Rotating the Carpet in my Dining Room
Last week when I spent a day working from home, I decided that it was time to rotate the carpet in the formal dining room. To ensure even wear, it’s a good idea to rotate a carpet about once a year. The carpet in my dining room is sisal, a theme I have used throughout my home. My dining table and sideboard are early 19th-century Sheraton. The Sheraton style is known for its straight lines and its slender legs, which taper towards the feet. The bird portraits on the walls are limited edition prints by Belgium-based contemporary artist, Carsten Höller.
Obviously, to perform this task of carpet rotation, you must remove all furniture first. That’s easy to do with small side tables and chairs, but what about larger pieces like dining tables and sideboards? You’ll see from this blog that it helps to have many hands and good strong backs!
1 This is my formal dining room and I wanted to rotate the sisal carpet.
2 After working outdoors, Fernando washes up.
3 Gyurme and I are removing objects from the table. As you can see from the warty pumpkin, I had just started decorating for Halloween.
4 This is Verdi napping on his favorite chair. The towels help to keep the upholstery free of cat hair.
5 Surprise, Verdi! The chairs are English antique and upholstered in Kyoto tea green velvet.
6 Gyurme carefully removes the silver candlesticks from this demi-lune side table.
7 I begin rolling the carpet while three strong guys lift the sideboard up and over the rolled carpet.
8 Doing it this way is easier than moving the heavy sideboard out of the room.
9 The table is a Sheraton drop-leaf dating from 1820.
10 Fernando is closing the extension leg to drop the table leaf.
11 Again, lifting and rolling
12 Little by little, progress is made.
13 Almost there
14 Giving the carpet pad a good vacuuming
15 Vacuuming the underside of the pad's edges
16 You may not know this, but I really enjoy vacuuming.
17 Bartok is puzzled by all the commotion.
18 After rotating the carpet, Fernando measures to be certain that it unrolls exactly where it should.
19 Unrolling it past the legs of the sideboard
20 I love the afternoon shadows in this room.
21 Repositioning the dining table
22 Smoothing out the ripples
23 Replacing the leg cups
24 It's always a good idea to use leg cups to protect your floor or carpet from indentations and discoloration.
25 Don't worry, Verdi. Your favorite chair will soon be back where it belongs.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Martha, you must be the most trusting person in the world to not remove all the things from the sideboard. I would have had a heart attack with the guys moving it and all the things still there.
I wondered why you were vacuuming with all the strong guys around, but...you explained that.
And, in picture 22, it looks as if all of you are doing some kind of dance. Maybe it was The Happy Dance that you were almost through.
But, I would surely have thought that you'd use glass leg cups. I never expected brown rubber-looking ones.
Have a great weekend, Gloria G.!!!
Posted by: Gloria | October 29th, 2010 at 1:02 am
Now You do know that the jokes about how you like to vaccuum.. you can go over to my house and..yaddah yadda yaddah..when your finished with your rugs type of thing. http://www.themalemartha.com
Rotating that type of carpet is an excellent idea. Poor Verdi..just wanted a little down time..and look what happened. LOL
Dan Viger
Hollis Center, Maine.
Posted by: Daniel Viger | October 29th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Hi Martha! Love your formal dinning room with beautiful 19th-century Sheraton furniture and beauitful antique chairs. Love the beautiful bird portraits!
Interesting task of carpet rotation I can imagine the hard work and time consuming. Verdi is sooo cute!
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | October 29th, 2010 at 5:11 am
Hi Martha
Great idea about rotating the carpet. I have all wall-to-wall carpets so I don't have that worry.
Now listen, stating that you really love vacuuming is a bit too much. I have to tell you it did make me laugh.
Posted by: Ann | October 29th, 2010 at 6:59 am
Martha, I just love your blogs! Thanks sooooo much for sharing. You are one energetic 69 year old lady! I've never seen anyone like you before, truly amazing!
Posted by: KLBrown | October 29th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Many hands always help with great jobs like this one. The cats are beautiful...great photos of them. What is it about autumn light..the shadows are terrific! Yesterday was gorgeous and warm..it cooled over night in Philadelphia to normal autumn temps. I love getting to know your helpful team. The blog is amazing that way.
Posted by: E. Teresa Touey | October 29th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Martha,
Thanks for letting us peak in while you did a "little" fall house cleaning project. Rotating carpets is a great idea. I have been doing it since we bought our first home. I believe it doubles the life of the rug and well worth the effort. The dining looks great. What color paint is used in that room? Is it the same for the walls and trim? Hoping that color is available in your new Home Depot line. The room looks very warm and inviting. Perfect setting for an intimate dinner party.
Posted by: Barbara | October 29th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Only Martha could make this fascinating! I was riveted! And I enjoy vacuuming also - I just don't do it enough.
What a beautiful room.
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | October 29th, 2010 at 9:32 am
Hi Martha,
Your formal dining room is very nice and I especially like the brightness from the windows. Verdi in picture #5 really made me laugh - he wasn’t about to leave his perch for anyone! What was he thinking? “The only way I’m leaving is if you carry me out!”
~
I sure could have used your guys last week to help move my computer/sewing room furniture while I painted. The hardest job was moving the shelving units where I store all of my Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food magazines. I had to take everything off the shelves first but that’s what I get for not painting before I put the units in there. My consolation prize though was your paint sold at Home Depot. It goes on as easy as frosting a cake and dries in minutes with no lasting smell. I really do love it and the eggshell finish is supreme. Well, almost time to watch your show – have a nice weekend! Trish
Posted by: Trish | October 29th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Another good reason to rotate the carpet is to prevent fading from sunlight...your dining room gets a lovely dose of it.
Posted by: Susie | October 29th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Family member just refinished wood floor and she did it all by herself! My bedroom is not a mess, my clothes are laid on floor so I can organize them at a glance! Loved HOME show, today about bones. Some of us have had some of ours replaced and do admire you so much for your youthful life after hip replacement. Thanks for great photos.
Posted by: ann | October 29th, 2010 at 10:16 am
Beautiful formal dining room.
Only you can writing an interesting and informative blog post about rotating a carpet. Thank you, as usual, I learned a lot!
Posted by: Laura | October 29th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Hi Martha, What a great job you and 3 members of your terrific farm crew did rotating that beautiful sisal rug! Can I get that sisal rug at Home Depot or is it from another special place?! I've never thought of rotating a rug and what a great idea-learn something new everyday!! Cute photos of Verdi and Bartok! Love your dining room furniture, rug and beautiful bird photos on the walls. Yes, I did know you loved vacuuming just like you love doing many other things! Great TV Show yesterday! All of those dogs were darling, especially F.S.&G.K.!!! So fun to see Marc Morrone again and Harry and Coral Ann!!! Have a super weekend! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | October 29th, 2010 at 10:43 am
.
Halloween Two
.
Once again then, in the early part of fall,
The shadowed stable harkens to the call.
Anxiously hoping for this special day,
He patiently waits to put his role in play.
.
Rutger, the tall black handsome steed
Awaits his lady, to all else, no heed.
Head held high he is alert and elegant,
In his heart he knows this wish she'll grant.
.
At last she's here, his eyes twinkle brightly,
She always tries to visit the stable nightly.
He tries not to fidget while being groomed,
But excitement is paramount for his mood.
.
Her flashing brown eyes that tend to tease,
His demeanor conveys willingness to please.
Astride and mounted with rein in hand, at last,
Shoes clicking on the cobbles, the die is cast.
.
Trotting on to the countryside on All Saints Eve
They cleave together and his footsteps leave
A trail of infinite joy, memories and eternal hope
That enchantment lasts; she eases him into a lope.
.
Above the fog, the stars sparkle n brightly shine,
As the Bedford mists, the cool night air entwine,
Rutger and his caped lady share their outline well,
The beauty of it all and nothing can break the spell.
.
.
Hope i can hear some chuckles. Happy Hallo!
.
Posted by: celia stock | October 29th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Martha,
With all the things you have to do in a day, to see you vaccuming is priceless. You are my inspiration. BTW, I borrowed your idea of twig placecard holders for my daughter's wedding last weekend. I placed them on a leather tray surrounded by moss, and we had many compliments about them. Since they were to be moved to the tables, I added hemp cording on either end for stability. It really added the rustic touch we were aiming for. I only wish you could have been there!
Posted by: Lee | October 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Hmm, what kind of vacuum do you prefer, Martha? I'm in the market for a new small vacuum (just for small area rugs and hardwood floors) and could use some recommendations!
Posted by: Nicole | October 29th, 2010 at 11:21 am
That's what I like about you, Martha. You've never been put-off by hard work!
Posted by: Evelyn | October 29th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Actually I was wondering what kind of vacuum you use too!
Posted by: Shannon | October 29th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Fabulous. Great to see you in there with the guys. Your show is wonderful and I love your blogs! Thank you, Martha.
Posted by: Aliana | October 29th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
I think you should write a book about how you have organized your houses and your staff. Even for people who don't have a big staff or large properties, there is so much that you know that would enrich all of our lives with tips about hiring, organizing, scheduling, privacy, restoration of pieces, rotation of items, plants, silverware and glassware upkeep, renewing oneself, organizing your mornings and your day. Why not a fabulous "Martha Tell-All." You are remarkable!
Posted by: Aliana | October 29th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I do love the windows in your dining room and I agree with your comment Evelyn. Martha is not afraid to get her hands dirty and put in hard work. That is how she got where she is. Hard work!
Posted by: Frances | October 29th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Hmmm, I do not think this was on your October calendar. Excellent, spontaneity is a fun vice. Especially so when a life such as yours is structured to the absolute minute.
Posted by: Margie | October 29th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Beautiful interiors, very inspiring!
Posted by: Jenny Mein | October 29th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
In photo #22 "smoothing out the wrinkles" looks like everyone is dancing and having a good time...LOL
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | October 29th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
What a beautiful room. Could you share the name of the paint color on the walls? thank you!!
Posted by: Beth | October 29th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Lovely diningroom. So bright with natural light. Have you shared about the paint color of this room? Love it.
I've been thinking about your garden. Have you had a frost yet? We're out to pick all of the tomatoes tonight as frost is predicted.
Candylei
Posted by: Candylei | October 29th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
I love it you should do stuff like this more offten aan include us watch to get great ideas tio help our selves l you are beatiful marthat an so are youor hooooooooooouhhse anwould lovvr to see ui working in them morde ss
Posted by: Vvvvirgininia Hamblin | October 29th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
You have a wonderful dining room! I really like the neutral colours used in the design.
Posted by: Kay | October 30th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Yeah, i thought the same thing...wouldn't have trusted anyone to move the sideboard with all the silver still in place. I love to V too.
Thanks Martha and gang!
Posted by: http://twitter.com/geotravel | October 31st, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Beautiful dining room! Love the silver accents. Now you are ready to get on to the next American holiday...Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Jayne | November 1st, 2010 at 6:59 am
The kitties are so beautiful...they make your posts very special appearing here and there!
Posted by: Becky Kuchefski | November 1st, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Dear Martha,
You have added such fun to my life, reading your magazine and books, watching your shows and your online site, I just wanted to thank you for the peeks into your homes and your real life. I have gotten hundreds of great ideas and recipes, and learned so much. You are a huge help to women today, and a true inspiration to me. I carry your magazines in the school bus I drive and go over ever page when I have breaks in my day. Thank you again.
Posted by: Debra Pate, Michigan | November 5th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Martha, you are one of the hardest working woman that I have seen. I thought I worked hard but when I see all that you do, I am just totally amazed at your energy level...wow!
Posted by: Margaret Ivory - Ivory Pearl Bridal Mall | November 5th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I'm glad that you rotated your rug. I will have to do mine tomorrow!
Posted by: Desiree@ chic coastal living | November 5th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
hi Martha.great job rotateting your carpet.I also clean under my carpets and rugs.I was wondering why not invest in a whole house central vaccum cleaner.and also I would love to show you a photo of my cat Tinken who loves to be vaccumed by the vacumm cleaner.enjoy your day.Sincerly,Alina from Battle creek Michigan,where they make Kelloggs products.yumm!!
Posted by: Alina | December 16th, 2010 at 2:39 am