While wood furniture is a long-lasting and sustainable investment, it can be difficult to maintain, especially with children or pets. Unsealed wood or lighter colors may show imperfections more easily than those that are sealed. While it is almost impossible to completely prevent damage to your furniture, there are some ways you can maintain wood furniture with kids. Proper care helps your furniture have a longer life and more visual appeal. Here are some tips on how to hide scratches and imperfections.
Follow The Manufacturer’s Guidelines For Maintenance
Many furniture manufacturers will provide maintenance and cleaning tips that help the furniture last. Those who crafted the furniture will know what cleaners will damage the wood, how to repair small damages, and may have industry secrets they can provide to owners of the pieces. When it comes to natural wood, it can be hard to really repair dents and scratches. Proper cleaning can help limit severe damage from occurring, especially sticky hands or thrown toys from children.
Some simple guidelines to follow for cleaning wood furniture include:
- Using simple cleaners and avoiding bleach
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe debris or cleaner
- Use mild soap or wood cleaner for spills
- A damp cloth or a microfiber cloth will be enough to clean the dust
Use Slip Covers
While not the prettiest option, slip covers or edge covers can help protect your furniture until kids and pets are a little older. Modern slip covers are able to protect the top of your furniture pieces or fragile edges, without completely compromising the look of the wood. Even if they do look slightly unappealing, it is a small price to pay for good-looking furniture later.
Furniture Markers
Furniture markets are an easy way to cover up some scratches or stains. These markers come in many different colors, including ones that match natural woods, so you can fill in and conceal imperfections. Similar to paints, you may need to blend and add with multiple makers to get a result that blends seamlessly. One thing to note is that the markers can not fill in deep scratches or holes; it is only helpful to replace where the stain has lifted. Furniture markers are also a good option for furniture restoration, saving sections from looking lackluster or covering up condensation rings.
New Paint Or Stain
If a marker is not enough to cover up the damage, or you want to keep further damage from showing up, applying a darker stain may be the best option. If you have kids or pets with dark hair, putting a dark stain or paint on your wood furniture can help to disguise any mess they may leave behind. Before applying paint or stain, you should sand down the wood to ensure optimal results. Sanding will also remove some of the imperfections from your wood furniture.
Set Boundaries With Your Children
Solid wood furniture is often not the best option when you have little children, especially with the furniture’s sharper edges. Children may not understand that their toys, food, or bottles with damage the furniture, so you will need to explain it to them or watch them closely around your heirloom pieces. It can be difficult to keep children away from these pieces at all times; if they are older, they may be able to understand the consequences of potentially damaging the wood furniture.
Buy Furniture Specifically For Your Children
When you have a solid wood table or dresser, children may be upset when they are prevented from using it. Buying children their own plastic set of furniture can help them have a designated spot for messy activities or meal times. This protects your wood pieces from damage while helping them feel more independent. A kiddie table or play kitchen will help them develop skills without worrying about the longevity of your furniture.
Pieces From Sugar House Furniture
Sugar House Furniture offers thousands of wood furniture pieces that can complement any home type. Our solid wood furniture pieces are built to last for many years, even as you go through life changes and have kids. Well-maintained and cleaned wood furniture will last through stains and scratches.
From tables to dressers to vanities, Sugar House Furniture has something for every homeowner’s type and style. Our mission-style furniture is built to make a statement, with ornate carvings and unique wood grain. Visit our warehouse to see all of our different options that will complement your home design.
