When the weather outside is cold you and your family may not being the only ones suffering. Wooden furniture has three archenemies: heat, sunlight and, low humidity . All three of them can work their hardest against your furniture during cold winter months.

Heat from nearby fireplaces, a hot air vent or radiator can be more extreme than the heat of summer. Avoid placing solid hardwood furniture directly in front of radiators or other heat sources. While the temperatures in your home is likely lower than during the summer months, some areas of your home are much warmer. Use care when placing your furniture in any given room and do not block a heat vent.

Sun damage can occur during any time of the year. Consistent, direct, intense sunlight can bleach a fine wood tabletop. To prevent such damage rotate the furniture in the room periodically. If that’s not possible rotate the individual piece (or pieces) in place and occasionally move accessory items to avoid the possibility of marks on the surface.

Indoor winter air can be extremely dry. As cold air is brought in and warmed to room temperature, its capacity to absorb is greatly multiplied. This “thirsty air” draws moisture from all kinds of sources. Consider a humidifier to keep your home’s relative humidity around 30 percent. Also keep in mind that sudden changes in humidity are not good for wood furniture. Try to keep the humidity levels as consistent as possible whenever possible.

Finally, heat, sunlight and low humidity aren’t the only culprits during winter. If you have snow, salt and/or cinders on your gloves be sure to not touch wooden furniture with them.