Caring for gilded and carved furniture
Simple tips to keep gilded finishes and carved wood looking their best: gentle cleaning, protection from sun and damp, and the right way to move pieces.
Classic gilded and carved pieces need gentler and more regular care than plain furniture, but not much effort if you follow the right habits from day one.
For daily cleaning, use a soft dry cotton cloth, or a soft brush to reach the recesses of the carving, and wipe the dust gently without pressing. Avoid wet cloths, chemical cleaners and alcohol on gilded surfaces, because they can dull or remove the finish.
Keep pieces out of direct sunlight, which fades colours and fabrics and dries the wood, avoid placing them next to air-conditioning outlets or heaters, and do not expose them to high humidity so the wood and joints are not affected.
When moving a piece, lift it rather than dragging it across the floor, because dragging strains the legs and joints. Put felt pads under the legs to protect the floor, and watch hot cups and liquids: use a coaster and wipe up any spill immediately.
For upholstered seats, remove dust with a vacuum on low suction, treat stains as soon as they happen by blotting rather than rubbing, and test any cleaner on a hidden spot first. For polishing, reupholstery or repairing the finish, it is better to use a specialised team than to experiment yourself.
Note: this article is general information on choosing and caring for furniture; recommendations may vary with the material and finish, so ask the showroom about your specific piece.
