How to Take Care of Antiques, Practical Tips for Decorative and High-End Pieces

At TallBoy Interiors, we believe that every antique piece tells a story. Whether it’s a beloved family heirloom or a beautiful decorative antique you’ve discovered or indeed purchased from TallBoy Malton Showroom, giving your antiques the right care will keep them looking timeless. In this guide, we’ll share easy, practical tips on how to take care of antiques so they can continue to bring charm, elegance and character to your home. 

Basics | Gentle Cleaning and Polishing

• Regular Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to gently remove dust from wooden surfaces. Avoid harsh scrubbing or modern chemical cleaners, which can damage finishes. Gentle dusting prevents dirt buildup without harming the patina of your antiques.
• Avoid Water and Chemicals: Never use water or generic cleaning sprays on antique wood. Moisture and chemicals can weaken the finish. Instead, wipe away spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth. For dusting, simply wipe rather than wet-clean.
• Use Quality Polish: roughly twice a year, treat your wood antiques with a good-quality beeswax or specialist antique polish. Apply the wax sparingly with a soft cloth, then buff with a clean cloth for a soft sheen. This nourishes the wood and protects the finish. Always test any new product on a hidden spot first.
  
  By handling your pieces gently and using the right products, you’ll keep finishes bright and beautiful. Remember: no harsh chemicals or harsh cleaning tools should touch your antiques.

Placement and Environment

In my recent video I discussed placing  antiques out of direct sunlight and gave some general care tips around product placement, you can see the full video over on TallBoy social media channels. 

In short, sunlight and heat can play havoc on antique wood.  Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight or mirrors hanging above radiators. Strong light will fade wood and upholstery, and heat can cause wood to dry out and crack. Original mirror plate is also very thin so placing this above direct heat source can cause the glass to crack.


Instead, choose a stable spot in the room where temperature and light are moderate.

• Control Humidity: Wooden antiques prefer a consistent, moderate humidity. In very dry climates, use a humidifier to prevent cracking, as wood can lose moisture and split over time.
  
  Conversely, avoid overly damp areas that might lead to mould or warping.
• Protect from Heat: Never push antique furniture against hot walls or vents. Even short bursts of heat from radiators can cause wood joints to loosen or veneers to peel. A few-inch gap can help.
• Sunlight Caution: Wooden furniture and upholstery are especially vulnerable to sun damage.

Creating the right environment is one of the simplest ways to protect your high-end antiques. A stable room will keep colours vibrant and materials strong.

Caring for Upholstery and Fabrics

Upholstered antiques and tapestries need extra TLC. Handle these pieces with clean hands (natural oils can attract dust) and avoid eating or smoking around them.

• Gentle Cleaning: Hover upholstery gently using a soft brush attachment to lift dust. If a spill occurs, blot it immediately with a dry towel – never rub, and avoid excessive water. 
• For set-in stains or valuable fabrics, consider professional cleaning.
• Moth Prevention: Keep delicate fabrics safe from insects. Cedar or lavender sachets in cabinets can deter moths and rodents. Check textiles regularly for signs of pests.
• Case Covers: For very fragile or rare upholstery, consider protective covers. These can shield against dust and light, especially if the piece is on display.

By treating fabrics carefully, you’ll preserve the texture and colour of any antique chair, sofa or cushion. Gentle vacuuming and prompt spot care go a long way in keeping fabrics fresh.

Hardware, Metal, and Glass

Many decorative antiques have metal fixtures (like brass handles) or glass elements. Here’s how to care for them:

• Metal Polishing: Clean brass or silver parts with a soft cloth and appropriate metal polish, but sparingly. Over-polishing can wear down details. For silver, use a non-abrasive silver cloth to remove tarnish.
• Glass and Mirrors: Use a lint-free cloth with a gentle glass cleaner on mirrors or glass inserts, spraying the cleaner onto the cloth (not directly onto the glass). Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on gilt or delicate frames.
• Check for Pests: Some wooden antiques can attract woodworm or beetles. Look for tiny holes or sawdust. If you suspect pests, consult a professional – early treatment can save a piece from serious damage. Of course, if you are purchasing from TallBoy Interiors or using our sourcing services, this will already be checked for you. 

Little details matter: by polishing hardware carefully and keeping glass clean, your antique pieces will sparkle without risking damage.

Final Thoughts: Cherish and Protect Your Decorative Antiques. 

Antiques – especially high-end or decorative antiques – are investments in beauty, art and history. A little care goes a long way to maintain their value and charm. These tips should help you confidently preserve your pieces, but remember that each object is unique. If ever in doubt, or if you need to get an expert eye, call us at TallBoy Interiors. We’re always happy to share advice. With these best practices and a little love, your antiques will continue to grace your home for generations. 

For more insights like this, please follow us on social media or visit our Malton-basedshowroom.