Whereas a few years ago flat pack furniture was all the rage, these days people are returning to a more traditional style and investing in well crafted, beautiful and long lasting items, such as sheesham wood furniture.
As well as being far more attractive than any flat pack or engineered wood furniture out there, solid wood furniture is also a far more environmentally friendly choice for the eco aware shopper.
The manufacture of engineered wood such as MDF requires far greater energy and resources than manufacturing with solid wood. What’s more, all sheesham furniture sold in the UK today is responsibly sourced, which means both the forests and the people who manage them are being well-treated.
What is Sheesham Wood?
Sheesham is a variety of rosewood grown in Pakistan that’s used to make all types of furniture. Sheesham wood produces an attractive cross grain and with the correct care, can last for many decades.
It’s easy to care for sheesham wood and there’s no need to use any harsh preservatives or chemicals to keep your furniture in tip top condition.
When you opt for sheesham wood furniture you won’t need to spend time staining it or adding layer upon layer of protective varnish.
Follow these instructions to ensure that your sheesham wood is well cared for so it looks as good in twenty years’ time as it does today.
Instructions for caring for Sheesham Wood Furniture
1. Keep your furniture protected from bright sunlight and extremes of temperature as this can cause warping and fading. It’s best not to place your sheesham wood too close to a fire or radiator and avoid using it in conservatories or very sunny rooms. To keep your furniture from expanding and contracting ensure a consistent humidity level is maintained and avoid places where humidity is likely to be high, such as bathrooms.
2. Always use coasters whenever you place anything containing liquid on your furniture as it could cause a stain. Use heat proof mats for heated items and always wipe any spills immediately by gently blotting with a sponge to avoid staining.
3. To stop dirt and grime from settling in the wood and giving it a grubby appearance over time, dust it at least once every fortnight. When moving items to dust under, ensure you lift rather than slide them to lessen the risk of the wood being scratched. If you do plan to display items on your sheesham furniture such as vases or other hard objects, put a mat or other soft covering between the object and your furniture to protect it from scrapes and scratches.
4. It’s recommended that you polish sheesham wood three times a year. You can use most types of spray on furniture polish but always read the label carefully to make sure the polish you’ve chosen is suitable. Spray on a light layer of polish and gently rub using a dust cloth. Once you’ve given the wood a thorough wipe you can create an attractive sheen by buffing your furniture with a lint-free cloth.