Top Eight Tips for Maintaining Antique Furniture

Antique furniture requires careful care and antique furniture restoration to address repairs must be undertaken carefully to avoid harming the value of a piece. It is not uncommon for antique furniture appraisals to begin with the words, "If you hadn't refinished this piece it would be worth . . .." For this reason antique collectors should learn how to appropriately care for their pieces without harming either their inherent beauty or their intrinsic value.

Top Eight Tips To Maintain Antique Furniture

When you purchase any antique do nothing to it until you have had it appraised by a professional. It is rarely if ever a good idea to refinish an antique unless it has been damaged by water or fire. Antiques with their original finishes intact are always worth more than refinished pieces. In the event of structural damage, never attempt a "do it yourself" approach. Consult a qualified antique restoration company that can make the repair without compromising the worth of the antique.

When you place an antique in your home consider the structural integrity of the piece. Fragile antiques should not be used as every day pieces. Those antiques that do become a part of y our day-to-day life should be protected accordingly. If you have a beautiful antique buffet, for instance, don't place hot dishes on its surface. Use hot plates to protect the finish from the heat. If you have antique side tables or a coffee table, make sure your guests are supplied with coasters or cocktail napkins on which to place their drinks and don't be bashful about asking them to do so.

Some antiques, especially musical instruments like pianos, can be susceptible to damage from humidity. It would not be a good idea to put a piano too close to a kitchen or bathroom for instance, or on a porch where you raise plants. Realize that the level of humidity varies from place to place in your home. You can purchase an inexpensive humidity sensor at a local home improvement store to help you find the optimal place in your home for such pieces or you can use a dehumidifier. (Many central heating and air systems have built-in dehumidifiers. Just be sure you have the unit set to a humidity level th at will be best for your antiques.) Signs of damage from high humidity including cracking, warping, splitting, and the appearance of mildew.

Continue to: Information on Antique Furniture Restoration

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