How To Care For And Maintain Luxury Dining Tables And Chairs

Indulging in a luxurious dining experience is not just about the food and the ambience but also the exquisite dining furniture in the room.

As a proud owner of high-end dining tables and chairs, you know how crucial it is to keep them in pristine condition to maintain their elegance and value.

With our insightful guide on how to care for and maintain luxury dining tables and chairs, you can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level.

From cleaning and upkeep to preventive measures and repairs, our expert tips will ensure that the furniture you cherish will remain a sight to behold for years.

Regular cleaning and dusting: Keeping your dining set looking its best

One of the most crucial steps in maintaining a dining table is to keep it clean and dust-free. In addition to weekly dusting, use a lint-free cloth dampened with mild soapy water to clean surfaces every few months, depending on your needs and the use of the furniture. Always dry immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Start with an inconspicuous piece of furniture, such as the inside of a chair or dining table leg, to ensure the cleaning solution doesn't stain it. Remember polish or oil leaves a waxy residue that can build up over time, dulling surfaces and collecting dust. 

Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to clean luxury furniture. If your pieces need a more thorough cleaning, you should seek professional cleaning services to do so safely. Lastly, for upholstered pieces, always follow the cleaning instructions on the furniture fabric labels.

Polishing and waxing: Maintaining the finish on your dining table

For your dining set to keep looking its best, it's essential to maintain the finish of your tables and chairs. This includes regular buffing and waxing, which help protect the wood and give it a nice shine. Apply a thin, even coat of premium wax or polish intended for the surface you are working with:

• Clean your table: The first step in polishing a wood table is cleaning it. Use a soft cloth and mineral spirits to remove all dirt, grease and wax residue from the surface. Be sure to move gently, as you don't want to damage the table’s finish.
• Apply wax: The best way to apply furniture wax is in a back-and-forth motion. This ensures that you provide a thin layer of wax. Apply the wax in the same direction as the wood grain.
• Buff down the table: Finally, use a clean cloth to polish the surface. Move it in a circular motion over the entire surface, then continue to buff until there are no dull spots. Shine a bright light on it from the corner to highlight areas that need extra attention with extra polish.

As a luxury interior design and furniture brand, FCI London provides an array of services to assist you in maintaining the beauty and longevity of your dining furniture. Our expert design team is always available to offer guidance and support on the best ways to care for your luxury pieces. 

Stain Removal: Techniques for removing spills and stains

Before you know it, your pristine dining room furniture will look shabby and stained. As you begin to work on these stains, we recommend trying your chosen stain removal technique on inconspicuous areas. 

Wood

Removing stains on a wooden table requires some care and attention, as you do not want to damage the surface of the wood. For surface stains, a gentle solution of warm water and mild dish soap, applied with a soft cloth, can be effective. For deeper stains, you can use a solution of equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.

Marble

Marble table tops like the Omega Dining Table by Longhi are porous and easily stained, so it is important to act quickly when spills occur. Blot up the excess liquid with a clean, dry cloth, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, you can create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly. Cover the paste with plastic wrap and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it away with a damp cloth. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the marble.

Glass

For glass table tops, use a mixture of warm water and white vinegar to remove stains. Apply the solution and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective. Apply the paste and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive or scratchy cleaners on a table like the Adam Dining Table by Gallotti & Radice, as they can scratch the surface of the glass.

Removing stains on upholstered chairs

If there are stains on your upholstered furniture, it is vital to remove them immediately for the best results. Many repetitions may be required.

For thin liquids such as coffee, tea, red wine, etc., clean with a lint-free and grease-free cloth, warm water and a mild, colourless detergent. Use stain removers only if the fabric is resistant to them, never on wool. If your stains are still wet, treat them immediately. If not, start by vacuuming the entire surface very thoroughly. 

• Dab the spill with a dry cloth
• Dab the stain and the rest of the surface with warm water
• Dab the surface with a dry cloth
• If necessary, gently massage dishwashing soap into the fabric on and around the stain, and leave it overnight.
• Dab with damp cloths until the soap is gone, working the stain from the outer edge towards the middle – rinse to remove soap residue.
• Finally, dab it with a dry cloth
• Repeat the treatment several times if necessary.

Repairing scratches and dents: Tips for restoring your dining set

Don't let scratches and dents ruin the beauty and elegance of your luxurious dining set. Fortunately, restoring your furniture to its original glory is possible. There is an easy remedy for minor scratches with a touch-up marker or wax stick that matches the colour of your furniture.

Meanwhile, to resolve deeper scratches, simply sand the affected area and apply a matching stain or paint. For dents, raise the fibres by steaming the area with a damp cloth and hot iron before sanding and applying a matching stain or paint. 

If the damage is extensive, it is advisable to seek the help of a professional furniture repair service. By giving your dining set a little bit of love and attention, it can look as good as new.

Upholstery Care: Cleaning and protecting the fabric or leather on your dining chairs

Dining chair upholstery can also get dirty and stained over time, so take good care of it. Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the fabric or leather. Use a conditioner to prevent cracking or fading.

Fabric

Vacuum your upholstered dining chairs regularly with a handheld vacuum cleaner or a suitable attachment.

Blot up stains immediately with a clean white cloth. Do not wipe it - this will spread it.

If the stain persists, try lifting it further by continuing to blot with a lint-free cloth dampened in mild soapy water. To remove extra moisture, wipe it with a cloth and let it air dry.

Leather

To prevent dust accumulation, vacuum the leather occasionally. Use a soft brush or a dry, lint-free cloth to avoid scratching.

Leather scratches often fade over time, but you can gently rub the area with clean hands to polish them off. If pets lie or climb on leather upholstery, we recommend using protective covers or blankets.

To keep the leather moisturised, it is necessary to treat it with a conditioner. However, be careful about the product you use, as some oils can change the colour of your leather. As always, test in an inconspicuous area first.

Please note that the skin may darken and wrinkle over time. This is not a defect, but a natural ageing of expensive materials.

Storage and protection: Tips for keeping your dining set in top condition when not in use

Keep your dining room furniture in a secure location. It helps prevent damage from dust, moisture and other environmental factors.

If you don't have a separate dining area, consider using furniture slipcovers or placing a dining set in storage. The first thing to do when storing furniture is to clean it thoroughly. Dust or dirt left on the surface after long storage can cause permanent damage or stains.

Use padded covers or furniture blankets to cover wooden furniture: the soft, air-permeable material protects wooden surfaces from scratches and dents, prevents them from accumulating dust and dirt, and allows air to circulate freely around them.

Place pieces of cardboard on top of glass panels (such as glass table tops) and then wrap them in bubble wrap to provide extra protection for the fragile glass parts. Wrap leather and fabric furniture in sheets or covers to prevent dust and reduce the risk of rips and stains.

Do not use plastic wrap directly on wooden surfaces or upholstery - condensation can form under the plastic, causing the wood to swell or mould on furniture.

Temperature and humidity control: How to protect your dining set from environmental damage

The dining set's storage space must be kept at a consistent temperature and humidity level. Extreme heat or cold, and high humidity can warp, crack and otherwise damage your dining set. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain constant, moderate humidity.

Almost all furniture prefers a mild temperature. Too much heat or cold (natural or artificial) can cause furniture to age prematurely. Extreme conditions, such as very dry or humid environments, are more damaging to furniture and negatively affect its durability, aesthetics and performance.

Keep furniture away from direct sunlight and air or heat sources whenever possible. Adjust your window treatments accordingly as light patterns change throughout the day to prevent direct sunlight from hitting your furniture.

Professional cleaning and restoration: When to seek the help of experts

If it has taken on a dull colour from daily use, is covered in unsightly marks and stains, or the texture is no longer as soft and supple as before, a professional restoration can help. These are the times when you need to seek the help of professional cleaners or restorers:

• Odour: Every time you enter your dining area, there is a weird smell you cannot identify. Then it is time to get professional upholstery cleaning services.
• Increase in Allergy Symptoms: If you're experiencing more allergy symptoms than usual, upholstery may be the cause. Furniture releases pollen, dust, and pet hair into the air. You must thoroughly clean the upholstery to get rid of them.
• Visible Stains/Damaged Finish: The furniture develops discolouration, stains, watermarks, dents and other blemishes that don’t go away despite cleaning them thoroughly.
• Old-looking Furniture: Continued exposure to light and regular use has worn out the look of the furniture.
• Discomfort: Fibres in the upholstery have pilled, stretched, wrinkled, or have loose threads and feel rough when touched.
• Chips and Flakes: Paint and wood finishes can cover up numerous defects. But flaking or chipping on the existing finish of your table or chairs indicates they already need refinishing.
• Parts Needing Re-Gluing: You will need professionals to disassemble it and re-glue the parts together using clamps.

At FCI, we have a rich history of providing high-quality furniture and interior design services to clients across London. Our experienced team of professionals has the expertise to restore your dining set to its original beauty. 

We offer a range of services, including professional cleaning and restoration, to ensure that your furniture remains pristine for years. Don't hesitate to visit our showroom or contact our expert design team for more information on how we can help you with your luxury dining furniture.

Preserving the value of your dining set: Tips for maintaining its resale value

When you invest in a luxury dining set, you want to ensure it will hold its value over time. To do this, you must take care of it and maintain its condition. This includes regular cleaning, polishing and waxing, proper storage and protection. If you decide to sell your dining set, these steps will ensure that it retains its value and comes at a great price.

When you see that damage on your table or the finish has become dull, breathe new life into your wooden furniture by refinishing it.

Don't leave an extending table out for long if you have one. An extended table usually has less support than a non-extended one, so it can bend in the middle if extended too long.

If your table is only used on one side or the sunlight only shines on half of it, try turning it over. This way your table ages evenly.

Furniture Protection: Using appropriate products and techniques to protect your dining set from everyday wear and tear

Protecting your luxury dining table and chairs from everyday wear and tear requires using the right products and techniques.

Firstly, choose the right products when cleaning your dining set. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of your furniture. Instead, opt for mild cleaning solutions specifically designed for your type of furniture, such as wood or marble. Be sure to read the labels carefully before using any product.

Secondly, it is advisable to use protective covers to shield your dining set from spills, scratches, and other potential damage. Tablecloths, placemats, and coasters are all excellent options for protecting the surface of your table from heat, moisture, and stains. When using coasters, ensure they are of the appropriate size for the glasses, so that condensation does not spill over and damage the furniture.

Thirdly, take extra care when moving or rearranging your dining set. Lift the furniture rather than dragging it across the floor, and avoid placing heavy or sharp objects directly on the table or chairs, as this can cause permanent marks and dents.

Although only minor maintenance is needed, the occasional deep cleaning may be necessary.

In conclusion

These tips will ensure your luxury dining set looks good and functions properly for years. Remember that proper care and maintenance are essential to maintaining the value and longevity of your dining set.

At FCI, We have a wide selection of fine dining room furniture made from various materials that suit your tastes. Visit us at our London showroom or contact us via Whatsapp to find the right furniture pieces to last a lifetime.

Need more dining furniture inspiration and guidance before getting started? Book a consultation either virtually or in person. With a portfolio that spans almost 40 years of interior projects, an experienced FCI design specialist will work with you on reimagining your space from top to bottom, down to the last detail. Happy dining!