Product care guide

Wood is the perfect material for our products which are designed and built to last. From our lighting to furniture ranges, our sustainably sourced wood is diverse and durable, and with a little extra TLC will last more than a lifetime.

We use the natural and ecologically sound process of steam bending to form many of our pieces of lighting and furniture. Because of this it is important that Tom Raffield products are stored or used in dry environments (if kept in storage, climate controlled storage is essential) to ensure their longevity.

Read more about choosing the right type of wood, request a sample or read our care guide below.

Wood

Our veneer lighting collection is made using a variety of timbers that are finished with a subtle water-based satin varnish. Our solid wood lighting pieces are finished with a blend of natural hard wax oils. These two applications provide easy-to care-for durable finishes which do not compromise the natural beauty of the wood grain. Dusting your light regularly with a feather duster should keep it looking clean, otherwise wipe with a damp cloth and remove any moisture with a dry cloth. Do not use solvents of any kind.

Avoid direct sunlight, strong indirect sunlight and any moisture on your light, especially veneer lighting. As wood is a natural material, a gradual change in tone may occur over time. Because of this, it is important to note that if two or more lights have been purchased at different times, there will be differences in colour and tone, particularly in oak and walnut woods. This will be more noticeable the longer the time period between purchases.

For any design in our stained lighting collections (Noctis, Cove etc.) we recommend using a clean, damp cloth or feather duster. Please note solvent-based cleaning fluids may react with the coloured finish. To prevent colour transfer, avoid placing your lights on any light-coloured surfaces.

Metal components such as ceiling kits should be dusted in the same way as detailed above and cleaned with a soft damp cloth only. It is important to ensure that moisture does not penetrate connections between metal parts taking extra care to never clean inside the bulb holder, especially with a damp cloth. Do not use solvents of any kind.

When cleaning glass components, such as the glass sphere on any light in our Loer range, dust with a soft dry cloth and use a window cleaning spray if necessary. Spray the cloth rather than the glass/product directly.

Ceramic

For our ceramic lighting ranges (Bue and Enka), we use a hard-wearing glaze on the inside and a matte glaze on the outside of the shade. We suggest you clean both the interior and exterior surface by gently wiping away any marks using warm soapy water and a lint free cloth. Once the surface is clean, gently dab dry using a soft, lint free cloth or towel. Any fibres on a cleaning cloth will stick to the outside surface more easily due to its beautiful finish.

Posted: 11.09.24
Updated: 21.05.25