Old objects have survived a long time by sitting somewhere stable. Most damage comes from moving them somewhere that is not.
What actually destroys them
Humidity swings. Wood takes on and gives up moisture, and the movement cracks joints, lifts veneer and splits panels. A steady damp room is kinder than a room that is damp and then dry.
Direct sun, which bleaches and dries.
Air conditioning blowing directly on a piece, which is the modern version of the same problem.
Well-meant cleaning, which removes the surface the object has taken a century to acquire.
What to do instead
- A stable spot, away from windows, radiant heat and the direct flow of a cooling unit
- Off the floor and away from an outside wall
- Dust rather than polish, and as rarely as the piece needs
- Nothing heavy on top, and nothing leaning against a veneered face
- Felt under anything standing on a hard floor
Metal, textiles and ceramics
Metal wants dry air and no rubber or newspaper nearby. Textiles want cotton and refolding. Ceramics want to be stored with nothing touching the glaze and nothing stacked rim to rim.
What it costs
Nothing except the choice of where to put it, which is the whole point of this page.
Questions people ask
Is woodworm active in my house?
Fresh holes with powder are current. Old holes without are historic. Say which when selling.
Should I wax an old surface?
Rarely, and never as preparation for a sale. Common mistakes.
What about a dehumidifier?
In a coastal city with a serious collection, yes. Stability matters more than any particular number.
More: describing antiques, what one is worth.