Be careful not to place furniture too close to direct heat, such as radiators, or air conditioning units.
Avoid dragging crockery over your table or cabinet surfaces, and take extra care with sharp objects like cutlery and carving knives, and anything that can leave a mark, like pens.
When moving furniture, don’t drag or push it as this can damage fixings and affect stability.
Put felt on the bottom of vases, lamps and ornaments to avoid scratching surfaces.
Check the stability of all the joints in your tables and chairs regularly, and tighten bolts and other fixings from time to time.
If your dining table gets a lot of use or if you have young children, use a table pad or a table cloth at all times. But remember – don’t put very hot dishes or cups onto a table top or cabinet, even if you use a protective mat or trivet.
Avoid swinging or standing on chairs, or using them for storage as a rocking motion and additional weight can weaken them.
Don’t overload shelves and drawers or place heavy items on drop down leaves or doors.
If your dining set is used regularly, consider investing in washable seat pads or cushions for your chairs.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting shelves and assembling or disassembling furniture.