How to care for your new furniture…

Congratulations on choosing a piece of New England-made furniture- we thank you! With the correct care, your finely handcrafted piece can be enjoyed for many years to come. A few general rules of thumb to keep your piece in excellent condition-

  • Keep furniture out of bright or direct sunlight- excessive exposure to sunlight can fade your finish and dry out the wood.

  • Regularly dust your furniture to maintain the luster of both oil and lacquer finishes. Use a soft, dry cotton cloth

  • As part of the natural aging process, your wood furniture will typically develop its own patina and undergo color shifts and changes. Cherry tends to darken while walnut tends to lighten over time. Pine, alder, and red oak tend to turn more golden as they age

  • Don’t store furniture in hot spaces, such as attics

  • Avoid excessive contact with heat, water, and solvents


    If the information below doesn’t answer all of your questions, please feel free to contact us.

Lacquered pieces

Lacquer can be damaged by extended contact with plastics, such as pads for tabletops, lamps and sculptures. Do not leave plastics in contact with a lacquer-finished piece for more than a few days. Lacquer can be cleaned using a slightly damp cloth and light cleaning agents, such as ordinary dish soap, be sure to immediately dry any areas that you’ve cleaned. Avoid using oil-soap or silicone-based daily cleaners or dusting sprays

Shellac Pieces

Shellac can be cleaned using a damp cloth and light cleaning agents, such as ordinary dish soap or furniture polish. Shellac should not be directly exposed to standing water or the finish is likely to cloud or stain. It is important that you never clean a shellac finish with anything stronger than a mild dish detergent. Bleach, ammonia, and other chemicals will leave stains or water spots, and other chemicals may do far worse. Avoid using oil-soap or silicone-based daily cleaners or dusting sprays.

Wax-Finished Pieces

The best way to clean your wax-based finish is with a soft cloth soaked in water and wrung out. If your surface requires deep cleaning due to grease or grime build-up, add a speck of a dish detergent, such as Dawn or a bit of vinegar to your damp cloth. Avoid using oil-soap or silicone-based daily cleaners or dusting sprays. These products and the chemicals in other cleaners can contaminate your finish. Often a new coat of wax can refresh the look of a piece.

Wrapped Pieces

Your textile-wrapped piece will benefit from regular dusting to avoid particle build-up in any recessed or textured areas. As long as your wrapped furniture has been sealed it can be cleaned using a damp cloth and light cleaning agents, such as ordinary dish soap.