There is a great variety of materials used for furniture today. The best general cleaning tip is to use a dry cloth to keep furniture dust free. Dirt grinds into furniture with wear aging it more quickly. Moist cloth could ruin metal into rusting. Polish is specific to the material so be careful not to use a generic one from your grocery store. To learn how to preserve and protect furniture look for the different types manufactured you can find on line, or ask at local stores what they recommend. Don't buy off the shelf chemicals that could quickly ruin your furniture. Browse the web for the following catagories:
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS: Gaining popularity currently this furniture is made of lumber from certified sustainable sources, sustainable veneers, bamboo, or plywood and composite panels made from natural fibers.
RECYCLED MATERIALS: Gaining more popularity as more companies emerge to manufacture, the furniture is made of recycled plastics, wood, metal, glass, rubber, composites, compressed paper, fabric, cork, and mixed media.
MID CENTURY MODERN: Collected as the antiques of the future this furniture was made of materials such as metal, veneer, plastic, solid core, plywood, woven rope, mirror, glass, rubber, cork, compressed paper, leather, vinyl, and more.
ANTIQUES: Furniture that is over 100 years old is considered an antique. However, the value is further determined by what century it was made, where and how, who designed it, who owned it, whether it's signed or stamped to identify origin, condition of wear, certifications confirming authenticity or appraisals that come with the piece, rarity, and desirability.
Photo credit: Partners Desk photo - courtesy of Macek Furniture, manufacturers and designers of sustainable design custom furniture.
