Drinks can be dangerous to any wooden surface; if they’re left on the wood, they can cause unsightly rings that can ruin your dining table. The key to stopping people from leaving drinks on the table is to have plenty of coasters available. If the coasters are already on the table, people will automatically use them for their drinks. Always ensure you have enough coasters for your guests and a few spare in case anyone wants more than one drink.
Tablecloths are ideal for covering your table to add a layer of protection between anything that’s placed on top. There are lots of options when it comes to buying tablecloths; you can get simple linen tablecloths, waterproof tablecloths or thicker and more protective tablecloths. The tablecloth you choose will depend on how you plan on using the table and the level of protection you need. Those with children will probably need a more protective tablecloth that’s waterproof. A linen tablecloth looks low-key and elegant if you want a sophisticated look.
If your chosen tablecloth doesn’t provide enough protection, you can use a table protector in addition to your tablecloth. These are generally made heat resistant, so if any hot pans or plates are put on top of the tablecloth, it won’t ruin the wood. They’re also made to be waterproof and wipe clean to prevent spillages from reaching the wood. The great thing about a table protector is you can still use an elegant tablecloth on top and rest in the knowledge that your table is protected.
If you want to display your table but also want protection from heat and liquids, add a glass tabletop to your wooden table. These can be expensive, but they’re very practical and don’t require much maintenance. The only thing to be aware of is that glass can be fragile and prone to breaking if not treated properly.
The dining room furniture you use can make a difference in how well you can protect it from damage or accidents. Wipable dining room chairs are great for busy families; if any spills happen, they can be quickly cleaned up without impacting the dining furniture. Other dining furniture options that contain fabrics might need more regular maintenance and professional cleaning to keep them looking great.
Sunlight can impact the surface of wooden furniture; over time, if a table is located in direct sunlight, the colour may fade, and the table won’t look as good. Try to avoid placing your dining furniture in direct sunlight. If you have no other option, you can use covers to protect the furniture or draw the curtains of the room when you’re not using the space. These small, simple things can help protect your dining room furniture from sunlight damage.
Putting down items on a bare table or draggings across the table can easily leave marks or scratches on the surface. To avoid these, you should be careful when moving items, always pick them up and place them down carefully and avoid dragging things across the table. For chairs, remove any keys or sharp objects from your pockets before sitting down on the chairs; this will prevent scratches.
These are some simple ways to protect your dining room furniture from damage. Always make sure you have plenty of coasters, use a tablecloth as a cover, consider a table protector or a glass table top, choose wipeable dining chairs, avoid sunlight and be careful when placing and moving items. All of these tips will help you keep your dining table and chairs looking new for longer. If you have any issues with rings or burns, consult an expert as soon as possible, as they may be able to repair your table.