You chose a piece with a story. Now let’s make sure it keeps telling it for years to come. Whether it’s a restored teak armoire or a hand-painted cabinet, wood is a natural material — it reacts to sun, water and humidity.
The good news? Caring for it is easy. Here are our five favourite habits.
1. Dust gently, and often
Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust. Skip harsh sprays and chemical cleaners — especially on hand-painted surfaces, where they can dull the colours.
2. Keep it out of harsh sun
Strong, direct sunlight can fade paint and dry out wood. A light curtain, or a little distance from the window, goes a long way.
3. Watch out for water
Use coasters and placemats, and wipe up spills straight away. Standing water can leave marks or make the wood swell.
4. Mind the humidity
Yangon’s rainy season can be hard on wood. Leave a little space between your furniture and damp walls, and keep the room well ventilated.
5. Treat the hardware kindly
Open drawers and doors by their handles, and tighten loose knobs and hinges before they become a bigger problem.
A note on hand-painted pieces
Our hand-painted birds and flowers are made to be lived with, but they still deserve a gentle touch. Wipe painted areas with a soft, slightly damp cloth, dry them straight away, and never scrub. Keep sharp objects and heavy decorations from sliding across painted tops, and your piece will stay as bright as the day it arrived.
When it needs more than a little love
If your piece has cracks, loose joints or a tired finish, please don’t throw it away. Restoration can bring back its beauty — we’ve even restored a family writing bureau that is over 100 years old.
The most sustainable piece of furniture is the one you already own.
Repair your furniture! Restore its beauty!
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