We speak to our decorative art specialist Liza Hickey about how to care for your wood furniture.

Many of us have antique wood furniture in our homes. After 100 or more years, the wood used to craft these pieces can be vulnerable to a number of elements. Storing antique furniture in unventilated, non-temperature controlled environments, like garages, sheds, and attics, can lead to problems. Here are three main factors that can be addressed to help keep your antiques looking good for years to come –

HUMIDITY

Maintaining a consistent level of moisture in the air is important. Too much humidity can lead to the growth of mildew or mold. On the other hand, an overly dry environment can cause the wood to dry out and crack or warp, and it can also break down upholstery fibers. A relative humidity level of 50%-50% is ideal.

HEAT

Thoughtful placement of furniture within a space will prevent damage from heat sources. Positioning wood furniture too close to a radiator, fireplace, or other heat source can lead to crackling or blistering to decorative surfaces, damaging veneers, painted decoration or marquetry work. A distance of at least two feet from a heat source is recommended.

SUNLIGHT

Strong continuous sunlight can cause fading or discoloration to furniture. This can be particularly damaging to pieces with painted decoration or inlaid marquetry work. Moving furniture out of direct sunlight or using curtains to protect the pieces from direct sunlight is a good strategy to avoid sunlight damage.

CLEANING

Light dusting of furniture with a soft, dry microfiber or cotton cloth is a great first step for cleaning. Beyond this, the use of other methods should only be used after consultation with a conservation specialist. Historic wood furniture can have a surface patina (accumulation of finish, wax, and soil) that may be an integral part of the piece’s value. Factors determining what materials to use for cleaning antique wood furniture include whether it has painted decoration, the type of finish used on the wood, the type of wood, and the level of soiling to the piece.

FINAL NOTE: Wood furniture and antiques are far more delicate than they appear, and thoughtful care not only ensures a long, beautiful life but also protects their value, since condition is one of the most important factors.