Collecting antique furniture is regarded as a great financial investment as well as an excellent method to decorate homes and other locations. As a result, many people see antique collecting as one of the most satisfying hobbies and occupations that one may do. A serious antique and vintage furniture collector, on the other hand, should consider the following factors:
The Antique Furniture’s Design
The majority of antique dealers categorise their items using terms like Louis XV, Queen Anne, and others. In most cases, the style of a piece of furniture plays a significant influence in establishing its worth. Furniture with styles and designs dating back centuries are regarded more valuable than those with more modern designs. Furthermore, the more original or personalised the style, the more expensive the furniture piece will be.
There are other designs that have been popularised by well-known artisans or furniture makers. As a result, furniture with such popular designs, even those that look like them, may be more expensive than antique furniture.
The Antique Furniture’s Originality
It’s crucial to know whether or not a piece is a replica. The hardware used in the furniture may readily be utilised to establish if the furniture is an original item.
Examine the nailed and screwed-in items. It’s worth noting that screws were only utilised in furniture in the second part of the nineteenth century. Other forms, varieties, and lengths of nails have been employed in furniture building at various times throughout history.
If the object is antique, keep in mind that the wood measurements should not be regular. Due to age, some of its components should have shrunk by as much as an eighth of an inch. It’s also worth noting that the furniture’s surfaces should have been discoloured. Uneven exposure to sunshine might harm an original piece of furniture. As a result, there should be a lot of colour variation. Otherwise, the furniture may have been refinished or repainted.
Apart from that, inspect the furniture’s edges. It’s worth noting that handsaws were the only tools available in the early days of furniture making. As a result, most antique furniture has ragged edges. If there are any discrepancies in the hardware that was utilised in the item, it’s possible that the antique’s original parts have already been changed.
Antique Furniture’s Decades of Use
When it comes to antique furniture, this is a crucial aspect. Generally, the older an item is, the more precious it is. Chippendale (mid-to-late 1700s), Empire Period (1830-1850), and Victorian are three of the most famous periods in the history of furniture manufacture (1850 – 1910). It’s worth noting that the style and design of a piece of furniture may help determine its historical era.
However, the antique collector should be aware that there are times when the furniture’s aesthetic, design, and utility take precedence over its age. This is frequently the case with tables, chairs, cabinets, closets, and other large furniture items that aren’t intended for exhibition or decoration.
In addition, when antique furniture items are the work of a well-known artisan, the value of the piece rises in tandem with the complexity and intricacy of the design.
