Care & Appearance

Every Knox Deco piece is built from natural materials: solid hardwood, cast iron and steel, leather. This page covers what to expect from them and how to keep them looking their best.

Appearance

We take pride in emphasizing the natural beauty and character of our hardwood products. These products may exhibit color, texture, grain and tone variations. Additionally, imperfections such as cracks, knots, splits, minor warping and stains are expected with distressed and reclaimed wood. We do not try to hide these characteristics, since we believe they enhance beauty and uniqueness. You may notice color variation across a piece. The staining process brings out the natural characteristics of wood. Every piece of wood takes stain differently and these unique qualities are something to be celebrated.

Minor wood movement (expansion and retraction) due to temperature and humidity changes is expected. Each piece is created in such a way to allow for this movement. Even so, there will be natural movement. As such, cracks in wood surfaces may appear and disappear due to normal humidity and temperature changes. Worn edges and uneven planks, dents, nicks are considered typical distressed characteristics and are not considered defects or damage. At times, some natural defects may require filler, while others we leave to enhance the beauty and personality of the wood.

Cast iron items are manufactured by pouring molten iron into cast. Cast iron products are then powder or clear coated and sometimes intentionally distressed.

Many of our items are hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind. Given their uniqueness, the item you receive will differ slightly in color, tone and distressing when compared to the image shown on our website. If you are concerned about variation, we can often provide images in advance of your purchase.

Solid wood

Wood is a natural material and will respond to its environment, especially humidity. Wood tends to expand in a humid climate and contract in a dry climate, so be aware of the humidity in your region of the country and utilize air conditioning and humidifiers to maintain consistent humidity in your home. Be careful about your furniture's proximity to heating and cooling vents. Humidity and temperature fluctuations may lead to more pronounced checking and cracking than is typical in milder climates. The above-mentioned factors along with direct sunlight can negatively affect the tone and finish.

For routine cleaning, use a cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap.

If specific areas of the wood appear to dry out over time, you can apply a light lemon oil to help preserve the wood. To help prevent damaging effects, we recommend using a non-wax furniture polish.

Polishes containing ammonia, oil or silicone should not be used on Knox Deco furniture, as these chemicals will alter the finish and cause permanent damage.

Cast iron

Cast iron possesses exceptional rigidity and is carefully hand-poured into casting molds using an old-world method. This process results in its distinctive and naturally beautiful appearance. Below are the steps in cleaning and maintaining your cast iron furniture.

For routine cleaning, use mild detergent in water, rinse with clean water then thoroughly dry with a soft cloth. To address minor rust formation, use steel wool or a brass brush to gently remove the rust then apply a light coat of wax paste. After each cleaning, we also recommend raising and lowering adjustable tables through their full range while applying a light coat of machine oil to the gears.

Steel gears

Use the same routine cleaning as cast iron and finish with a light coat of thin machine oil.

Leather

Cleaning leather is vital for preserving the fresh appearance of your leather items. Each leather chair is unique, featuring variations in color and markings, natural lines, scuffs, and areas where the leather stretches, adding to its rustic charm. These intentional features create an "antiquing" effect, enhancing the chair's distinct beauty. To keep top-grain leather in great shape, clean and condition it regularly to prevent dirt, stains, and dryness. We recommend cleaning as required and conditioning every six months, ensuring thorough drying. Additionally, protect your leather from prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight. Leather, like many things, improves with age, developing a rich, textured patina over time.

For routine cleaning, use a purpose-made leather cleaner or leather oil for your leather components for safe and effective cleaning.

Avoid cleaning with baking soda, vinegar, fingernail polish remover, Windex, disinfectant wipes, and bleach.

Upholstery

For our fabric chairs, simply vacuum to remove dust or debris. In case of spills, use a mild soap and water mixture, blot with a dry cloth instead of rubbing. Work inward while being cautious not to rub it further into the fabric. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove debris from velvet. Keep upholstery away from direct sunlight to maintain its quality and appearance.