Good furniture can be expensive, but boy does it make your home look good, right? That’s why you should do everything you can to preserve those pieces of furniture you love the most, and which you have spent a lot on, so that they can last as long as possible, and keep adding a touch of class to your space, but how exactly do you do that?
1. Play Defense with Fabrics
First rule of Furniture Club: protect your fabric. Whether it’s that trendy ottoman or your new favorite recliner, consider using fabric protectors. These handy dandy sprays create an invisible barrier that repels spills and stains faster than you can say, “Not on the new couch!” Remember, the best offense is a good defense—especially when it comes to wine spills.
2. Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Beach Days
Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection from the sun. UV rays can fade and degrade the fabric of your furniture faster than you can flip through a summer blockbuster. Keep your furniture out of direct sunlight, or use window treatments that limit UV exposure. Think of it as sunscreen for your sofa. It won’t add SPF, but it will stop your vibrant fabrics from fading into oblivion.
3. Mind the Paws and Claws
Pets: we love them, but let’s face it, they’re about as kind to furniture as toddlers are to organized living rooms. If you’re inviting four-legged friends onto your furniture, consider pet-friendly throws or investing in pet-resistant fabrics. Or, train your furry pals to love their own chic pet beds—make it the animal equivalent of a luxury penthouse suite.
4. Rotate, Flip, Fluff
Your furniture can get just as tired as you do after a long day. Give it a little perk-up by rotating cushions and fluffing them back to life. If your cushions are flippable, make it a seasonal ritual to flip them over. This evens out wear and tear and prevents your favorite spot from becoming a sad, saggy dent.
5. Clean Consciously
Regular cleaning isn’t just about good hygiene; it’s about longevity. Dust and vacuum your furniture regularly to prevent buildup that can degrade fabric fibers. For wood furniture, treat it to a regular polish with products suited for the wood type. Just like you, your furniture likes a good spa day to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
6. Fight the Bite: Termite Control
Termites are the silent assassins of the furniture world. Especially if you’re a fan of wooden pieces, regular termite inspections are a must. These little critters can turn your precious heirloom into sawdust if left unchecked. Consider consulting with a termite control professional to protect your investment. It’s not the most glamorous part of home maintenance, but it’s better than watching your beloved bookshelf slowly turn to dust.
7. Treat Them Like Royalty
Finally, treat your furniture like it’s something precious, because if you’ve spent well on it it is. Use coasters to prevent ring stains, lift instead of drag when moving pieces, and avoid placing sharp objects directly on surfaces. Teach kids (and enthusiastic adults) that furniture is not a jungle gym. With a little respect and care, your furniture will look good and last longer.
Here’s to furniture that lives as long (if not longer) as you do!