Keep your wood furniture looking rich, without feeling like you’re trapped in a museum.
Luckily, the expertsantique dealers, shop owners, and appraisersbelieve that wood antiques are meant to be used.
They’re designed to be sat on, styled, and incorporated into daily life.
Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Jenny O’Connor
They don’t have to stay absolutely perfect because life isn’t perfect.
An occasional scratch or a gradual patina is just a testament to memories.
“Furniture is utilitarian, and therefore it is acceptable for pieces to exhibit their age and use.
Credit:Heather Bien
These are the eight accessible and simple steps the experts swear by to take care of their wood antiques.
Lewis notes that this even extends to cleaning.
“Avoid using wet cloths on wood furniture if you aren’t going to immediately dry the area.”
A simple approach to cleaning wood furniture is best.
“I do a lightdust weeklywith a dry dust rag.
When cleaning, wipe the way of the grain.
If it goes east to west, follow that line.
Do not go up and down,” says Hirsch.
But Lewis insists that you resist the general commercial products.
He recommends using a natural oil product like Christopher Pourny’s Furniture Tonic.
“It’s made in of all-natural oils like linseed and walnut.
However, higher use items need a more frequent app.
There’s one case, however, where he would avoid using a paste wax or anything at all.
I also have personally had success with Restor-a-Finish,” says Owen.
“For other condition issues, my constant refrain will always be: go to a professional.
He notes that fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause irreversible effects on wood, including mold and mildew.
“If you’re gonna wanna store furniture long-term, opt for a climate-controlled storage unit.
