People who have an antique or two, either as family heirlooms or through extensive search and buying knows these furnishings need a lot of work in terms of care to maintain their beauty and integrity. One of the worst enemy of antique wooden furniture is UV light which comes from the sun or the halogen light fixtures you may have around the home. Avoid exposing them to such light sources by using curtains on your windows and by using diffusers on light fixtures to minimize fading, ruining the look and the value of your furniture.
Temperature is also an enemy, heaters and air conditioners can induce warping rendering them intact yet bent and twisted out of shape. Wood has a certain amount of moisture that preserves its integrity, too much and too less renders it twisted or warped, use humidifiers/dehumidifiers to ensure they maintain the proper moisture levels as needed. There is also an issue with pests such as powder post beetles that burrows into the wood leaving a powdery residue and a ton of holes making their presence known. For very expensive furniture, expert treatment by a conservator must be called upon but for more younger antiques can be handled by an exterminator experienced in such matters.
Re-finishing, is one sure way of forever ruining the look of wooden antiques for they have their value not only in the design, materials used but the finish as well. Some conservation experts can help with period finishes that have the same chemical make-up as the ones used by the original furniture maker. Should you decide to use the said antique for more utilitarian uses, then a re-finish with modern materials would be in order
However you choose to treat your antique, just be sure you maintain the overall look and with that, you will surely enjoy it for many more years, adding to the history and character that has given it the status it holds.