Monsoon alert: Look out for your fabric, furniture this season with these measures

From quick fixes to smart spatial alterations, here are a number of things you can do to keep your material palettes well protected.

Looking out for the wooden pieces

Wood, being a naturally-sourced material, tends to absorb moisture and swell up changing the aesthetic picture of wood which endears us to the material. “There is a high chance for the wood statements to show up with visible cracks and cuts that make them further prone to termite attacks. As a counter to these cases, you can seal the wooden floors, give a pesticide control measure to the built-in furnishings and add a layer of coatings and sealants to retain the originality of the wood. Much of this treatment should ideally be done before the monsoon season hits,” said Kalra.

According to Kalra, certain varieties of polishes and paints can come and become a second skin for the furniture to not only keep the pests at bay but also reimagine the look of your favourite pieces. “Bring out the textured wood tables in classic walnut brown, handwoven wicket seaters in a boho white and the antiquated wrought iron luminaires in a caviar black,” Kalra mentioned.

Tejpal Singh Shekhawat, founder and CEO, Kalyanam Furniture also listed a few dos and don’ts for your furniture this season.

Avoid placing furniture against the wall

In wet weather, walls become damp, and wall leaking is to be expected. “If you store your furniture close to the wall, moisture from the wall could seep onto the surface and gradually deteriorate the furniture,” said Shekhawat, adding that it is essential to keep them away from windows and doors too.

Here are some tips that can help (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Infuse the furnishings with oil

The surface of the wood swells during the monsoon season as a result of the moisture that is absorbed at this time. It makes it challenging to open and close the doors and drawers of wooden furniture. “You can lubricate the joints in drawers and doors to avoid such situations,” added Shekhawat.

Making changes in the layout

Walls become the gateway for every material damage that can come your way. Wooden installations turn dull and worn-out, wrought iron furnishings turn red with rust, copper accessories turn green and every other material has its own way of falling into the ill effects of moisture when they share close proximity to the easily-moistened walls creating damp corners and surfaces. “Changing the layout of the space by introducing ample clearance between the walls and the furniture can save the day in such a situation. Try bringing more of island furniture setups that create a point of focus — the sofas, tea tables and floor lamps can come together as the central elements and create a stage for your best pieces. Well-ventilated rooms can further help in moisture build up inside the house,” Kalra described.

Embrace romanticism with the colours

Bringing romanticism in the monsoon style is another way of looking at the season’s character. You can take it forward with vivid natural colours, floral patterns and soft textures in a number of interior elements. “Go for dainty wallpapers, textured flooring, canopy beds, arched closets, clustered luminaires, curved chaises, embroidered cushions, plush rugs, and more that bring a charming yet restful mood into the space,” expressed Kalra.

You can also bring in some cheerful palettes to balance the dull monsoon mood with fresh corals, understated peaches, or even bold neons as per your taste, added Kalra.

Retaining the fresh look of the fabrics

The interior textiles owe their radiance and freshness to the air around them. “The still air of the season gets heavy with dampness and simply refuses to flow through the fabric, making more room for trapped air. This particularly affects the denser fur rugs, heavier velvet drapes, and others that have rigid layers of weaves that are known to be fungi-favourites,” said Kalra.

While the easier way is to replace these fabrics with fresh breathable ones like sheer cotton, you can still choose to retain their fresh face with regular vacuuming rituals, linen spray routines, and others that help them stay dry. You can also take the upholstered pieces closer to the window, balcony or any other space that invites good sunlight to keep them warmer and tidier.

“To exaggerate the warmth, more of white can be brought in the handloom door curtains, tasseled macrame décor and other light-hued elements that reflect light and make the most of every ounce of warm light you get,” said Kalra.

What else to keep in mind?

Monsoon gloom is something no one wants to fall into. You can escape it by keeping the space bright and open to natural light. According to Kalra, one should try going lighter with the curtains and drapes — drop your valences and other layers and go for neat trims of sheer cotton or organza silk that come with a beauty of their own as it lends a breath of fresh air in the spaces.

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