As winter takes hold across Australia, our homes become a place of warmth, comfort and rest. While we focus on staying cosy with heaters, blankets and hot drinks, it’s easy to overlook how the colder months can affect our furniture. From timber dining tables to leather sofas, your furniture faces seasonal stress — dry air, increased indoor use, and fluctuating temperatures. With a few thoughtful steps, you can protect your investment and ensure your home stays beautiful and comfortable all season long. Here are practical furniture care tips to winter-proof your space:
1. Keep Timber Furniture Away from Heat Sources
Timber is a natural material that responds to its environment. Exposure to direct heat can cause your timber dining tables, sideboards, coffee tables, and bookcases to crack, shrink or warp over time. Make sure these pieces are kept at a safe distance from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. If your home has underfloor heating, protect furniture legs with felt pads or place a rug underneath to buffer the heat.
2. Use a Humidifier to Balance Dry Air
Indoor heating systems can strip moisture from the air, which affects both wooden and upholstered furniture. Dry air can cause timber to dry out and split, and leather or vinyl surfaces to become brittle. Consider using a humidifier to maintain balanced humidity levels in key living areas. This simple step helps preserve the integrity of your timber entertainment units, leather lounges, and even cane or rattan furniture, which can also become fragile in dry conditions.
3. Condition Timber and Leather Surfaces
Just like your skin, timber and leather need moisture to stay healthy in winter. Timber furniture such as desks, shelving units and dining tables benefit from a nourishing wood oil or wax polish every few months. Leather sofas, occasional armchairs, and even leather bedheads should be conditioned with a high-quality leather balm to prevent cracking and discolouration. Regular maintenance not only protects the material but also enhances its natural appearance.
4. Rotate and Fluff Upholstery
With more time spent indoors during winter, your fabric sofas, modular sofas, and armchairs get a lot of use. To prevent uneven wear, rotate seat cushions weekly and give them a good fluff to maintain shape and comfort. If your dining chairs are upholstered, a quick vacuum and occasional fabric refresh can help extend their life and keep them looking fresh.
5. Layer with Throws, Rugs and Covers
Protect your furniture while enhancing your home's winter aesthetic by adding layers of soft furnishings. Drape warm throws over the backs of sofas and accent chairs to guard against daily wear and accidental spills. Use plush rugs under coffee tables and dining sets to insulate your floors and create a warm, inviting feel. Slipcovers are also a great option for protecting light-coloured upholstery during the months when we spend more time relaxing inside.
6. Protect Furniture Legs and Flooring
Furniture legs often take a beating during winter, especially in high-traffic areas like living rooms and entryways. Cold and wet conditions can lead to moisture damage, especially on timber stools, chair legs and side tables. Attach felt pads to the bottom of each leg to protect both your furniture and your floors. It’s also a good idea to regularly check that frames and joints remain tight and secure, especially if you’ve recently moved furniture around to create a cosier layout.
7. Refresh Your Layout for Winter Comfort
While not strictly a care tip, rethinking your furniture layout can improve both comfort and protection during winter. Move seating like armchairs or reading chairs closer to light sources or heat, and create intimate zones that encourage relaxation. Position your lounge to avoid direct drafts from windows and doors, and rearrange dining settings or workspace furniture to maximise warmth and usability through the colder months.
From timber buffets to leather sofas and upholstered beds, winter can take a toll on your furniture without the right care. By taking a few extra steps to condition, protect, and reposition your favourite pieces, you can enjoy a warm, welcoming home that feels just as good as it looks.
Looking to update your space with winter-ready furniture? Explore our range of sofas, dining tables, occasional chairs, and more – crafted for comfort, built to last.
