Thrifted furniture? 7 tips to preserve the pieces for many years traduzido por: OPENROUTER

Hunting for a piece of furniture also means finding an item that carries marks of time, materials and techniques that do not always appear in objects produced today. Hunted furniture pieces can gain new uses and take part in different compositions – adding personality and history to projects!

However, for these pieces to continue being part of the home over the years, some care is important. Conservation starts with the way the furniture is installed and involves cleaning, exposure to light and even the choice of products used in its maintenance. Below, check out 7 essential tips to extend the durability of your furniture!

1. Know the material

Before any procedure, it is important to identify what material the furniture is made of and what finishes have been applied. Solid wood, veneers, cane, metal and fabrics respond in different ways to humidity, heat and cleaning products.

In the case of antique pieces, it is also worth observing whether there are signs of previous restorations. An intervention made for a specific material may not be suitable for another, and, therefore, knowing the history of the furniture helps to avoid procedures that compromise its conservation.

2. Avoid direct sun exposure

Natural light enhances projects, but prolonged exposure to sunlight can alter colors and finishes. Woods can undergo changes in tone, while fabrics and other materials can fade over time.

Whenever possible, position the furniture away from direct sunlight or use curtains and blinds to control the light during the most intense hours.

Maria Alice Crippa e Gustavo Assis - Living Essências. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2025. (Eduardo Macarios/CASACOR)

3. Control humidity

Humidity is especially harmful to natural materials. In wooden furniture, for example, excess water can favor swelling, stains and deformations, in addition to creating conditions for the appearance of fungi.

Therefore, avoid leaving pieces leaning against walls with signs of humidity and do not use soaked cloths during cleaning. In naturally humid projects, ventilation also plays an important role.

4. Use appropriate cleaning products

Not every product recommended for household cleaning is appropriate for antique furniture. Abrasive or very aggressive substances can remove finishing layers and alter the original appearance of the piece.

When in doubt, prefer the most delicate cleaning possible and follow the specific recommendations for the material. For pieces of greater historical or sentimental value, it may be interesting to consult a restoration professional before applying any product.

Daniel de Castro Cunha Arquitetura e Interiores - Escritório Urbano de uma Jovem Amazona. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Carolina Mossin/CASACOR)

5. Protect against scratches and impacts

Everyday use can leave marks, but some precautions help to reduce damage. Felt pads under decorative objects, coasters and pot rests are small resources that prevent scratches and heat marks on sensitive surfaces.

It is also important to respect the original purpose or the structural capacity of the piece. A decorative chair, for example, should not receive a load for which it was not designed.

6. Watch for signs of wear

Small problems are easier to solve when identified early on. Creaks, looseness, stains, loose parts or changes on the surfacemay indicate that the piece of furniture needs preventive maintenance.

Performing occasional inspections also helps detect signs of termites or other insects that may compromise wooden structures. The sooner the problem is identified, the smaller the damage to the piece tends to be.

Tufi Mousse Arquitetura - Casa Rumo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

7. Perform regular maintenance

Conservation does not have to happen only when a problem arises. A routine of gentle cleaning and inspection helps monitor the condition of the furniture and identify maintenance needs.

It is also worth periodically checking screws, joints, legs and hardware. When necessary, seek professionals specialized in restoration or conservation, especially in the case of antique, fragile or significantly valuable pieces.

Time as part of the piece

Curated furniture does not need to look new to remain beautiful. Marks, patinas and small imperfections can be part of the object's history and contribute to its presence in the décor.

Felipe Saurin - Arquivo Vivo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2026. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

The most important thing is to differentiate the natural signs of time from those that indicate deterioration. With proper care and conscious interventions, pieces from different eras can continue to be part of the décor, taking on new uses and preserving the stories that make them special.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Milena Garcia.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER