Caring For Vintage Furniture

Your antiques are valuable in more measurements than money, so you want to keep them in the best possible condition for as long as you can. Whether it’s a family heirloom that has been passed down through several generations or a major find from a local antique store, preserving it is one of the most important things. There are several methods to caring for different material, and over time, these methods have been changed, but caring for vintage furniture isn’t difficult, as long as you remember the simple steps that are needed.

Temperature Matters

When a piece of furniture gets hot, it can cause it to shrink, which can lead to loosened glue joints and inlays. It’s best to keep antiques out of direct sunlight, and away from fireplaces, stoves, or heating units. Too much sunlight can discolor furniture, degrade wood and fabrics, and things with a clear finish will turn yellow, so if a room gets a great deal of sunlight, consider hanging some curtains to dilute the harsh sun.

Johnson Furniture Co.

Keep It Clean - The Right Way

A common misconception about vintage wood is that it dries out due to lack of oils, but it actually dries out because it needs moisture. Oils can actually speed up the process of degradation because it creates a film, which only collects more dust. You can use a humidifier to provide moisture to wood, just make sure that you don’t over-do it! Using polish can also degrade wood if it is silicone-based, because it leaves behind a film that is very difficult to remove. Try to dust the furniture regularly using a damp lint free rag- not a dry one, as it can actually scratch the surface!