Furniture Care

Caring for Your Furniture

Every piece from La Residence Interiors is crafted to last. A little regular attention will keep your furniture looking its best for years to come. Follow the guidance below for our two principal materials.

Solid Wood & Wood Veneer

Our dining tables, sideboards, and chairs are finished with hard-wearing oils or lacquers that enhance the natural grain while protecting the surface. Wood is a living material — it responds to its environment — so a consistent approach to care makes all the difference.

Day-to-day cleaning

  • Wipe spills immediately with a clean, slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
  • For routine cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe with the grain, not across it.
  • Avoid abrasive cloths, scouring pads, or multi-surface sprays containing bleach or ammonia.

Protection & placement

  • Use heat-resistant mats or coasters — never place hot dishes, mugs, or pans directly on the surface.
  • Keep furniture away from direct sunlight, radiators, and air vents to prevent warping or fading.
  • Use felt pads under tableware, decorative objects, and vases to prevent scratching.
  • In dry environments, a room humidifier helps prevent joints from loosening over time.

Periodic conditioning (oiled finishes)

  • Apply a good-quality furniture oil (such as teak or Danish oil, as appropriate to the wood species) every 6–12 months.
  • Work a thin, even coat into the surface with a lint-free cloth, following the grain.
  • Allow to penetrate for 15 minutes, then buff off any excess with a clean cloth.
  • Leave to cure fully (12–24 hours) before use.

Lacquered finishes

  • Lacquered pieces require less maintenance — simply wipe clean and dry.
  • Avoid silicone-based polishes, which can leave a dulling residue over time.
  • Minor surface scratches can often be improved with a proprietary furniture touch-up pen matched to the colour.

Belgian Linen Upholstery

We select Belgian linen for its exceptional durability and its characteristic texture that softens beautifully with use. It is a natural fibre and responds best to gentle, attentive care.

Day-to-day care

  • Vacuum upholstered seats and backs weekly using a soft brush attachment to lift dust and debris.
  • Rotate loose cushions regularly to ensure even wear.
  • Keep fabric away from prolonged direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Dealing with spills

  • Act immediately — blot (do not rub) with a clean white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
  • Work from the outside of the spill inward to prevent spreading.
  • For water-based spills, a lightly damp cloth followed by gentle blotting is usually sufficient.
  • For oily marks, sprinkle a small amount of cornflour or baking soda, leave for 10 minutes to absorb, then vacuum away before blotting with a mild soap solution.
  • Always test any cleaning product on a hidden area first.

Professional cleaning

  • We recommend professional upholstery cleaning every 12–18 months for heavily used pieces.
  • Inform your cleaner that the fabric is natural Belgian linen — avoid steam cleaning at high temperatures or harsh solvent treatments.
  • Loose covers (where applicable) should be dry-cleaned only unless the care label states otherwise.

General Tips for All Pieces

  • Assembly & moving: Always lift furniture — never drag it — to protect both the piece and your flooring.
  • Tighten fixings periodically: Check and gently tighten any bolts or fixings every six months.
  • Touch-up kit: Keep a small supply of matching wax or touch-up sticks for minor nicks in wood finishes.

If you have any questions about caring for a specific piece, our team is always happy to help. Contact us here.