How to Care for Wooden Furniture So It Always Looks New

 Taking good care of wooden furniture is very important so that it remains durable and looks beautiful. Here are some tips for caring for wooden furniture:

1. Clean regularly: Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to clean dust and dirt from the surface of wooden furniture regularly. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning agents that can damage the protective layer of furniture.
2. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight: Keep your wooden furniture from being exposed to excessive direct sunlight. UV rays can fade color and damage the protective layer of wood. If possible, use blinds or curtains to protect furniture from sunlight.
3. Avoid excessive humidity: Wood is susceptible to moisture, so make sure to keep your wooden furniture away from areas that are too damp. Use a humidity controller such as a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain proper humidity levels in the room.
4. Use protection: Protect wooden furniture from scratches, stains, or liquids by using a table mat or cover. You can also use supports or guards on table or chair legs to prevent scratches or damage when moved or used.
5. Apply a wood protector: If your wood furniture has a protective coating, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding care and maintenance. If the protective coating has begun to wear, you may consider re-coating it with a suitable wood protection agent.
6. Avoid using harsh chemicals: Keep wooden furniture away from harsh cleaning agents or chemicals, such as bleach or paint remover, unless recommended by the manufacturer. These materials can damage the surface and color of the wood.
7. Pay attention to the room temperature: Keep the room temperature stable. Drastic changes in temperature can cause changes in the dimensions of the wood and cause cracks or deformation in the furniture.
8. Routine maintenance: Perform routine maintenance such as applying wood oil or other wood care products according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can help maintain the wood's natural moisture and provide additional protection.

By caring for wooden furniture regularly and properly, you can extend the life and maintain the beauty of the furniture.

Furniture Santai was launch for its stores in Indonesia

Jengki and Sedan chairs, as well as a Cilik coffee table are among the pieces of furniture exhibited by the Santai furniture company in their merchandise exhibition at the Dia.lo.gue Artspace gallery in Kemang, South Jakarta. The company, according to Santai's founder, Dennis Pluemer, "is trying to unite contemporary design with Javanese tradition and heritage."

The lounge chair set symbolizes fun, relaxation and a quieter time in Java, Indonesia, as its relaxed and comfortable position invites one to sit, read and relax over a cup of coffee. Created by furniture designer Singgih S. Kartono of the Santai furniture company, this chair set evokes a time when life was slower and more relaxed, a luxury that is increasingly rare in Indonesia's big cities such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya.

Titled respectively Jengki and Sedan, “The 'Jengki' chairs were inspired by the eponymous chairs that were trending in the 1950s, which were in turn influenced by the armchairs made in the United States. The sedan chair is also inspired by the seat of the same name at that time, which was inspired by the car seat, which shows that they are equally comfortable,” said Pluemer of Jengki, which is the Indonesian phonetic spelling of Yankee.

“Seats are more often found on the veranda of the house, which means they are outdated. By bringing them back into the living room, Singgih makes chairs fashionable once again, in line with our adage of turning the old into the new again."

These chairs are not only sturdy and have a cutting-edge design, they are also very comfortable. This can be seen from the intricate pattern of rattan weave on the back of the chair which is a technique to increase the elasticity of the chair.

The seat layout is further refined with a small coffee table. “[The little coffee table] is impressive because of its versatility as well as its small size,” says Pluemer. "In addition to the coffee table, it can also be used as a bench as well as a footrest."

“Javanese philosophy and lifestyle are reflected in the materials we work with, such as rattan and bamboo, as they reflect the original state of the furniture,” says an economic geographer and Southeast Asian enthusiast from the Yogyakarta-based company, which comprises designers from various disciplines ranging from from architecture to product and interior design.

This is reflected in the shape of the jengki chairs and sedans. While its clean lines reflect the precision of their cutting-edge design, it is also a nod to Singgih's Javanese heritage, as it is shaped like the Javanese Hanacaraka alphabet. The design can also be seen more subtly on Bale's bed by fellow designer Bagus Prabowo. Taking its name from the Javanese word for platform in a temple or rice field, the design can be seen at the foot of the bed.

“Bamboo is a platform for Javanese furniture, so we also use it as the basis for our designs. We especially wanted to highlight its beauty and elasticity as well as its strength and flexibility."

Apart from highlighting Javanese culture, Santai also focuses on the materials used in making furniture, such as bamboo, teak, and mahogany. Pluemer points out that his work with Santai opened his eyes to the potential of bamboo materials. He adds that the bamboo in his furniture uses a crossbeam pattern to highlight its strength and versatility.

“The areas of Yogyakarta and Central Java where we get our materials, such as Solo, Mount Merapi and Wonosari, are known for different types of bamboo. Those from Wonosari are golden green, while those from Mount Merapi have a grayish tinge due to ash from frequent eruptions,” said Pluemer.

“The [bamboo from Mount Merapi]'s thickness of up to 20 centimeters makes it stronger than its counterparts, because the soil in the area is fertile from volcanic eruptions. Apart from rattan, which has fiber-like properties, bamboo is also ecologically sustainable as it can reach two meters in height in five years; other woods such as teak can take up to 50 years to reach the same size," Pluemer added.

“Working with bamboo requires skill and patience, as it is unlike other wood materials and has a tubular structure. But mastering [the art of working with bamboo reaps many benefits], because the organic and natural feel of the wood is second to none.”

Pluemer added that Furniture Santai was officially launched in Germany and has made a soft launch for its stores in Indonesia.

“Relax furniture customers in Germany tend to be individuals who buy it for their private homes. This contrasts with our client base in Indonesia, which tends to be hotels or office buildings,” he said.