Your Antique Furniture is Susceptible to Environmental Changes
Effects environmental problems,causes of environmental change,history environmental problems
All of you are aware of why we install a central heating system in our
residences. It ensures that the house does not remain damp and chill.
But what most of you might not be aware of, is that the same heating system
that keeps us so much in comfort can have an adverse effect on your antique
furniture. Neither excessively dry atmosphere, nor excessively wet atmosphere
(as seen in storage areas or unheated premises), is suitable for wood.
Especially, wood that has come from the past!
To counter this damage, it is advisable to have a humidifier installed.
Of course, the quality of the humidifier should match that of the central
heating system. Since this humidifier will ensure that the relative humidity
remains constant even in severe winters (with the heating on), your furniture
is safe. A balance is brought about between humidifier and central heating
system.
Oh yes, some well-meaning friends may advise you to place a potted plant
or a bowl of water near each antique piece of furniture; rest assured
that this will do no good! Can these simple techniques provide a relative
humidity of around 50% to 55%? For this proportion is necessary to ensure
an indoor temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A hygrometer will keep
informing you about fluctuating humidity, since it is an instrument that
measures relative humidity.
You are free to place your humidifier anywhere in the room, preferably
near an electric socket, of course. If you wish to hide it, place it behind
the sofa. Or even in front of the radiator. There are convection currents
brought about by the radiator and the humidifier. Thus, the rising heat
will help to circulate moisture. Think this is a fine way to maintain
balance? For more aesthetic appeal, surround the humidifier with house
plants—they will adore the excess humidity!
Now, when we suggest placing the humidifier near the radiator, we do
not mean that they should be nose-to-nose! There should be a distance
of at least two feet between them. If you are still apprehensive about
their proximity, you could place a fire screen in between. This screen
is well-decorated, plus it has an insulated or a reflective backing. Thus,
it functions like a protective barrier!
Then again, the humidifier is not to go under any piece of furniture
(even if it fits in). It is also advisable to keep it away from an open
chimney or a fireplace (you do not want your furniture catching fire!).
However, if you can manage to consult an interior designer, you will discover
that he/she can offer you an attractive and eye-catching cabinet to house
your functional humidifier. So that should resolve all your problems!
