We eat with our eyes as well as our stomachs. So, make this Christmas bigger and better than ever with a beautifully decorated festive table. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a feast for the whole family, there are plenty of ways to personalise your Christmas dining table.
We’ve compiled some of our best Christmas table designs to help inspire you, from statement centrepieces to thoughtful place settings. So, read on to discover how to style your table for Christmas the Heal’s way.
Scandinavian Christmas Table
Minimalist, neutral and classic, a Scandinavian Christmas table design will bring a new level of warmth to your home. For the tablecloth, opt for a natural material like linen or cotton in neutral cream, ecru or beige colours.
Illuminate the table with candlesticks in similar hues and varying heights, or weave fairy lights throughout the table. The centrepiece should be relaxed and informal, made using natural materials. We’ve chosen to use fruit and candles, but you could use sprigs of pine or eucalyptus too.
You can bring depth to the table design by introducing metallic splashes throughout. We’ve brought in elements of gold through the baubles and cutlery, but you could achieve the same look using napkins, candlestick holders or platters.
Don’t worry, you can still achieve this look if your existing crockery is a different shade to white or cream. You could pick accessories in the same colour as your plates but in a different shade. For example, navy blue plates with a grey-blue tablecloth.
Or, you could simply let your plates that stand out from the natural design, it will still look great. If you do choose to invest in new dinnerware, then natural colours and organic shapes will bring you a Scandinavian aesthetic all year long.
Opulent Christmas Table Setting
For a more intimate, cosy Christmas table design, how about taking inspiration from this opulent set up? With plenty of texture, different materials and glistening glass, this Christmas table is perfect for hosting.
To achieve this Christmas look, accessories are key. Think statement tall candlesticks, plum-hued napkins and timeless Georg Jensen silverware. Using seasonal thistles as foliage lends a unique touch to this table-scape. Plus, the flowers tie in perfectly with the splashes of purple throughout the design.
The addition of dainty fairy lights will bring an added sparkle to the table. Plus, they reflect beautifully off glass and silver, making sure the whole table glitters.
You could even arrange individually wrapped chocolate throughout the table for guests to nibble on, just like we’ve done here. There are plenty of coloured wrappers around so you can find chocolates that look and taste great. The best thing about this design is that it’s versatile and you don’t need to buy everything new.
Is purple not really your colour? Then not to worry, switch it out for navy, red or green hues. Already got a house full of gold accessories? Then swap the silver for gold. Everything down to the cutlery can be chosen based on your tastes and used time and time again, not just at Christmas.
Welcome the outside in
This timeless table scheme is perfect for all winter long, not just Christmas Day. It’s warm and inviting but is versatile enough that each decoration can be used time and time again. It’s relatively easy to recreate this look at home. You don’t need to invest in any new table linen, this relaxed aesthetic encourages you to serve directly on your table.
Of course, you can use placemats or a tablecloth if you prefer to protect the wood. You may already have some minimalist white dinnerware in your cupboards and they’re perfect for this Christmas table setting. Then you can inject colour with serving plates or bowls as well as candles.
In this design, the sculptural Georg Jensen candlesticks create an elegant centrepiece in the middle of the table. Plus, they tie in beautifully with the coordinating pitcher. Draping sheepskin throws or cushions on your chairs will make the space feel even more inviting. Plus, it’s that little more festive.
For many people, crackers can make or break a Christmas table scheme. They aren’t always as chic as your design, and it can be tricky to find the perfect colour. The great thing about this table scheme is that you could choose any colour cracker and it will still look great.
We went for dark green here, but you could pick red, blue or even eco-friendly kraft. Prioritising plastic-free crackers made using recyclable materials is a great choice for the planet and your natural Christmas table set up.
Make it Metallic Christmas Table
Go big or go home, right? We think so. This Christmas table inspiration shines brighter than the Star of Bethlehem. Bringing in accents of gold wherever possible, you can really transform your home into a festive beacon. We love the metallic gold fans suspended from the ceiling in this look. They really make a statement even from afar and are perfect for larger rooms. The gold then follows the table design through to the cutlery, candlestick holder and glassware.
Bringing in splashes of red lends a more traditional note to this table design, as well as a touch of opulence. Plus, the natural tones of the candles make sure the table design doesn’t become too garish.
If gold and red aren’t your colours, then this look could also be achieved using silver accessories. Or you could transform it completely using a kaleidoscope of metallic colours. The world’s your oyster.
We also love gifting playful baubles and decorations as favours on our Christmas table settings. Simply place a charming bauble on each place setting for your guests to take home and decorate their own trees with. If you love your decorations too much to give away, then you can still use them to decorate your table.
For more table inspiration, check out our carefully curated Christmas collection.
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Tips & advice
Did you know that mattresses can be full of all kinds of nasties? For example, memory foam is made using polyurethane foam. That’s right, when you settle down to sleep on a memory foam mattress, you’re actually sleeping on a layer of plastic. As you can imagine, that makes memory foam a bad choice for the planet.
Plus, it offers little breathability which can lead to a too toasty bed. Luckily, there are more environmentally friendly alternatives that are just as supportive and comfortable as memory foam. So, what are natural mattress fillings and how can they improve your sleep? Read on to discover more.
Latex
You may be surprised to know that latex is actually a natural material. It’s made using the sap from rubber trees, which thrive in South America and Southern Asia. Every year, these trees help to convert over 90 million tons of CO2 into oxygen, making latex a planet-friendly choice.
That isn’t to say all latex is natural. Synthetic latex is widely used and is made using petroleum-based chemicals. So, if you’re in the market for a new mattress, make sure it’s natural latex. The great thing about latex is that it makes a brilliant alternative to memory foam. It adapts to your shape, weight and movements just like memory foam.
Plus, it evenly distributes your body weight across the surface, making it supportive and great for pressure relief. Plus, latex is known to bounce back faster than memory foam and will keep its shape for many years. Another benefit of latex is that it’s naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. So, if you find yourself sneezing as soon as you settle down to sleep, a latex mattress could solve your problems.
Cotton
Cotton is a popular choice for mattresses because it’s natural, breathable and supremely comfortable. Cotton is renowned for offering premium levels of breathability. That means it will help keep your mattress cool during summer and warm throughout the winter. Plus, it helps to wick away moisture, keeping your mattress fresh and dry. Cotton is also a great choice thanks to the comfort it offers.
Not only does it feel soft against your skin, but cotton also offers a comfortable layer of support whilst you sleep. That’s why it’s often chosen to cover and help cushion the top layer of mattresses. Since cotton is a natural material, it has less of a long-term impact on our planet. Commonly used materials like polyester are less breathable and made of plastic, meaning they’re a poorer choice for the environment.
Bamboo
Bamboo is often used to help provide comfort and cushioning to the top layer of an eco-friendly mattresses. Like cotton, bamboo is a particularly breathable fabric and helps to wick away sweat. It’s often used to circulate air around the mattress and prevent you from overheating during the night. Another great benefit of bamboo is that it’s naturally antibacterial.
That means it helps to protect your mattress from bacteria and fungi that can form on it. Plus, bamboo is non-allergenic, meaning it doesn’t contain any allergens that can irritate the skin. It’s also resistant to dust mites, so bamboo is a great choice for allergy sufferers or sleepers with sensitive skin.
Silk
Silk may seem like an opulent choice; however, it has some key qualities that make it perfect for mattresses. Firstly, silk is a natural material made using fibres created by silkworms. That means it’s biodegradable and better for the planet in the long term. Plus, silk has a natural bounce to it, with a fabric structure that’s like tiny springs, perfect for a peaceful sleep. Secondly, silk is brilliant at controlling moisture and stopping you from overheating.
When you’re asleep, moisture and heat can become trapped between the duvet and the mattress, creating a warm environment. Whilst plenty of other natural materials offer breathability and moisture control, silk is by far the best. It actually wicks away moisture and heat twice as fast as cotton. Finally, silk is extremely comfortable. After all, we spend approximately 33 years of our lives in bed. So, why not make sure it’s spent in comfort?
Wool
When you think of wool, you probably imagine cosy jumpers or warm scarves. However, wool can be a surprisingly cooling addition to a mattress. It’s highly breathable and allows air to pass freely through its fibres, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Wool is also particularly good at wicking away sweat and moisture. It does this by moving any moisture from the centre of the fabric to the outside.
Once on the outside layer of the fabric, the moisture can evaporite easily. Qualities like this are great for preventing the build-up of mould and mildew. Wool is also naturally fire retardant. That means less chemicals need to be used in your mattress to make it fire retardant. Plus, wool is completely biodegradable so won’t leave a lasting impact on the planet, unlike a plastic-based mattress.
Cashmere
Like silk, cashmere may seem like a frivolous addition to a mattress, but it’s actually incredibly beneficial. Like wool, cashmere is brilliant at wicking away moisture and preventing you from overheating. However, it’s finer fibres mean that it does a much better job. In fact, cashmere is three times better at cooling you down than cotton. Plus, when used as a fabric, cashmere offers unrivalled levels of softness and texture.
Flax
A hardy, pest-resistant plant, no fertilisers or chemicals are used when growing flax. Plus, it requires very little water to grow it. That’s what makes flax one of the best natural mattress fillings. Flax is a soft and flexible material that’s lightweight and much stronger than cotton so it’s a popular choice for mattresses. It’s also incredibly breathable and boasts natural cooling properties.
After all, flax is commonly used to make relaxing linen suits that stay cool in the summer. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll freeze on colder nights. Flax is also a great insulator and will keep you warm in the winter. Plus, its durability means it’ll help your mattress last for years. If you’re looking for a completely natural mattress, our Organic Mattress is an industry-leading choice. In fact, it’s the UK’s only certified 100% organic mattress.
Discover more here.
There’s nothing quite like a beautifully decorated Christmas tree that’s adorned with heaps of lights. However, there are many pitfalls that can happen when you’re decorating the Christmas tree. From blown fuses and tangled cables to not having a long enough string of fairy lights.
That means it can be tricky if you don’t know how to put lights on a Christmas tree. Luckily you only have to do it once a year, and this year we’re here to help. Read on to discover the best three ways to put lights on your Christmas tree.
Top tip: Always put your fairy lights on before you start decorating your Christmas tree with baubles. It’s much easier this way and means you can position your decorations according to where the lights are.
How to arrange your fairy lights vertically on the Christmas Tree
There are lots of merits to hanging your Christmas lights vertically. First of all, it’s surprisingly easy to hang them and take them down. Secondly, you have more freedom with where you position the lights as they don’t need to be supported by branches.
Finally, fairy lights are more visible when you hang them vertically, making for a brighter Christmas tree.
It’s surprisingly easy to hang your Christmas lights vertically, here’s how:
Plug in your lights to make sure they’re working and are close enough to where you’re putting the tree. If you have a big tree and need more than one set of lights, plug them all in.
Find the end of the first string of fairy lights, that’s the end without the plug.
Secure it to a branch at the bottom of your tree and then position it vertically until it reaches the top.
Loop the lights round a branch and pull the lights back to the bottom of the tree, creating a U shape.
Repeat until your tree is covered in lights.
How to put your fairy lights on the Christmas Tree horizontally from bottom to top
This is the way most people put lights on their Christmas tree. That’s because hanging your lights horizontally from bottom to top is fairly simple and perfect for more natural aesthetics. If this is your first time putting lights on the Christmas tree, this is by far the easiest way.
One reason why it’s a little easier is because you can plug the lights in first. That means you can see what the tree will look like as you’re arranging the lights. Plus, if you have some remaining once you reach the top, you can simply wind them back down.
Here’s how to arrange your Christmas lights starting from the bottom:
Gather all your fairy lights together and make sure they’re working. If you have a large tree, then you may be using more than one set. This step is crucial; there’s nothing worse than decorating your whole tree to find the lights aren’t working. You can leave them plugged in as you decorate.
Move your tree away from any walls so you can move round it with ease. Don’t worry, you can put it back in position once you’re done.
Start at the bottom of the tree and simply wrap the lights around the tree until you reach the top.
If you are using more than one set of Christmas lights, alternate directions with the second set. This will make them look more organic.
Continue until your tree is sparkling all over.
How to hang your Christmas tree lights from top to bottom
It’s also possible to hang your lights horizontally from top to bottom. Although it’s not the most conventional method, many people reckon this is a really convenient way to hang Christmas lights. That’s because if you run out of lights then you can simply add more to the bottom, rather than the top.
Plug in all the fairy lights that you’re using to make sure there aren’t any bulbs that need replacing. Unplug them once you’ve made sure they’re all in working order.
Move your Christmas tree away from the wall, giving you space to walk around it.
Start at the top and work your lights over and under the branches as you circle around the tree.
Make sure to add depth to the design by placing some of the lights on the inner branches too.
If you like your tree to be fully saturated with lights, a second set of lights should do the trick. Start at the top again but work your way the opposite way down the tree for a natural look.
Excited to get decorating your own tree? Head over to our Christmas shop to stock up on decorations and Christmas tree lights.
Whether they moved in ten months ago or are just beginning to unpack, new homeowners will be looking forward to the first Christmas in their new home. It can be tricky to find the right gift when they’re still setting up their new home.
So, we’ve compiled some inspiration for first Christmas in a new home gifts to help you decide. Think everything from smart technology to thoughtful decorations. Read on to find out more.
Vases
When moving into a new home, people are often flooded with bouquets of flowers, bottles of wine and houseplants. But what do you display all those flowers in? A vase isn’t normally top of the unpacking list and if it’s their first home then they won’t necessarily own one. So, a vase is a great Christmas gift for new homeowners.
If you don’t know much about their interior tastes, then opt for a more neutral vase. In this case, glass or ceramic in natural hues make great choices. If you’re a little more familiar with their style, then you could gift them a vase in a colour or a silhouette to suit their tastes.
Glassware
Glassware is another thing that new homeowners often receive plenty of. However, that isn’t to say you can’t gift glassware for their first Christmas in a new home. We suggest staying away from classic tumblers or wine glasses and finding cocktail glasses that are a little out of the ordinary.
Think luxurious martini glasses, modern champagne saucers and specialised whisky tumblers. For real wine enthusiasts, you could even pair a decanter with a bottle of their favourite vintage. That way they can enjoy their favourite drink in style on Christmas day.
Barware
For aspiring mixologists, amateur cocktail makers and fans of a festive Snowball, an upgrade to their existing barware is a great first Christmas in a new home gift. Whether that means a new cocktail shaker, jigger and stirring spoon or an elegant Georg Jensen corkscrew, they’re sure to appreciate it.
If they already have a world-class selection of barware, then you could gift them the ingredients for their favourite cocktail. Whether that’s everything they need to make a Negroni, or the spirits and garnishes required to make a martini. They’re sure to appreciate a glass of their favourite tipple on Christmas day.
Decoration
A decoration that marks the first Christmas in their new home is a thoughtful gift that they’ll admire year after year when they decorate the tree. Take your time and explore different styles, themes and types of decoration to find one that suits them and their personality.
For example, if they love to travel, find a Christmas decoration gift that reflects this. If their favourite animal is an elephant, find an elephant-themed ornament. With so many different Christmas tree decorations around, you’re bound to find one to suit them.
Smart Lighting
With a new home comes the chance to change the way you live in more than just one way. Gifting smart lighting to people for the first Christmas in their new home is a really unique and exciting idea. There are plenty of different smart lighting gifts, from voice-activated light bulbs to alarm clocks that wake you up by simulating sunrise.
There are even bulbs that you can control via apps on your phone, changing the colour, brightness and settings. Christmas gifts like these light bulbs are great because they’re energy-saving and bound to fit in their home. If you want to gift smart technology for Christmas, there are plenty of other options as well as lighting.
Think smart gardens that help you grow herbs inside, smart speakers like amazon’s Alexa or the Google Home and padlocks you unlock with your fingerprint. The options are endless and are sure to make great gifts for the first Christmas in their new home.
Accessories
Small accessories and candles are great gifts for the first Christmas in a new home. That could be anything from coffee table books and warming winter quilts to picture frames or a keyring. If you’re stuck for choice, then you can’t go wrong with a scented candle that brings an added ambience and beautiful aroma to their home.
If you know they’ll open the present in the run up to Christmas then you could choose a scent that fills their home with a festive aroma. For gifts that’ll be opened on Christmas day, a less festive scent is probably the right choice.
If they’ve just moved into their new home, then a stylish game or jigsaw that doubles as an accessory could be a great Christmas gift. After all, their internet might not be working yet, the TV license won’t be set up and they’ll need entertaining.
Still looking for inspiration? Check out our curated Christmas gift guides.
As one of the world’s most iconic chairs, it probably comes as no surprise that the Eames Lounge Chair is the victim of untold inferior copies. In fact, fake Eames Loungers sit unknowingly, or knowingly, in peoples’ homes across the globe. Maybe you’re looking to buy a vintage Eames Lounge Chair online.
Or perhaps you’ve seen a new one in a shop but aren’t convinced it’s authentic. It’s completely understandable that you want to make sure it’s authentic before splashing out on it. To help you decide, we’ve compiled some of the ways you can tell a real Eames Lounger from a fake. These sure-fire ways to spot a fake Eames Lounge Chair should help you make this important decision. Read on to find out.
The size of an original Eames Lounge Chair
Aside from a taller version introduced in 2010, the Eames Lounge Chair hasn’t changed sizes since it was designed in 1956. That means you can tell an original Eames Chair from its size. Fake Eames Lounge Chairs tend to have completely wrong proportions.
So, if the size is off, then the odds are that it’s a knock off. If you’re buying an Eames Lounger from a second hand or vintage shop, then get your tape measure out. A classic Eames Lounge Chair measures 84cm tall, 84cm wide and 91cm deep with a seat height of 38cm. A tall Eames Lounge Chair is 89cm tall, 84cm wide and 92cm deep with a seat height of 38cm.
Labels on an authentic Eames Lounge Chair
Whether your Eames Chair is vintage or brand spanking new, it should have a label to prove its authenticity. When looking for a label on an Eames Chair, we tend to start with the base. It will normally be at the point where the base connects with the chair’s shell.
If it isn’t there, then try sliding off the chair’s cushions and you may find a label underneath. Once you find it, a label should have one of two names, Hermann Miller or Vitra. To European and Middle Eastern audiences, Vitra is renowned for making Eames furniture. If you’re buying the chair here, then that’s what you should expect to see a Vitra label.
However, Hermann Miller was the original manufacturer of the Eames Lounge Chair in the USA and even commissioned it in the first place. Of course, some Vitra loungers will have made their way across the Atlantic and vice versa.
So, don’t be surprised if it has a Hermann Miller label attached to it. Whether it’s a Hermann Miller or a Vitra tag, either tag should guarantee its authenticity. Both brands have gone through a wide range of labels since the chair was first produced.
That means there are many different labels that could be on your chair. It could be a small metal plaque, a sticker with Charles Eames’ signature or a roundel. If you can’t find a label on your Eames Lounger, then don’t despair. If the chair’s old and the right size, with all the quality fixtures and features then it’s probably just missing a label.
How much does an Eames Lounge Chair move?
An authentic Eames Lounge Chair should swivel 360° in a fluid motion. That is, the shell swivels on the base itself. If the base has wheels or castors, then it won’t be an original. Many people think that this type of chair is a recliner, but it isn’t.
Yes, an Eames Lounger will tilt slightly when you lean back on it, but it’s no reclining chair. So, if the chair in question reclines far back or has mechanisms to help it recline, then it isn’t an original.
An Eames Lounger’s premium finish
Always remember the prestige reputation manufacturers like Hermann Miller and Vitra have. Not to mention the exacting standards of Charles Eames himself. That means original Eames Chairs are always finished to the highest possible standard. All authentic Eames Lounge Chairs are made up of three wooden shells. That’s one for the seat, one for the back and one for the headrest.
Then there are two shells that make up the armrests. The shells all appear as though floating with no visible screw or bolts. The only place you may spot a screw is on the armrests and original ones will be black. Effort has been made to ensure the design is structurally sound whilst concealing the screws. So, if screws stick out like sore thumbs, it won’t be an original.
The base of an Eames Lounge Chair
The chair’s base is also a tell-tale sign. It should have five legs and be made using die cast aluminium. Since they’re made using this technique, the base should be one solid piece of aluminium, rather than having individual legs screwed together. Each leg will have a slight angle and taper off into a rounded end, rather than a squared end.
The base isn’t always the same finish, in fact, expect to see it polished, chromed or matte black. So, if there’s less than five legs and steep angles on the base, you’re probably looking at a fake.
How much does an Eames Lounge Chair cost?
The price of an Eames Lounge Chair differs depending on the leather and wood finishes that you choose. But needless to say, the price tag that comes with them reflects the work that goes into making them perfect. That isn’t to say it’s a walk in the park to create a replica. The many elements of an Eames Lounger’s design means that a new replica could still cost upwards of £1,000.
However, a used replica will set you back a few hundred pounds. So, if the price is substantially lower than those advertised by Vitra or Hermann Miller then it’s likely a fake.
Interested in buying an original? See our authentic Eames Lounge Chairs here.
So, you’ve invested in a new piece of furniture that you absolutely love, but unfortunately your cat does too. From sofas and armchairs to the dining table, scratching furniture is perfectly natural behaviour in cats.
Typically, cats with access to a garden will scratch on outdoor objects like fences or trees. However, plenty of indoor cats and even some outdoor cats will still scratch the sofa or your carpet. Luckily, it can be stopped. We have a bunch of tips and tricks to help stop your cat scratching the furniture. Interested? Then read on…
Why your cat is scratching furniture
Before we begin trying to fix the behaviour, it’s important to understand why cats scratch furniture.
There are four popular reasons:
Claw maintenance: A cat’s claw has an outer part called the husk that can sometimes be painful. Scratching a carpet, post or table leg helps to loosen the husk and remove it. Once it’s been removed, the sharper surface of the nail underneath will be revealed, a bit like a snake shedding its skin. The pros call this process stripping.
Muscle building: If your cat’s scratching a lot then it might be to build muscle in their upper body. No, that doesn’t mean they’re a gym bunny, it’s a natural instinct. Cats need strong pectoral muscles and limbs so that they can be the best hunters and stay fit.
Attention seeking: If your cat suddenly starts scratching the carpet, they may be trying to get your attention. They may also be scratching to mark their territory. Believe it or not, scratching leaves a scent to warn other cats to stay off their territory.
Anxiety: One often-forgotten reason for cats scratching is anxiety. This can happen for many reasons. Perhaps you’ve just moved house, had extensive building work done or live in an area with lots of cats. If you suspect your cat is anxious, get in touch with your vet for help finding a behaviour specialist.
How to stop your cat scratching furniture
It’s important to remember that scratching is a natural instinct and necessary for all cats. Punishing your cat for scratching furniture won’t help because it’s a very normal behaviour for them.
Unfortunately, they just don’t know what surface is acceptable or unacceptable to scratch. So, it’s important to offer them a different surface to scratch that ticks all of their boxes.
The perfect scratching surface will be a much better place to scratch than your sofa or chairs. Scratching posts are a great alternative, and you can find them in most pet stores and online. Cat posts have a reputation for being a bit of an eyesore, but not anymore.
Have a hunt around and you’ll find plenty of cat scratching posts that look stylish. Most tend to be made using sisal, cardboard or wood but the designs vary across the board. There are also many with multiple levels for your cat to play, sleep and scratch. These are normally called cat trees. If you’re short on space, then a scratching board could be the answer to your prayers.
You can attach these space-saving boards to the wall or floor for your cat to scratch. Plus, since they’re often made using sisal or seagrass, then they won’t look horrible in your home. It’s important to invest in a scratching board or post as soon as possible.
Not only will it prevent further damage to your furniture, but the sooner the cat uses it, the more pheromones they’ll leave on it. Together with their scratching marks, these pheromones will encourage your cat to use it more and more. So, time really is of the essence.
How to pick the right scratching board for your cat
Keep these points in mind when looking for a scratching post or board:
Tall or long: Cats like to stretch their bodies as tall and as long as possible when they’re scratching. This means they get the full health benefits of scratching. When choosing a scratching post or mat, make sure it’s long enough for your cat to stretch out on.
Secure: If you have a scratching post that falls over or moves when your cat scratches, that’s where you’re going wrong. A scratching post needs to be rigid and resist the pull of a cat’s sharp claws. To make sure there’s enough tension on your scratching post you may need to affix it to the wall. For scratching boards or mats, try to find a way to secure it to the floor or wall. If that’s not possible, then choose a board that’s long enough for your cat to stand on whilst scratching. Their body weight should keep the mat in place.
Multiple cats: If you have more than one cat then it’s highly recommended that each cat has their own scratching area. That’s partly because of the pheromones cats release when scratching to mark their territory. They should be placed in different parts of the house, so they have their own dedicated scratching space.
Position: Place your scratching board or post strategically. For example, you could place it in the room the cat has been scratching in most. Or, if they like to scratch after a long sleep, position it near their favourite feline slumber spot. You could also place it somewhere they walk through lots, like a hall, doorway or by the staircase.
Board or post: To decide, consider where and what your cat tends to scratch. If they love to scratch horizontally on the carpet, then opt for a scratching board on the floor. If they prefer to scratch vertically on the sofa, doorway or table leg, then invest in a scratching post.
How to get your cat to use their scratching post
Getting your cat to use their new scratching post isn’t always as easy as it may seem. They already have a spot to scratch and they’re perfectly happy there, so you may need to do some convincing.
Here are a few ideas:
Don’t force it: Leave your cat to explore their new toy in their own time and circumstances. Since cats are naturally curious, they’ll be more likely to accept it if they find it at their own pace.
Play a game: If your cat isn’t taking to their new scratching post, then try incorporating it into a game. Play with it near the post to encourage their claws to touch the surface. That way they’ll realise it’s the perfect spot to scratch and return when the time is right.
Catnip: Catnip is a sure-fire way to get your cat scratching their post. Simply sprinkle some onto the post or attach bags of it to the top.
Deter them from their old spot: Cleaning their old scratching spots will remove the scent of any pheromones. There are plenty of sprays out there designed to remove these pheromones. However, they can smell pretty bad to humans too, so we tend to avoid them and clean as normal.
As an added deterrent, you could place some double-sided tape over the spot. This should feel unpleasant when your cat tries to scratch it and deter it. Remember, it’s important to make sure it isn’t so sticky that it damages your furniture or their claws. Good luck!
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