Even though most of your furniture should last for years, damage can happen in the blink of an eye. If you have recently invested in a nice set of furniture, then you need to come up with a long-term plan that is going to protect those pieces from harsh UV rays, pests, rot, spills, and stains. Here are just a few tips to get you started.

Seal Up All Openings

Many homeowners are surprised to hear that many different types of bugs can damage their furniture. In addition to termites, you also need to be wary of powderpost beetles and carpenter ants. One of the most effective ways to keep those pests out of your home is to seal up all cracks and openings leading outside with high-quality caulk. You should also schedule biannual service calls with a local pest control expert. High-quality insulation and the properly applied pest deterrents can go a long way in protecting your furniture from destructive insects.

Put Up Blinds

Your furniture was probably sealed with some type of protective varnish, but that sealant isn’t going to block UV rays forever. Over the course of a few years, UV rays are going to penetrate deep into the wood and cause some type of discoloration. The same thing can happen to upholstery, which doesn’t have any protecting sealants. To prevent that form of damage, you need to invest in blinds or shades. Luxaflex blinds, insulated curtains, and roller shades are all great options if you live in an area that gets quite a bit of sunlight or you have furniture near your windows.

Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier

As a general rule, the relative humidity inside a home should always remain between 40 and 50 percent. If the house gets too moist, then the sealant on your furniture might begin to crack. Once the sealant is damaged, the underlying materials will quickly follow. Installing a whole-house dehumidifier is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep every room in your home at the ideal humidity level. While those living in desert climates may not find this necessary, those living in more humid areas will want to consider the option both to protect their furniture and any clothing left exposed to the air for long periods of time.

Use Furniture Covers

Many companies are now selling furniture covers that are eye-catching and easy to install. Those covers protect your furniture from many different types of damage including beverage stains, spilled food, claw marks from pets, and UV rays. You can also protect the fabric with sprayable stain guard or plastic shields. Quilted covers made to be water resistant work very well to protect the underlying upholstery, and can be machine washed and changed out as easily as your bedsheets to prevent the collection of dander over time.

In addition to these few tips, you should consider getting a furniture protection plan as well. Many furniture stores offer affordable protection plans that will allow you to replace any of your furniture if it becomes damaged. Some furniture stores might even offer those plans for free if you purchase multiple pieces from them. If you’re getting really nice, expensive furniture, then you’ll want to take the necessary steps to protect it.