The Care And Feeding Of Wooden Furniture

Nothing takes the place of having beautiful furniture around us in our homes and offices. Our environments matter, and having beautiful furniture around us adds to those environments. Caring for furniture properly is important and keeps it looking its best and lasting longer. 

Taking care of your furniture is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3.

To Care For And Feed Your Wooden Furniture:

1- Give your furniture the rub. Dust can damage furniture and leave tiny scratches that allow deterioration to begin. To prevent premature wear and tear, dust your furniture at least once per week. Use a clean, soft, cloth to remove dust. Using a clean cloth prevents spreading the dust around rather than removing it. Wipe the cloth in the same direction as the grain of the wood.

2- We all benefit from taking a bath and occasionally, your furniture can benefit from a good cleaning too. Harsh detergents and cleaners, and water, are too corrosive for your wood furniture. Instead, use a gentle cleaner that is created especially for wood. Give your furniture a cleaning on a regular basis.

3- Restore luster with a good furniture polish. This feeds and nourishes the wood which can otherwise dry out and possibly crack. At least twice per month feed and nourish your wooden furniture with a polish that is made especially for wood. A polish that doesn't leave a residue is perfect. Apply the polish with a soft cloth in the direction of the wood grain. For those wooden furniture pieces that are oiled, use a good product that contains lemon oil. Using a product that includes lemon oil in its ingredient list will also increase the UV protection of the wood.

4- When possible use table linens, and place mats. Avoid using vinyl or plastic on your wooden table and rotate your accessories often. Should scratches occur, hide the blemishes with touch-up markers, and filler sticks. A good water ring and mark remover will be helpful in treating water rings. Avoid placing wax candles directly on your furniture or glass items that may perspire. This will help to avoid creating furniture rings.

If your don't already have regular care for your wooden furniture on your to do list, add it now. Then follow through on giving your furniture the loving care that it deserves.

Spring Decorating Tips

1. Spring is here! Nothing elevates a mood more than a new candle with a summer scent, a fresh pair of pillows on a tired sofa and boxing up a dark, heavy, winter quilt and replacing it with a light weight throw blanket.

2. Your home is a reflection of you! Select your furnishings and accessories to tell your personal story through their colors and style.

3. Cool colors like blue, purple and green are considered tranquil colors. Use them in bedrooms, bathrooms and family rooms designed for relaxation.

4. Warm colors like red, orange and yellow are stimulation colors. Use them in spaces for activity and conversation, like dining rooms.

5. Blend and layer multiple shades and textures of the same color for a monochromatic look.

6. If you desire a visually energetic room, follow the color wheel and use contrasting or complementary colors in your design.

7. If you desire a serene room, follow the color wheel and use harmonious colors or those close together on the color wheel.

8. Consider your lifestyle when choosing fabrics. Remember to combine patterns, colors and textures to give a room interest.

9. Be eclectic in your style as you select furnishings. Styles can be compatible but a little different.

10. The MOST IMPORTANT work you will do will be within the walls of your own home. Make it a beautiful and enjoyable place to be!

Heather Osmond
Osmond Designs