How to Care for Bone Inlay Furniture

How to Care for Bone Inlay Furniture: A Complete Guide

Bone inlay furniture is an investment — and like any quality piece, it rewards a little care and attention. The good news is that maintaining bone inlay furniture is straightforward once you know what to do (and what to avoid). Here's everything you need to keep your pieces looking beautiful for years to come.

Understanding What Bone Inlay Furniture Is Made Of

Before diving into care tips, it helps to understand the materials involved. Genuine bone inlay furniture consists of:

• A mango wood frame — solid, durable, and naturally resistant to warping.
• A resin filling — this is what the bone pieces are set into.
• Hand-cut camel or buffalo bone pieces — these are the inlay fragments that create the pattern.
• A highly polished surface— this seals and protects the surface.

Each of these materials has slightly different care requirements, which is why it's important to treat bone inlay furniture gently and avoid harsh chemicals.

Everyday Cleaning

For day-to-day maintenance, less is more:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster. This prevents dust from building up in the grooves between the inlay pieces.
• Wipe spills immediately with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Don't let liquids sit on the surface.
• Avoid abrasive cloths or sponges — these can scratch the lacquer finish.

Deep Cleaning

For a more thorough clean (every few months, or as needed):

• Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water — wring it out well so it's barely moist.
• You can add a tiny amount of mild, pH-neutral soap to the cloth if needed, but rinse the surface with a clean damp cloth afterwards.
• Dry the surface immediately with a soft, dry cloth — don't let moisture sit.
• Never use bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, furniture polish sprays, or anything abrasive.

Protecting Your Furniture from Damage

A few simple habits will significantly extend the life of your bone inlay pieces:

• Use coasters and placemats — always. Hot cups, glasses, and plates can damage the lacquer finish and potentially cause the bone pieces to lift over time.
• Avoid extreme direct sunlight — prolonged UV exposure can cause the bone to yellow and the colours to fade. 
• Maintain stable humidity — extreme changes in humidity can cause the wood base to expand and contract, which may affect the inlay over time. 
• Lift, don't drag — when moving pieces, always lift them rather than dragging them across the floor.

Caring for Mother of Pearl Inlay Furniture

The care instructions for mother of pearl inlay furniture are very similar to bone inlay. The main difference is that mother of pearl shell can be slightly more sensitive to acidic substances — so be especially careful with citrus-based cleaners or acidic foods and drinks.

Shop with Confidence at Abacus & Hunt

Every piece of bone inlay furniture we sell is built to last. Our artisans in Rajasthan use traditional techniques and quality materials that, with proper care, will keep your furniture looking stunning for decades.

If you have any questions about caring for your piece, or you're looking to add to your collection, browse our full range — including pieces currently on sale and our stone and marble tables for complementary pieces.