To keep a high gloss side table looking good for years, dust it often with a soft microfibre cloth, wipe marks with a cloth that is only slightly damp, then dry it straight away. Use coasters under every cup and glass, avoid abrasive cleaners and rough paper towels, and keep the table away from direct heat. Gentle care, little and often, is what protects a glossy finish.
A well made gloss finish is tougher than many people expect, but its mirror like surface shows every smear and scratch. If you are choosing new pieces, our modern high gloss side tables UK collection includes white, grey and black finishes. The routines below apply whichever colour you choose.
High gloss furniture is usually made by applying several layers of lacquer or a smooth acrylic surface over a stable core, then polishing it to a deep shine. The result is reflective and hard wearing, but it is a surface finish. Once it is scratched through, it is difficult to restore at home.
That is why prevention matters more than repair. Nearly every piece of advice below is about stopping damage before it happens, rather than fixing it afterwards.
The cloth you use is the single biggest factor in how a gloss table ages.
Microfibre lifts dust rather than pushing it around. Grit trapped in a coarse cloth acts like fine sandpaper, and over time it leaves the haze of tiny scratches that makes gloss look tired.
Wash microfibre cloths without fabric softener, which leaves a residue that causes streaks. Let them dry naturally and keep them in a clean drawer.
A few minutes each week keeps a gloss table looking fresh:
Working in straight lines rather than circles makes any streaks easier to spot and remove.
For most cleaning, water alone is enough. When something more is needed, a drop of mild washing up liquid in warm water will lift greasy marks. Always rinse with a cloth dampened in clean water and dry afterwards.
Avoid the following on high gloss surfaces:
Some manufacturers suggest a dedicated gloss or acrylic cleaner. If one came with your table, use it as directed, and test any new product on a hidden area first.
Fingerprints are the most common complaint with gloss furniture, especially in darker colours. They are made of natural oils, so a dry cloth often just moves them around. A slightly damp microfibre cloth followed by a dry one removes them cleanly.
If fingerprints are a constant problem, think about where the table sits. A table that people use to steady themselves as they stand up from the sofa will always collect marks. Moving it a little further from the seat edge can help.
Most scratches come from objects being slid across the surface. A few habits make a big difference:
Very fine marks in the top layer can sometimes be softened with a specialist plastic or acrylic polish, applied gently with a soft cloth. Always check the care guidance for your table first. Deeper scratches through the finish are best left alone, as rubbing them can widen the damage.
Hot mugs and cold glasses are the main cause of rings and marks. Use coasters for every drink, and place a mat under anything warm, such as a teapot or a lamp with a hot base.
Spills should be wiped up immediately. Pay attention to the edges of the top, as water that sits along an edge for a long time can reach the core and cause swelling. A quick wipe and dry stops that from happening.
Soften sticky marks with a warm, damp cloth held on the spot for a few seconds, then wipe gently. Never scrape them off with a fingernail or a utensil.
Where you put a gloss table affects how it ages.
If you are pairing a gloss side table with other pieces, matching finishes help a room feel considered. Our modern living room furniture UK sale range covers several gloss colours, and our high gloss coffee tables UK are designed to sit alongside matching side tables.
Gloss nesting tables need a little extra thought, because the smaller tables slide beneath the larger ones. Check that the runners or feet of the inner tables are clean before sliding them back, as grit can scratch the underside of the top table. Our high gloss nest of tables UK sale collection is designed with this in mind, but a quick wipe of the feet now and then is still worthwhile.
Different gloss colours show different things, so it helps to adjust your routine slightly.
White hides dust well but shows coloured spills, such as tea, coffee and red wine, very quickly. Wipe these straight away. Over many years, strong sunlight can soften the brightness of some white finishes, so keep the table out of the brightest window spot if you can.
Mid tones are the most forgiving. They hide both light dust and faint fingerprints better than white or black, which makes them a sensible choice for busy family rooms.
Black looks striking but shows dust, fingerprints and fine scratches more than any other colour. A quick dry dust every couple of days keeps it looking crisp, and felt pads under every object are worth the small effort.
Bold colours such as deep green or navy behave much like black in terms of showing marks. Treat them with the same gentle care.
High gloss can work well in family homes with a few sensible habits. Keep small toys with hard edges off the table top, as they are easily dragged across it. Encourage children to use a tray for snacks and drinks. For pets, place the table where it is less likely to be used as a jumping point, since claws can mark the surface.
Rounded corners on the table top are also kinder to little heads and less likely to chip if bumped by a pushchair or vacuum cleaner.
When moving a gloss table, lift it by the frame rather than the top edge, and keep it upright. If it needs to be stored, wrap it in a soft blanket or bubble wrap with the smooth side facing out, never tape directly onto the finish. Avoid stacking items on top of it.
If you are still deciding between gloss and another material, it can help to understand how side tables are described across ranges. Our guide to side table, end table and lamp table terms in the UK explains the main styles, so you can compare like with like.
Gloss suits people who enjoy a crisp, reflective look and do not mind a quick wipe. If you prefer something that hides marks more easily, matt lacquer or textured wood may suit your household better.
High gloss side tables reward gentle, regular care. Soft cloths, clean water, coasters and thoughtful placement will keep the surface bright and smooth for many years. For more pieces in gloss and other finishes, explore our full range at Furniture in Fashion.
Dust with a dry microfibre cloth, wipe with a barely damp microfibre cloth, then dry immediately with a clean cloth. Water alone is usually enough.
Wax based polishes are best avoided, as they can leave a cloudy layer. Use a dedicated gloss cleaner only if the manufacturer recommends one.
Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth followed by a dry one. Natural skin oils tend to smear with a dry cloth alone.
Very fine surface marks may soften with a specialist acrylic polish. Deeper scratches through the finish are difficult to repair at home, so prevention is the best approach.
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