When you’ve invested in high-quality furniture, you will want to enjoy it for as long as possible. Furniture care can feel like an overwhelming topic; with so much advice out there, it can be difficult to know what to take on board.
Plus, to complicate things further, different materials require different care methods! To make it easier, we’ve put together all our top care tips for common materials together in one place.
These easy care guides will help you keep your luxury furniture in the best condition, meaning you’ll get the longest life possible out of your pieces.
One of the first things to consider when buying a new furniture piece is where you will place it. Of course, it needs to be in a convenient position for your home and lifestyle. Still, it’s best to keep these considerations in mind:
Direct sunlight: If possible, place furniture away from direct sunlight, as it can cause colours to fade and damage the material.
Humidity: Try and keep the humidity levels balanced in your home. Moisture or dryness in excess can cause furniture to wear more quickly, giving it a shorter lifespan.
Temperature: Where possible, try and keep the temperature regulated in your home. Also, don’t place furniture too close to radiators. Not only is this a hazard, but it can cause damage to your furniture structurally and aesthetically.
Wood is a beautiful material used in so many pieces of furniture. Whether hidden away in the frame of a sofa or centre stage on a stunning dining table, wood is a key component in our homes.
Fortunately, wood is easy to care for with some simple maintenance.
Wooden furniture like dining tables, bookcases, bureaus, drawers etc., should be dusted regularly with a lint-free cloth.
Use coasters on wooden coffee and dining tables to avoid rings and marks, even on veneered pieces.
When cleaning wooden furniture, be sure to wipe in the direction of the wood grain if you can see one.
Try and position wooden furniture away from direct sunlight if you can. The surface of the wood can become dry, discoloured and lose its lustre from excess sunlight. If it’s difficult to avoid in your home, consider using a tablecloth or runner to minimise light exposure.
A leather sofa is a common sight in many households. It's a classic, chic material that elevates a space with ease. Leather is generally easy to care for, and even as it ages and wears, its character only develops and takes on a more vintage appearance.
These simple steps help keep leather in tip-top shape:
Dust or vacuum leather furniture occasionally to avoid a build-up of dust and dirt. If you have a pet that sheds a lot of fur, you might want to make this a regular part of your cleaning routine.
Regularly plumping and rotating the cushions helps extend the life of a leather sofa by evening out the wear. Plus, it keeps your sofa looking inviting and comfortable.
If you spill anything or find a stain on your sofa, blot it gently with a cloth rather than wiping it, as this can spread the damage further.
It’s good to do a more thorough cleaning of leather furniture every once in a while. Follow these steps for the best results:
Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the furniture, removing dust and dirt. You can use your vacuum cleaner to get into the nooks and crannies for a deep clean.
Next, use a damp cloth to wipe your leather furniture, removing more stubborn dirt or marks. Be sure to wring out the cloth thoroughly, as too much moisture can damage the leather.
Use a specialist leather cleaner to treat, cleanse and protect your leather furniture. This helps keep the leather soft, supple and looking great. Avoid standard household cleaning products, as the chemicals are too harsh for leather.
Open up the windows and allow your leather to dry naturally.
Fabric upholstery is a classic choice. It’s versatile, easy to care for, and easy to customise by adding soft furnishings and accessories, meaning you’re never stuck with one style.
For day-to-day care of fabric upholstery:
Using a soft bristle attachment, vacuuming fabric upholstery helps remove dust, dirt and pet hair build-up.
Plump fabric sofa cushions regularly to keep them in shape and looking appealing.
At the same time, plump up any scatter cushions and throws too.
In the case of a spill or stain:
Gently blot the area with a dry cloth. Avoid wiping, as this will only cause the stain to spread further.
If this doesn’t remove the stain, add lukewarm water to the towel and blot again. Leave to dry, then assess the stain.
If the stain persists, try blotting using water again or try a gentle fabric cleaner.
