If you are not considering the effect that Calgary’s climate and environment can have on your furnishings, then you may be missing a key detail when it comes to picking quality pieces that can last for many years.
Seasonal temperature changes and fluctuations in humidity can put your furnishings at an increased risk of damage depending on the materials they are made with.
While you may notice how weather can impact outdoor furnishings like a wooden table or a set of patio chairs, keep in mind that your indoor furnishings are not immune to seasonal changes either. Fluctuations in the humidity and temperature within your home can also put your living room furnishings, for example, at an increased risk of damage.
Selecting the right pieces for any part of your home can be a challenge. That is why we are happy to offer guidance and advice on everything from furnishings that can withstand Calgary’s climate to maintaining wood furnishings and elevating your home decor.
Understanding Alberta’s Climate
As Calgarians, we are familiar with the dry climate in our city. While those conditions can vary slightly across the province, Alberta is still generally known for its dry climate. That is important to keep in mind when it comes to buying furnishings—especially with regard to potential changes in humidity during snowy or rainy parts of the year.
Because the weather here tends to get cold in the winter and warm during summer, it is also important to keep temperature changes in mind, especially for pieces made of materials that might expand or shrink as temperatures change.
Calgary’s seasonal Chinooks can also bring temperature changes. Those sunnier, warm winter days might feel nice for us, but the change in temperature could be a problem for some pieces of furniture.
Effects of Cold, Dry Winters on Furniture
Alberta’s cold winters often bring an increase in home heating use. It is important to know that using your home’s heating system can cause your home to become drier in the winter.
Impact on Wooden Furniture
Wood expands and contracts with temperature changes, and without adequate humidity, this can result in long-term damage. The dry air of Alberta’s winters can cause wooden furniture to crack or split due to moisture loss.
To counteract this, consider using humidifiers during winter. You should also ensure that your wooden pieces are placed away from direct heat sources—including sunlight.
Impact on Upholstered Furniture
Fabrics and foam can become brittle when they are exposed to dry winter air. It is crucial to maintain moisture levels in your home and conduct regular cleaning to preserve fabric quality. Protective covers can also help you maintain your upholstery during the colder months.
Effects of Warm, Humid Summers on Furniture
While Alberta is generally regarded as having a dry climate, there are occasional periods of high humidity, particularly during the rainier months in spring and summer. That increase in humidity could affect your furnishings, especially if they are made of wood.
Heat can also be problematic for some pieces—including heat from sunlight—so it is also important to take steps to prevent your pieces from getting too hot during the summer months.
Impact on Wooden Furniture
During summer, the increase in temperature and occasional humidity can cause wood to swell and warp. Maintaining indoor humidity with dehumidifiers can prevent such issues. Proper ventilation and avoiding direct sunlight exposure are also key strategies for protecting wooden furniture during warm weather.
Impact on Metal & Leather Furniture
Humidity can pose a threat to metal furniture as moist conditions can lead to rust. Likewise, leather can crack or stretch if exposed to excessive moisture. Regular maintenance, including dusting and leather conditioning, can help mitigate these risks. Keeping leather away from direct sunlight and using moisture barriers are effective preventive measures as well.
Summer Furniture Care Tips
During the summer, you should be protecting your furnishings from the effects of Alberta’s hot, dry air, as well as sudden changes in moisture and humidity. Our recommendations include the following:
- Use a humidifier indoors if your home is very dry or you have an indoor air conditioning system.
- Maintain a humidity level of about 35-55% as recommended by manufacturers.
- Wipe up spills and remove moisture quickly, especially for any pieces made with metal or wood.
- Keep your pieces out of direct sunlight.
Winter Furniture Care Tips
During the winter, you should protect your furnishings from major temperature changes caused by cold snaps and take steps to maintain the right humidity level in your home. Our recommendations include the following:
- Maintaining humidity levels in winter can be challenging however, as low as 35% is favourable.
- Use humidifiers to counteract the effects of dry air from forced heating systems.
- Keep your furnishings away from heat sources, including furnaces, boilers, and heat vents.
Choosing Climate-Resilient Furniture
By keeping the tips above in mind, you can enjoy a variety of furnishings and wood types in your home without sacrificing quality or longevity. However, when selecting furniture that will stand the test of Alberta’s climate, it is still important to choose materials that naturally withstand these conditions.
At Birchwood Furniture, we offer a range of pieces made with gorgeous durable woods suited to Calgary’s climate, like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. We can help you decide which option is best suited to your personal preferences and needs.
Find Furnishings Made for Calgary’s Climate
When you visit us, we take the time to fully understand your needs and help you select pieces that will not only withstand Calgary’s weather, but also look beautiful in your home. Our goal is always to help our friends and neighbours find the right furnishings, and that is why we are so proud to offer quality furnishings made by local furniture makers.
Visit us at our gallery to see our pieces in person and ask us all about what we recommend for your home.
