Congratulations on your furniture purchase - we hope you will enjoy it for years to come. Furniture is an important investment that adds to the beauty of your home. Here are a few tips to keep your furniture looking its best:

• Solid wood reacts to the amount of humidity in your home. Long periods of heat, without added moisture, will dry wood and cause splitting and weakening of the glue joints. We recommend between 35% and 40% relative humidity during cold, dry months. It is equally important not to expose your furniture to excessively damp areas without providing a dehumidifier. Certainly most of today's heating and cooling systems maintain the home at the acceptable levels mentioned, but it is important for you to be aware of these conditions and take the appropriate action to prevent needless damage.
   

• Be thoughtful when arranging furniture in your home. Direct sunlight will bleach the wood and may cause the lacquer to crack. In addition, it is important to avoid direct contact with alcohol, perfume, fingernail polish and remover, hairspray, and plastic products (such as doilies). These can soften the lacquer and contribute to finish discoloration and deterioration.

• Most of the furniture we sell is manufactured with a highly refined finishing technique that does more to protect the wood than any wax can. All you need to do is apply a good furniture polish such as Guardian a few times a year and buff well. Guardian cleans - it does not leave a greasy buildup. Between cleanings, simply dust with a soft, dry cloth or wipe with a damp cloth and dry completely.
   

• You can hide minor nicks or mars with furniture touch-up pencils, brown shoe polish, or a bit of stain. Try any touch-up material in an inconspicuous wood area to be sure the color with blend satisfactorily.
   

• Wood has a natural tendency to "mellow" or darken with time, and therefore, a newly finished piece will be somewhat lighter than a piece that has been finished for some time. Over time the difference between the two pieces diminishes.