Mother of pearl inlay furniture is known for its chic, stylish and timeless beauty. The sheer look of the mother of pearl adds grace to the furniture. If you opt for mother of pearl in your home furniture, be aware that this delicate décor requires extensive maintenance. Learn how to care for your mother of pearl inlay furniture so that it can retain its shine for years.
See also: Top 5 unique multifunctional furniture ideas
What is mother of pearl?
Also known as nacre, the mother of pearl is the inner layer of shells of molluscs like oysters. These are formed by calcium carbonate and come in various shimmery colours, such as white, cream, grey, pink and silver. Mother of pearl is popularly used in jewellery, home décor and cutlery and is expensive because of its lustre. The name came from the belief that the nacre holds the pearl just like a mother holds the child in her womb.
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Tips to care for your mother of pearl inlay furniture
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Regular cleaning
Clean the furniture at regular intervals as dust may settle and reduce its shine. Remember to use microfiber cloth so as not to scratch the surface of the furniture, which may harm its overall look. Do not use harsh chemicals as they may damage the mother of pearl permanently.
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Use a soapy solution to clean
Use a very mild soap solution to deep clean the mother of pearl inlay furniture.
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Do not place the furniture under direct sunlight
While there is all-weather-proof furniture, mother of pearl inlay furniture is not sunlight-proof. These are very delicate and can spoil if not taken care of properly. If you want your expensive furniture to last long, place it in areas without direct sunlight. Use blackout curtains to protect the furniture.
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Check for cracks and chips in your mother of pearl inlay furniture
Regularly check for cracks and chips in your mother of pearl inlay furniture. In case of cracks, get immediate professional help.
Mother of pearl inlay furniture and accessories for your home
Mother of pearl sofa
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Mother of pearl centre table
Source: Pinterest/EtsyCA
Mother of pearl console table
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Mother of pearl low table
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Mother of pearl chandeliers
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Mother of pearl inlay floor or wall panel
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Housing.com POV
Mother of pearl inlay furniture is expensive and delicate. It is important to treat it well and maintain it in the best possible manner. While it requires extensive maintenance, following the tips suggested in this guide can make the work easy.
FAQs
What is mother of pearl inlay?
It is the process of inserting mother of pearl pieces in wooden objects.
What is the material of mother of pearl?
Mother of pearl, also known as nacre, comes from the nacre lining found on mollusc shells.
Why is mother of pearl so expensive?
When a mollusc enters a shell, a substance is secreted to protect it. This is called nacre. Layers of this nacre are deposited and result in a smooth surface of the mother of pearl after several years. As this takes a long time to develop, this is precious and expensive.
Is mother of pearl fragile?
If not cared for properly, mother of pearl can chip from the inlay.
What damages mother of pearl inlay furniture?
The use of chemicals and direct sunlight can damage mother of pearl inlay furniture.
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