Tips to care for your antique furniture

Often we are presented with antique furniture that has not been maintained regularly over its long life. Like anything that is not cared for, the condition will diminish. Here are a few tips to keep your antique furniture looking and functioning its best.

Always keep your furniture out of direct sunlight

A no brainer! Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading, drying, and warping of wood. Use curtains or UV-filtering window film to protect your furniture, or place items out of direct sunlight.

Control Humidity Levels

Fluctuations in humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, leading to cracks or warping. Maintain humidity between 40-60% to prevent damage. This can be achieved by running an air conditioner or dehumidifier regularly.

Dust Regularly

Use a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber duster to remove dust. Avoid feather dusters, which can scratch delicate surfaces. We like to use the Pledge Grab It dusters from Woolworths as they are so soft, pick up dirt easily, and are small enough to get into tight and fiddly spaces.

Clean gently

Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Instead, use a damp cloth with mild soap and water, followed by a dry cloth to prevent moisture damage.

Polish Sparingly

Over-polishing can lead to wax buildup and dullness. Use a high-quality beeswax or natural furniture polish annually, to nourish the wood. Always make sure you use a small amount and ensure it is buffed off well with a soft cloth, not leaving any residue. We use the Gilly’s range of products – the rose cream beeswax and orange oil are our go-tos.

Protect Surfaces

Use coasters, placemats, and felt pads under objects to prevent scratches, water rings, and heat damage.

If you have a particularly special piece, look at getting your local glazier to trace a template and make you a custom fitted glass top for your table or sideboard. These still keep the look but give you the flexibility to be able to place anything on top without fear of scratching the surface. They are not as expensive as you might think.

If you keep objects on your furniture, rotate them occasionally to prevent uneven fading or indentations.

Handle With Care

Lift furniture when moving it instead of dragging, which can weaken joints or damage legs. Always inspect your furniture before moving to ensure it hasn’t lost integrity in the joints etc. A handy thing to have are furniture sliders which are simple cushioned plastic pads that slide under each corner of your piece, and make it easy to slide your piece into position. These can be purchased from most major retailers.

Check for Pests

Wood-boring insects like termites and beetles can damage antique furniture. Inspect regularly and treat infestations promptly.

Repair With Caution

If a piece needs restoration, consult a professional instead of using modern nails, screws, or adhesives that may devalue the furniture. Animal glue was commonly used in the 19th century and may perish over time, so please consult a professional restorer if your piece needs work.

Store Properly

If you need to store antique furniture for an extended period, keep it in a climate-controlled space with adequate ventilation. Avoid damp basements, containers, or attics. Chat to your local storage facility to find out what storage options are available and suitable for your antiques.

Know When to Restore vs. Preserve

Sometimes, keeping an antique in its aged state is more valuable than refinishing it. Always research or consult an expert before making significant changes.

If you have any fine 18th or 19th Century antique furniture in good condition that you are looking to move on, please head over to our contact page and upload some photos via the form and we’ll get back to you!