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THE POET & PAINTER COLLECTION

CARE & ASSEMBLY GUIDE


For handcrafted oak, pine, hardwoods, ceramics, and heavyweight linen, made to be lived with.



At Olive Ateliers, we believe in the beauty of age and authenticity. The Poet & Painter collection is crafted by hand from natural materials: solid oak and hardwood, pine, reclaimed teak, hand-painted ceramic, washed linen, grass-rope weave, and more. Each piece is finished and aged by hand, so no two arrive exactly alike. Variation in grain, color, weave, and finish is inherent to the material and craft, not a defect.


Below you’ll find practical guidance for care, upkeep, and light assembly across each material in the collection.



SOLID OAK & HARDWOOD FURNITURE


Hand-built oak and hardwood, finished in low-VOC water-based stain, sealed, lacquered, and waxed


Everyday Care: Dust with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth. Wipe spills promptly and dry immediately; do not let moisture sit on the surface. Avoid harsh or chemical cleaners, which can compromise the finish.


Placement: Keep pieces away from direct heat, damp walls, and prolonged direct sunlight, which can cause fading, drying, or movement in the wood. Use coasters, placemats, and felt pads under objects and tableware to guard against scratches, rings, and heat marks.


Long-Term Maintenance: The surfaces are often heavily sanded with visible grooves and saw marks, part of the intended character. A natural wood conditioner or furniture wax may be applied periodically to nourish the wood; follow the product instructions, buff along the grain, and note this may darken the finish.


Aging Gracefully: Expect natural shifts in tone and character with age and use. Variation in grain and color is expected and unique to each piece.



BRASS HARDWARE


Custom, pure-brass pulls, aged with oil by hand


The brass pulls on case goods are custom-made and hand-aged, chosen to look worn from the start. They will continue to develop a natural patina over time. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid brass polishes or abrasive cleaners if you wish to preserve the aged finish; polishing will strip the patina and brighten the metal.



HAND-PAINTED CERAMIC & EARTHENWARE


Hand-painted, glazed, and hand-finished; decorative (water safe)


Care: Hand-wash gently with mild soap and water. Dry promptly.


Important: These pieces are decorative only and not food safe. Ceramic is durable but delicate and can chip on heavy impact; handle and store with care. The hand-applied glaze, distressed rims, and hand-painted blue detailing vary from piece to piece.



WASHED LINEN & SLIPCOVERED UPHOLSTERY


100% heavy-weight washed linen (450 gsm) over a hardwood frame with fiber-and-foam fill; wood legs in antique brown


Everyday Care: Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment. Steam to release small wrinkles; a lightly wrinkled, relaxed look is intended.


Cleaning: Slipcovers are fully removable and washable. Spot-clean small stains with a damp cloth. For larger stains, remove and hand wash. Professional cleaning is recommended.


For small stains, first blot (do not rub) with a clean white absorbent cloth. A good starting solution is cool or lukewarm water with a small amount of neutral/pH-mild liquid detergent. Apply the solution to the cloth rather than pouring it directly onto the fabric, work from the outside of the stain toward the center, then blot with clean water to remove detergent residue. Avoid soaking one localized area because it can create a tide mark.


For drying the removable slipcover, air drying is the safest approach. After washing, reshape the cover while damp and dry it flat or naturally supported, away from strong direct sunlight and excessive heat. Avoid high-temperature tumble drying because linen can shrink significantly, which is particularly problematic with fitted upholstery covers. Do not tumble dry.


Aging Gracefully: Linen softens and relaxes with use. Expect gentle wrinkling and a lived-in drape.


We recommend flipping and rotating sofa and chair cushions regularly, to keep fillings evenly distributed, prevent permanent sagging, and maintain a plump, fresh look over time.



RECLAIMED TEAK


Deliberately inconsistent reclaimed teak, marks and holes preserved, sealed in low-VOC water-based finish


Reclaimed teak is selected to keep its natural aging, marks, and holes; the imperfections are intentional. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. No two pieces are alike.



GRASS-ROPE & WOVEN SEATING


Hand-woven grass-rope seats on aged oak frames


Vacuum the weave gently with a soft brush attachment to lift dust. Avoid soaking; blot spills promptly and allow to air dry. Do not stand on woven seats or subject them to concentrated weight. Minor variation in the weave is expected.



ASSEMBLY


Several larger pieces in the collection, including the dining tables, require light assembly (for example, attaching legs or trestle components to the top). Assemble on a soft, clean surface to protect the finish, ensure all connections are hand-tightened and stable before use, and lift rather than drag when moving to protect both joints and floors.



A FINAL NOTE ON NATURAL AGING


Every piece in the Poet & Painter collection is finished by hand, and each will carry small differences in grain, glaze, weave, and tone. These variations are the signature of handwork, not flaws. With simple, regular care, your pieces will age into a character entirely their own.



CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT


For technical specifications or to consult with our material specialists, please reach out to: general@oliveateliers.com