ANTIQUE CARE - Furniture

In caring for your furniture, the first thing to consider is your home environment. The temperature in your home can greatly affect the condition of your furniture. You want to veer away from both excessively dry and excessively damp conditions as both will damage your furniture.

Don't place furniture near heat sources as heat causes shrinkage. You may end up with loosen joints and veneers that end up changing the shape of your piece over time.

Always remove drawers and lock doors so they don't open if you are moving your furniture. In addition, pieces should be padded and covered for transport. When moving gilded furniture, use clean white cotton gloves which are available a a reasonable cost from most pharmacies.

When you lift your furniture, you want to check for loose areas. Don't drag your chairs or lift them by the back or arms. Instead, lift them by the seat. Tables should be lifted by the legs or aprons rather than the top.

Light can also damage your furniture. Both high-intensity natural and artificial light can alter finishes and break down the wood if severe enough. You may want to use blinds or curtains to reduce light levels.

The best way to protect the finish of your piece is to use a good quality wax polish, one that has beeswax in it. This should be done once a year, perhaps twice a year for heavy use. Apply the wax sparingly with a soft cloth and then polish it with another lint-free cloth. Remember, a good shine comes from rubbing rather than lots of layers of wax!

Both silicone sprays and oils are problematic for your furniture. Silicon sprays tend to leave a film that can be very hard to remove. Oils attract dirt and some actually darken the wood.

When dusting, use a lint-free rag and soft brushes instead of feather dusters which could scratch the surface. Intricate areas should be cleaned with a soft brush. Be careful not to catch or pull any decoration that could bend or come off.

Repairing furniture can be a minefield, and it's best to check with a qualified furniture conservator before considering any DIY repairs.

Click here to see a list of different furniture styles and periods.