Antique furniture should be properly taken care of to maintain its beauty and significance after all the value of that furniture piece increases with time. The methods of care for antique furniture have changed over the years and it is also necessary to know that caring and repairing tips for antique furniture are not same as modern home furnishings.

Environment
Ultraviolet light or sunlight is damaging to antique furniture as the finishes can turn yellow or opaque from the exposure and hence antique furniture should be placed out of direct sunlight. Use curtains or shades to diffuse or block sunlight when possible. Use blinds or have an UV-filtering film applied to your windows. Never placing your antique furniture in front of air conditioning vents, heating vents, radiators, fireplaces or stoves as the heat cause shrinking which in turn loosen inlays, glue joints and veneers.

Avoid insects and pests
Wood, leather, fabrics and upholstery materials of antique furniture if not taken care of leads to the gathering of insects and small pests, which can damage the existing finish by feeding on the accumulation of oils, grease and dirt on the surface. To avoid this , always clean and dust your furniture using a soft cloth.

Cleaning and polishing
To maintain the antique finish, use paste wax. In between waxing, dusting with a soft cloth on a regular basis is recommended. At times, you can dampen the cloth slightly and dry it immediately. Avoid using dry rag as it cause scratches when dusting. For surfaces with a deteriorating finish, wax may not be appropriate. In such a case, take the advice of an expert.

Moving and Handling
When moving your antique furniture always check for loose or damaged joinery. Furniture pieces should always be lifted and never dragged across the floor. When transporting your antique furniture, remove shelves, doors and drawers and large items should be transported on their back or top, preferably their back.

Refinishing
The finish found on antique furniture is of the same significance as the furniture piece itself. It is always better to maintain the original finish. Stripping and regular polishing or refinishing removes the original finish coating and damages the patina, which can never be recovered, once removed. The appearance of antique furniture can be enhanced without damaging the existing finish and that is only possible with the help of experts.

Avoid using aerosol sprays
Do not use aerosol spray polishes as they can contain silicone oil and other agents which can damage your furniture.

Use coasters
Surface damage of antique furniture can be prevented if you use coasters, mats and table cloths and avoid placing hot and/or wet items directly on the furniture piece.

Avoid scratching furniture
Never slide any item across a surface because it will scratch.

Keep your furniture dry
Spilled water should be thoroughly dried up immediately. Alcohol and solvents should not be wiped but dabbed.

Avoid relative humidity
This is very important. A warm inside and cold outside is very harmful on antiques. Wood responds to relative humidity by expanding and contracting which can cause glue joints to loosen and the finish to deteriorate. Use humidifier or dehumidifier to help maintain the relative humidity.

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