Care, Assembly & Maintenance

Our furniture collection is selected with longevity in mind. Many of the pieces we represent are made from natural materials using finishes intended to age gracefully rather than remain visually unchanged.

With appropriate care, solid timber, natural oils, waxes, stone, metal, upholstery and other materials can develop character over time while continuing to perform beautifully.

The guidance below is intended as a general reference. Individual makers and products may have their own specific requirements, which should always take precedence where provided.

Solid Wood

Solid wood is a natural material and will respond to its surroundings throughout its life.

Variations in grain, colour, knots and texture are inherent characteristics rather than imperfections. Colour may also deepen or mellow over time through exposure to daylight and normal use.

Avoid positioning solid wood furniture immediately beside radiators, stoves or other strong heat sources. Very dry or excessively humid environments can cause timber to move, expand or contract.

Where possible, maintain a reasonably stable indoor environment and avoid prolonged exposure to strong direct sunlight.

Always use coasters, placemats or trivets beneath hot, wet or strongly coloured objects.

Wipe spills promptly using a clean, soft and slightly damp cloth, then dry the surface.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, silicone-based polishes, bleach and aggressive household cleaning products.

Oiled Timber

An oil finish penetrates the timber rather than forming a thick coating over its surface. This preserves much of the natural appearance and tactile quality of the wood.

One of the benefits of an oiled finish is that it can usually be maintained and refreshed over time.

For everyday cleaning, use a soft dry cloth or a cloth lightly dampened with water.

Do not leave standing water on the surface.

Over time, areas receiving frequent use may become slightly lighter, drier or more polished than surrounding areas. Depending on the product, these surfaces can often be refreshed with a suitable furniture oil.

Before applying any maintenance product, check the manufacturer's recommendations. Different oils and finishes are not always compatible.

When refinishing, always test first in a discreet area.

Waxed Timber

Wax provides a soft protective finish while retaining the character of the natural timber.

Clean using a soft dry cloth or a lightly dampened cloth where necessary.

Avoid strong detergents and abrasive cleaners.

A waxed surface may gradually lose some lustre through use. Where appropriate, a suitable furniture wax can be reapplied sparingly and buffed with a clean cloth.

Always follow any maker-specific instructions before re-waxing.

Oiled & Waxed Timber

Many pieces within our collection combine an oil treatment with a final wax finish.

This approach protects the timber while maintaining a natural appearance and allows the surface to be refreshed in the future.

For routine care, clean gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth and remove spills promptly.

Avoid repeated use of household sprays and chemical cleaning products, which can gradually alter the finish.

If the timber begins to look dry or worn, contact us before applying additional oil or wax so that we can advise on the most appropriate product.

Lacquered & Painted Timber

Lacquered or painted timber has a sealed surface and generally requires less routine maintenance than an oil or wax finish.

Dust with a soft cloth and clean marks using a slightly damp cloth.

Dry the surface after cleaning.

Avoid abrasive pads, scouring products, solvents and strong chemical cleaners, as these may dull, scratch or soften the finish.

Chips and scratches should not generally be treated with oil or wax unless specifically recommended by the maker.

Timber Movement

Wood naturally expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity.

Small changes in joint lines, panel widths or the alignment of components can occur as the seasons change and are normal characteristics of solid timber furniture.

Very rapid environmental changes should be avoided wherever possible.

New furniture should be allowed to acclimatise naturally to its room rather than being positioned immediately beside a strong source of heat.

Stone & Marble

Natural stone varies in colour, veining and surface character.

Many stones, particularly marble and limestone, are porous and can be sensitive to acidic liquids such as wine, citrus juice and vinegar.

Remove spills immediately and clean using a soft cloth with clean water or a cleaner specifically intended for the stone concerned.

Do not use acidic, abrasive or general-purpose household cleaners unless expressly approved for the material.

Use coasters and trivets beneath hot or wet objects.

Some natural stone will develop a patina with use. This is part of the character of the material rather than necessarily a defect.

Metal

Metal finishes may include raw, brushed, polished, painted, powder-coated, galvanised or patinated surfaces.

For routine care, remove dust with a soft dry cloth.

Where necessary, use a lightly dampened cloth and dry immediately.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and aggressive chemicals.

Untreated or intentionally patinated metals may continue to change naturally over time. Fingerprints, oxidation and variations in tone can form part of the intended finish.

Always check before attempting to polish a metal surface, as polishing can permanently alter patinated or specialist finishes.

Upholstery

Regular gentle maintenance will help upholstered furniture retain its appearance.

Vacuum upholstery periodically using a suitable soft upholstery attachment.

Where cushions are removable, rotate and turn them regularly to encourage even wear.

Plump feather, fibre or mixed-fill cushions as required.

Avoid placing upholstered furniture in prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade both natural and synthetic fabrics.

Treat spills promptly by blotting rather than rubbing.

Do not saturate the fabric.

Cleaning requirements vary considerably according to textile composition, dye and finish, so always consult the relevant manufacturer's cleaning guidance before using detergents, stain removers or upholstery-cleaning machines.

Professional upholstery cleaning may be appropriate for more substantial marks.

Leather

Leather is a natural material and will develop character through use.

Variations in tone, grain and surface markings are normal.

Dust with a soft dry cloth and wipe minor marks using a slightly damp cloth where appropriate.

Keep leather away from strong direct heat and prolonged sunlight, which can cause drying and fading.

Do not use general household cleaners.

Conditioners and specialist leather-care products should only be used where appropriate for the particular leather finish.

Wool & Natural Fibre Textiles

Wool and other natural fibres may shed lightly when new. This is normal and generally reduces with use.

Vacuum gently using a suitable attachment and avoid aggressive rotating brushes unless recommended by the maker.

Blot spills promptly with a clean absorbent cloth.

Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain or disturb the fibres.

For deeper cleaning, professional treatment is usually preferable.

Natural fibres can fade in sustained direct sunlight, so consider periodically rotating rugs and movable textiles where practical.

Rugs

Vacuum rugs regularly using a setting appropriate to their construction.

Rotate periodically to encourage even exposure to sunlight and foot traffic.

Use a suitable rug underlay where recommended; this can improve comfort, reduce movement and protect both the rug and floor beneath.

Attend to spills immediately.

For substantial staining or deep cleaning, use a professional cleaner experienced with the relevant fibre and construction.

Loose fibres should generally be trimmed rather than pulled.

Ceramics & Decorative Objects

Handmade ceramics may vary slightly in colour, texture, glaze and dimensions.

Unless explicitly described as dishwasher safe, hand washing is the safest approach.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature, particularly with handmade or low-fired ceramics.

Decorative vessels may not always be designed to hold water indefinitely; check the individual product guidance where relevant.

Assembly

Some furniture is supplied fully assembled, while other pieces are designed to be transported efficiently and require straightforward assembly on delivery.

Where assembly instructions are supplied, follow them carefully and retain them for future reference.

Use the correct fixings and tools and do not force threaded components or joints.

Furniture should be assembled on a clean, protected and level surface.

Large or heavy items may require two people.

Once assembled, check that all fittings are secure, but avoid overtightening bolts or screws into timber.

Fixings can settle during initial use, so it may occasionally be appropriate to re-check them.

Wall Fixings & Anti-Tip Restraints

Tall furniture, shelving and some storage pieces may require securing to the wall.

The appropriate fixing depends on the construction of the wall and may not always be supplied with the furniture.

Always use fixings suitable for the wall type.

If you are uncertain, seek advice from a competent installer.

Anti-tip restraints supplied by the maker should always be fitted.

Floors & Furniture Feet

Check that furniture feet, glides and protective pads are suitable for your flooring.

Dirt or grit trapped beneath furniture can scratch timber, stone and resilient flooring.

Lift furniture when repositioning it rather than dragging it.

Protective felt pads may need replacing periodically.

Moving Furniture

Where possible, lift furniture rather than dragging it.

Remove loose shelves, drawers or cushions before moving large items.

Do not lift tables solely by their tops where the construction makes this inappropriate.

For particularly large, heavy or delicate pieces, professional moving assistance may be advisable.

Tightening & Periodic Checks

Traditional timber furniture and mechanically assembled pieces can settle through normal use.

Periodically check visible fixings, especially on chairs, stools, beds, tables and frequently moved furniture.

If a joint becomes loose, discontinue heavy use until the cause has been identified and corrected.

Repairs

Many of the materials used throughout our collection are inherently repairable.

Scratches, worn oil finishes, damaged timber components, upholstery and other signs of use can often be repaired or renewed rather than requiring the piece to be replaced.

We encourage repair wherever practical.

Please contact us before carrying out substantial repairs or refinishing work. We may be able to advise on the correct treatment, obtain replacement components or liaise with the maker.

Warranty

Warranty terms vary between makers and products.

A warranty normally covers manufacturing faults rather than damage arising from misuse, accidental damage, inappropriate cleaning, normal wear, environmental conditions or unauthorised alterations.

Your statutory consumer rights are unaffected by any manufacturer's warranty.

Please retain your order information and contact us if you believe there may be a manufacturing issue.

Photographs and a brief description of the problem are usually helpful when assessing a warranty or repair enquiry.

Made to Age

Natural materials do not remain visually static.

Timber mellows, leather develops patina, metals can deepen in tone and textiles soften through use.

We see these changes as part of the life of a well-made object.

Appropriate care is not about preventing a piece from ageing, but helping it age well.

Need Advice?

If you are unsure how to care for a particular piece, please contact us before applying a cleaning, polishing or maintenance product.

Where product-specific instructions are available, we can help you identify the appropriate guidance for your furniture.