Made for You

Product Care & Finish Guide

Natural materials bring depth and dimension to a space. Each one of our products are intentionally chosen for their durability, character, and ability to evolve over time. Rather than resisting signs of age, this guide outlines how to care for each material in a way that supports its longevity and natural progression. If you have any questions about your item, please reach out to hello@slow-roads.com.

Metals

Antique & Dark Antique Brass

A warm-toned, hand-aged finish with brown, amber, and black hues on a raw brass base. The Dark Antique variation undergoes a longer aging process, resulting in a slightly deeper tone upon arrival. Over time, both finishes will develop oxidation and patina, softening any initial contrast.

Finish Type: Living finish

Use: Indoor and outdoor (expect faster patina outdoors)

Care: Do not use liquid or chemical cleaners. Gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive materials.

Polished & Natural Brass

Polished Brass is raw brass with a high-shine finish. Available in lacquered (semi-gloss coating to slow patina) or unlacquered (develops patina with handling and exposure).

Finish Type: Living finish

Use

  • Lacquered Polished Brass: Indoor only
  • Unlacquered Natural Brass: Indoor or outdoor
  • Cast Brass: Indoor or outdoor

Care: Avoid liquid cleaners. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or fingerprints.

Satin Brass

Features raw brass with a brushed finish. Designed to age with use and exposure.

Finish Type: Living finish

Use: Indoor only

Care: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid moisture and harsh cleaners.

Antique Silver

A warm silver finish with aged tones of pewter and black on a brass base. Will gradually develop a darker patina, if placed outside over time the fixture will develop a verdigris coloring.

Finish Type: Living finish

Use: Indoor only

Care: Use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid any polishing agents or liquids.

Bronze Botanical Candlesticks - Slow Roads

Natural, Blackened, and Aged Bronze

Natural, Blackened, and Aged Bronze are solid bronze finishes that highlight the material’s natural character. All are unlacquered and will continue to patina over time with handling and exposure.

Finish Type: Living finish

Use

  • Natural Bronze: Indoor or outdoor
  • Blackened Bronze: Indoor or outdoor
  • Aged Bronze: Indoor only

Care: Use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid any polishing agents or liquids.

Woven

Flatweave Rugs

Lightweight and low-pile, flatweaves are ideal for busy households and high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and entryways, as their flexible structure makes them easy to move and clean.

  • Vacuum regularly using a suction-only attachment. Avoid rotating brushes.
  • Spot clean with cold water and a mild soap if needed.
  • Always blot spills, never rub.
  • Consider using a rug pad to reduce movement and prolong life.
  • To refresh, shake out or hang outdoors in indirect sunlight.
  • Rotate rugs every 6 months to even wear.
  • Avoid placing near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
  • Expose backing to sunlight periodically to reduce bacteria buildup.
  • Clean hard floors regularly with water only. Detergents can leave residues that transfer to rugs.
  • Shift rug position slightly each month to avoid uneven fading on underlying flooring.

Hand-Knotted Rugs 

Hand-knotted rugs—whether vintage or newly made—are defined by their intricate craftsmanship and heirloom-quality construction. Designed to last for generations, these pieces bring a sense of richness and intention to living rooms, bedrooms, and other low- to medium-traffic areas where their detailed patterns and textures can be appreciated.

  • Use a gentle vacuum setting without a beater bar, and avoid excessive cleaning products that can strip natural fibers.
  • Blot stains with cool water and a soft cloth.
  • For vintage pieces, consult a rug specialist for deep cleaning every few years.
  • Rotate regularly to distribute wear evenly and prevent fading. 
  • Avoid placing near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
  • Expose backing to sunlight periodically to reduce bacteria buildup.
  • Clean hard floors regularly with water only. Detergents can leave residues that transfer to rugs. 
  • Shift rug position slightly each month to avoid uneven fading on underlying flooring.

​​Paper Cord

A durable natural material made from twisted paper fibers with a wax treatment that lightly protects against dirt. Over time, it develops a graceful patina, available in natural or black.

  • Remove wet stains immediately by blotting with a soft cloth or paper towel—never rub.
  • Avoid soaking or using harsh cleaners.
  • Vacuum gently using a soft nozzle at medium suction.
  • Keep the material out of direct sunlight and away from heat or humidity to maintain its integrity.
  • Natural aging and subtle color changes are part of the material’s unique charm.

Linen Webbing

Linen webbing has been used for furniture seats for centuries. It offers a lightweight, breathable surface that allows for comfortable ventilation. The webbing is woven tightly with polypropylene (PP) strings to ensure long-lasting stretch resistance.

  • Vacuum gently with a soft nozzle to remove dust and debris.
  • Wipe spills promptly with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed, then blot dry.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage fibers.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent fading and weakening.
  • Over time, expect slight natural wear as part of linen’s character and charm.

Cane Wicker

Cane wicker is a delicate material made from the smooth outer layer of the rattan plant. It is sourced from Japan and Indonesia, where cane of the highest quality is valued for its strength, flexibility, and durability.

  • Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or gentle vacuum.
  • Wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth if needed—avoid soaking.
  • Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators to prevent drying, cracking, or discoloration.
  • Allow the material to breathe in a well-ventilated space to maintain its integrity.
  • Over time, expect subtle shifts in tone and texture as part of the natural aging process.

Sheepskin

Saja Rug (Hair-on-Hide)

When selecting between the options Warm Melange White, Grey Melange, and Brown Melange, keep in mind that each rug is unique and features a combination of undyed and unbleached natural furs. The range can vary from white to black and warm to cool, allowing you to choose your overall feel - warmer tones, cooler tones, or darker tones. It is important to note that the pure white option is achieved through bleaching and will not display any natural variations. Please view all photos of each color option to see the full range of hues as the combination of colors, textures, and fur length vary.   

  • Let the material rest fully - to where wrinkles relax - before placing anything on top.
  • Vacuum with a hose attachment only and avoid rotary heads.
  • Spot clean with water or mild, natural cleaners. Please avoid soaking the fur.
  • If wet, allow to dry completely; a temporary odor may occur.
  • Brush with a comb to revive texture.
  • Shake out and lightly beat from the back every few months.
  • Avoid placing near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
  • Expose backing to sunlight periodically to reduce bacteria buildup.

Upholstery

Aniline & Saddle Leather

Aniline and saddle leather are natural, high-quality materials made from vegetable- or chrome-tanned hides. With minimal surface treatment, their original texture and grain are preserved—resulting in breathable, soft leather that will develop a rich patina over time. These leathers are designed to age beautifully with proper care.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent drying and cracking.
  • Never use soaps, solvents, saddle soap, or commercial cleaners.
  • Dust regularly with a soft cloth; vacuum with a brush attachment.
  • Treat spills immediately with a soft cloth or perfume-free baby wipe, followed by a dry wipe.
  • For maintenance, apply a leather cream 2–3 times a year.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to packaging tape in sunlight, which may cause permanent fading.

Semi-Aniline Leather

Semi-aniline leather is a natural material treated with a light protective finish, offering greater resistance to dirt and improved durability while maintaining much of the leather’s natural character.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent drying or cracking.
  • Never use soaps, solvents, saddle soap, or commercial cleaners.
  • Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or vacuum gently using a brush attachment.
  • Treat spills immediately with a clean, soft cloth or perfume-free baby wipe, then wipe dry.
  • Apply a leather cream 2–3 times per year to maintain softness and prevent drying.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with packaging tape or plastic wrap in direct sunlight, which may cause fading.

Nubuck Leather

Nubuck leather is crafted from the finest European hides and gently sanded to create its signature velvety surface. Naturally breathable and soft, it offers exceptional comfort but is more susceptible to dirt and stains. Though lightly treated for protection, Nubuck requires regular care to maintain its appearance. Over time, areas of frequent use will develop a smoother, shinier patina, which is part of the material’s natural aging process.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent drying or cracking.
  • Never use soaps, solvents, saddle soap, or commercial cleaners.
  • Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth or vacuum gently using a brush attachment.
  • Treat spills immediately with a clean, soft cloth or perfume-free baby wipe, then wipe dry.
  • Apply a leather cream 2–3 times per year to help preserve softness and texture.
  • Avoid prolonged contact with packaging tape or plastic wrap in direct sunlight, which may cause fading.

Fabric Upholstery

Fabric upholstery is made from a variety of natural and synthetic fibers designed to combine comfort, texture, and durability. Each fabric has unique characteristics that develop over time with use and care. Below is general care guidance. To learn more about each fabric, please visit our swatch pages for Fredericia or for our upholstery collection

  • Professional cleaning only. Do not wash, spot clean, or steam clean at home.
  • Direct sunlight may cause fading; minimize exposure.
  • Application of stain guards by customers will void any warranties.
  • If wrinkled from shipping, gentle steaming (20–30 seconds) may reduce visible marks.

Cushions & Inserts

  • To maintain shape, unzip the casing (without removing it) and adjust the inner fill.
  • Feather-Cloud and Feather-Down inserts use pre-washed, air-blown feather/down blend in a down-proof ticking. Feathers may occasionally protrude. Please note that this is normal.
  • Fluff and flip cushions regularly to maintain loft and extend lifespan.

Wood

Wood & Finishes

Wood

Wood is a living material, full of depth, warmth, and natural variation. Chosen for its strength and timeless beauty, each piece is designed to evolve with use.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat, which can dry or distort the surface.
  • Dust with a clean, all-cotton cloth.
  • Use a non-wax, silicone-free polish.
  • Natural oil-based products may be used to condition and clean.
  • Avoid any cleaners with abrasives or harsh chemicals.

Lacquered finishes 

Lacquered surfaces are easy to clean and they are highly resistant to dust and dirt. However, a lacquered surface is difficult to restore once ruined. 

  • Immediately wipe off any liquids, as they will otherwise be absorbed into the tiny cracks in the varnish and create blotches. 
  • Avoid high humidity as lacquered surfaces are sensitive to moisture damage.