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