Gone (thankfully!) are the days of having each room of your home feel like it’s out of Rooms To Go, where everything matches, and everything is a suit or a set. Instead, most folks today are mixing and matching all sorts of furniture: antiques mixed with garage sale finds, thrifted art, and heirloom wall hangings.

Incorporating lacquer furniture is an easy way to add a beautiful, timeless touch to any space. Wherever you source your piece—estate sales, flea markets, thrift shops, or hand-me-downs from relatives—they do a lot of the heavy lifting in favor of adding character and story to a room. However, keeping them properly cared for is a must to extend the magic they provide.

Alice Kerley and Dorothy Collier have seen their fair share of lacquer pieces and walk us through their best practices for making those pieces really sing.

Unlike raw wood or delicate finishes, lacquer creates a hard, protective shell that resists spills, fingerprints, and everyday wear and tear. “A well-loved lacquered piece can handle everything from spills to the occasional rogue crayon,” Collier says. “They wipe clean with just a damp cloth, making them both stylish and practical for family living,” Kerley adds.

What Is Lacquer?

Lacquer is a layer of shellac mixed with alcohol that’s used to coat higher-end pieces of furniture. It most often looks shiny, but can also look matte, depending on the process of application. Lacquer is amazing for keeping pieces looking fantastic over decades, if well-taken care of, because it protects against moisture while still being transparent, allowing the beautiful wood beneath to shine through.

At Heirloom House, Collier and Kerley believe in preserving the past while making vintage finds work for modern homes. “Caring for antiques is about respect,” Dorothy says. “A little patience and the right approach go a long way in keeping these pieces alive for another generation.”

How To Know If Your Furniture Is Lacquer?

If you aren’t sure whether your furniture is lacquer, test a small, out-of-sight area with a cotton swab dipped in acetone. If the coating is dissolved by the acetone, you’re working with a lacquer piece.

How To Clean Lacquer In 3 Steps

You’ll need

• Microfiber cloth or feather duster
• Dish soap
• Damp rag
• Beeswax polish (optional)

Step 1: Dust First And Often

Prior to administering any kind of liquid or chemical cleaner, dusting your furniture is a must. Otherwise, you’re simply moving dust around while cleaning…and, well, that isn’t really cleaning, is it?

Always opt for a very soft duster to avoid scratching or damaging your piece. “Lacquered furniture needs a soft touch,” Collier says. “A microfiber cloth or a natural feather duster is your best friend.”

Incorporating regular dusting into your routine will help prevent buildup on your pieces, so make dusting your furniture (even if you aren’t doing a deep clean) a regular part of your cleaning routine.

Step 2: Wipe Down

Keeping lacquer in good shape depends on avoiding harsh chemicals—anything too acidic or heavy will strip the lacquer away and diminish the shine.

Even better, the correct method of cleaning is actually easier than going to the store and buying a chemical cleaner. All you need is warm water and dish soap!

“A damp, lint-free cloth with a tiny drop of mild dish soap is all you need. No ammonia, no alcohol—just gentle, old-school cleaning,” Collier says. Thoroughly wipe down your piece using your damp rag until you’ve given attention to every nook and cranny.

Dorothy also recommends following up with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.

Step 3: Polish, Occasionally

This step isn’t necessary every time, but if you notice your pieces looking a little drab, a good polish will bring them back to life.

Again, no need to invest in harsh ingredients—a dab of high-quality beeswax polish or a touch of mineral oil can bring back the shine. “Less is more,” Kerley advises. “You’re preserving history, not refinishing it. Avoid silicone-based polishes, as they can create a buildup that’s hard to remove.”

Handle With Care

“Lacquer is sometimes finicky,” Collier says. “Keep these pieces out of direct sunlight and away from extreme humidity changes. And always, always use coasters! Heat and moisture can cause the lacquer to crack or bubble, diminishing its appearance and value.”

For Water Rings Or Stains

“If you do get water rings or stains,” Kerley advises, “lightly buff them out with a bit of baking soda mixed with water using a soft cloth. You can repair minor scratches with a lacquer marker or dab a little bit of clear nail polish.”

When In Doubt, Call A Professional

For stubborn stains or damaged finishes, Kerley recommends reaching out to a professional conservator. “Some pieces are worth a DIY clean-up, but if you’ve got something truly special—say, a 1920s chinoiserie cabinet—get expert advice before attempting a fix.”