A Few quick Tips for Lovers of Wooden Furniture...
"Knock on wood" ~ this phrase has been around for so long that its actual origins can no longer be traced. There are different variations on how it's phrased across the globe but the sentiment is the same, wishing good fortune and preventing bad luck. That might be one of the best reasons to have wooden furniture around. CLAIRE FELICES reveals some valuable tips on how to look after your treasured wooden items ...
No furniture can whisper history as much as wooden furniture. Be it ornate, solid oak or just the run of the mill old study desk that’s been handed down from a cousin’s aunt twice removed. Despite the onslaught of progress and differing types and furniture mediums, many people still love to own end tables, book shelves, wooden cabinets and the like as they breathe warmth and adds a serene sense of calm to a room. We find ourselves scouring furniture shops, flea markets even garage sales hoping to spot a keeper, sometimes with a specific type in mind that brings back treasured memories.
No furniture can whisper history as much as wooden furniture ...
The people who love these types of furniture know that these are good investments and with loving care can last a couple of lifetimes at the least. Caring for your wooden furniture can be as easy as applying common sense.
Some good ol’ tips:
• Place wooden furniture away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Yes, we would like to show off our lovely window seater or hall table to our guests even neighbors but direct sunlight would cause wood to dry out and crack easily even change the colors of the finish of where it is exposed to the sun. Use curtains or a tinted window can help block out the harmful UV rays. A dehumidifier can help a lot in maintaining its natural shape in cases where the home or office have varying humidity levels.
• Lifting objects to and from the surface instead of sliding them to prevent scratches on the wood. It is even a good idea to have felt on the bottom of an object before placing it above the surface like figurines, vases etc.
• Lifting the furniture to and from a spot when rearranging would prevent dents and scratches on the sides and the bottom. Dragging them could cause damage to the joints/joinings of the furniture.
• Vacuuming, dusting and buffing with a soft cloth on a regular basis. Clean according to the grain and in some cases use a dry paintbrush for the engravings. Additional cleaning details will depend on the climate of where you are, the furniture finish and what the furniture is used for. Follow a manufacturer’s direction on how to care for a specific item carefully.
• Placemats, coasters, table pads and runners not only make for a contrasting, ornamental look but helps protect the wooden surface from spills, moisture and heat. Serving trays and candleholders are also wood friendly knick knacks to have around.
• Generally, wooden furniture are sensitive to damp conditions as it might lose its shape, gather mould and/or get discolored. However, some heavily treated pieces can be used outdoors. If this is your intention, be sure to specify this to the manufacturer.
• When used outdoors keep the furniture from damp and heavily drenched spots like sprinklers and away from the soil as it would absorb any moisture from the soil.
• And of course, spills of any sort should be blotted (yes, blotted not wiped) immediately for obvious reasons.
We scour furniture shops, flea markets even garage sales hoping to spot a keeper, sometimes with a specific type in mind that brings back treasured memories ...
Accidents happen though, and sometimes they leave near-permanent marks on our beloved wooden pieces. Don’t fret.
Here are some handy quick fixes that can be done:
Scratches – Some stores carry scratch cover up products. If you cannot find one then a felt tip marker or pen even shoe polish with a shade closely matching the furniture finish might do.
Spots / watermarks – Aside from being great on hair, mayonnaise could be easily rubbed on these spots until the marks disappear.
Colored marks – A concoction of cigar/cigarette ashes and oil could make it less noticeable.
Sticky drawers – Make sure that the furniture is not in a damp or extremely dry place. For wood on wood drawers (those that do not have those roller things on them) glide the bottom of the drawers with wax paper or a candle.
There's something inherent in wood that draws a soft memory of strength and the assurance of permanence that makes it an integral part of any home ...
However, if you have any doubts on doing any of these quick fixes, you might want to go ahead and find a professional to do the job for you. They could be found on the local yellow directory listings and most would even do a cost estimate of the job.
The furniture inside any room bespeaks our individual tastes and more often than not our personalities. But there is something inherent in wood that draws a soft memory of strength and the assurance of permanence that makes it an integral part of any home. With proper care these beloved pieces will be a source of pleasure and elegance. Its versatility has proven itself throughout the years and can still be found from the humblest studio type to the grandest of castles.
Looking to buy quality wooden furniture in Sydney such as pine or Tasmanian Oak at affordable prices? Check out the Habitat Furniture website by clicking here.
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