By The Associated Press

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (AP) - A favorite from your parents' time is again riding high and especially wide: the sectional sofa.

"The boom in home entertainment has fueled the popularity of the sectional today," says designer Lyn Peterson of Motif Designs.

Because sectionals involve lots of space, lots of fabric, and not a little money, Peterson suggests doing your homework first. Among her tips is to make sure you measure your living space and doorways before ordering your sectional. Make sure you choose a fabric that will last and in a pattern you can live with for at least a decade; a sectional can require 60 yards of expensive fabric, and an overblown flower print in that much yardage will look, well, overblown.

Peterson offers a brochure to consumers in the market for sectionals. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to "Peterson"s Principles for Selecting Sectionals," Motif Designs, 20 Jones Street, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10802.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - There is wood furniture, and then there is wood furniture. It's smart to know the differences before buying, points out the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, a national trade group.

"Anything derived from a tree can be described as all wood," says Craig Hansen, vice president of Hansen's Furniture in Bismarck, N.D. "That could mean particleboard, plywood, whatever."

Your "antiques of the future" should be solid hardwood, the HMA says. Solid wood means that each exposed furniture part is made of actual wood pieces, glued edge-to-edge or end-to-end.

"All wood" could mean a variety of materials used in furniture construction. That might turn out to be wood veneer bonded to a reconstituted wood product such as particleboard. "Solids and veneers" describes furniture which has some solid wood parts with wood veneer or artificial laminates designed to look like natural woods.

Also be wary of terms like "oak finish" or "cherry finish." That might just refer to the color.

A consumer can learn to spot the real thing, the HMA says. On a tabletop, for example, you can follow the grain to the edge and down over the side. If the grain ends at the edge, it's not solid hardwood.

Your furniture salesman should be able to point out good craftsmanship on the pieces he sells. Among the things to look for are dovetail construction of drawers, table leaves that are easy to insert and remove, hardware that is straight, and doors that swing freely and smoothly.

For more information on selecting and caring for hardwood furniture, contact the HMA at 1 (800) 373-WOOD.

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. (AP) - Here's how to create a sprightly looking wooden planter, courtesy the Hobby Industry Association:

- Prepare the wood on a wooden planter (24 by 6 inches) by sanding with very fine sandpaper or steel wool. Wipe with tack cloth.

- Spray box with light pink aerosol paint and let dry. Sand lightly with fine sandpaper or steel wool. Wipe with tack cloth.

- Tape vine-pattern stencil to box, but tape over section with flowers. Using a stencil brush, work in stems with green paint. Let dry.

- Remove the tape from the flower design. Using a different stencil brush, work in the flowers in red paint. Remove stencil, and let the paint dry.

- Spray with several light coats of protective sealer, letting it dry between coats.

Stenciling techniques are easy and can be used for many decorating jobs, says the HIA, a trade association of companies which make or distribute hobby products. "You do not have to be an artist to have fun using stencils," says Susan Brandt, communications director for the organization. "Crafters can visit the local craft store to find all the materials needed to enjoy this centuries-old decorative painting technique."

CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) - A custom frame obviously will cost more than an off-the-shelf, standard-size frame. So what kinds of things merit the more expensive treatment?

"If you have something you want to preserve, you should invest in custom framing," says Kimberly Ahern, executive director of the Art & Framing Council.

"Pictures of your children and special pictures by your children become lifelong treasures," she says. "A story about your son's soccer triumph in the local paper will have real meaning for you after he's grown. Portraits of your kids can never be re-shot. And as for a college diploma, you paid thousands and thousands of dollars to get it. Doesn't it deserve a good frame?"

Most people know that original artwork of limited edition prints should be professionally framed, but Ahern suggests these for the same first-class treatment: college diploma, family portraits, art you buy on your travels, kids' drawings, stamp or coin collections, memorable photos among your snapshots, bridal portraits, baby portraits, and special newspaper or magazine clippings about you or your family.

"Today's professional framers can frame just about anything, from priceless art to a special T-shirt," Ahern says.

CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) - Carpets and upholstery occasionally take direct hits from the dining table, bar cart, or candy dish, but you can't easily toss them into the washing machine, points out the Home Furnishings Council.

Spot cleaning is your first line of defense, says Cathy Bruckman of Guardsman Products, a company which makes fabric and leather stain protection products for the furniture industry.

Look for cleaning recommendations on the manufacturer's tags, which usually are found under the cushions or frame, she says. Most have codes: W stands for water-based shampoos or foam upholstery cleaners; S for water-free dry-cleaning solvent; WS for upholstery shampoo or foam from a mild detergent or mild dry-cleaning solvent. Bruckman says these instructions refer only the spot cleaning. Get professional help for overall cleaning.

Here are some common stains and their first-aid treatment:

- Red wine, cranberry sauce, holiday punch. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 cup warm water. If that doesn't release the stain, try 2 tablespoons of ammonia mixed with 1 cup of water. Then rinse with a mixture of l cup white vinegar to 2 cups water, then plain warm water.

- Eggnog or cocoa. Use a non-flammable spot remover or dry-cleaning liquid. Rinse with the vinegar-water mixture.

- Gravy. Start with a non-acetone nail polish remover, then rinse with dry cleaning fluid. After the stain is released, rinse with vinegar and water.

Bruckman says stains should be treated quickly; the longer the stain sets, the harder it is to remove. Work from the edge of the stain to the center to minimize spreading. Insert a dry towel under the stain on a zippered cushion, gently dabbing the top. Once the stain is gone, dry quickly with a fan.

For semi-solid spills, gently scrape up the excess before cleaning. For dry spills, vacuum first. Never pour cleaning fluid directly onto the carpet. Instead, apply with a clean cloth or paper. And blot, rather than scrub.

For more information, contact the Home Furnishings Council, 1 (800) 521-HOME.