Shabby Chic Furniture - 5 tips on care

Most wooden Shabby Chic furniture is painted, much of it has delicate carvings or other intricate surfaces. Looking after it properly is important, after all, you don't want your pieces to end up just plain shabby!

5 Tips to care for your shabby chic furniture

1. Dust often. Dust can scratch the delicate surfaces, especially of painted furniture. You must dust using a soft, damp cloth duster. Old t-shirts are ideal.

2. Never use soap and water! It penetrates the top layer of paint or varnish and causes terrible problems.
3. Use a soft brush on carved areas. Or if you aren't allergic try an old fashioned feather duster. Looks pretty too!
4. Do not use silicone or wax furniture polishes on painted surfaces. They build up and over time will cause nasty stains and discolouration.

5. Keep your coloured pieces away from direct sunlight to avoid fading

Bonus Tip

Keep your painted wooden Shabby Chic furniture away from radiators, especially if it is an old piece. Excessive heat can dry out surfaces and cause all sorts of problems from blistering to glued joints springing apart.