Furniture is made to be used. Hence the term 'living room'. But that doesn't mean you want it worn out, especially when it comes to large items like couches, arm chairs, and tables, which both represent a significant investment and part of any space. The holiday season brings extra concern as damage and staining risks hit an all-time high. Luckily, you aren't without hope – these Holiday Furniture Care strategies can make a big difference in protecting your investment during the festive season.
Amidst all of the other things there are to take care of during the season, you may be wondering, why consider holiday furniture care best practices to begin with? Wouldn't time and energy be better spent on shopping and other errands?
Here's the thing: although not a priority now, damage prevention can pay off big time in the long run. Taking steps to protect your investment during the festive season will prevent the unnecessary cost and demand of having to buy new pieces after family and guests leave.
It never seems like it's going to happen until it does: eggnog spills on your velvet sofa , red wine splashes across the dining table , or a wayward candle leaves a wax stain on your favourite armchair.
Consider these common risks that become particularly prevalent during the holidays:
Food and Beverage Spills
Cranberry sauce, mulled wine, and other holiday drinks and dishes circulating through your living spaces during gatherings mean a greater likelihood of spills. Dark liquids and greasy foods pose particular risks to upholstery and wood finishes.
Increased Foot Traffic
Expect every piece to work overtime during the holidays. Highly-trafficked items like couches see a lot of wear and tear during the holidays, as extra bodies on sofas, additional weight on chairs, and people navigating spaces they're unfamiliar with all increase the chances of bumps, scratches, and structural stress.
Decorative Hazards
Candles drip wax, pine needles scratch surfaces, and holiday decorations can leave marks or residue. Even festive throws and pillows can trap moisture against furniture fabric.
Children and Pets
With kids home from school and visiting relatives bringing their pets, the activity level in your home skyrockets. Sticky fingers, rough play, and excited animals can all take their toll.
Temperature and Humidity Changes
What happens when winter elements come in? Opening doors frequently for guests, running the fireplace, and cooking large meals all create fluctuations that can cause wood furniture to expand, contract, or crack.
Holiday Furniture Care Strategies to Implement Now
Understanding the risks is the first step toward preventing them and keeping your furniture looking great well into the new year. Let's explore some practical strategies you can implement ahead of time:
Create Strategic Furniture Arrangements
Rearrange your space to minimize risk. Move delicate pieces away from high-traffic areas, position furniture away from fireplaces and heating vents, and create clear pathways that prevent guests from squeezing between furniture where bumps are likely.
Use Protective Covers Thoughtfully
Invest in washable slipcovers for your most vulnerable pieces, place decorative throws over arm rests where hands naturally touch, and use coasters, placemats, and table runners religiously. There are ways to make these protections part of your holiday décor so they don't feel intrusive.
Establish "Safe Zones" for Food and Drinks
Designate specific areas for eating and drinking, and provide plenty of stable surfaces for guests to set down glasses and plates. Consider serving trays on coffee tables to contain potential spills to one easy-to-clean area.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Accessible
Stock a discreet cleaning kit nearby with blotting cloths, club soda, gentle upholstery cleaner, and wood polish. The faster you can address a spill, the less likely it is to cause permanent damage. Don't be embarrassed to act quickly when accidents happen.
Implement a "Shoes Off" Policy
If it fits your hosting style, asking guests to remove shoes at the door significantly reduces dirt, salt, and moisture tracked onto furniture. Provide a comfortable seating area near the entrance and offer cozy slippers if you want guests to feel welcome.
Rotate Cushions and Pillows Regularly
With increased use during the holidays, rotate and flip cushions every few days to distribute wear evenly. This simple habit prevents permanent indentations and extends the life of your upholstered pieces.
Set Ground Rules for Children and Pets
Establish clear boundaries before guests arrive. Decide which rooms are off-limits, provide alternative play areas with durable furniture, and don't hesitate to redirect energetic kids and animals away from delicate pieces.
Schedule Post-Holiday Deep Cleaning
Plan ahead by booking professional upholstery cleaning or wood restoration services for early January. Knowing you have a maintenance appointment scheduled lets you relax and enjoy the season, rather than stressing over every little mark.
Protecting Your Investment During the Festive Season Matters More When it's Smitty's Furniture
The stresses of the holiday season shouldn't encompass furniture. Everyone deserves to enjoy their space by using it to the fullest – and that means being able to sit back and relax without fear of damaging the pieces you've carefully chosen for your home.
When you buy furniture from Smitty's, you're investing in pieces built to withstand real life, including the beautiful chaos of the holidays. Our furniture is crafted by trusted brands with durability in mind. That means using premium materials and construction techniques made to take heavy use head-on. See the difference by exploring everything we have to offer today.