Few people realize how easy -- and satisfying -- it is to make a piece of furniture truly unique by using such techniques as staining, texturizing, ragging, sponging, combing and antiquing.

So why settle for a cabinet or chair that anyone could have when you could own one that's unique? These tips from the Unfinished Furniture Association can help you decide which way to decorate:

• What's your style? Do you prefer a definite style, such as Colonial, or an eclectic blend of things you like? Unfinished furniture is available in a wide variety of styles, ranging from Shaker to Mission to Country French.

• What's Your Finish? You can paint furniture brightly for maximum contrast in a modern decor or subtly antique it to coordinate with family heirlooms. Techniques such as ragging and sponging are simple ways to add interesting texture.

• Is Natural Your Favorite Look? Unfinished furniture is usually so beautifully made that it can seem a shame to cover it up. Since unfinished furniture was carefully crafted with quality woods such as aspen, oak, maple and pine with their own distinctive grain, a clear finish may be all it takes to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

  With unfinished furniture you can decide what you want to do after you see the piece of furniture in the room where you want to keep it.

• Will You Finish It Yourself? Stores will advise you on how to pick the best products. They know which stains work best on certain woods and can walk you step by step through the finishing process so you can achieve the results you want with a minimum of effort. If you decide you love the furniture but don't want to do it yourself, some stores will finish pieces for you.

Free brochures

Three free brochures are available, Tips On Buying Wood Furniture, Tips On Choosing Wood For Furniture and Tips On Finishing Wood Furniture. For more information, call 1-800-487-8321.(NAPSI)