Dining Furniture Care Guide

Finch Floating Dining Table - Caring for Your Dining Furniture

Caring for Your Dining Furniture

Quality dining furniture brings people together as the dining room serves as the heart of the home. Following simple daily care and protection routines helps preserve their original finish, elegance, and durability for years to come.

Note: As finishes, stone seals, and fabrics vary by manufacturer, always follow the specific care instructions supplied with your product for full warranty coverage.

Finch Floating Dining Table - Understanding Natural Materials & Finishes

A Note on Your Home Environment

Every home is different and the environment within your home will inevitably influence the care requirements of your furniture. Modern, energy-efficient and airtight homes can create conditions that differ significantly from older properties, particularly in relation to temperature, humidity and ventilation.

It is important to consider the environment in which your furniture now resides and adjust your care routine accordingly. Providing each piece with the appropriate care based on the conditions within your home will help maintain its appearance, performance and longevity.

Please note that care recommendations are intended as general guidance. Always follow any specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as these will take precedence and help maintain your warranty coverage.

Understanding Different Types of Dining Furniture

  • Solid Wood – A natural material that responds to its environment. Expect natural variations in grain and colour maturation, as well as minor movement or surface cracking with humidity shifts.
  • Marble, Stone & Travertine – Prized for individual veining and elegance. Natural stone is inherently porous and requires protection against acidic or staining liquids like wine, coffee, citrus, and oil.
  • Ceramic Surfaces – A contemporary, highly durable finish that is non-porous, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, making it exceptionally easy to clean for daily use.
  • Wood Veneer – Real timber surfaces bonded to stable cores, offering natural grain beauty with enhanced structural consistency. Should be treated with the same protective care as solid wood.
  • Dining Upholstery – Fabric or leather dining chairs and benches benefit from regular gentle cleaning, swift spill management, and shielding from direct sunlight.

Understanding Natural Materials

Many of our collections feature natural materials that have been formed over years, and sometimes centuries. As a result, no two pieces are ever exactly alike.

Natural characteristics may include:

  • Variations in colour and tone
  • Grain patterns and knots in timber
  • Natural veining and movement in stone
  • Surface texture differences
  • Natural markings and features


These variations are a hallmark of authenticity and contribute to the character of each item.

Arnotts Furniture

A Note on Natural Materials

The beauty of natural materials comes with a level of responsibility. Unlike fully synthetic surfaces, natural products require ongoing care and protection to maintain their appearance.


For daily use, we strongly recommend the following protective measures:

  • Coasters under drinks
  • Placemats for plates and bowls
  • Heat-resistant trivets for hot dishes
  • Felt pads beneath decorative items and lamps


These simple habits can significantly reduce wear and prolong the life of your furniture.

Dining Furniture Care Recommendations

  • ✓ Do

    Daily Maintenance & Protection

    ✓ Always refer to the specific care and maintenance
    guidance supplied with your furniture

    ✓ Dust regularly using a soft, lint-free cloth

    ✓ Always use coasters under drinks and placemats under plates or bowls

    ✓ Use heat-resistant trivets beneath hot dishes

    ✓ Use felt pads beneath lamps, ornaments, and decorative items

    ✓ Oil timber furniture where recommended by the manufacturer

    ✓ Maintain a stable room temperature and humidity level

    ✓ Vacuum upholstered seating gently using a soft attachment

    ✓ Check and tighten bolts, fixings, and fittings periodically

    Spillages & Cleaning

    ✓ Blot spills immediately using a clean, dry absorbent cloth

    ✓ Remove acidic spills (wine, coffee, citrus, oils) from natural stone instantly

    ✓ Use manufacturer-recommended cleaners suitable for your surface type

    ✓ Arrange professional cleaning for significant staining or damage

  • ✕ Dont

    Environment & Placement

    ✕ Don't place furniture near radiators, fireplaces, or heat vents

    ✕ Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading

    ✕ Don't place hot cookware or dishes directly onto any furniture surface

    ✕ Avoid placing sharp or hard objects directly onto dining tops

    ✕ Don't overload shelves, drawers, or table extension leaves

    ✕ Don't drop heavy or sharp objects onto ceramic or stone surfaces

    Spillages & Cleaning

    ✕ Don't rub or scrub spills into fabric or stone. Always blot

    ✕ Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, solvents, or acidic cleaners

    ✕ Avoid abrasive cloths, scouring pads, or harsh cleaning products

    ✕ Don't allow liquids or standing water to sit on surfaces

Moving and Handling Tips

  • ✓ Do

    ✓ Always lift furniture completely when moving it rather than dragging

    ✓ Disassemble larger dining items or extension tables where appropriate before moving

    ✓ Handle stone, marble, and travertine tabletops strictly according to manufacturer guidance

    ✓ Use adequate assistance when moving heavy or bulky dining furniture

    ✓ Ensure furniture is reassembled correctly and securely after relocating

  • ✕ Dont

    ✕ Don't drag furniture across floors, as this damages joints and flooring

    ✕ Don't lift glass tables directly by the glass top

    ✕ Don't attempt to move heavy stone or solid timber items without sufficient help

    ✕ Don't force fixings or components during assembly or disassembly

Final Word


Furniture is designed to be lived with and enjoyed. Natural materials will develop character over time, and gentle signs of use are part of their story. With sensible day-to-day care and protection, your furniture will continue to provide comfort, beauty and enjoyment for many years to come. Please note that the guidance provided above is intended as general advice only and is not an exhaustive list of care requirements.

Always refer to the manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions supplied with your furniture, as these are specific to your product and may be required to maintain warranty coverage.