Dining Sets

Dining sets are often the crown jewels in a family’s furniture collection. Couches come and go, beds get worn out and thrown away, televisions get upgraded, but dining sets remain, sometimes getting passed down from generation to generation like the fine china sets that sit upon them.

Most dining sets, particularly heirloom sets, are made from wood. Wood is sturdy, durable and low maintenance, but remember, low-maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Wood dining sets must be dusted regularly and deep cleaned and conditioned at least twice a year to prevent drying. Dining sets need to be polished every year or two. When polishing, use a good paste wax, which protects the wood itself. Oil is used to keep the finish from evaporating off the wood and is not likely to be a problem with dining sets. Liquid waxes do not provide the same protection as pastes. If your dining table gets frequent use, cover it with a table cloth. Remember not to place any piece in your dining set too close to a heater as the dry heat could cause the wood to warp or split.

Many modern dining sets include glass tables and cabinetry. Glass is relatively easy to care for but is prone to scratching and can become etched, so you should always cover your table with a cloth when in use. Glass dining sets should be cleaned with a commercial cleaner or a mild alkaline solution such as two tablespoons of ammonia to one quart of water. Glass cleaner can damage wood finishes so be careful not to get any on any wood casings.

Another material commonly used in dining sets is marble. Marble, like many stone surfaces, is porous and stains easily. Marble dining sets can also become scratched or etched. Wipe off any spills immediately and be sure to always use a coaster under glasses. Regular cleanings require nothing more than a wipe down with lukewarm water, but once or twice a year, marble dining sets should be cleaned with a mild detergent solution. After this deep cleaning, apply a light coat of wax. A note of caution, do not wax white marble dining sets as white marble is prone to yellowing. Another thing to beware of: if your dining set is made of imported marble, you may want to look for more gentle imported marble cleaners. This is necessary because imported marble tends to be softer and more porous than U.S. marble.

There are a couple of tips that will keep all dining sets looking good for years. Watch out for candles, glasses and use a table cloth. All three dining set materials can be subject to scratching and moisture damage. A table cloth will protect against this as well as wax from candles, which can stain wood and marble even if all the wax is removed. Never move a lit or recently dashed candle as the wax can spill and ruin dining sets.  Following these tips and keeping up with regular care and maintenance ensures that all types of dining sets will remain useful and beautiful year after year.