A mother of pearl chest of drawers isn’t the kind of furniture you just wipe down and forget about. It’s handcrafted, piece by piece, with tiny slivers of shell set into wood — and that beauty comes with a little bit of responsibility. The good news? Caring for it isn’t complicated. It just means doing a few small things consistently, instead of one big thing occasionally.

If you already own one, or you’re eyeing a piece from our mother of pearl collection, here’s everything you need to know to keep it stunning for years.

Why Mother of Pearl Furniture Needs a Little Extra TLC

The mother of pearl isn’t paint or veneer. It’s a real shell, inlaid by hand, and it reacts to its environment — heat, moisture, sunlight, even the cleaning spray you grabbed without checking the label. None of this means it’s fragile. It just means it likes a routine, kind of like how you wouldn’t leave a leather jacket out in the rain and expect it to be fine forever.

8 Tips to Keep Your Chest of Drawer Looking Its Best

1. Dust It the Right Way (Not Just Any Way)

Skip the feather duster — it just pushes dust into the tiny grooves between the inlay pieces. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth instead, and wipe in one direction rather than circles. Takes thirty seconds, makes a real difference.

2. Keep It Away from Direct Sunlight

Shell has a natural shimmer that fades with prolonged UV exposure, and wood can warp or discolor too. If your drawer sits near a window, that’s fine — just keep curtains or blinds partly closed during peak sun hours.

3. Watch the Humidity in the Room

Too dry, and the wood base can crack. Too damp, and you risk warping or the inlay lifting slightly over time. A room that’s comfortable for you (not bone dry, not sticky) is usually comfortable for your furniture too.

4. Never Use Harsh Chemicals

No ammonia-based sprays, no vinegar mixes, no all-purpose cleaners. These can dull the shell’s shine or eat away at the adhesive holding the inlay in place. A barely damp cloth, followed immediately by a dry one, is really all you need.

5. Lift, Don’t Drag

Repositioning it? Always lift instead of sliding it across the floor. Dragging puts stress on the legs and joints, which weren’t designed for that kind of pressure. This goes for our bedside tables in mother of pearl too — same delicate joinery, same rule.

6. Use Coasters and Trays on Top

If you’re using the top surface for a lamp, jewelry box, or drinks tray, add a small felt pad or coaster underneath. It prevents scratches and stops condensation rings from settling into the inlay.

7. Polish Occasionally (But Gently)

Once every couple of months, a small amount of furniture wax made for inlaid or antique pieces can bring back the shine. Apply with a soft cloth, buff lightly, and never use anything abrasive.

8. Check the Inlay Every Few Months

Run your hand gently over the surface now and then. If you feel any lifting or loose pieces, don’t wait — a quick professional touch-up now is far easier (and cheaper) than a full repair later.

A Quick Care Routine You Can Actually Stick To

• Weekly: Dry dust with a microfiber cloth
• Monthly: Check humidity levels in the room
• Every couple of months: Light polish + inlay inspection
• Always: Lift, don’t drag, and keep chemicals far away

That’s it — no elaborate schedule, no special tools. Just small habits that add up.

Keep It Beautiful for the Long Haul 

A mother of pearl chest of drawers is meant to be lived with, not tucked away and babied. With a little consistent care, it’ll keep that iridescent glow for decades — the kind of piece that actually gets more character with age. Curious how it holds up long-term? Our honest buyer’s guide on mother of pearl furniture breaks down exactly what to expect.

Looking to pair it with something else in the same finish? Browse our mother of pearl console tables for a matching entryway or living room look — or explore the full collection to find the piece that’s right for your space.