At Jean-Marc Fray Antiques we love nothing more than a beautiful antique or vintage buffet! Impeccable craftsmanship and eye-catching materials make a buffet the perfect focal piece in any home. Wooden furniture, no matter the style, was built using centuries old techniques that will last many lifetimes. Whether solid wood or exotic veneer, these pieces are in excellent condition today due to craftsmanship and care. These pieces are ready to spend at least another hundred years in your home.
To keep your antique or vintage buffet in superb condition some simple care is needed. Lovely antique wood will age well and create more character and beauty with some thoughtful love. To help you look after your pieces and avoid restoration, here are a few easy tips to care for your pieces.
How To Clean Your Buffet
We often get asked how to effectively and correctly clean the antique and vintage buffets. Knowing the right way to handle the wood will lead to continued beauty and enjoyment of your piece for many years. The main goal is to keep dust off of the finish. The best way to do so is to dust with a soft, dry cloth. It is that simple! We recommend removing any chemicals that could damage the finish and surface of the wood. We also suggest avoiding wet materials when cleaning as this will also alter the finish.
The majority of our buffets are finished with a hand-applied French polish that should require very little maintenance as long as it is kept dry and clean. If your buffet has a wood top, we also recommend avoiding sharp or rough objects being placed on top as this can rub or nick the finish and wood.
If your buffet has a marble top, this may require additional cleaning. With the marble you can use water or a special marble cleaner. Yet, after cleaning the marble you will want to dry it as quickly as possible. Any liquid left on the marble will be absorbed into the stone and can alter it both in color and create weaknesses. Avoid placing rough items on the marble. Also avoid alcohol, citrus, and oils on the marble as these will eat away and etch into the stone.
How to Place Your Buffet
While cleaning the buffet is simple, the biggest mistake comes into play when placing the buffet in your home. Antique wood and finishes are very affected by direct sunlight, dryness, and heat. When placing your buffet avoid the sunlight as this will cause discoloration, cracking, and destruction of the finish. Your buffet can also be affected by large changes in temperature and moisture. Avoid fireplaces, radiators, and vents that blow directly on the wood.
How To Protect Your Investment
While caring for your buffet should solve any problems, somethings are outside of our control. We always suggest getting your antique and vintage buffets and other pieces insured as this can help cover the cost of restoration work. In the worst situations, it can also help cover the cost of replacement or loss. This is easiest right after purchasing from Jean-Marc Fray as we can provide you with proof of value. Alternatively, you can have a local appraiser help you with paperwork showing the current value.
Ready to find the perfect antique or vintage buffet for your home? Stop by our gallery or check out our New Arrivals page to see all of our available sideboards.