How To Safely Store Antique Furniture

 

Antique furniture is an heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation. It is important to carefully protect and store your antiques to maintain their condition and beauty. Learn more about how to safely store antique furniture here at Buzzard Movers.

Whether you’re storing a single piece or an entire collection of antique furniture, it’s important to take the proper steps to preserve it for many years to come. This article will provide you with safe storage tips for protecting and preserving your antique furniture. From choosing the right storage environment to using the right materials, you’ll learn everything you need to know to ensure your antique furniture is kept in excellent condition.

So, if you’re looking for the best way to safeguard your treasured antiques, read on to discover how to protect, preserve and how safely store your antique furniture with these helpful storage tips.

 

 

Why do we need to protect and preserve antique furniture?

It is important to know how to safely store antique furniture because it’s usually made with real materials, like wood, iron, and brass. Unlike newer furniture, made with synthetic materials, antique furniture can be prone to rotting, staining, and rusting.  This can lead to damage and deterioration.

Additionally, older furniture can be more susceptible to insects like termites, moths, silverfish, and beetles. They can eat away at the fabric, wood, and other materials in your antique furniture. Storing your antique furniture in an unventilated area can lead to mould and mildew growth, which could cause damage if left untreated.

 

Choosing the right storage environment for antique furniture

The best environment for storing your antique furniture is a dry, clean, and cool place with low humidity. Ideally, you’ll want to keep your antique furniture in a climate-controlled storage unit with controlled humidity levels. This can help to prevent damage caused by insect infestation, mould and mildew growth, and moisture damage.

If you’re storing your antique furniture at home, choose a location with low humidity, good ventilation, and low light levels. Humidity and moisture are likely to cause wood to warp, shrink, and crack. Sunlight and high temperatures can lead to fading and discolouration.

 

What materials are best for storing antique furniture?

When learning how to safely store antique furniture, using the right materials to store them is crucial. For example,  avoid using cedar and other aromatic woods as they emit oils and vapours, potentially causing damage to your furniture.

Instead, you may want to look into using a clean material like cardboard or paper as they are less likely to damage your antique furniture.

For best protection, use materials that will not off-gas (such as plastics or rubber) and that are free of mould and mildew. Avoid storing your antique furniture in basements, attics, or other spaces that are prone to moisture and humidity. Store them in a room that is dry, clean, and well-ventilated.

For items that are prone to scratching, like wooden chairs and tables, you can place a protective sheet or cushion on the surface to prevent damaging the surface. For storing furniture made of wood, you can use either open or closed-sided wooden storage boxes. If you’re storing furniture with wooden parts (such as wooden legs), make sure that the wood is properly treated with a wood preservative.

You can also use a dehumidifier to keep the environment dry and reduce the risk of mildew. If you’re storing furniture with fabric, leather, or other organic materials, you’ll want to use an airtight container. You should also avoid placing heavy objects on top of your furniture, as this can cause damage.

 

Cleaning, polishing and repairing antique furniture

Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning antique furniture as these can lead to damage. Instead, consider using a water-soluble detergent or a mixture of warm water and white vinegar. When cleaning antique furniture, avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can lead to damage.

Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your furniture. If you notice any scratches or marks, you can use a soft cloth to try and remove them. You can also use wax or polish to clean and protect your furniture.

However, you’ll want to avoid using products that contain ammonia, as they can cause damage. If you notice any scratches or dents on your antique furniture, don’t panic. You may be able to repair the mark by filling it in with wood putty and sanding it down.

 

Tips for organising and displaying antique furniture

Organise your antique furniture so that it is in an upright position, rather than lying flat or on its side. If you must lay items down, use a clean sheet or tarp to protect them. Use furniture pieces and display shelves to keep antique furniture off the ground.

Avoid placing your taller antique items on the ground, as this can lead to damage. Instead, try placing them on a tall bookshelf or table. Make sure to keep your pieces out of direct sunlight and away from excessive moisture, dust, and insects.

If you’re displaying your antique furniture, try to keep them in its original positions and positions. This will help you better appreciate the age and style of each item. If you’re storing or displaying large pieces, be sure to provide enough space for them to be turned around if needed.

If you’re storing an entire collection of antique furniture, consider renting our climate-controlled storage solutions. We can help you protect your furniture from damage caused by sunlight, insects, rodents, and other hazards. You can also use protective covers and bags to keep your furniture clean and free of dust while it’s in storage.

You can also place furniture on boards, in boxes, or on clean tarps, and you can also use furniture covers or blankets to protect items from dust and dirt.

 

Moving and shipping antique furniture safely

If you’re moving antique furniture, it’s best to hire our professional furniture movers to help you ship it. This can help to prevent furniture damage caused by improper lifting and moving. We use protective covers and bags to keep your antique furniture clean and free of dust while it’s in transit.

If you’re shipping antique furniture, ensure that it’s packed and shipped properly to prevent damage. Avoid placing your furniture in a box on its side, as this can lead to damage to the legs and other areas. Instead, place items upright in a sturdy box with packing peanuts or newspaper.

 

Professional antique furniture restoration services

If you’re not skilled at restoring antique furniture, you can hire a professional antique furniture restoration service. These service providers are specially trained in restoring antique furniture. They can help you fix damaged pieces and restore them to their original condition.

If you’re looking for a reputable restoration service, you can contact your local antique shops or museums to see if they offer restoration services. While professional restoration services are best for repairing antique furniture, you can also learn how to do minor repairs yourself.

For example, you can learn how to repair a cracked leg on a table by using a dowel and some wood glue. You can also learn how to repair scratches and dents on your furniture using wood putty and sandpaper.

 

Conclusion

Antique furniture can make a beautiful statement in any room of your home. You probably know that it is crucial to take proper precautions when storing and handling it. For best protection, you should use materials that wiloff-gasesff-gas, such as wood or cardboard, and that are free of mould and mildew.

You can also use a dehumidifier to keep the environment dry and reduce the risk of mildew. When organising and displaying your antique furniture, try to keep thits their original positions and positions. When moving or shipping your antique furniture, use a furniture moving company that has experience with antique furniture.

Make sure to wrap each item in a clean sh or tarp or in a vintage sheet and then place it inside a wooden or cardboard crate for the utmost protection. Here at Buzzard Movers, we strive to help our customers in all shapes and forms. We hope this article provides you with some valuable tips about how to safely store antique furniture.

 

• 9 December 2022
• | Categories: Blog, Guides, Storage