Material Guide: Stainless Steel
A step-by-step guide on how to care for your Stainless Steel.
Stainless steel is a premium material admired for its beauty, strength and longevity. Found in the world’s most refined interiors, its lustrous finish is industrial yet timelessly modern. Our stainless steel designs have become staples within our collection, each piece revealing how simplicity, when thoughtfully designed, can transform a space.
Not all stainless steel is created equal. At Fleur, we exclusively use premium grade 316 stainless steel, chosen for its distinctive lustre and exceptional durability. While significantly more costly than aluminium, it offers unmatched quality and finish.
We craft with both brushed and polished stainless steel to honour the material’s natural character. Over time, the material may develop a gentle patina – a tonal variation and natural impurities that emerge through daily use and love. We see this as your piece developing alongside you.
Though stainless steel is inherently strong and resilient, everyday use and environmental exposure will gradually shape its appearance. With simple, regular maintenance, your piece will retain its brilliance and continue to age gracefully for years to come.
Below, you’ll find our guide to cleaning and maintaining your stainless steel furniture, ensuring it remains as striking as the day it arrived.
1. Cleaning
The best way to maintain the lustre, to remove any marks and to ensure the longevity of the material is to use a purpose-designed stainless steel cleaner and protector. We have tested and recommend the following:
There can sometimes be confusion when it comes to stainless steel cleaning. Popular multi-purpose household cleaners can be very harmful to the stainless steel surface. In particular, Potassium Hydroxide is caustic in nature and will destroy most metals - stainless steel is resistant to it but it will eventually cause surface rust and 'tea stains'.
Other sprays like orange oil and acidic-based cleaners may also cause surface rust and tea stains.
2. Maintenance
Always use a purpose-designed Stainless Steel Cleaner to maintain the lustre, remove marks and ensure longevity.
Wipe up spills immediately with a clean cloth.
Always use a drink coaster and placemats to protect the surface.
Avoid alkaline, acidic or abrasive liquids (especially Potassium Hydroxide).
Apply protective pads to the undersides of items being displayed on stainless steel surfaces to avoid scratching.
3. How To Remove Tea Stains
Follow this simple process to remove any surface rust or tea stains that appear:
- Mix 4 x tablespoons of white vinegar with 1 x tablespoon of water in a cup
- Sponge onto stainless steel surface & rub gently using a bristle brush (not a scourer)
- Leave for 10 minutes
- Follow up with more buffing to remove tea staining
- Stubborn stains will require more effort
- Rinse after with water and then apply the above recommended cleaners & protectors
- Applying these regularly will help to avoid tea stains and marks to your stainless steel product
Why Stainless Steel?
Steel is a solid, silver metal which is very robust and offers maximum strength and durability. Our collections feature both brushed and polished stainless steel.
Despite a significant increase in cost compared to aluminium, we chose premium stainless steel for its unique lustre, strength and durability.
Reisinger Studio in Barcelona by Isern Serra.
Common Questions
How thick is your Stainless Steel?
The SS DIN03BR, Milano and Palermo tables are made with 3.5mm stainless steel. With a nice solid feel, the steel has flat edges that are softened to remove any sharpness.
How do I avoid scratches?
To maintain the showroom finish of stainless steel, you must always use drink coasters, placements and apply protective pads to any items displayed on top of the stainless steel surface.
The beauty of stainless steel is that it will always maintains its lustre, even if over time of daily use the finish becomes more lived in with scratches. We believe it becomes better with age.
How will my piece age?
Over time, your piece may develop a gentle patina - subtle tonal variations and natural surface character that emerge through daily use and environmental exposure. This evolution is part of the beauty of stainless steel, reflecting the life of the material as it grows with you.
Below are some examples of how stainless steel naturally develops over time. Imagery reflects daily use and has been captured over a 12-month period.
Three months
Six months
Twelve months
Styling Stainless Steel
Growing in popularity, Stainless Steel is loved for its timeless appearance and durability. A statement in itself, Stainless Steel has the ability to elevate a space without needing anything extra.
Let it shine
Left bare, our pieces shine through no matter how big or small. Its unique industrial aesthetic combined with our bold design silhouettes can be used as a beautiful statement piece in your space. Take advantage of this as an opportunity to be bold.
Dress it up
Opt for a minimalist vase with an arrangement, or keep it simple with some books. Our pieces are perfect when styled with simple elements, especially in smaller spaces like apartments - less is more.
Mixed Materiality
Combining the coolness of stainless with the luxuriousness of marble or earthy timber creates a warm and inviting feeling in a space. We love exploring the combination of different materials to create texture and balance.
Shop Stainless Steel
