Your delicate furniture requires special attention during storage. Different materials react differently to storage conditions, such as humidity, light and temperature fluctuations. Whether you are moving house, renovating, leaving an estate or putting furniture into seasonal storage, professional storage units offer ideal conditions for storing furniture safely and carefully.
Storing antique furniture and collectibles professionally
Antiques are not only emotionally valuable, but often also a long-term investment. In order to maintain or even increase their value, proper storage is crucial. Antique furniture is particularly sensitive to moisture, direct sunlight and strong climatic fluctuations. Improper storage can lead to cracks in the wood, mold growth or pest infestation.
Tips for storing your pieces:
- Humidity ideally 50-60 %
- Never store in the cellar or in unheated garages
- Cover furniture with breathable furniture foils
- Maintain a distance from the floor
- Prefer storage protected from light
Especially in the case of an estate, lack of space or during renovation work, it makes sense for you to temporarily store your bulky antiques in a professional storage unit in dry, clean and safe conditions – particularly ideal for valuable individual pieces and complete collections.
But every antique, whether it’s a painting or a piece of furniture, has different requirements that should be taken into account. You can find out here what may be important in your case.
Storing solid wood and veneered furniture correctly
Solid wood and veneered furniture consists of a living, natural material that reacts to its environment. Fluctuating humidity, strong temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight can cause the wood to warp, swell or form fine cracks. Veneered furniture, where only a thin layer of wood is applied to a carrier board, is also sensitive to moisture and pressure – the veneer can come loose or swell if the conditions are not right.
It is therefore advisable to store your furniture in a professional storage facility, especially when moving with longer transition periods, during renovations or for longer periods of storage. Typical pieces of furniture that should be particularly protected are dining tables, chests of drawers, cupboards, sideboards or bookcases, but also smaller items of furniture made of solid wood or veneered wood that are sensitive to moisture and pressure.
An even room climate with controlled humidity and a stable temperature helps to keep the natural working of the wood to a minimum. Furniture should not be packed airtight, as this prevents air circulation and moisture can be trapped. It is also advisable not to place the furniture directly on the floor, but on stable supports such as wooden slats or pallets to provide additional protection against moisture and temperature fluctuations.
In addition furniture covers, soft cloths or protective foils to protect the surfaces from scratches and knocks – especially during transportation or close storage. This will keep both your solid wood and veneered furniture in optimum condition for longer and maintain its beautiful appearance!
Storing lacquered furniture and high-gloss surfaces safely
Lacquered furniture and high-gloss surfaces are particularly sensitive to light, heat and mechanical stress. Direct sunlight can lead to color changes, while strong temperature fluctuations can make the lacquer brittle. A uniform, light-protected environment is therefore particularly important when storing.
You should pay attention when storing:
- Place furniture on soft surfaces
- Do not lift on doors, drawers or table tops
- Do not store heavy objects on it
- Uniform climate without heat sources
Tip: Protect your furniture during storage or transportation by wrapping it carefully with soft materials such as furniture covers, felt, cloths or bubble wrap. This will prevent scratches, dents and damage caused by knocks or friction and ensure that the surfaces look as good as new even after long periods of storage.
Storing glass correctly - safety and stability are paramount
Glass furniture, display cabinets or glass panes have special storage requirements. The basic rule is that glass should only be stored and transported upright , otherwise it can quickly break. It is important to always place the panes on their long edge, as this distributes the weight better and reduces the risk of breakage. Suitable intermediate layers of cardboard, foam or cork should be placed between the individual discs to reduce tension. Never stack more than two or three disks in a row to minimize the pressure on the rear panels. You should also support the panes on several support points using materials such as rubber, polystyrene or wood.
Glass should always be stored in dry, well-ventilated rooms that are protected from the weather. Storage in the open air is only advisable for short periods and with a suitable cover. The storage surface must be clean, level and stable, whereby glass should always be leaned against a stable surface with a slight angle of inclination (5%) to prevent it from slipping. As glass has a high dead weight, special care must be taken when handling it.
Special care must be taken when handling glass, as the weightis often underestimated: an 8 mm thick pane of glass weighs around 20 kg per square meter. Therefore, never work alone and wear protective clothing such as gloves, safety shoes and safety goggles!
Checklist: Safe handling of glass
- Protect glass panels from direct sunlight
- Secure glass edges additionally with edge protection
- Do not place heavy objects on glass
- Fix the glass securely when storing or removing it
- Do not store damaged glass, but dispose of it properly
- Use professional help or storage space such as STORE ROOM for larger projects
Protect upholstered and fabric furniture from moisture
Upholstered and fabric furniture is often stored temporarily when moving house, moving in together or for seasonal storage – such as guest beds – and requires special storage conditions. Fabrics react very sensitively to moisture and a lack of ventilation. Even low levels of moisture can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Upholstered furniture should therefore be completely dry before being put into storage.
Tips:
- Allow furniture to dry completely
- Use breathable covers
- Do not place cushions directly on the floor
- Use regularly ventilated storage rooms
Storing garden furniture correctly - from summer to winter
The question of the correct storage of garden furniture arises in the fall at the latest. Your furniture made of wood, rattan or other natural materials should be stored indoors over the winter if possible, as it is sensitive to frost, moisture and UV radiation.
Thorough cleaning is important before storage. The furniture should be allowed to dry completely before it is placed in storage andcovered loosely and not airtight. Upholstery and cushions should be stored separately as they are particularly susceptible to moisture. Here too, storage rooms offer ideal conditions for safe winter storage and create space for you on your balcony or patio.
Conclusion: The right storage solution for every situation
Sensitive furniture requires different storage conditions depending on the material and situation. Whether you’re moving house, renovating, leaving an estate or putting furniture into seasonal storage – with STORE ROOM’s professional storage units, you can create optimal conditions for the long-term protection of your furniture!
If you have any questions or would like to store special pieces of furniture or sensitive inventory, the STORE ROOM team is always available to help you – no matter what type or size it is. Feel free to contact us, we will advise you personally!
STORE ROOM stands for safe, clean and flexible storage solutions – so that your furniture is in good hands at every stage of its life.
