Heirlooms can be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Taking a few simple precautions and care when handling your furniture can help prevent needless damage. Enjoying your favorite rocking chair while a stream of sunlight shines through your window may be ideal for you, but it may not be healthy for the chair.
Light damage can cause bleaching and other forms of discoloration to wood surfaces.
Like sunlight, the amount of moisture in the air can have devastating effects on wood furniture over time. Changes in humidity can cause wood to shrink and swell as the content of water in the air changes. This movement slowly distorts parts of furniture and may lead to warping. Storing furniture in damp places such as basements or sheds can cause this warping to occur at a faster pace. According to the Smithsonian Institution, keeping humidity at a stable level is best achieved by using a dehumidifier in the summer and humidifying in the winter.