What to monitor
Start with the variables that actually explain the risk.
For this material group, the environmental record is most useful when it captures the things below and keeps them tied to the object, space or display context.
- Relative humidity and stability
- Temperature, especially warm damp conditions
- Visible light and cumulative exposure
- UV in display areas
- Local conditions inside cases and storage enclosures
What can go wrong
The number only matters because of the damage mechanism behind it.
Fading and fibre loss
Light can fade dyes and eventually weaken fibres. Damage is cumulative and cannot be reversed.
Moisture movement
Natural fibres take up moisture. Repeated swelling and shrinking can weaken fibres, while painted or decorated textiles can respond unevenly.
Mould and pests
Warm, damp conditions increase mould risk and can make already vulnerable textile collections more attractive to pests.
Published guidance
Useful examples, with the caveat kept attached.
Museums Galleries Scotland’s dedicated textile guide recommends keeping RH stable between 45% and 65% for at least 90% of the time, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. For display it recommends 50 lux and managing annual exposure because light damage is cumulative.
Where judgement comes in
Textile guidance varies because the collection varies. Silk, wool, painted textiles, mixed metal components, historic dyes and synthetic fabrics do not all respond in the same way. If an object is already weak, stained, painted or structurally complex, a textile conservator should set the detail.
How this maps to LÆFAN
Keep the reason for the profile with the readings.
Use a material or object specific profile where the textile is unusually sensitive rather than applying a gallery wide preset.
Track RH and temperature together so sudden environmental change is visible.
For displayed textiles, use a light exposure period with cumulative lux hours rather than relying only on spot lux readings.
Keep temporary exhibition monitoring in a Campaign so the exposure period has a clear start and end.
LÆFAN does not decide the conservation limit for you. It records the profile your institution has chosen, the source or rationale behind it, where it applies and what happened while it was in force.
Sources & further reading
Where the examples on this page came from.
Caring for textile collections
Open source ↗Conservation and lighting
Open source ↗Environmental management for collections and climate sustainability
Open source ↗Sources checked 6 October 2026. Guidance and standards can change, so follow the linked publisher page before adopting a value into policy.