The term furniture is used to describe a variety of movable objects, such as tables, chairs, beds, cabinets, etc. which are usually kept in a residential or commercial property for the purposes of making it a more comfortable place to live or work. Within each category of furniture there are many different styles; chairs, for example, can be upholstered or otherwise and include reclining chairs, dining room chairs, wing back chairs, chaise lounges and swivel chairs amongst others. In addition, there is also a wide choice of materials, including oak, a strong, dense hardwood and pine, a fast growing softwood.

Furniture Care

Many common furniture items are constructed completely, or in part, from wood. All wood shrinks or expands in response to the moisture content of the surrounding air. If the air is too dry wood may lose moisture and shrink and if the air is too moist wood may absorb moisture and expand. This can cause gaps to appear between, say, the joins of a drop leaf extension table or drawers to stick. These problems are likely to be only temporary, but can be avoided by regulating the moisture content of the air using a humidifier or portable air conditioner. It is also advisable to avoid placing furniture directly in front of heat sources such as radiators or in direct sunlight. The latter can also cause crazing, cracking or bleaching of the surface of the wood.

An accumulation of dust on the surface of wooden furniture attracts other contaminants, which can cause the finish to deteriorate. This can be avoided by regular dusting with a clean, lint-free cotton or similar cloth. If more thorough cleaning is required, it may be necessary to use a damp cloth followed by a dry one, but a damp cloth should never be left on the surface. Polishes, particularly those of the wax or cream variety, with no silicone content, can be used to enrich the look of wooden furniture and prolong its life.

Of course, once you have acquired a collection of furniture in your home or office, you will want to protect it from damage or theft. Many domestic or commercial insurance policies include, or can be extended to include, accidental damage cover, but you may also like to secure your premises with a door lock combination to prevent the risk of burglary; increasing sophisticated lock picking techniques, including scrubbing, raking and bumping, mean that all but the very best pin and tumbler cylinder locks are susceptible to burglars.

Did you know?

Our homes were not always well decorated and full with furniture. In Medieval times and Renaissance in Europe, furniture was so scarce that it was moved around from room to room.

Guest Blogger: Stuart from ironmongerydirect.co.uk/

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