Question 1

Is antique furniture in style?

Accepted Answer

Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.

Question 2

How do I identify my antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.

Question 3

What makes furniture an antique?

Accepted Answer

A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

Question 4

How do I know if my furniture is antique?

Accepted Answer

To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.

Question 5

What antique furniture is popular?

Accepted Answer

Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. & J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.

Question 6

Is antique furniture worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.

Question 7

Is antique furniture making a comeback?

Accepted Answer

Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do I date antique furniture from the UK?

Accepted Answer

To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.

Question 10

How old is furniture called antique?

Accepted Answer

How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 11

What is the best finish for antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs

Question 12

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

Accepted Answer

To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

Question 13

How can I tell how old my antique furniture is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.

Question 14

How can I tell what my antique furniture is worth?

Accepted Answer

To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.

Question 16

How can you tell antique furniture from reproduction?

Accepted Answer

To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.

Question 17

How can I tell who made my antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How old must furniture be to be considered antique?

Accepted Answer

To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 19

How do you tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture?

Accepted Answer

To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What’s the difference between vintage and antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.

Antique Pioneer Furniture

1920s American Renaissance Revival Antique Pioneer Furniture

Renaissance-Revival Desk in Black Umber with Trestle Base, Grand Rapids

Early 1900s Antique Pioneer Furniture

SMS Hansa: Germany’s Pioneering Protected Cruiser – 1903 Chromolithograph

Early 1900s Antique Pioneer Furniture

SMS Sachsen: Pioneering German Coastal Defense Ship – 1903 Chromolithograph

17th Century American American Colonial Antique Pioneer Furniture

Rare 17th Century US Pioneer Large Adjustable Cooking Pan

19th Century American Native American Antique Pioneer Furniture

Henry Raschen Important "Portrait of an American West Pioneer" C. 1885

1840s Antique Pioneer Furniture

Old Portret of Jean Baptiste Madou, Painter, Etcher & Pioneer Lithographer, 1842

19th Century Antique Pioneer Furniture

Portrait by Von Herkomer, a Pioneering Film-Director, Composer, Painter, C. 1885

1850s Antique Pioneer Furniture

Pioneer Scene: Awaiting the Return of Mr. Tinkham in the American West, 1856

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Antique Pioneer Furniture

1930s original Bauhaus table by Marcel Breuer Model B10 manufactured by Thonet

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Pioneer Furniture

Sculptural 19th Century Horn Chair with Footstool

Early 1900s Austrian Art Deco Antique Pioneer Furniture

Thonet beech bentwood piano stool with caned seat, Austria ca. 1900

1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Pioneer Furniture

Secession Office Chair no.6528 by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Antique Pioneer Furniture

Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Hynek Gottwald, Chrome, New Upholstery, Czech, 1930s

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Pioneer Furniture

Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet

1920s Italian Other Antique Pioneer Furniture

Le Corbusier Chaise, Model LC4, for Cassina, 1960s

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Antique Pioneer Furniture

Restored Bauhaus Table, by Hynek Gottwald, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czech, 1930s

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Antique Pioneer Furniture

Restored Small Bauhaus Table, by Hynek Gottwald, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s

1910s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Pioneer Furniture

Vienna Secession Armchair Model 6528 designed by Marcel Kammerer for Thonet

Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Antique Pioneer Furniture

Lovely Pitcher Ceramics Ewald Dahlskog 1930s, Bo Fajans, Sweden

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Antique Pioneer Furniture

Restored Bauhaus Wardrobe, by Hynek Gottwald, Walnut, Chrome, Czech, 1930s

Early 20th Century American Antique Pioneer Furniture

"Pioneer Woman" by Bryant Percy Baker

Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Pioneer Furniture

Antique Art Nouveau Bentwood Coffee Table from the Late 19th Century by Thonet

Early 18th Century English Campaign Antique Pioneer Furniture

Georgian Chair Bed by Butler

1910s Danish Arts and Crafts Antique Pioneer Furniture

Elegant Table Lamp with Carved Frond Motifs and Teal-Gray Glaze

Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Pioneer Furniture

Antique Bentwood Coat Rack with Mirror by Michael Thonet

Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Pioneer Furniture

Thonet Gueridon, Signed, Bent Wood, Early 20th Century

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Pioneer Furniture

American Aviator Pioneers Signature Collage

Mid-19th Century American American Classical Antique Pioneer Furniture

19 Century American Pioneer Walnut Wagon Seat

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Pioneer Furniture

English Music Stand of Mahogany and Brass

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Pioneer Furniture

Late 19th Century Russian Wood Carving of a Jewish Pioneer

Late 19th Century Country Antique Pioneer Furniture

Antique Victorian Mormon Pioneer Oak Country Farmhouse Dining Table Boho Chic

Early 1900s Austrian Modern Antique Pioneer Furniture

Bentwood Beech Thonet Table

Early 1900s Austrian Modern Antique Pioneer Furniture

Michael Thonet Stool

Early 1900s German Mid-Century Modern Antique Pioneer Furniture

209 Thonet Midcentury Birchwood Yellow Upholstery Dining Chairs, Germany, 1900

1650s Danish Scandinavian Modern Antique Pioneer Furniture

“X-Chair” by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1959

19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Pioneer Furniture

Neoclassical Drop-Leaf Work Table with Lyre Ends

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Pioneer Furniture

Art Nouveau Gustav Siegel Designed Jacob and Josef Kohn Bentwood Rocking Chair

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Pioneer Furniture

Late 19th Century Thonet Double Coat Rack, Art Nouveau Period

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Pioneer Furniture

Antique Coat Rack by Michael Thonet, Austria, Early 20th Century

Early 20th Century Czech Bauhaus Antique Pioneer Furniture