style Nesting Side Tables for a Cohesive Look

Style nesting side tables by using varied heights, the rule of thirds, and layering materials for depth while maintaining visual balance.

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Understanding Wicker Outdoor Furniture: Material, Craftsmanship, and Quality Distinctions
Material Education

Understanding Wicker Outdoor Furniture: Material, Craftsmanship, and Quality Distinctions

Wicker outdoor furniture is made from woven materials like rattan or synthetic fibers, offering durability and style for outdoor use.

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Understanding Rechargeable Table Lamps: A Comprehensive Guide
Material Education

Understanding Rechargeable Table Lamps: A Comprehensive Guide

A rechargeable table lamp is a portable light with a built-in battery, offering cord-free use and versatile lighting for various settings.

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How to Style a Console Table with Elegance and Purpose
Styling & Composition

How to Style a Console Table with Elegance and Purpose

Style a console table by using the rule of thirds, layering heights, and odd numbers. Mix textures and balance elements for visual interest.

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Essential Criteria for Selecting Quality Brass Table Lamps
Buying Guide

Essential Criteria for Selecting Quality Brass Table Lamps

Choose brass table lamps with solid construction, uniform finish, and balanced proportions for durability and timeless appeal.

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Understanding Nesting Side Tables: Form, Material, and Quality
Material Education

Understanding Nesting Side Tables: Form, Material, and Quality

Nesting side tables are versatile sets of smaller tables that fit together or separate for use, maximizing space and functionality.

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Mastering the Art of Decorating Nesting Coffee Tables
Styling & Composition

Mastering the Art of Decorating Nesting Coffee Tables

Decorate nesting coffee tables by layering sizes, using odd numbers of decor items, mixing materials, and incorporating negative space.

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Understanding Teak Outdoor Furniture: Characteristics and Quality Indicators
Material Education

Understanding Teak Outdoor Furniture: Characteristics and Quality Indicators

Teak outdoor furniture is made from durable teak wood, resistant to water and decay, with a rich hue that ages to a silvery patina.

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Essential Care Guide for Cleaning a Marble Table
Care & Maintenance

Essential Care Guide for Cleaning a Marble Table

Dust with a microfiber cloth, clean with soapy water, rinse, and dry. Avoid acidic cleaners to protect your marble table.

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Essential Care Guide for Rattan Chairs
Care & Maintenance

Essential Care Guide for Rattan Chairs

Dust rattan chairs regularly, clean with a damp cloth, avoid sunlight, and apply natural oil biannually to maintain their condition.

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