Caring for antique pine furniture

I have many items of pine furniture in my home.  Some I have inherited, some I have bought myself at auctions and some I have received as gifts.  Pine has a timeless appeal, and even though fashions come and go I still love some of the pieces I have had for many years, and would never part with them.

One thing I really enjoy about this type of wood it is that the older and more used it gets seems to improve the look.  You don’t have to treat it with too much reverence!  It’s great for a family home where it will get lots of wear and tear – the scars and scratches of age only seem to improve it!  Pine furniture is made of a soft natural wood which continues to breath, and when there are changes in the temperature and the environment where it is placed it affects the wood.

There will always be some irregularities, mostly natural, such as slight defects and small cracks on the wood surface and knots that enhance the general uniqueness of each item.

Pine is very forgiving and it isn’t high maintenance, however, it does respond well to a bit of basic care.  If you can, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, it changes the colour to a darker golden hue, and dries the wood out.

Never place a chilled or hot item directly on the surface (I know this can sometimes be difficult – and it’s not the end of the world if you do get a ring stain on a pine surface), but it is only wise to us a place mat because there would be obvious markings on the surface.

When cleaning pine furniture, never use soap, water or any detergents. For general cleaning purposes, I just use an almost dry duster or piece of cloth.

I never use any polish that contains silicon or aerosol sprays polish, as they just build up an artificial layer on the wood which eventually looks terrible. To help in maintaining the pine characteristic finish on the furniture, natural lemon oil is good or beeswax.  Re-treating can simply be done using unperfumed (blocked wax).  Ring marks and other stains on the surface can be removed with a light sand down before waxing the surface, then just rub the wax over the entire furniture, leave for a while to soak in and then lightly buff with a dry cloth.

Repairing pine furniture requires very simple steps.  For instance, if you want to fix indentations on the surface, simply boil water in a kettle and pour a small amount of the water on the dent, removing excess water with a piece of soft cloth. The area will to plump up back to normal. However, it may require a second treatment.  I don’t worry too much about the general knocks and bashes my furniture receives, and I never try to make it look too “perfect” and pristine.  The minor imperfections and the patina of age is after-all why I love it so much!

The Conran Shop

This is one of my all time favourite shops.

At this time of year I find it’s a perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon – it cheers me up browsing and eyeing up all the fabulous wares, and picking up great gifts (a bit of super-super early Christmas shopping)!  There always seems to be something interesting and different every time I visit the store.  It has had a great influence on my taste in home furnishings, garden furniture, tablewear and storage solutions.

I’m now in my 50’s but have been a big Conran fan since I was a teenager – I used to spend my pocket money in Habitat, buying things for my bedroom, and when I bought my first home of course it was kitted out from my fav. shop!

I think I was always attracted to the open plan, clear, well designed spaces and the way the displays were uncluttered and  – as well as the products, the displays of everything in the shop feels so accessible and well designed.

Now that I’m a grown up (!) I love to visit in the Conran shop – it’s tailored, pared down elegant designs suit my taste and budget – it somehow manages to be dynamic and laid back at the same time – and who wouldn’t want a home like that? Everything is so thoughtfully put together, so timeless, so smooth… and so well made.  Utility without compromising on style.

Back in the 1970’s and 80’s it seemed so different to every other shop in England – and although there are many imitations these days …. Conran is still the best!