Question 1

Furniture Care Guide: Wood

Accepted Answer

Used to craft furniture for as long as furniture itself has existed, wood forms the basis for the majority of Where Saints Go pieces, with metal coming a close second. Favoured throughout history thanks to its durability, versatility and infinite range of species, wood is essentially the failsafe, tried-and-tested option for just about everything you might need in the home - chairs, tables, beds, storage and more. Even Britain’s oldest door is fashioned from wood and despite being over 900 years old, it remains in use today! Transcending fashion trends, wood furniture is also a great choice if you happen to be superstitious, touch wood and all that. 

Due to the incredibly vast range of different wood furniture on offer, caring for it and cleaning it can be a bit of a minefield. Not only do you need to identify exactly what kind of wood it is, but you’ll also need to be aware of how it has been finished so that you don’t ruin the colour or patina. Ultimately wood is an organic material, and when mistreated or left exposed to the elements, it will deteriorate. With all of that in mind, we’ve compiled this care guide which gives you a quick introduction to the different types of wood we use to craft our furniture, and how you can best care for them. 
What types of wood furniture do we sell at Where Saints Go?
Our handcrafted furniture is sourced from artisans based across the world using different types of wood, all sourced sustainably from trusted, well-managed organisations. Before we get into the different species that we use, you must know the difference between hard and soft woods. Hardwoods are derived from angiosperm trees, while softwoods come from gymnosperm species. Without giving you painful flashbacks of high-school biology, the main difference here lies in how the original seed of the tree is formed, and whether the mature tree keeps its leaves all year round. The general rule is that angiosperm trees are deciduous and will lose their leaves during winter, while gymnosperm trees come under the conifer group, which are usually evergreen (think of Christmas trees!)   

Angiosperm trees, or hardwoods, take longer to grow. This means the wood tends to have more density and is therefore more hardwearing, while gymnosperm (softwood) trees grow at a much faster pace which makes the wood more readily available and less expensive, but not quite as durable. 

So, science lesson over, let’s get into the different types of wood we use here at Where Saints Go:   
Oak
Native to the Northern Hemisphere, oak is an expensive hardwood renowned for its superior durability and warm honey-gold colour. There are more than 600 species of oak worldwide, with the most common being Red Oak and White Oak. Used throughout history to build everything from galleon ships to Notre Dame, the heftier price tag is absolutely justified. Not only is it less susceptible to warping from sunlight, it also has an attractive grain and takes to stains and finishes really well. It will darken if left unfinished as a result of the natural oils from human contact, and is much heavier than other types of wood. Throughout our collections, we tend to use oak for our superior dining chair structures and tables.  
Walnut
Walnut is another hardwood instantly recognisable thanks to its deep, luxurious tone. Walnut is favoured for its durability, like oak, which is why it is equally expensive. When used for furniture making, it is almost always finished to preserve its beautiful depth of colour, because it is a photoreactive material that will oxidise over a long period if left untreated and exposed to sunlight. 
Ash
Another hardwood, ash is incredibly similar to oak, the main difference being that ash has a slightly narrower grain. When left unfinished or untreated, it will also darken over time like oak, which is why it is another sought-after material in the antique world, often boasting a stunning patina. Ash trees thrive best in cooler atmospheres, which is why it is the third most common tree in Britain. 
Elm
Elm is a hardwood known for its sturdiness and strength and is very common across Europe and North America. Coarse and tough, it is mostly used for structural furniture elements such as legs, arms and backrests - you’ll find a lot of our dining chairs are handmade using elm.   
Teak
Yep, you guessed it, teak is yet another hardwood that is great for making furniture. The teak tree itself is most common in Southeast Asia, and its lumber has wonderful weather-resistant properties that have historically made it good for boat-building, which is why you’ll often find that the luxurious decking on superyachts is solid teak. Wonderfully deep in colour, teak was the wood of choice for lots of Midcentury furniture, which is why teak accent chairs, sideboards and coffee tables have reached icon status.   
Beech
Beech is another widely-used hardwood native to a large part of Europe. Beech trees require a humid atmosphere and well-drained soil, historically representing femininity in Celtic mythology. Tough and heavy, beech has been very popular throughout history for making solid, sturdy structures - which is why it features consistently across our bar stool and dining chair range.   
Mango 
Although mango is now grown across the globe, they are native to India, Myanmar and East Asia. It is predominantly cultivated for its delicious fruit, but also offers superior density and durability. It is an incredibly sustainable choice, taking only 15 years to reach maturity, which is very short for a hardwood! Furniture made using mango wood provides farmers with additional income, as they will often cut down the less fruitful trees that aren’t producing well, meaning there are no wasted planting efforts. 
Do you use any softwood for furniture building? 
Quality and longevity lie at the heart of our craftsmanship, which is why you’ll find that our dining chairs, bar stools and tables are crafted from durable hardwoods. Softwoods, such as pine, are still incredibly sturdy, which is why you’ll find lots of pine furniture available across the market, however, we only tend to use softwoods such as pine, or engineered wood products such as ply and MDF in decorative or upholstered elements of our furniture, such as sofa bases and mirror frames.  
General care tips for wooden furniture  
You might think wood is quite self-sufficient in terms of care, and for the most part, it is. All of our products are readily finished by talented furniture craftspeople, which is why you won’t need to do anything except keep them clean and follow some simple rules. There are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to preserving the look and quality of your wood furniture. These are: 

DON’T place your wood furniture where it will be exposed to differences in temperature and humidity, i.e. beside the radiator. This is because wood is likely to shrink or warp in extreme heat.    

DO clean up any spillages straight away - while all of our products have been finished to ensure complete surface protection, wood remains a porous surface that can still soak things up. 

DON’T use bleach-based products - this will likely dissolve the finish and bleach the natural wood itself, causing a significant difference in colour. 

DO protect your surfaces from things that are extremely hot and/or greasy. Heat can cause discolouring or burns, while grease can be detrimental to your lovely finish. 

DON’T leave your natural wood furniture exposed to sunlight day in day out, while painted wood is fine, many species of natural wood will change colour in the sun. On products such as our dining chairs, we use a smooth, matt-finish lacquer to prevent any yellowing with age, but nothing is stronger than the sun! 

How to clean wooden furniture 
Most types of wood and their finishes can be wiped with a damp cloth before buffing with a dry one. In the event of more stubborn marks, a solution of very mild cleaner can be used in small amounts, such as warm soapy water or a wood-specific cleaning product. Just be sure not to use anything silicone-based on your wood surfaces, as this will build up over time and leave you with a tacky residue. 

If you’re cleaning reclaimed or antique furniture, you can refer to our previous guide on cleaning wood furniture, which also covers how to detail with mould and mildew. After a deep clean, we think its a good idea to protect and preserve your wood, which you can do without altering the look of it by using a natural wax, such as briwax. While this may leave your wood very slightly darker in tone, it will prevent it from drying out and splitting as well as protect it from moisture.

Question 2

Mixing Stylers: Top Tips for Eclectic Interiors

Accepted Answer

Eclectic interiors bring about a level of personality and intrigue that you just can’t get when shopping for furniture under one roof. A timeless trend that oozes character, embracing the eclectic trend is a great way to show off your unique pieces, trink...
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What is eclectic interior style?

The definition of the word eclectic is ‘taking ideas from a wide range of sources.’ When you translate this into interior design, it literally means bringing together different pieces of furniture and accessories sourced from a range of places.

There may be heirlooms passed down between generations, flea market finds from far-flung travels and contemporary pieces from your favourite furniture shop. There is something inherently decorative and personal about the eclectic interior trend, as the way you decorate your space - and what you decorate it with - will be completely unique to you.

However, there’s a fine line between curated and chaos. Crafting an attractive eclectic space is an intentional and methodical process, it’s not a case of throwing any old things together. After all, the word eclectic comes from the Greek word eklektikos which translates to ‘selective.’ Below are some tips and tricks to help you create a design-led eclectic space.

1. Pick one piece to inform the rest of the room

The best way to avoid a chaotic or overwhelming feel is to focus on one piece in each room and draw inspiration from that. For example, you might have found a patterned wallpaper or fabric that you’re obsessed with (and patterns are a fantastic way to create an eclectic feel…) So, start your design process with that fabric or wallpaper, building outwards from the colours, style and design on the paper/fabric.

In the case where your chosen piece is something more specific, like an antique mirror, headboard or armchair, you should focus on bringing other elements to the room that echo that colour, style or design era.

2. Mix vintage with contemporary

While the design era of a certain piece might inform the majority of the room, there’s no reason you can’t mix that era with the contemporary one. For example, if your treasured accent piece is an antique ship-in-a-bottle, this would look great alongside a brand-new Marshall speaker or some industrial bar stools in leather and metal. It’s about distilling your blend of old and new to create something completely unique and personal.

3. Add in your heirlooms

Great news - your Nan’s treasured tea set gets a new lease of life by going on display atop your mid-century bookshelf. That standard lamp that was there when you bought the house can come down from the attic and repurposed with a statement shade in a bold colour. Whether you’ve inherited an accent armchair from the Bauhaus or you’ve collected some charity shop treasures over the years, it’s time to look at them in a different way and asses where they can sit best in an eclectic environment.

4. Make it personal

At Where Saint’s Go, we’re big believers that you should be able to feel your personality the second you walk through your front door. Whether that’s through photographs, mementos or statement patterns and colour - it doesn’t matter. Don’t buy things for the sake of decoration - choose things that resonate with your personality and taste. If you can, opt for things you already have and only buy things to show them off. For example, give your crystal decanter the space it deserves by buying a drinks trolley, bring those family photos front and centre with a new photo frame and drape that colourful patchwork quilt over a statement accent chair.

5. Retain negative space

What is negative space? It’s the ‘plain’ parts between your accent pieces. In order to keep that ‘curated’ feel, you should keep pockets of negative space to break up the colour, patterns and ‘busy-ness’ of an eclectic interior. These negative spaces can be areas of wall and large furniture items such as sofas and beds. An easy way to ensure they remain calm is to keep them neutral and build your eclectic vibe from individual statement pieces that can be moved around.

In summary: the basic principles of eclectic style

To wrap all of the above up into a neat guide of just three points, here are what we would consider to be the ‘golden rules’ of eclectic design:

● Mix visual elements of colour, pattern and texture

● With both modern, vintage and heirloom furniture pieces

● In a way that feels curated, not chaotic - by keeping those negative spaces calm.

Question 3

Buying Guide: Office Chairs

Accepted Answer

Breaking news: office chairs don’t have to be boring or ugly. When picking out a chair that you’ll spend a large amount of your time in, it must tick all the boxes when it comes to comfort, looks and quality. However, this can be daunting thanks to the endless amount of options available. We’ve compiled this office chairs buying guide to help you narrow down the search and elevate your office space.

If you want to skip straight to our selection of office chairs though, you can do so here.

Intended use

The intended purpose of your office chair is the biggest factor when it comes to your purchasing decision. Intended use mainly revolves around the length of time you’ll be using it for, for example:

Occasional use: 1-3 hours per day. Using your chair for things such as internet browsing, completing homework or assignments and other general admin.
Heavy use: Up to 8 hours per day. Using your chair in an office or business environment or as a fundamental part of your WFH set-up.

With occasional use, you can base most of your decision on the look of the chair and how it fits with your home decor, without worrying so much about how hardwearing it is. Great examples of these include our Cesca, Wilson and Kenny. However, if you require a chair for heavy use in a home office or business environment where you’re sitting in it for several hours at a time, you’ll need something more hardwearing and ergonomic, to ensure that it is supporting you as it should be, and so that you can be as productive as possible.

Does the chair provide enough support?

An ergonomic office chair will be designed to alleviate the discomforts that come with sitting in a fixed position for extended periods. They will support the lower back and shoulders and allow you to work better, resulting in a more efficient work day!

What is an ergonomic office chair?

An ergonomic office chair provides adequate support to the body’s musculoskeletal system. The chair is sculpted to the contours of the body such as the lumbar region and the natural s-shape of the spine. A good ergonomic office chair will also be equipped with armrests so that the user’s shoulders are relaxed and a dense foam cushion for the seating pad.

Seat material & size

The material of your seat needs to be breathable, easy to clean, comfortable and in keeping with the look and feel of your aesthetic. This is where most standard office chairs fall short, most of them are black polyester with very little personality or style. When choosing your office chair, you should think about whether or not the material ticks all of the boxes above.

Fabric is a popular choice thanks to how breathable it is, but it also stains easily.

Mesh is incredibly breathable but not very durable.

Faux leather is a practical, low-maintenance and wipe-clean choice that is stylish and affordable.

Real leather is the most durable as it won’t crack or peel and can still be wiped clean, however, it is more expensive and may not be suited to all tastes.

The overall seat width is also something to bear in mind, especially in busy or compact office environments. You’ll need to measure the width of the chair to ensure that it will fit between any drawers, table legs and desks you will be using.

Adjustable height

There are two rules of thumb that will ensure correct posture and healthy circulation when using your office chair. These are:

Your feet can sit flat on the floor
Your eyes line up with the top of your computer screen

For these two things to be possible, you’ll need an adjustable-height office chair that allows you to lower and elevate your seating position - or, be incredibly lucky and find the perfectly-sized fixed office chair!

Backrests & armrests

Prolonged sitting without adequate lumbar support can cause the natural s-shape of the spine to flatten, leading to severe discomfort and back problems. This is why choosing an office chair with a good backrest is essential. You should look for a mid-height backrest at the least, ensuring that it is ergonomically shaped for adequate support. If you tend to have issues with your neck and shoulders when working, you should look for a taller backrest that provides neck support too.

When working at a desk or on a computer, your arms will be bent at the elbows. Armrests, particularly adjustable ones, will give you somewhere to rest, making the experience more comfortable. However, you’ll need to make sure that you measure the armrests to ensure that they will also fit under your desk, as some designs can be quite wide.

Wheeled base

High-quality casters (they are the wheels on the bottom of the chair spokes) will allow you to glide effortlessly over both carpet and hard floors. Having a chair with a wheeled base is a good idea in heavy-use scenarios as it will create a little bit of movement and prevent you from sitting still for too long, which isn’t good for the body. However, some casters can leave your carpet threadbare, meaning fixed bases are preferable.

Question 4

Buying Guide: Sofas

Accepted Answer

There’s nothing quite like a comfy sofa, is there? At the end of a long day, settling into your sofa can feel like a warm hug. A mainstay of the home since time immemorial, the sofa has origins in ancient Egypt, and the word itself is derived from the Arabic word “suffah” which means “bench.” As they did with most things, the Romans made the sofa a little fancier, creating a chaise longue-shaped thing designed for reclining on while being fed grapes. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, it wasn’t until the late 16th Century that the sofa returned to homes throughout Europe. From then onwards though, they began to take on a much more luxurious look and comfortable build. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Sofas are usually the focal feature of a living room, or can sometimes blend slightly into the background depending on the material and style you choose. An investment into both your aesthetic and ergonomics, buying a sofa is not something you should go ahead with until you’ve reassured yourself that it’s the right one for you and your home. That’s where we come in - we’ve compiled this handy sofa-buying guide to help you pick the perfect sofa.  
Location & Style
When choosing any piece of furniture, we think the best place to start is by considering where you’ll be placing it. If it’s a sofa that you’re shopping for, it will most likely be for a socialising, relaxing or entertaining space, which is usually a living room, games room or home bar. Once you’ve ascertained where exactly you’ll be putting the sofa, you can begin to think about the style of it. 

For example, if the location is a home bar, you can ask yourself what aesthetic you want the home bar to have. If it’s an eclectic, vintage members’ club feel you’re going for, the button-tufted Fitzroy would make a luxurious and statement addition. Alternatively, if you want more of a cosy pub or cottage feel, the rustic leather look of the Regent will be more appropriate. In a family-friendly living room where comfort is king and contemporary style reigns supreme, the grey, L-shaped Baldwin is your best bet. 




The practical points of your sofa 
Will your sofa fit?  
You’ll need to decide on what size sofa is going to work for you. If there are five people in your household, a two-seater probably isn’t going to cut it. However, what you can do is opt for a smaller sofa and a couple of statement armchairs to mix things up and avoid overpowering the room with one big accent. We offer a selection of different-sized sofas at Where Saints Go, and an even bigger selection of accent armchairs that are the perfect mix of stylish and comfortable.  

The next step will be to figure out the measurements. We cannot stress the importance of measuring your room and sofa enough - you’d be surprised at how many people are shocked to find that the sofa they ordered won’t actually fit through the front door. Grab a tape measure and keep in mind that it’s not just the room itself you’ll need to measure, but also your access points. For example, if you’re planning on bringing the sofa in via your front or back doors, be sure to check the width of your door frame against the width and height of your sofa, to check that you can get it in your house - and along any narrow hallways or corridors along the way to its final spot! You can find all of the measurements you’ll need on the ‘dimensions’ tab of each product page. 

To ensure that the sofa is definitely right for your space, we recommend either taping the shape of the sofa out on the floor (depth and length) to see if it fits well in the space you had in mind. Remember that you should ideally keep radiators free and avoid having any furniture pushed right up against a wall in order to encourage airflow and avoid dampness - particularly in older homes!  

Getting your sofa inside will be easier if it’s a modular piece that requires assembly, or where the cushions can be removed. You can find out if there’s any assembly involved with your sofa on our ‘special features’ tab, but rest assured that any assembly required is always straightforward, with our customer care team on hand to help should you need it. 
Materials
Once you know what style and size of sofa you’re going for, you can consider materials. Most of our handmade sofas feature a solid wood frame, foam cushioning and a choice of leather or fabric upholstery. When it comes to deciding what’s right for you, you should answer the following questions: 
●	Is this sofa pet / child-friendly, can it be cleaned easily? 
●	Does this material suit the surroundings? 
●	Is the colour right for me? If not, does it come in any other colours?

Seat Height
The seat height of your sofa will tell you how low off the ground you’ll be sitting, which is essential information for those who struggle to rise from low surfaces, prefer to have a little more support beneath them, or just want to make sure they can line it up perfectly with the TV. Our sofas sit within the 40 - 50cm seat height range, but you can check the exact measurements on our dimensions tab. 
Backrest Height
As well as the seat height, the backrest height is completely down to personal preference and can dramatically alter how it feels to recline and relax on the sofa. You’ll need to remember that once you’re seated, the cushions beneath you will naturally compress beneath your weight, meaning you’ll sit at varying levels, with the backrest rising behind you. Your height and proportions will also come into play, but all of this will only marginally affect how your shoulders and back sit against the backrest. The backrest heights of our own sofas range from 30 - 85cm, ensuring that there is plenty of choice for those shopping for something specific. If you want to pair up your sofa with a statement armchair, you can browse these here. 

Of course, we get that it’s nice to try before you buy, especially when it comes to such a big investment and a place you’ll spend a lot of your downtime. While we don’t always hold stock of every single item, we do offer warehouse visits strictly by appointment only. You can call to book on 0161 368 9638, and if you have a specific piece in mind, we will be able to tell you if it’s here for you to see.

Question 5

Furniture Care Guide: Velvet

Accepted Answer

Velvet is believed to have been created by the Egyptians, who used a superior blend of linens and silk to make this sumptuously soft fabric. Italy was the first European country to have a thriving velvet trade and during the Renaissance period, people went really nuts for it, which is when it became a popular way to show off your wealth. As you can imagine, a plush fabric that took time, several materials and high skill to create was no cheap buy.  

Fast-forward to modern day, and velvet has become much more accessible. It’s no longer created using just fine silk, and we’ve been able to incorporate other more durable materials such as cotton, wool and synthetic fibres, making it a much more practical material for a busy, lived-in home. 

As with any fabric, some care and maintenance will be needed to keep your velvet furniture in good condition. We’ve compiled this guide full of helpful tips and advice for you to do just that.
Types Of Velvet
There are a lot of different velvet types. The most common used in furniture upholstery are: 
●	Crushed velvet
●	Microfibre
●	Velour 

Wondering how to tell which is which? Crushed velvet has a very visible sheen to it and was the staple of the seventies - think Mick Jagger’s double-breasted suit jackets and plush dressing gowns. Microfibre is probably the most common in use today, it’s the muted and understated look thanks to its shorter pile that is still beautifully soft to the touch. Finally, velour sits somewhere in between the two, with a long enough pile to create texture and variation in tone. 
 
Due to the difference in pile lengths, crushed velvet and velour will require more upkeep than microfibre. 
 
Maintaining your Velvet Pile
Dense, lush pile is one of the key characteristics of velvet - that’s what makes it the luxury product that it is. On lighter-coloured fabrics with no pattern or texture, the pile becomes more noticeable. It is a series of small woven loops in one direction, which is why when you brush it the opposite way, it creates a darker, different effect. 
Generally, velvet items are made with the pile going down. If you brush your hand down with the pile, it will feel smooth to touch and look lighter. If you move in the opposite direction and push against the pile, it will feel coarser and look darker. If you have a velvet item in your house, try brushing it both up and down with a flat hand to see the difference.  

As you can see, the direction of the pile can therefore make a big difference in the appearance of your velvet furniture. This ultimately adds character and variation to the fabric, introducing different, darker tones, which you’ll want to keep in mind when planning out your interior using velvet pieces. If you’re more of a minimalist and want the neatest look possible, you’ll want to brush the pile in the same direction over the entire item. For quick and easy touch-ups, you can just use the palm of your (clean) hand - be sure to wash your hands before doing it, so that you’re minimising any natural grease and oil that will transfer onto the fabric. 

For long-term maintenance or larger items of furniture, a clothes brush is the best tool for the job. Double-sided clothes brushes are ideal – one side has softer bristles for general upkeep and the other has firm bristles. While you will use the softer side most often to correct the direction of the pile, the firmer bristles also work well well to brush out any stubborn marks or creases that may occur if care is not taken when in use or when rough clothing items, such as zips or embellishments, come into contact with a seat.

General Care Tips
Brushing velvet furniture regularly will not only maintain a neat and smooth appearance, it also lifts the pile and reduces the effects of being flattened by constant use - think of it in the same way as hoovering carpet - your carpet always looks and feels much more plush after a good hoover, doesn’t it?

The brush can be used to remove any dust and dirt between the fibers, and for a deeper clean you can gently use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
 

Velvet care guide: dos and donts 
In summary, here’s our quickfire round of the essential dos and donts when it comes to velvet care.

DO regularly brush your velvet furniture to ‘fluff up’ the pile and keep it in good condition to avoid it going flat. 

DON’T get the velvet wet. You should soak up any spillages immediately by gently blotting them with a clean cloth. Don’t press too hard as this may damage or flatten the pile, instead just gently blot and allow it to dry. Once the fabric is dry, you can brush to refresh the pile. 

DO use a decent fabric upholstery cleaner if you get a stubborn spot or stain. The best homemade solution is equal parts white vinegar and distilled water, which should always be gently blotted onto a small non-visible area to test first. Once dry, you should always restore the texture by brushing or gently vacuuming. 

PLEASE NOTE: These procedures are to be undertaken at your own risk by a recommended process of spot-testing any solutions first. Where Saints Go will not be held responsible for any damage incurred.

Knowledge Base

Buying Guides (5)

Care Guides (4)

Style Tips (1)

Knowledge Base

Buying Guides (5)

Care Guides (4)

Style Tips (1)

Anything But Ordinary