Leather that weathersLeather furniture makes for a great heirloom. With its high-gloss finish, sophisticated texture and long-lasting personality, it gives character to the living space. But more than a little care and attention is needed to keep the furniture and accessories made out of this trendy material in top shape. The biggest problem with leather is extreme temperatures and moisture. Make sure that your pieces are wiped clean regularly with a soft, lint free, dry cloth. Do not let moisture stay on the leather for long as this is what turns into fungus. Extreme dryness is another major problem. Try to keep sofa seats, beds and trunks and accessories like lampshades, bags, photo frames and serving trays away from direct sunlight over a stretch of time. Avoid putting them in the sun as heat and dryness makes leather shrink and loose its elasticity. Also, stay away from random creams and waxes. In case wine or any other liquid spills on your coffee table, wipe it clean immediately with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not let the stain remain there overnight. (Bobby Aggarwal, Product designer, Portside Cafe)

Touch woodMaintaining wooden furniture is not as hard as it sounds. Timely care and upkeep guarantees that it doesn't look exhausted and stays as good as new. The rainy season can be a tough time for your wooden beauties. With a little preparation on your part, you can beat the blues with flair and style. Moist spaces or places with excess dampness are unhealthy for the furniture; try to move pieces away from such spots. Avoid placing furniture near windows as exposure to rain can be damaging. Ensure the room has cross ventilation and remains dry during the rainy weather. We also recommend you use a water-resistant adhesive that protects furniture from de-bonding when exposed to water. Never use a wet cloth to clean your wooden sofas and chairs as moisture makes them damp. Keep a de-humidifier in the room in case you have antique furniture. Remember to keep wardrobes and cupboards a few inches away from the walls as these get damp during the rains. Place a few camphor or naphthalene balls in the wardrobe as they will soak up dampness. Oiling the furniture or waxing will prevent it from absorbing moisture. Apply spray-on-wax instead of rubbing it in to achieve the finish. (Ashish Taneja, CEO, Zolijns)