Some family heirlooms that are passed down through the generations are meant to be put on a shelf and looked at. Others are pieces that get used only on special occasions, like fine china or silverware. There are other heirlooms, though, that see more frequent use. Things like tables, chairs, cupboards, and cradles are meant to be used and, if cared for properly, can last for many more years.
In order to keep these prized family possessions in good condition, it is important that you regularly inspect them for signs of wear and tear. Things like loose rungs on a chair or a hinge on a cupboard door that has a screw missing can be repaired fairly easily if they are repaired before they break completely. If you do not feel comfortable doing the repair yourself, get estimates from at least two or three people who specialize in restoring and repairing antique items.
Sometimes, the finish or upholstery on an item is worn so badly that it must be refinished or reupholstered in order to preserve not only its usefulness but its value as well. If this happens, be sure to do two things before doing anything to the item. The first thing is to carefully research the item so that you can know exactly what it is, where it came from, who made it, and what materials were used to make it. This can give you an idea of what kind of finish it has on it or what kind of fabric the original upholstery was. It can be especially helpful if it had been refinished or reupholstered somewhere along the line in a manner that did not restore it to what it had originally looked like. The second thing to do is to find a professional who is qualified to do the refinishing or reupholstering. The price may seem a little expensive, but it is worth it to get a skilled professional who can beautify and preserve your family treasure. Be sure to ask for references, look at pictures of their work, and ask plenty of questions.
Photo by gracey on morguefile.com.