Question 1

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 2

What makes furniture an antique?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 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 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 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 Shaker Furniture

Mid-19th Century American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Shaker Dining Table, c. 1850

Early 20th Century American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Antique Shaker #7 Shawl Back Rocker Attr. Mount Lebanon Shakers c. Early 20th Ce

Early 1900s American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Graphic Hand Woven Shaker Textile

1830s American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Shaker Trestle Dining Table c. 1830

Mid-19th Century American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

19th Century Chrome Yellow Shaker Box with Original Surface

19th Century American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Pair of Shaker Style Ladderback Chairs

Mid-19th Century Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

19th C Shaker clothes stretcher

Early 1900s American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Shaker Round Bentwood Flour Sifter; Pennsylvania, Circa 1900

Mid-19th Century American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Shaker (Attributed) Pine Demi-Lune Table

19th Century American Rustic Antique Shaker Furniture

An Early 19th Century Hog Butchering Collapsible Work Table

Early 20th Century Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Antique Pennsylvania Shaker Style Tall Ladderback & Rush Dining Chair Set

19th Century Scandinavian Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Large Antique Shaker Box, Trunk in Bentwood, 19th Century Scandinavia

Early 20th Century American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Historic Set of 6 Shaker Dining Chairs, Mount Lebanon c 1935

Early 20th Century Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Antique Rustic Early American Shaker Woven Rush Milking Foot Stool Jute Seat 18"

1860s American Adirondack Antique Shaker Furniture

Shaker Style Coffee Table

Early 19th Century Unknown Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Antique American Rustic Shaker Ebonized Wood Rush Seat Rocker Rocking Chair

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Antique Shaker Furniture

Sterling Sliver Sugar Shaker

Late 19th Century Antique Shaker Furniture

Antique Indian Rosewater Shakers

Mid-19th Century Unknown Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Antique 19th Century Childs Shaker Maple Rush Ladder Back Small Side Chair

Mid-19th Century English Antique Shaker Furniture

English Antique Sugar Shaker

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Shaker Furniture

Silver plate metal Shaker, 1930s

1890s American Antique Shaker Furniture

Sterling Silver Salt Shakers & Cellars

Late 19th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Shaker Furniture

Pair of Decorative Pepper Shaker Antique Silver Salt Shaker Rococo Style Sale

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Shaker Furniture

Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Shaker Furniture

Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker

Late 19th Century American Adirondack Antique Shaker Furniture

Shaker Style Oval Pantry Box

Early 20th Century British Sporting Art Antique Shaker Furniture

Vintage Golf Bag, Cocktail Shaker

Early 1900s American Antique Shaker Furniture

Sterling Silver Repousse Salt Shakers

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Shaker Furniture

Chinese Export Powder/Talc Shaker

Early 1900s American Antique Shaker Furniture

Sterling and Porcelain Salt Shakers

1890s American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

Monumental Late 19th Century American Shaker Rag Rug (139" x 97")

Early 20th Century American Antique Shaker Furniture

Sterling Silver Salt Pepper Shakers Gorham

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Shaker Furniture

Austrian pewter sugar shaker, 1830

Early 1900s English Regency Antique Shaker Furniture

Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Shaker

1910s American Shaker Antique Shaker Furniture

19th Century American Shaker Rag Rug ( 3' x 12'6" - 90 x 380 )

1880s English Victorian Antique Shaker Furniture

Victorian Sterling Silver Condiment Shakers (1885)

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Shaker Furniture

Edwardian Sterling Silver Budgerigar Pepper Shakers

Early 20th Century Antique Shaker Furniture

Art Deco Molded Glass Cocktail Shaker

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Shaker Furniture

Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Salt Shakers

1710s British George I Antique Shaker Furniture