Selecting appropriate museum storage furniture is fundamental to collections care. It is the first step in guarding against and mitigating the agents of deterioration which can cause or accelerate damage to museum collections. The ten agents of deterioration are:
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Physical forces
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Fire
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Pests
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Light
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Incorrect relative humidity (RH)
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Thieves & Vandals
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Water
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Pollutants
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Incorrect Temperature
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Dissociation
For further details on the agents of deterioration, see the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI)’s page on Agents of Deterioration. These factors pose variable risks depending on the nature of your collection and storage space.
It is critical to make informed decisions when considering storage furniture options. Conserve O Grams (COGs) 4/1a through 4/1f detail various types of storage furniture that meet best practices in the museum profession. For retrofitting existing storage furniture or considerations of storage furniture arrangement and/or space utilization, see other COGs in Series 4: Museum Collections Storage. For further comprehensive information on museum storage, see Museum Handbook, Part I, Chapter 7: Museum Collection Storage.
Storage furniture options include cabinets, shelves, racks, specialized furniture such as safes and vaults, flat files, compact storage systems, and cold storage such as freezers. Before deciding on specific options, consider the following criteria:
Object Characteristics
An object or specimen’s material composition, condition, dimensions, and weight will dictate its storage requirements.
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Determine what agent(s) of deterioration it is susceptible to and needs protection from based on its composition.
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Evaluate the object or specimen’s condition, size, weight, and other physical attributes. Will it have specific handling and/or storage furniture requirements?
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Consider if the object or specimen poses a risk to itself, other objects/specimens, and/or staff and visitors.
Refer to the NPS Museum Handbook, other NPS Conserve O Grams, and CCI Notes and Technical Bulletins for recommendations on appropriate storage, including enclosures or housings for specific object types.
Cultural Considerations
Stewardship of certain collections must incorporate cultural knowledge and methodologies from originating communities. Any storage solutions must be sensitive to an object’s tangible and intangible attributes. See CCI’s online resource for more information on cultural considerations.
Storage Space Characteristics
Know your space possibilities and limitations before selecting storage furniture (see Conserve O Gram 4/11 – Determining Museum Storage Space Requirements). Consider:
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Structural load limits of the floors, ceilings, and walls.
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Available vertical space to allow a minimum of 18 inches between top of storage furniture and sprinkler heads.
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Adequate aisle space (e.g. for opening doors, using carts and ladders, housekeeping tasks, and object movement).
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National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 909 Standard and other code regulations and guidelines detailing egress, fire extinguisher placement, and fire detection and suppression system installation.
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Limitations posed by building infrastructure (e.g. water lines; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) intakes and vents; electrical and lighting systems).
Access
When acquiring storage furniture, ensure access to collections. Storage furniture choices should support, not hinder, best practices, enabling staff to carry out routine collections management tasks. Consider how storage choices will impact tasks such as object movement, inventory, and housekeeping. Some storage furniture choices may require additional equipment, such as step stools or ladders, to safely access collections. Storage furniture placement should not hinder evacuation during an emergency (see Museum Handbook, Part I, Chapter 10: Emergency Planning).
Housekeeping
When possible, erect storage furniture with 6” between unit and floor to allow for vacuum cleaning and protect against water intrusion. Utilize mobile storage units or furniture on wheels to facilitate cleaning. Covered storage units or dust covers will provide more protection from particulates than uncovered open storage furniture. Choose white, powder-coated steel storage furniture to aid in detecting accumulation of dust, debris, and pest activity.
Storage Furniture Fabrication
Order from reputable vendors and confirm that they use museum-quality materials in fabrication, such as stainless steel or powder-coated finishes. These materials do not off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ensure furniture specifications meet the objects’ size, weight, and condition requirements. See references at the end of this document for more information on suitable materials.
Furniture Types
For more information on the following furniture types, see:
COG 4/1a: Museum Storage Cabinets
COG 4/1b: Museum Storage Shelves
COG 4/1c: Museum Storage Racks
COG 4/1d: Museum Storage Flat Files
COG 4/1e: Specialized Museum Storage Furniture
COG 4/1f: Museum Compact Storage Systems
COG 14/10: Cold Storage for Photograph Collections – An Overview
COG 14/11: Cold Storage for Photograph Collections – Using Individual Freezer Unit
COG 14/12: Cold Storage for Photograph Collections – Vapor-Proof Packaging
References
American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Wiki – Choosing Materials for Storage, Exhibition & Transport
Conservation and Art Materials Encyclopedia Online (CAMEO)
CCI Technical Bulletin 21: Coatings for Display and Storage in Museums
CCI Technical Bulletin 32: Products Used in Preventive Conservation
CCI Note N1/1 General Precautions for Storage Areas
Museum Handbook, Part I, Chapter 9: Museum Fire Protection
NPS Archeology Guide: Structural Fires and Cultural Resources
Anne Ennes, Textile Conservator
Shay Henrion, Registrar and Conserve O Gram Editor
Casey Oehler, Museum Curator
Museum Conservation and Collections
Harpers Ferry Center, National Park Service
Formerly issued as Conserve O Gram 4/1
Don Cumberland, Jr. (1993), Museum Specialist
National Park Service
The Conserve O Gram series is published as a reference on collections management and curatorial issues. Mention of a product, a manufacturer, or a supplier by name in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of that product or supplier by the National Park Service. Sources named are not all inclusive. It is suggested that readers also seek alternative product and vendor information to assess the full range of available supplies and equipment.
The series is available on the National Park Service Museum Management Program's website.
Last updated: July 8, 2026