A glimpse into my future fur closet—a luxurious space designed to preserve my mother’s heirloom furs collection.
When designing my dream home, I knew two things were non-negotiable: a temperature-controlled wine room and a dedicated fur closet. To some, a fur closet might sound extravagant, but for me, it’s a necessity.
You see, my mother, Betty—affectionately known as Mrs. Chancellor, after the iconic character from The Young and the Restless—had impeccable taste. Her collection of real furs, from mink to shearling, was a symbol of her elegance and luxury. After she passed, I inherited them all, and for the past four years, they’ve been in cold storage.
Now, as I build my forever home, I’m finally bringing them home for good. But maintaining real fur requires special care, so I designed the perfect fur and wine storage solution to preserve both my fine wines and my mother’s treasured furs for generations to come.
Why a Fur Closet & Wine Room Make Sense Together
As a luxury destination wedding planner, I often store high-end wines for my events. A temperature-controlled wine room was always part of my home plans, but when I learned that fur and wine require nearly identical storage conditions, I saw an opportunity to combine function with elegance.
Ideal Storage Conditions for Wine & Fur:
- Wine Room: 40-50°F
- Fur Closet: Below 55°F, ideally 34-45°F
- Humidity Control: Prevents drying out and oxidation
- Light Protection: Reduces fading and color changes
Since both require cold, humidity-controlled environments, merging them into one sophisticated space made perfect sense.
The Importance of Cold Storage for Fur
Real fur is a biological material, meaning it can deteriorate over time. Without proper care, heat and sunlight cause oxidation, making furs dry, brittle, and discolored.
To prevent this, cold storage is key to maintaining their natural oils, softness, and longevity. That’s why I designed my closet with precision temperature control, ensuring my mother’s furs last forever.
How I’m Preserving My Mother’s Heirloom Furs
1. Natural Pest Protection
Moths and insects are fur’s worst enemy! Instead of mothballs (which stink!) or cedar blocks (which dry out furs), I use:
- Lavender sachets inside the closet
- A mix of cedar & lavender oil as a natural spray
- Herbal sachets with thyme & lavender
These smell divine and keep bugs away without damaging the furs.
2. Temperature & Humidity Control
By integrating my fur closet into my wine room, I’m keeping it at optimal humidity and temperature—no risk of shedding, drying out, or cracking.
3. Avoiding Direct Light Exposure
Light causes oxidation and fading, so my fur closet features soft, indirect lighting to maintain its pristine condition.
Real Fur: A Timeless Heirloom
Lately, real fur has been trending again (hello, Mob Wife aesthetic!), but while trends fade, my mother’s collection is forever. Estate sales are full of vintage furs, but proper storage is the key to keeping them in perfect condition.
Like fine wine, real fur only gets better with age—when stored correctly. My new fur & wine closet isn’t just about luxury; it’s about preserving a legacy.
Final Thoughts: A Chic & Functional Luxury
Some may think a fur closet is too much, but for me, it’s a way to honor my mother and ensure her collection lives on. Pairing it with a wine room was the perfect solution.
Would you ever create a luxury storage space in your home? Let’s talk in the comments!
