Furniture Care

Effects of Heat and Light

The humidity level in Orchid’s wooden furniture is measured at source, where the wood is kiln dried to extract as much moisture as possible. However, on arrival in the UK’s drier climate, occasionally some movement or splitting can occur.

This drying effect can increase considerably if the wood is placed close to a heat source, or in direct sunlight.

Placing furniture in direct sunlight may also cause fading, and the drying effect of the heat is likely to cause wood movement or splitting. Generally once repaired the wood will settle and no further problems should occur.*

It is possible to retain some humidity by placing a small bowl of water near to, or inside, the piece of furniture.

Chinese Lacquer

Chinese lacquer is generally easy to care for. A soft duster will remove fingerprints – however the following advice will help prolong the life of the lacquer.

Use a furniture cleaning spray, this contains silicone which helps disguise superficial marks and will “fill– light scratches.

Wipe up spills, as soon as they occur, with a soft, slightly damp cloth using only warm water, not detergents.

Bring back the original colour and shine by occasionally using scratch remover for car paint-work, then finish off with car wax for a wonderful polish.

White Lacquer

The hand finished, traditional white lacquer may “yellow” under some light and heat conditions. This is unavoidable due to the natural ingredients of the lacquer.

American Walnut

This smooth hardwood is very easy to care for. It is a stable wood and needs only regular dusting or a damp cloth for spillages. Cleaning with a silicone spray will restore lustre to the finish.

* Please Note: Under-floor heating can cause extreme shrinkage to wooden furniture (which is why special wood is used for floors over this type of heating). Whilst we can facilitate repairs, we will not cover costs associated with damage due to this type of heat source.

Read more important points about under-floor heating.