Furniture care: the basics and the tricks

Good furniture is easy to love and takes some effort to keep looking new. A few basic care habits go a long way. Here are the ones we recommend to every Bosheng customer.

1. Keep furniture away from heat and damp

The finer the piece, the more careful you need to be about where it lives. Keep it away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces and air-conditioning vents; sharp temperature swings damage exposed surfaces. Keep it away from humidity and cooking grease as well. Anything that goes in a kitchen or bathroom should be moisture- and rust-resistant by design.

2. Don't overload shelves

Match what you put on a shelf to what the piece was built for. Do not stack heavy books on the glass shelf of a display cabinet, for example. To reduce the risk of tipping, put heavy items on the lower shelves rather than the upper ones. Many manufacturers, Bosheng included, publish shelf load limits and placement advice. Read them.

3. Move furniture carefully

Well-made furniture has fine joinery, and yanking or dragging it across the floor can bend or snap the legs. Empty bookcases and china cabinets before lifting them. When you move house, break cabinets down into manageable sections and remove shelves, casters, handles and glass, then pack those separately.

Choosing living room furniture

Modern living leans toward simple and comfortable, and living room furniture is no different. What should you weigh when you shop?

Room size. Furniture should be in proportion to the room. A large living room can take a big sectional; a small one is better served by armchairs, accent chairs and other lighter pieces.

Color. Let the decorating style set the palette. A traditional Chinese interior suits deeper solid-wood tones such as rosewood and sandalwood; a Scandinavian interior suits light, solid-color, minimal pieces.

Style. The furniture should agree with the overall style of the home. If you are working with a designer, ask for their input before you buy so the pieces you bring home do the job you want them to.