The Proper Ways of

Storing Antique

Furniture

WH Jewelry, Inc.

9102 Bldng.

NSW, 2044 Australia

Phone: + (02) 020891

While their value is not liquid, antique furniture pieces make

good investments. They are among the top picks of collectors and

investors that are after items with high heritage value. Taking

care of them, however, requires the handler to use special

methods to preserve appeal and structural integrity

Whether the owner is a veteran or an industry novice, storing the

antiques always proves to be a challenge. A mere adjustment in

the environment’s humidity or other factors may damage a piece’s

patina or induce the growth of pests.

Below is a roundup of ways for antiques owner to store their pieces.

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Controlling the Moisture

Low humidity can warp the wood and the

adhesive, which may make the piece less stable.

High moisture levels, on the other hand, may

cause mould and mildew growth, which will eat

away at the furniture. The handler should see to

it that the storage area has a dehumidifier to

control the dryness of the air. The room should

also completely block the sunlight.

Applying Sealing Elements

Before the handler finally puts the furniture in

storage, they should apply paste wax to reduce

the rate of wear while the piece is not used. It is

also a way of protecting the furniture from

shrinkage or warping.

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Keeping Pests at Bay

Museum Victoria notes that a few insects are capable of boring holes on the furniture. These

include longicorn and furniture beetles. Infested furniture can be treated with special

chemicals. This should be left to professionals specialising in this type of problem. To prevent

further infestations, owners should control the moisture content, as insects and fungi thrive

through them.

Wrapping Them

It is advisable that owners disassemble the furniture if it is designed that way. They should use

padded wraps when protecting mirrors, frames and arms. Plastic is not a good wrapping

material for leather furniture. Plastic suffocates the leather, causing humidity, which destroys

the material.

Before finally putting the furniture in the storage area, owners should photograph each of the

pieces for inventory and documentation purposes. It is also important that the pieces are

assessed.

SOURCES:

http://www.perthmetrostorage.com.au/index.php/stora

ge-units/

http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-

story/austn-design

http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/infoshe