Looking to stash away your furniture but worried about how it’ll fare while stored? You’re in the right spot! Our guide on how to cover furniture for storage is here to banish those worries. We’ll walk you through the essential steps and materials needed to ensure your pieces are shielded from dust, moisture, and the occasional bump or scratch. Keeping your furniture in great shape, even when it’s out of sight, is easier than you think. So, whether you’re relocating, decluttering, or simply switching up your space, follow along as we cover the basics of protecting your cherished items. Let’s jump in!
The Purpose of Protective Coverings
You might wonder why fuss over something as simple as furniture covers when that old bed or favorite armchair has weathered countless seasons just fine. Well, the truth is, furniture is designed to be, well, used. But once we relegate it to the sidelines of a storage unit or garage, it’s suddenly vulnerable to a multitude of storage hazards. Here’s why is crucial:
Dust Protection
Dust isn’t just a cleanliness issue; it can be abrasive, which means it can slowly wear down surfaces over time. A good cover means less cleaning and less risk of damage from dust accumulation.
Pest Barrier
We’ve all heard horror stories of spiders setting up shop in the grooves of a table or mice turning a sofa into their personal playground. A proper cover keeps these uninvited guests at bay.
Moisture Confinement
Humidity is the bane of wooden goods, causing warping, mold, and mildew. A cover that’s not just a barrier against liquid, but also breathes, is crucial for any long-term storage strategy.
Scratch and Dent Defense
No furniture is immune to the occasional bump or scratch. A quality cover provides a layer of padding that can absorb these minor impacts, leaving unscathed and looking like new when it’s back in the limelight.
Choosing the Right Type
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to protecting furniture. The type of cover you need depends on the furniture’s material, the level of protection required, and the duration of storage. Let’s break down some common types and where they excel.
Plastic and Polyethylene
These materials are excellent for moisture protection and are easily wipeable, but they don’t breathe. That means if any moisture does get trapped under the cover, it’s unlikely to dry out without intervention and can lead to the issues it’s meant to prevent.
Cloth and Canvas
Breathable fabrics like canvas are ideal for long-term storage, as they can help prevent moisture buildup. Look for covers made from sturdy cloth that will resist tearing and provide good dust protection.
Fitted versus Loose
A fitted cover, often with elastic edges or straps, is great for day-to-day protection in a living space but can be more difficult to put on and take off. Loose covers are easier to manage and can provide padded protection, but they offer less secure dust and pest protection.
How to Cover Furniture the Right Way
The act of covering furniture isn’t complex, but there are best practices that can make the process more effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide to wrapping securely:
Prepare Your Furniture
Clean thoroughly before you cover it. Lingering food particles or spills can attract insects, and dust on a surface can scratch it as you pull the over. Storage Furniture For Living Room
Use Additional Protection
For fragile or particularly valuable pieces, it can be wise to add an extra layer of protection within the cover. Bubble wrap, blankets, or even old clothes can slightly pad and further protect.
Secure the Cover
Make sure your cover is tight and secure to prevent pests from crawling in. For loose covers, consider using tape or rope to tie off any openings.
Label and Store Smart
Use labels to identify which piece of furniture each covered item is, and stack in a way that heavier items won’t crush lighter ones. Ensuring your storage area is properly dry and doesn’t experience extreme temperatures will also help keep your prime condition.
Tricks and Hacks for a Professional Finish
Creating a snug, professional-looking job takes a little finesse. A few extra tips can make the difference between a job you’re proud of and one you hope the nobody ever sees under the cover.
Vacuum Sealing
For those who enjoy over-engineering the process, vacuum sealing bags can be used on items such as pillows, cushions, and bulkier textiles to remove air and create a compact, airtight package.
Padded Protection
Use old blankets or specifically designed with padding to provide an extra layer of protection from knocks and bumps.
Moisture Management
Placing moisture-absorbing packs—specially designed for storage—in with your furniture can help to mitigate the risk of moisture damage, especially with longer-term storage.
Long-Term Storage Considerations
The tactics you take to cover furniture for a few months will differ from those used for extended periods like a year or more. Your long-term storage strategy should include regular checks on the condition, implements in place to tackle changes in climate and protection against a broader set of potential exposure risks. Here is a highlight of those considerations:
Regular Checks and Re-Wraps
Every quarter, it’s good practice to check the condition of your covers and give them a clean. Depending on your storage environment and the duration of storage. You might find the need to re-wrap your furniture for the utmost protection.
Climate Control
Where possible, choose a climate-controlled storage unit. If not, invest in silica gel packets or other humidity control measures.
Increased Pest Vigilance
For long-term storage periods, the risks from pests such as silverfish or termites increase. Alongside a regular inspection regimen, consider using non-toxic pest deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
Final Word
Furniture is more than just functional; it tells a story of your tastes, style, and even heritage. Taking the time to store it correctly is investing in these narratives. The key is in understanding that each piece, just like each home, is unique and will require a bespoke approach to preservation. Whether you’re downsizing, storing seasonally, or preserving for posterity, the steps you take today will ensure your pieces continue to enhance your life tomorrow.
In our guide, we’ve outlined the steps and strategies to ensure that when the covers come off, your furniture looks and feels as good as the day you chose to make it part of your life. So cover smart, right, and let your future self thank your past self for being a protective superhero for your cherished.
