Furniture items that have been passed down from one generation to the next often have sentimental meaning, but the outward appearance of these older furnishings can deteriorate over time.

Restoring inherited furniture can be a challenge, so here are three tips to keep in mind as you embark on your own specialty furniture restoration project in the future.

1. Do your research.

If you want to restore a piece of old furniture, it's important that you take the time to learn about the period in which the item was created. Maintaining the original integrity of the piece will allow you to restore its aesthetic without compromising value.

When you know that Colonial furnishings were designed to be simplistic or that Federal items are characterized by clean lines, you can use this information to accurately restore your inherited item.

2. Buy the right materials.

In order to ensure that your restoration project is a success, you must have access to the right materials as you attempt to restore an inherited piece of furniture. Begin by evaluating the condition of your item.

If you notice any gouges or cracks in the wood surface of your furniture item, you will need to invest in a good quality wood putty or filler to help you mask these imperfections. Without access to the right materials, it will be impossible to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome when restoring an old piece of furniture.

3. Get help when needed.

If you aren't experienced when it comes to restoring old furniture items, you may find it difficult to mimic the tricks and techniques used during the original manufacturing of the item. Failing to adhere to correct techniques could spell disaster for your restoration project, so you should be willing to seek the help of a professional as needed.

Completing tasks like dovetailing a dresser drawer or matching the original stain color of a table don't come easily to some people, so if you are having difficulty with these complicated restoration tasks you should seek out a skilled restorer who has experience working with specialty items.

Preserving the integrity and appearance of furniture that has been handed down through a family is important. Restoring old furniture items can be a fun undertaking, but only if you are prepared to complete the job accurately. Be sure that you take time to research the time period in which the item was made to maintain historical integrity, invest in the right tools, and seek the help of a professional when the restoration is beyond your skill level.