Furniture is a material that responds to the room it is in, and most damage comes from the room changing rather than from age.
What actually destroys it
Humidity swings, which open joints, lift veneer and split panels. A steadily damp room is kinder than one that alternates.
Direct sun, which bleaches and dries.
Air conditioning blowing straight at a piece, which is the same problem as sun with a different cause.
Water, standing on a surface — rings, white blooms, lifted finish.
Weight and leaning, which warp shelves and press veneer.
What to do instead
- A stable position, away from windows, outside walls and the direct flow of a cooling unit
- Felt under feet, so nothing rocks on a hard floor
- Nothing heavy stacked, and nothing leaning against a veneered face
- Dust rather than polish, and rarely
- Coasters and mats, which is unglamorous advice that prevents the most common damage of all
Stored furniture
If a piece is going into storage, raise it off the floor, cover it with cloth rather than plastic sheeting, and leave air around it. Plastic sheeting against wood in a humid month grows mould on the finish.
Homeware
Ceramics stored rim to rim chip; glass stored stacked scratches. Tissue between pieces, nothing inside anything.
What it costs
Felt pads and the right corner of a room.
Questions people ask
Does polishing protect wood?
Occasionally. Over-polishing builds up and darkens. Dust is the daily answer.
Can I store furniture in a garage?
Only if it is dry and stable, which most are not.
What about woodworm in storage?
Check for fresh holes and powder. Treat it before it spreads to other pieces.
More: describing furniture, common mistakes.