If you’re aiming for simplicity in your home decor, certain furniture choices might be best avoided. Falling in love with a piece of furniture is easy, but maintaining it can be a challenge, as Vyanca Soto, the owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors, points out, emphasizing that function must come first.
To avoid stressful upkeep, designers Vyanca Soto and Thea Bloch-Neal, founder of Curated by Thea, highlight the furniture materials that require significant maintenance and suggest more practical alternatives. Here are five materials that could present challenges:
1. Marble: Despite its beauty, marble is porous and prone to staining without appropriate sealing and regular care. Soto suggests exploring honed quartzite or porcelain for less demanding options.
2. Metal: Metal furniture can scratch and dent easily, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas. Bloch-Neal advises using it in spaces with lower foot traffic or as decorative accents.
3. Lacquered Furniture: While visually appealing, the sleek, glossy finish of lacquered furniture can quickly become marred by scratches and dust. A matte or satin finish may provide the same elegance with less maintenance.
4. Cognac Leather: This beautiful but high-maintenance leather scratches and stains more easily than other shades. Applying a protective finish can help maintain its appearance.
5. Natural Woods: Materials like pine or reclaimed wood add warmth but are susceptible to damage. Soto recommends opting for sturdier woods, such as white oak or walnut, for a more resilient choice.
When selecting furniture, consider your lifestyle and commitment to maintenance. Soto advises that practicality and ease of care should guide your choices, ensuring the materials align with your daily use and activities. While there’s nothing wrong with choosing pieces you adore, it’s essential to balance aesthetics with function to keep your home both beautiful and manageable.
