October is national book month, so it seems only fitting to celebrate this item that is versatile enough to be a source of entertainment, information, and amusement, a coveted addition to your decor...and possibly even a source of vast wealth - if you're lucky enough to score a rare volume. 

Vintage furniture can have a lot going for it. But it can also have a funky smell. Whether it was in the home of a chain smoker, or it was stored somewhere that gave it a musty scent, you can get to the bottom of the odor, and correct it. Here are some tips and pointers for removing odors from wood furniture. 

Bleached wood is in right now. This chunky raw pine coffee table was easy - some white wax and a little elbow grease was all it took.

But how do you get the look, especially if your piece isn't raw wood to begin with? Here are a few ideas and techniques for achieving a lighter look on your old dark wood furniture, plus some cautions and caveats.