Everlasting LOVE

Give your furniture the tender care it needs to last a lifetime

- Shelley Tustin

You've lusted over it in-store or online and finally it's in your home and all yours. Far from an impulse purchase, furniture is an investment and for the sake of the environment and your hip pocket, you want it to last forever and remain looking as lovely as the day you brought it home. We've asked the experts for their top tips on extending the life of your furniture, plus DIY fixes for when life collides with your interiors.

PREVENTION

From kids and pets to sunlight and spills, we share the experts' tips for helping your fave furniture survive the rough-and-tumble environment of your home.

Wooden furniture

FACE VALUE Timber veneer is common in modern furniture but can be complicated to restore. Dan Eagle of vintage design store Mr Biggles worthy says his best advice is to buy well in the first place. "The big factor when it comes to veneer is the quality of the furniture, which is usually dictated by the original sell price. Cheaper furniture uses thinner, lower quality veneer, which is easier to damage, harder to restore and doesn't wear well," he says.

COAST TO COASTER This solid piece of advice comes straight from your nan - use a coaster. "Preventative maintenance is the best form of care," says Dan. "Ninety five percent of the restoration we do is removing water damage, cup marks and burn marks." Also watch out for leaky vases and plant pots.