Bernhardt

Overview

Bernhardt pieces are usually bought to keep. At this level, care is mostly about placement and light: unshaded window exposure and swinging humidity do more damage in five years than daily use does in fifteen.

Background

Founded in North Carolina in 1889; known for design-led collections and hand-applied finishes.

Company Information

Founded

1889

Headquarters

Lenoir, North Carolina

Category focus

Upholstery, leather, casegoods

Product Categories

• Upholstery
• Leather seating
• Dining
• Bedroom
• Occasional

Construction Methods

• Hardwood frames with corner-blocked joinery
• Hand-applied multi-step finishes on casegoods
• Full and top grain leather programs

Materials Commonly Used

• Top Grain Leather
• Wood Veneer
• Solid Wood
• Natural Fabric

Cleaning Recommendations

• Dust leather weekly with a dry cloth before anything else
• Use only a leather cleaner made for the hide's finish type
• Never use ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners on a hand-applied finish

Care Recommendations

• Condition leather every six months in Florida's dry winter months
• Keep finished tops out of direct sun to prevent uneven lightening

Protection Tips

• Add UV film or shading before placing a piece in a bright room
• Felt every lamp base and accessory on a finished top

Florida Considerations

• Intense UV lightens hand-applied finishes unevenly — the difference shows against the shadow line of a lamp

Common Problems

• Uneven fading on finished tops
• Leather drying at headrest and arm contact points

Common Mistakes

• Using a household wipe on aniline or semi-aniline leather
• Treating one dry patch instead of conditioning the whole panel

Warranty Information

• Coverage is generally construction-based; finish and leather wear from sun or improper cleaning is excluded

Registration Information

• Photograph the tag under the seat frame; the model and cover numbers there identify the exact piece later

Frequently Asked Questions