If you have purchased your first piece of fine antique furniture, or perhaps inherited an attractive specimen from a dear relative, you are in luck. Antique furniture carries a timeless charm that bolsters its natural beauty and high-quality.
There is little doubt that your attractive item will be displayed as a function al item rather than cordoned off in corner of a museum. You will, therefore, want to know how to care and treat this ancient piece of history so that it will endure for many more years and not depreciate in value.
Following are few of the most basic pointers on keeping your antique item in excellent conditions, keep these in mind to avoid the most common causes of antique degradation.
Environment
Sunlight — One of the most destructive elements that besieges your home are the warms rays of sun that sweep across the room from open windows, doors and skylights. Antique furniture and the special lacquers and varnishes used to achieve that perfect finish are very susceptible to the light of the sun and UV radiation. Do what you can to situate them away from these destructive rays either shielded with curtains or at the other side of the room.
Heat – heat can also deteriorate the fine finish of an antique whether it is a porcelain vase or a leather sofa. Even though right next to the heart seems like the best place for your prized collectible, further back from heat sources will improve their longevity.
Humidity –– humidity can cause damage to specific materials and can also leave normally resistant wood to decay and insect invasion. Be sure that your top-quality antique is not placed near windows, taps r in kitchens or bathrooms where steam and water activities can instantly diminish the structural integrity of your item. For extra protection in humid climates, add a dehumidifier to the room housing your antique.
By the same measure, storing your antique in the dry heat of an attic can cause the wooden portions to dry out completely and this can lead to splitting and cracking. The best place to keep your antique would be in a cool dry location where the heat and light are not too strong.
Insects, Pests and Pets –– Do you have a furry bundle of claws and teeth who is your friend and housemate. Dogs, cats, ferrets and potbellied pigs are great companions but can take a real shine to your antique for any reason, maybe it smells interesting. In any case, you may want to place your treasure somewhere out of access to these well-intentioned domestic dependents.
But, the pests from exterior locations are by far the worst. Be sure to look over any wooden furniture to make sure there are no telltale signs of insects and grubs. Unscrupulous vendors have become quite adept at hiding these indicators so expect the worst.
At home, take extra care to keep cockroach, flea and rodent populations to an absolute zero. These uninvited pests can wreak damage that is especially difficult to address and is best avoided.