| Collectible interior furnishings that exhibit unique | | | | The necessity of this may not even occur to some |
| features that are rare and are of considerable age are | | | | until a piece of their priceless collection is damaged. |
| termed as antique furniture. Antique Furniture appeals | | | | Therefore, it is important to be aware of what you |
| to many collectors and decorators as it is considered | | | | can do in order to preserve and use your antique |
| a form of decorative art. However, in addition to | | | | furniture for a long time. It is also equally important to |
| serving its decorative purpose, antique furniture may | | | | make sure that you do not damage your furniture in |
| perform certain functions that incorporate every day | | | | the process of cleaning or polishing to ensure that the |
| use such as providing seating and storage. | | | | beauty of the original piece is preserved. |
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| The earliest forms of English antique furniture including | | | | There are a few essential yet basic rules that can be |
| chairs, beds, cabinets, drawers, shelves and desks | | | | followed to protect antiques. Frequent inspection for |
| were primitive and understandably very delicate. | | | | insects, holes and saw dust is imperative. It should also |
| Subsequently, with the transition of furniture into a | | | | be kept in mind that heat as well as humidity is |
| symbol of wealth and taste, it became decorated to | | | | destructive for the pieces. To accomplish this, avoid |
| reflect the lifestyle and status of its owners. | | | | placing them in close proximity to ovens and air |
| | | | | conditioning or even in places of direct contact with |
| English antique furniture includes many different ranges | | | | sunlight as it is damaging to the craftsmanship of the |
| extending from Tudor to Victorian and all of them are | | | | furniture. |
| unique and helps one appreciate elegance and beauty | | | | |
| of furniture pieces. Oak was the dominant wood that | | | | English antique furniture is extremely delicate and |
| was used in most furniture, due to its sturdiness. On | | | | keeping it intact and clean requires a lot of careful |
| the other hand this characteristic of oak resulted in | | | | handling. Avoid using oil as a polishing for these pieces. |
| simple furniture as it was not easy to carve on oak. | | | | Wax is ideal as it not only cleans the furnishings but |
| Gradually mahogany, pine, walnut and maple wood | | | | also gives them a glossy finish. Over enthusiastic |
| were used in this process. | | | | wiping will only result in scrapes and scratches, |
| | | | | therefore be gentle and make sure that you wipe out |
| One fact that everybody who is fond of antique | | | | any excess wax or any other polishing material. |
| furniture can agree on is, that it is not easy to maintain. | | | | |