How to Properly Care for Antique Furniture

How to Properly Care for Antique Furniture 

Antique furniture is more than just a decorative piece - it’s a link to history, craftsmanship and often family heritage and, whilst the items you have may have stood the test of time to end up in your home, they need continual care and attention to remain in top condition.

Whether you've inherited a 19th-century mahogany sideboard or purchased a vintage Victorian chair, proper care is essential to preserve its beauty, structural integrity and value.

Below, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty explores the key practices and tips for maintaining antique furniture, ensuring it remains a cherished possession for generations to come.

Understanding Your Antique

Before diving into care techniques, it's important to understand what makes a piece of furniture an "antique". Generally, antiques are items that are over 100 years old, and these pieces are often made from solid wood and feature craftsmanship that predates mass production. Recognizing the type of wood, finish, and construction methods can help guide your care routine.

If you're unsure about its origins or value. consult an expert or have your furniture appraised because knowing what you're working with will help you to know how delicately you need to treat it.

1. Placement and Environment

Antique furniture is sensitive to environmental changes and humidity, temperature and sunlight can all affect wood, veneer, and upholstery.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause wood to fade, crack or dry out. Place furniture away from windows or use UV-protective window treatments.
• Control Humidity: Wood expands in high humidity and contracts in dry conditions. Use a humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier in the summer to maintain consistent indoor humidity (ideally between 40-60%).
• Temperature Stability: Avoid placing antique furniture near heat sources like radiators, fireplaces or air vents. Extreme temperature changes can cause joints to loosen and wood to warp.
• Protect from Moisture: Never place drinks, plants, or anything wet directly on antique wood. Even a short exposure to water can leave rings or cause warping.

2. Cleaning with Care

Cleaning antique furniture requires a gentle touch and the right materials.

• Dust Regularly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth, such as microfiber, to dust weekly. Avoid feather dusters, which can scratch delicate surfaces.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Commercial polishes, sprays and cleaners often contain silicones or alcohol that can damage old finishes. Use a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap on a soft cloth for occasional cleaning, followed by a dry cloth to remove moisture.
• Wax Sparingly: Paste wax can protect the wood and give it a subtle sheen, but it should be used sparingly - perhaps once or twice a year. Choose a high-quality beeswax or carnauba wax and buff gently with a soft cloth.

Caution: Never use abrasive pads, steel wool, or ammonia-based cleaners on antique finishes.

3. Handling and Moving Furniture

Antiques are often heavier and more fragile than modern furniture and moving them improperly can cause serious damage.

• Lift, Don’t Drag: Always lift furniture from its strongest point—typically under the frame—not from arms, legs, or other delicate parts.
• Disassemble When Possible: Remove drawers, detachable legs, or mirrors before moving. This reduces weight and risk of damage.
• Use Padding: Wrap corners and surfaces with soft blankets or foam during transport to protect against scratches or bumps.

4. Preventing and Addressing Damage

Despite your best efforts, antique furniture may still show signs of age or damage. Prevention is key but knowing how to handle issues helps too.

• Watch for Pests: Wood-boring insects like termites can seriously damage antique wood. Look for tiny holes, frass (fine sawdust), or weakened wood. If you suspect infestation, consult a professional conservator or pest control expert.
• Check Hardware and Joints: Over time, screws and joints may loosen. Avoid DIY fixes with modern nails or screws, which can reduce the piece's authenticity and value. Seek help from a professional restorer for repairs.
• Deal with Scratches and Blemishes: Minor surface scratches can often be minimised with a furniture touch-up marker or blending wax. For more serious blemishes, it's best to consult a conservator rather than attempting refinishing it yourself, as improper work can drastically reduce an antique's value.

5. Upholstery and Fabric Care

If your antique furniture includes fabric elements, such as chairs, sofas, or ottomans, extra care is needed.

• Vacuum Gently: Use a soft brush attachment to vacuum upholstery, removing dust and debris that can wear down fibres over time.
• Protect from Fading: Like wood, fabrics can fade in sunlight. Use window coverings or UV film to prevent damage.
• Spot Clean with Caution: If spills occur, blot (don’t rub) immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid over-wetting, which can cause staining or fabric breakdown. For deep cleaning, consult a professional familiar with antique textiles.

6. When to Call a Professional

There are times when professional help is the best course of action. Certified conservators or restorers specialise in preserving historical integrity while maintaining the functionality and beauty of antique pieces.

• Structural damage
• Finish restoration
• Upholstery replacement
• Insect infestation
• High-value appraisals or sales

Caring for antique furniture requires patience, attention to detail and a respect for history. While modern furniture may be more forgiving, antiques deserve extra thought and consideration due to their age, craftsmanship, and value. With regular maintenance and mindful handling, your antique treasures can remain functional and beautiful for generations.