Protecting Art & Antiques at Christmas: Seasonal Risks and How to Prevent Damage

At Christmas, our homes work harder than at any other time of year. Rooms fill with people, candles glow, wreaths appear and drinks flow freely – all of which is wonderful, but not always kind to paintings, decorative objects and antique furniture.

The festive season brings with it a very particular set of risks, often hidden behind the sparkle and cheer.

Above: this family gathering is taking place in a home full of antiques

From dripping wax and smoking candles to shedding wreaths, overfilled rooms and the occasional enthusiastic guest, December can be one of the most demanding months of the year for collections.

Whether you are caring for a much-loved family home or overseeing a larger estate, a little awareness and forward planning can make all the difference between a joyful Christmas and an unexpected cause for restoration in January.

Paintings

Paintings are particularly vulnerable during the festive season. Candles placed on mantels or dining tables can produce soot and heat, which gradually darken surfaces and affect varnishes. Christmas lights and temporary decorations may be installed close to artworks, raising temperatures or introducing electrical heat.

Wreaths and garlands hung nearby often shed pine needles and fine debris. Needles can fall down the back of paintings and become lodged in the canvas fibres, where they trap moisture, encourage abrasion and can be extremely difficult to remove without specialist intervention.

Above: this Christmas tree is displayed closely between two antique oil portraits

Crowded rooms increase the risk of accidental knocks, splashes of wine or even sticky soft drinks. Champagne corks popping enthusiastically have been known to strike paintings directly, while fine sprays of liquid can travel further than expected. Drinks such as cola or mixers are particularly problematic: once dried, their sugar residues become sticky, attract dirt and insects, and can cause staining or long-term deterioration of paint and varnish layers.

Fluctuations in humidity caused by open fires, central heating and frequent door opening can also cause paint layers and frames to expand and contract, leading to cracking, lifting or loosening over time.

Our recommendations:

• Keep paintings well clear of candles, fires, fairy lights and festive greenery, even if the arrangement looks decorative.
• Ensure artworks are securely fixed, especially in hallways, dining rooms and other high-traffic areas.
• Consider temporarily moving particularly valuable or fragile paintings to quieter rooms during large gatherings.
• Be mindful when opening champagne or sparkling wine near artworks; direct impact and airborne spray both pose risks.
• Maintain as stable an environment as possible by moderating heating and avoiding sudden temperature changes.
• Never attempt to clean spills, sticky residues or soot marks yourself – prompt professional advice can prevent lasting damage.
• Consider decorative gilt frames, protruding baroque corners may be easily knocked and broken.

Decorative Objects

Delicate porcelain, glass, clocks and sculptures often bear the brunt of Christmas enthusiasm. They are frequently displayed on sideboards, windowsills or mantelpieces – prime locations for wreaths, candles and festive ornaments.

Greenery can shed needles and moisture, while candle wax, heat and soot can damage surfaces and finishes. Rearranged furniture, extra guests and drinks placed wherever space allows increase the risk of objects being knocked, splashed or smashed.

Above: decorations can sometimes cause knocks, falls, stains and abrasions

Sticky residues from spilled champagne, spirits or soft drinks can be especially damaging to gilding, glazes and decorative surfaces if left untreated. Children exploring decorations and guests resting glasses where they shouldn’t can turn a quiet display into a hazard zone surprisingly quickly.

Our recommendations:

• Relocate fragile objects away from busy surfaces and areas used for entertaining.
• Avoid placing candles above or beside decorative objects where wax, heat or soot could cause damage.
• Use museum wax or discreet mounts to secure items that remain on display.
• Store especially vulnerable or irreplaceable pieces safely until the festivities have passed.
• Keep wreaths and greenery at a sensible distance to prevent needle drop, dust accumulation and moisture damage.

Furniture

Furniture is often called upon to work overtime at Christmas. Extra guests mean chairs are borrowed, tables are extended and sideboards become serving stations.

Spilled drinks, hot plates, candle wax and festive foliage can stain or mark historic finishes, while overuse can strain joints and upholstery. Sugary or acidic drinks such as wine, spirits and cola can quickly penetrate historic finishes, leaving tide marks or long-term discolouration.

Above: placing ribbons, garlands and tinsel on artwork may seem appealing but it could cause unnecessary risks 

Seasonal decorations such as wreaths on doors or garlands draped over furniture can also cause abrasion, staining or moisture damage if left in place for extended periods.

Our recommendations:

• Use protective runners, throws or table coverings during meals and parties.
• Always use coasters and heat-proof mats – particularly on polished or veneered surfaces.
• Provide modern seating for larger gatherings, allowing antique chairs to be admired rather than overworked.
• Avoid attaching decorations directly to furniture; use freestanding or non-contact alternatives instead.
• Address spills immediately using appropriate blotting methods and never household cleaning products.

With a little foresight, your art and antiques can enjoy Christmas as much as you do – safely admired, well cared for and ready to see in the New Year in fine condition.

After all, festive cheer is far more enjoyable when it doesn’t come with a conservation call-out.

If you need more advice or a restoration estimate, please contact us using the form below. As part of our service we offer a nationwide collection and delivery service as well as information on worldwide shipping to our studio.