The best care tips for (antique) wooden chairs

Tue., May 21, 2024, 2:45 p.m. CEST

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Wooden chairs exude an irresistible charm and are frequently found in rustic or classic interiors. Generally speaking, wood lends warmth and atmosphere to almost any interior design style.

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A brief history of seating furniture

The first seating furniture in the Middle Ages consisted of simple benches or stools. Only the wealthy owned ornately designed historical chairs as status symbols. Stools were used in farmhouses, while three-legged stools were used in public spaces.

In the 17th century, low upholstered stools, called tabourets, were used by ladies at the royal court. Most early seating furniture was made from native woods such as oak, pine, and beech, while more elaborate styles were imported from continental Europe.

In the 18th century, the British developed antique chairs with their own distinctive features and styles, such as the Queen Anne chair with its curved lines and a solid vase shape extending from the backrest to the seat rail. Chairs of this period often had curved cabriole legs and elaborately carved embellishments such as upholstered feet, or ball and claw feet.

Have you recently purchased some beautiful wooden chairs, or are you planning to do so? Then it's important to ensure proper care to keep the furniture in perfect condition.

Do you need some helpful grooming tips? Then read on!

Tip 1: Clean wooden chairs every day with a (not too wet) cloth

Wooden chairs are timeless and have enjoyed great popularity for decades. You might even own an heirloom from your parents or grandparents. If you decide to buy new wooden chairs , office chairs, or armchairs, it's important to take good care of them.

Daily cleaning with a clean cloth is recommended. Lightly dampen the cloth in lukewarm water and wring it out well to ensure it is not too wet and the wood's oil finish is not damaged.

Avoid aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents, as these can negatively affect wood material

Tip 2: Ensure optimal humidity at home

The humidity in your home is just as important as daily cleaning. This is all related to how wood reacts. As a natural product, wood benefits from a humidity level of around 50%. If the humidity is significantly higher, the wood could absorb too much moisture, increasing the risk of cracking. This should definitely be avoided, especially during the winter months .

During this time of year, ensure adequate ventilation by regularly opening windows and, for example, hanging several bowls of water on the radiators. This is not only good for the indoor climate but also for the quality and lifespan of your wooden chairs.

Tip 3: Sand the wood every 6 months

To keep wooden chairs in perfect condition, it's important to thoroughly care for them every six months. This involves cleaning the wood with a special wood cleaner and lightly sanding it to open the wood pores. This allows for better absorption of care products.

It is recommended to use mild cleaning agents to restore the chairs to pristine condition.

For example:

Cleaning vinegar with oil
soda
Green soap

Tip 4: Treat wooden chairs with oil

We've already touched on this briefly: Treating wood with oil is a proven method to ensure the material's longevity and beauty. Oiling deeply moisturizes the wood, helping to prevent drying out and the formation of unsightly cracks.

At the same time, a protective layer forms on the surface, preventing the wood from quickly absorbing liquids. This avoids unsightly stains and rings, which in turn improves the aesthetics and durability of the wood.

With proper care and regular oil treatment, the wood can retain its natural beauty for a long time.

How often should wooden chairs be treated with oil?

How often you need to treat the chairs with oil depends on the humidity and sunlight in your home.

Especially if the chairs are frequently exposed to sunlight, intensive care is required. Always check the wood's structure. If the wood pores are open and the material is rough, then treatment with oil is advisable.

Tip 5: Use a coat of varnish instead of oil

Do you prefer wooden chairs with a natural look? Then I recommend using a varnish instead of oil. This is particularly suitable for oak chairs, for example. The varnish will slow down the development of damage, rings, and stains.

Furthermore, the varnish gives the wood a natural look without making it glossy. The wood grain remains visible, which is very attractive. Should any small scratches unexpectedly appear, you can treat them with furniture polish.

Furnicher 's wooden chairs will soon shine in new splendor!

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.

www.kunstplaza.de