Furniture Care

CARE FOR YOUR FURNITURE

When cared for correctly by following a few very basic rules and care procedures, your furniture should give you a lifetime of continuous use and enjoyment.

All Con-tempo furniture has been carefully produced using only the finest natural raw materials, the timber has been prepared specifically for use in the manufacture of interior furniture and has been slowly kiln dried to bring the moisture content down to between 8 and 10%.

Average household humidity levels are between 30 - 50% depending on climatic conditions. It is therefore imperative that the furniture is kept in as warm and dry an environment as is practically possible. Storing the furniture in conditions outside of these levels will invariably cause a degree of movement and create potential problems, particularly with doors and drawers.  All wood contains water within its structure and any changes in its moisture content will affect its density, volume, shape and behaviour in your home.

Our furniture is made from one of nature’s most beautiful materials and each piece of wood carries its own unique features with variations in grain patterns, wood shading and may even contain small knots. These unique features are not faults in the wood but are natural features that give every piece of furniture its own individual identity.

MAINTAINING YOUR FURNITURE

Oil Finish - To maintain your beautiful oiled furniture we recommend regular treatments with Danish Oil every six months. Simply apply a thin coat with a soft, lint free cloth and leave for 5-10 minutes for the oil to penetrate, before removing any excess. Leave for a further 30 minutes and wipe dry. Even minor damage in the form of small scratches, dents and general wear and tear can easily be remedied using Danish oil and a cloth.

Lacquer Finish - Our lacquered finish is extremely durable, which makes furniture easy to look after. Just polish regularly with a good quality furniture polish or simply wipe down with a damp cloth. Minor damage in the form of small scratches, dents and general wear and tear are best taken care of by employing the services of a local cabinet maker or joiner.

NB: Never use chemical, abrasive materials or cleaners on your furniture.

GRAIN PATTERNS, WOOD SHADING AND KNOTS

Each piece of furniture has its own character and will have slightly different grain patterns and variations in wood shading. This is normal in all furniture made from solid wood, one of nature’s most beautiful materials. 

Knots are a natural property of solid wood furniture. They do not affect the quality of the furniture they simply add character to each piece of furniture.

NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LEATHER HIDE

Real leather is a natural product. It breathes; it is warm and has individual characteristics, which are the natural charm and beauty of real hide. As a natural product however, it will display traces of its past such as brand marks, healed scars, neck growth lines, veins and areas of differing fibre density and hair pore structure. These marks all appear in high quality leather and are not defects. Natural leather proudly bears these marks as hallmarks of its origin. These individual characteristics and marks have been accumulated gradually over the years; they are not weakening defects and will not shorten the life of the leather. In fact, they are considered to enhance the appearance and distinguish natural leather from imitations. If you find these markings, then you can be confident that you have purchased real leather. In the first few weeks of using leather furniture it will acquire further natural creases and wrinkles as the fillings settle down.

Shade Variation - No two hides are totally identical and due to the variations in grain structure and fibre density as mentioned above, the dyes and finishes penetrate to differing degrees into the various parts of the hide to give attractive variations. Whilst every attempt is made to achieve uniformity this is not always possible. Each hide is unique, patterns and colour samples should always be regarded as no more than a guide.

Cleaning - Dust leather furniture regularly with a soft cloth – leather pores can be kept free from dust particles and grime by regular vacuuming, ideally once a week. Occasional overall cleaning should be carried out by wiping over by a tepid solution of pure soaping agent using a damp cloth, but taking care not to over-wet the leather.

Maintenance - Lighter colours of leather may become permanently stained by coming into contact with non-colourfast fabrics or clothing. Never sit on leather furniture when wearing denim or similar clothing that is damp. Wet hair and some hair care products may also have a similar effect. Beware of clothing, which contains buckles or rivets since these can damage leather finishes. Leather upholstery should not be exposed to bright sunlight, as this will likely result in fading. Protect leather furnishings by drawing curtains or blinds. Also, avoid having leather upholstery close to radiators.