How to protect antique furniture

How to protect antique furniture

Owning antique furniture requires a special dedication. Their rarity and workmanship mean you should take time to ensure they are well maintained and to compare home insurance policies so you are covered in case things go wrong.

Here we look at some of the steps you can take to ensure your antiques are well cared for.

Antique furniture – how to take appropriate care

Don't forget to take a good look at your antique furniture every time you clean your property – spotting issues early is important.

Fluctuations in temperatures and humidity can cause problems for antiques with wood responding to relative humidity by either expanding or contracting as it tries to maintain a balance with the environment. Where humidity is too high, mould may form and where it is too low shrinking and splitting may occur as the wood dries out. So consider the use of a humidifier or dehumidifier as conditions dictate. Think twice before you place antique furniture near to heating vents or fireplaces. An ideal humidity level is around 50-55 per cent and this can be checked with humidity indicator cards, strips or a garden hygrometer. Try and keep the room temperature constant and leave central heating on low at night

The ultraviolet component of the sun's rays can also cause long term damage to antiques so avoid placing them in direct sunlight. If positioning them in the light can't be avoided then try and at least keep the curtains closed as much as possible and rotate the antique regularly so any fade is evenly balanced. Ultraviolet window filters may also be an option, although they can be expensive.

Water damage, whether from spills or floods, requires urgent attention or the antique may suffer permanent damage or a mould crisis. Dry any dampened areas immediately and then wait around a week before applying a wax. If a wax is applied to a wet area it can cause the surrounding area to darken, creating an ink-like stain.

What about restoration and French polishing?

Restoration usually refers to the practise of returning an antique to a condition close to, or as good as, its best, and it can also refer to guarding against further deterioration. When restoring antiques, it's best to employ a reputable professional who can use the correct and traditional materials. If a surface has been badly damaged, consult ourselves or a member of LAPADA, the UK's largest trade association for professional art and antique dealers.

French polishing is a wood finishing technique that produces a high gloss finish. It is softer than most modern varnishes and can be sensitive to spills of water and alcohol and so may not be well suited to furniture that you use on a regular basis – such as coffee or dining tables.

The technique requires a specific combination of different rubbing motions, waiting for considerable lengths of time and building up layers of polish. As such, it should not be undertaken by anybody other than a trained professional.

Will home insurance cover protect antiques?

Most standard home insurance policies place specified limits on individual items – typically in the region of £1,500 – so anything more expensive will need to be listed separately.

If you have several expensive antiques you may wish to consider a high value home insurance policy from a specialist provider. Some of the leading specialists offer contents cover up to £500,000 with specified item limits placed as high as £150,000. Consider getting regular valuations for any items that exceed £25,000 so you continue to have adequate cover and make sure any antiques that are permanent fixtures and fittings in your home are covered under your buildings insurance.

As the value of antiques can be subjective, and can be influenced by authenticity and condition, it's vital to retain good documentation in case an item is stolen or damaged. Take photographs of the item and keep receipts and written confirmation of valuations to ensure that a claim runs smoothly.

Check to see exactly what risks you are covered against too – for example: is your antique furniture protected against accidental damage caused by children and pets; and are you covered if you take the item outside the home – such as if you enter the antique into a fair? Check the terms and conditions carefully.