Furniture warranty explained: your rights when buying furniture from Casa Padrino

Casa Padrino is the furniture brand of Demotex GmbH, based in Essen, Germany. Since 2007 we have supplied luxury furniture in baroque, Art déco and classic style, together with lighting, mirrors, accessories, garden furniture and sculptures. Every purchase is covered by the statutory warranty. What that means, and where its limits lie, is described below.

Please note that the explanations on this page are general information, not legal advice. What is binding are the statutory provisions and the information in our legal disclosure and in the legal texts of our shop.

Legal warranty and guarantee: not the same thing

The legal warranty is a right granted by law. It arises automatically with the contract of sale, without the seller having to promise anything, and it is a claim against the seller. In essence it says that the goods must, at the time of handover, match what was agreed and described, and must be fit for normal use. If they are not, the buyer has statutory rights.

A guarantee, by contrast, is a voluntary commitment that a manufacturer or retailer may choose to give in addition. Its scope, duration and conditions follow solely from the guarantee statement itself. A guarantee can add to your statutory rights, but it can never reduce them.

For purchases from Casa Padrino, the statutory warranty is what applies. Unless a product description or a quotation expressly states otherwise, you should not assume any additional guarantee.

How long the legal warranty lasts

For consumers in Germany and across the European Union, the general statutory warranty period for new goods is two years. As a rule, the period starts when the goods are handed over to you, which usually means on delivery.

The warranty covers defects that were already present at the time of handover, even if they only become visible later. It is not insurance against everything that may happen to a piece of furniture over the years.

Business buyers such as hotels, restaurants or bars may be subject to rules that differ from those for private customers. We are glad to clarify the details for your project.

What counts as a defect

Put simply, a defect exists when a piece of furniture departs from what was agreed, or when it is not fit for ordinary use. Typical examples in furniture include:

Joints that come loose without outside cause, such as a new chair that wobbles despite correctly tightened screws. Upholstery seams that open under normal use. Springs or padding that sink unusually far after a short time. Drawers or doors that stick or will not close from the very start. Gilding or lacquer that peels away over a large area for no apparent reason. Missing parts or fittings.

It may also be a defect if you receive something other than what you ordered, for example a different colour, a different size or a different upholstery fabric.

Normal wear and signs of use

Furniture is there to be used, and use leaves traces. As a rule, these traces are not a defect within the meaning of the warranty, because they were not present at handover but arise through use. Examples include:

Scratches and pressure marks on table tops caused by tableware, keys or toys. Upholstery that gradually adapts to the body and becomes softer. Fabrics and wood surfaces fading in direct sunlight. Stains from drinks, cosmetics or unsuitable cleaning products. Damage caused by a house move, by pets or by improper use.

The line between a defect and wear is not always obvious at first glance. We look at your photos and tell you openly how we assess the situation.

Natural materials and craftsmanship: character, not flaws

Many Casa Padrino pieces are made from solid wood, velvet, leather or metal and are finished with a great deal of handwork.

Wood shows grain, shades of colour and occasionally knots, all of which differ from piece to piece. It responds to room climate and humidity and may move slightly in very dry, heated air. Velvet has a pile that looks lighter or darker depending on the light and the direction of the nap; after sitting, temporary shading marks may appear. Natural leather carries small scars and irregularities that confirm its authenticity.

Hand-applied finishes such as gold leaf, patina or antique-effect lacquers are deliberately alive. Slight differences compared with product photos are in the nature of these materials.

Transport damage: a separate case

Damage that occurs in transit needs to be distinguished from a manufacturing defect. Large furniture travels securely packed with a freight forwarder, smaller items with a parcel service. Delivery is kerbside delivery.

Please inspect the consignment on receipt. Note any visible damage directly on the delivery note and send us photos. Casa Padrino handles the claim with the forwarder and arranges repair, replacement or a refund. You will find more guidance on our page about furniture transport damage.

How to report a defect to Casa Padrino

If you notice a defect, please get in touch promptly. The quickest way is by email to info@casa-padrino.de or by phone on +49 201 36577485. All other options are listed on our contact page.

Please include your order or invoice number, a short description of what you have noticed and since when, one photo of the whole piece and two or three close-ups of the affected area.

Please do not try to repair or modify the furniture yourself before we have discussed the case together. We then agree the next steps with you. Under the law, a justified defect generally calls first for repair or a replacement; which solution fits depends on the specific piece and the nature of the fault.

Warranty, withdrawal and bespoke pieces

The warranty and the right of withdrawal are often confused, but they cover different situations. The right of withdrawal allows consumers to withdraw from an online purchase within 14 days of receiving the goods, without giving a reason. The warranty, on the other hand, applies when the goods are faulty, and it runs considerably longer.

Custom-made pieces, meaning items produced to your individual specifications, are excluded from the right of withdrawal. The statutory warranty is not affected by this. Details on withdrawal can be found on our withdrawal page and on the page furniture returns and withdrawal.

Care: keeping your furniture beautiful for years

The best warranty is the one you never need. Where possible, keep wooden and upholstered pieces out of direct sunlight and away from radiators.

Dust is best removed with a soft, dry cloth. Gilded and patinated surfaces do not tolerate harsh cleaners or abrasive sponges. Velvet and fabric covers can be refreshed with a soft brush in the direction of the pile. To learn how we think about materials and workmanship, see our page on Casa Padrino quality.