A far cry from the light, variable, IKEA flat packs that are now so common in many homes, antique furniture has become a treat that can offer impeccable detail, well-cared for wood, and a life span longer than humans. These are just a few reasons why people love to get their hands on antique furniture for their homes.
However, older pieces of furniture, clothes, and jewelry – you name it – often need some extra special care to keep in good condition, and this piece is going to talk you through how you can do that.
Read on to find out more!
Get The Vacuum Out
Older pieces of furniture are often one solid piece, making it much more difficult to pull apart to clean properly. This is why it is important to focus on maintenance rather than a deep clean. For those who have upholstery on their furniture pieces, keeping this vacuumed can be an important part of preserving the fabric. It is much more difficult to shake off these heavy, robust pieces, so a handheld vacuum should do the trick!
Focus on Wax
Wax is usually the best way to keep wood in good condition, but it is important that you go as natural as possible. A good, natural bee’s wax will be far kinder to the wood than the newer spray polishes, which can actually damage the wood over time. Use this wax to restore your unique furniture to its original glory, and bring out all of its wonderful unique features such as the grain and color. Be sure to do this relatively frequently, so you are able to keep your piece of furniture in good condition.
When you are looking for different types of antique tables or chairs, do a little bit of extra research to determine what the best method is for taking care of them when you get them home!
Keep an Eye on Your Environment
Environments make such a difference to everything – food, water, hair, and antique furniture. Living in places with high humidity or a really dry atmosphere can affect the integrity of your pieces, along with temperatures that fluctuate. For example, if the air is too dry, you might find your antique furniture starts to crack due to the drying of the wood. Storing pieces where there is a direct line of sunlight can fade and weaken the materials, which is another thing to consider. Also, try to keep rooms as temperature controlled as possible, so this does not have adverse effects on the furniture. Positioning your furniture is very important. If you cannot shuffle around your room to ensure it isn’t in direct sunlight, see what you can do to block out the sun as much as possible.
Conclusion
Being able to have antique furniture pieces in your home is a luxury for many. The quality of the woods and fabrics can be difficult to come across in mainstream shopping now, so knowing how to take care of them is essential for keeping them going for years to come. Research your pieces well, and take the steps they need to be kept in great condition.
