4 Ways To Make Your Furniture Last Longer

Everything faces the ravages of time, but furniture shouldn’t have to wither away. Furniture tends to wear out and break down faster than it should. The truth is, with some basic maintenance and oversight, your furniture can last long enough to let you hand it down to your children for their first homes. To help you get started, here are four ways to make your furniture last longer.

Keep It Clean

You knew this was the first step, right? Furniture that’s never looked after will become dirty quickly. As dust, dirt, and more build up on the surface, the original piece loses its luster and color, leaving a drab and dull piece. Make a weekly effort to vacuum the cushions, polish the wood, dust the shelves, and otherwise keep your furniture clean. Keep the curtains drawn when the sun is shining as well so that the colors don’t fade. If they have removable and washable slipcovers, run them through a cycle every month. Clean furniture sticks around longer.

Keep It Special

Living room furniture should always have a bit more deference than other pieces around the house. While the kitchen table and chairs, beds, and bookshelves are utilitarian, the living room is a place for entertaining guests and special. You don’t have to issue a draconian order to stay out of the living room unless a rich relation stops by, but the living room isn’t a site for playtime or art projects. It might seem unkind but make the living room furniture off-limits to pets. Cats and dogs have even less respect for your furnishings than toddlers.

Tighten It Up

Almost all furniture is held together by nails, screws, legs, and glue. Before ditching an old piece and buying new furniture, take time to assess the connections between the piece of wood, metal, and so on that hold together your couches, chairs, tables, and shelves. If things seem loose, get out the tools to tighten up the connections. See if any parts need replacing. You can easily remove and restore table, chair, and couch legs. Ditch a fraying and threadbare slipcover and buy a new one. Add wood putty, paint, or stain to any damaged spots on a wood table and polish any metal hardware.

Keep Stains Away

Are you looking for more ways to make your furniture last longer? Become a stain-fighter! Don’t allow food and drink near the furniture unless, or maybe if, you’re throwing a party. Food spills can get in-between and on the cushions, and water rings can stain and ruin the finish on wood furniture. Spray your upholstery with a fabric protector, or cover it with blankets, throw pillows, and other obstacles to stains. Otherwise, take care of your furniture, and it will take care of you for a very long time. Have questions and live near our furniture stores in Northwest Houston? Contact us!