A complete guide to the care of high-end furniture: wood, leather, marble and metal

To properly maintain luxury furniture, it must be cared for with products and methods suited to its materials. This means taking into account the sensitivity of wood, the delicacy of leather, the luster of marble, or the distinction of metal—and using the appropriate products at the right time. Moreover, it is estimated that the maintenance budgets for luxury furniture can represent between 15% and 20% of the original value of the piece per year, including specialized care products and any professional services.

Understanding the Materials of High-End Furniture

The noble materials used in the high-end furniture we offer at Pacific Compagnie are a testament to exceptional craftsmanship.

Precious Wood

American walnut, recognizable by its deep grain and subtle texture, brings warmth and character to your décor, while centuries-old oak boasts unparalleled robustness thanks to its high density. Our master carpenters enhance these noble woods with refined finishes:

• Rosewood veneer
• Sycamore marquetry
• Hand-patinated finish

Full-Grain Leather

Our full-grain leathers come from the finest European tanneries. Selected for their natural grain and exceptional suppleness, they develop a unique patina over time. Traditional vegetable tanning imparts subtle nuances and an incomparable texture.

Marble and Natural Stones

Marble adds a touch of luxury and refinement to any high-end interior. At Pacific Compagnie, we select only the most beautiful marbles for their magnificent veining and brilliance. Whether it’s Calacatta marble in an immaculate white or Sahara black marble with deep reflections, each piece is carefully chosen and worked by our skilled stonemasons.

Noble Metals

Patinated brass, aged bronze, and brushed stainless steel bring contemporary accents to the creations we offer. These noble metals are crafted using traditional techniques to achieve flawless finishes. The patinas are often applied by hand to ensure a unique result.

Proper Maintenance Techniques for Each Material

Each material requires specific care to preserve its beauty and longevity.

Caring for Precious Wood

For noble woods such as walnut, mahogany, or ebony, we recommend:

• Regular dusting with a dry microfiber cloth
• Occasional cleaning with a solution suited to the type of wood (such as diluted white vinegar for certain woods)
• An annual application of natural beeswax or a specialized protective product
• An annual treatment with tung oil or another product suited to deeply nourish the wood while avoiding excessive moisture

Note that linseed oil can yellow the wood over time and promote mold in humid conditions. Tung oil is often preferred for its protective power and durability.

Appropriate Care for Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather requires:

• A weekly cleaning with a soft, dry cloth
• The application of a nourishing cream every 2–3 months
• Protection against UV rays with a special leather spray
• More in-depth maintenance depending on use and exposure

Caring for Marble and Natural Stones

To preserve the luster of marbles and stones:

• A daily cleaning with lukewarm water is recommended for marble maintenance. A soft, damp cloth is usually sufficient to dust and remove light stains.
• Using pH-neutral products is strongly advised. Avoid acidic or abrasive products that could damage the marble's surface. Specialized marble products or gentle solutions such as diluted Marseille soap are appropriate.
• The application of a water repellent is recommended every 2 to 3 years to waterproof the marble.
• A permanent protection using coasters is a good practice, as it can help prevent stains and scratches, especially on surfaces like marble tables.

Additionally, it is recommended to apply beeswax once a month to prevent scratches and moisture damage.

Protecting Metallic Finishes

Precious metals and metallic finishes often require:

• Regular cleaning with a soft cloth
• An application of a protective oil every six months
• A biannual anti-oxidation treatment
• Gloves during handling

Protection Against Climatic Variations

Regulating ambient humidity (between 45% and 55%) and temperature (18–22°C) protects your furniture from dimensional variations. Our experts advise installing discreet dehumidifiers and using quiet air conditioning systems to create a stable environment.

Common Maintenance Errors to Avoid

Our team of experts has identified the most frequent mistakes that can compromise the beauty and longevity of your exceptional pieces.

Major Errors in Leather and Wood Care

For leather, using standard household products is harmful because it dries out and weakens the material. Moreover, classic soapy water cleaning removes the natural protection of the leather, even though using Marseille soap or glycerin soap can gently clean the leather. We recommend applying a professional nourishing lotion every 2–3 months instead.

Regarding precious wood, the main error lies in using abrasive cloths or harsh products that scratch delicate finishes. Only soft microfiber textiles, combined with natural waxes, preserve the grain and shine of these noble woods.

Poor Preservation of Marble and Precious Metals

Prolonged contact with acidic substances (wine, lemon) leaves indelible marks on marble. We advise cleaning stains immediately with a damp cloth, followed by careful drying.

Similarly, gilded or chrome metal finishes often suffer from excessive cleaning: repeated rubbing diminishes their shine. A simple weekly dusting with a feather duster is usually sufficient. For stubborn marks, we recommend the moderate use of special non-abrasive products.

Required Care for Noble Furniture

Thus, refined materials such as rare wood species, premium quality leather, marble, or precious alloys all require particular maintenance methods to preserve their luster and durability. It is essential to understand the characteristics of each material, use the appropriate products, and avoid common mistakes that could compromise the integrity of these exceptional pieces. By following our advice, you can ensure that your luxury furniture retains its brilliance and value over time.