Coffee tables are more than just functional pieces of furniture; they are the heart and soul of your living space, adding style, personality and a cosy gathering spot for friends and family. To keep your coffee table looking its absolute best, it’s crucial to understand how to maintain it properly, taking into consideration the unique materials from which it is crafted. If you have always been wondering how to avoid stains on your wood coffee table or how to clean your sintered stone table without accidentally scratching it, read on as we delve into the secrets of each material’s heat and water resistance, cleaning methods suited for each material and how often maintenance should be done — taking all into account your lifestyle, especially if you have children or pets.
1. Wood
Wooden coffee tables are timeless classics that exude warmth and elegance. They can come in the form of solid wood like solid rubberwood or solid acacia wood, or in the form of a wood veneer. Regardless of the wood type, maintaining your wood table remains the same. To keep your wood coffee table in great condition, it’s important to be mindful of heat. Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface to prevent heat marks. Instead, make it a habit to use coasters or trivets. Wood furniture requires extra care to ensure it doesn’t end up with water stains, so keeping coasters on hand for your cold drinks is also a great idea. Wipe spills promptly to prevent any moisture damage. As for cleaning your wood coffee table, regular dusting with a soft cloth will help remove any surface dirt and occasional polishing with a wood-specific cleaner or a mild mixture of vinegar and water will restore its natural beauty. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could harm the finish and compromise its longevity. If you opted for a rubberwood coffee table like our Clean Rubberwood x Ohio Coffee Table, you’ve made a sustainable choice.
2. Mild Steel
Mild steel sheets are commonly used in the furniture industry. They are often used to create chairs, tables, beds and other types of furniture. The advantage of having a mild steel coffee table is that it’s heavy in weight, which prevents it from toppling easily despite its petite look. It also allows a variety of designs including thin and sleek ones without compromising on stability, like our Alofa Coffee Table. The Alofa features a classy bronze tint with a quirky yet practical handle. If you prefer white beauties, check out our Geometry Coffee Table. For colourful additions, consider the Trianna Coffee Table and Dumbbell Coffee Table to set them against white or neutral backgrounds.
Since mild steel furniture pieces are powder-coated, they are protected against abrasions, scratches and stains1. Add a few drops of mild hand wash to a pail of warm water. Wipe down your mild steel coffee table with a lint-free cloth. After that, wipe away the residue with water.
3. Sintered Stone
Sintered stone combines durability with the sleek appearance of marble, making them a popular choice for indoor and outdoor areas. Additionally, sintered stone tables are heat-resistant and resistant to scratches and stains unlike marble coffee tables. Regular cleaning with a mild dish wash detergent and water is all that’s needed to keep them looking their best. It’s important to steer clear of abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as they can inadvertently leave scratches on the surface.
4. Ceramic
Ceramic coffee tables are also known for their amazing likeness to marble and fortunately, these beauties don’t come with the hefty price tag or high maintenance of marble tables. In fact, they’re quite durable and resistant to heat and stains. Regularly cleaning your ceramic table top with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution is usually sufficient to maintain its beauty. However, you should be cautious with heavy objects that could chip or break your ceramic table top’s surface.
5. Terrazzo
Terrazzo coffee tables such as the Terrazzo x Lola or Terrazzo x Ohio coffee tables add a touch of artistic flair to any space with their playful speckled design. Although they’re also durable and resistant to stains, it’s still important to clean spills promptly with mild detergent and water. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the sealant on its surface.
6. Glass
Glass coffee tables like our Kenneth Glass Coffee Table create an illusion of space and elegance, enhancing the visual appeal of any room. While they are relatively easy to clean, regular maintenance is required to keep them looking pristine. A soft cloth and glass cleaner are your go-to tools for routine cleaning, ensuring that fingerprints and smudges are removed. Don’t forget to follow up with a dry cloth to avoid water marks. You can also polish the glass from time to time with crushed newspaper to keep it looking shiny. Remember to avoid placing heavy objects on glass tables, as well as be mindful of accidental impacts that could lead to cracks or breakage.
In high-traffic households with children and pets where coffee tables face more wear and tear, regular maintenance is essential. Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains and moisture damage. It’s also highly advisable to use coasters and protective mats around the legs to minimise scratches from toys or pet claws. Weekly dusting and periodic deep cleaning should be sufficient to help maintain your coffee table’s appearance and durability.
By following these maintenance tips tailored to each material, your coffee table will continue to be the heart and soul of your living space for years to come, inviting cherished moments and conversations to unfold around it. From classic materials like wood and rubberwood to the more modern materials like ceramic, sintered stone, terrazzo and glass, each material requires specific care to keep them looking their best. For more tips and information on how to keep your coffee tables in tip-top shape, check out our guide on how to care for your furniture.
Reference:
1.https://blog.thepipingmart.com/metals/can-you-powder-mild-coat-steel/#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Powder%20Coating%20Mild,corrosion%2C%20and%20other%20environmental%20hazards.
