Skip to main content

History Of Antique Furniture

to
52
394
266
405
159
159
147
117
104
57
49
30
25
25
24
23
23
22
20
16
15
14
13
13
9
8
7
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
71
8
3
3
3
Sort By
Vintage 4 Book Set, History Of British Furniture, English, Reference, Macquoid
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage 4 volume book set - A History of British Furniture by Percy Macquoid. An English
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Rare Large 19th Century Carved Chinese Wooden Stool
Located in Atlanta, GA
. The stool is from northern China’s Shanxi province, where they have a rich history of furniture making
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique 18th Century George III Chippendale Mahogany Carved Card/Side Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
England and one of the most perplexing figures in the history of furniture. H 72.5cm W 83cm D 38.5cm 1780.  
Category

18th Century English George III History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Other

Pair Arts and Crafts Pedestal Stands Lacquered Aesthetic Movement
Located in Potters Bar, GB
the designer and the art critic Ruskin was the instigated in this history of furniture with his
Category

1850s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Wood

antique Thonet bistro chairs no 14 118 webbing bentwood, 1880, set of 3
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Zevenaar, NL
. Model nr 14 is without a doubt the most famous and most sold chair in the history of furniture. Designed
Category

1870s Austrian Vienna Secession History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Beech

Fruitwood Worker – Late 19th Century
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
testament to the history of furniture, combining style, practicality, and charm.
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Fruitwood Worker – Late 19th Century
Fruitwood Worker – Late 19th Century
H 28.35 in W 20.87 in D 14.17 in
4vol Antique Reference Book Set, British Furniture, English, Macquoid, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 4 volume book set - A History of British Furniture by Percy Macquoid. An
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique Josef Hoffmann Michael Thonet bistro chairs no 14 118 webbing, 1880s, 8p
By Josef Hoffmann, Michael Thonet
Located in Zevenaar, NL
history of furniture. Designed in 1859 by Michael Thonet, it is considered the first true example of
Category

1860s Austrian Bauhaus History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Bentwood

Brass and Tortoiseshell Inlaid Boulle Style Ebonised Wood Cabinets
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in London, GB
name has come to symbolise an entire style and period in the history of furniture. Each cabinet is
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XIV History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Ormolu, Bronze

Exhibition Satinwood Sideboard By Wright And Mansfield
By Wright and Mansfield
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antiques Buyer by David Dickinson, page 169, and History of Furniture by Michael Huntley, page 182. Circa
Category

19th Century English Neoclassical History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Very Rare and Important 16th C. French Renaissance Cabinet or Dressoir, ca. 1580
By Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau
Located in Miami Beach, FL
, Printed Furniture Designs before 1650, Furniture History Society Jacques Thirion, Mobilier Moyen Age
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Renaissance History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Early 19th Century English Regency Octagonal Drum Table with Tooled Leather Top
Located in Chicago, IL
the most innovative and influential periods in the history of furniture and architectural design
Category

Early 19th Century British George IV History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid century 1920s coffee table by Consorzio Esposizione Cantù, Gio Ponti style
By Gio Ponti, Consorzio Esposizione Mobili Cantù
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Furniture cannot forget the history of an important reality which has become an institution such as that
Category

1920s Italian Neoclassical Revival History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Early Widdicomb Victorian Carved Walnut Chest of Drawers, Circa 1870
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
this piece from 1869-1873. A true piece of American furniture history.
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Pair of Chest Of Drawers Southern Germany Cherrywood Firegilded
Located in Epfach, DE
minimal signs of use, emphasising the character and history of this antique furniture.
Category

Mid-18th Century German Baroque History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Brass

The Book of Decorative Furniture, Its Form, Colour, & History in 2 Vols. 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
The Book of Decorative Furniture, Its Form, Colour and History. 2 Volume Set by Edwin Foley. London
Category

Early 20th Century History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Howard & Sons English Antique Army & Navy Stores Hand Crafted Chest of Drawers
By Howard and Sons
Located in Reading, Berkshire
ensure that you will own a piece of enduring furniture history to cherish for years to come. Family run
Category

Early 20th Century British Country History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Brass

1902 The Natural History of Plants
By Anton Kerner von Marilaun
Located in Bath, GB
An excellent set containing this profusely illustrated natural history of plants, translated from
Category

Early 1900s European History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

1908 The Natural History of Selborne
By Gilbert White
Located in Bath, GB
A beautiful Riviere bound copy of this popular natural history work by ornithologist Gilbert White
Category

Early 1900s British History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

17th Century Brussels Tapestry, History of Diana
By antique textiles galleries
Located in New York, NY
History of Diana 17th Century Brussels Tapestry Wool and Silk 200 x 299 cm, 79 x 118 in
Category

17th Century Belgian Other History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk

Graphic, Russel's History of England, Edward, Prince of Wales
Located in Opole, PL
We present you one of the fourteen graphics from the series, depicting the history of England. The
Category

Early 20th Century European History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

17th Century Parisian Tapestry, The History of Psyche
By antique textiles galleries
Located in New York, NY
History of Psyche 17th Century Parisian Tapestry Wool and Silk 200 x 299 cm, 79 x 118 in
Category

17th Century French Aubusson History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk

Antique Print of a Timeline of the Biblical History, 1732
Located in Langweer, NL
Biblical history and another of the worldly governments. This print orginates from 'Atlas Historique
Category

18th Century History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Collection of Natural History Specimens in Antique Case
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A Collection of natural history specimens in an antique glazed display case. Housing 27 exquisite
Category

15th Century and Earlier British History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Natural Fiber

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Half Cabinet / Commode
Located in Darmstadt, DE
of contemporary history. The furniture is in a good restored handpolished condition.
Category

19th Century German Biedermeier History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Spruce

French 18th century Régence Period Walnut commode, signed Bernard Van Risenburgh
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
lasting legacy in the history of French furniture.
Category

19th Century French History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Natural History Engravings Compilation: Illustrations of Fish Species, 1790
Located in Langweer, NL
*Histoire Naturelle*, a significant 18th-century work on natural history. The engravings, originally crafted
Category

1790s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Half Cabinet
Located in Darmstadt, DE
history. The furniture is in a good restored handpolished condition.  
Category

19th Century German Biedermeier History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Spruce, Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Half Cabinet
19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Half Cabinet
H 35.04 in W 36.23 in D 20.48 in
Important Louis XVI Style Commode by F. Linke, France, circa 1890
By François Linke
Located in PARIS, FR
in the history of art furniture”. Born in Germany, Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806) came to Paris
Category

1890s French Louis XVI History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Set of 6 Original Antique Natural History Prints, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful set of 6 natural history prints. Original hand colored lithographs. After drawings
Category

1840s English Folk Art History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Chronological Table of Popes in Church History, circa 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Histoire de l’Église (History of the Church) Napoléon Thomas (1804-1879) This chronological
Category

Late 19th Century History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Late 18th Century Baroque Commode with Burl Walnut
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
. A unique piece of furniture with history that will bring joy to any antique lover. Cover plate with
Category

1780s German Baroque History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Walnut

20th-Century Graphic – Russel's History of England, the Act of Union
Located in Opole, PL
We present you one of the fourteen graphics from the series, depicting the history of England. The
Category

Early 20th Century European History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

A Fantastic Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Commode By François Linke
By François Linke
Located in Long Island City, NY
that ‘Linke’s stand is the biggest show in the history of art furniture in the year 1900…’ The mounts
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

1848 History of Europe from the Commencement of the French Revolution
By Archibald Alison
Located in Bath, GB
advocate and historian Sir Archibald Alison's impressive history of the French Revolution, in bright half
Category

1840s British History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Joan Busquets Workshop Masterpiece Modernist Nouveau Desk Cabinet, ca. 1898
Located in South Burlington, VT
From Spain's Catalan Modernist Furniture Maker Joan Busquets Studio & Workshop A Unique work of
Category

19th Century Spanish Arts and Crafts History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Set of 4, Natural History of the Animal Kingdom Engravings Circa 1860
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 4, Natural History of the Animal Kingdom Engravings Circa 1860. Each of these finely hand
Category

19th Century History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Works of William Shakespeare Comedies, Histories, Tragedies 3 Volumes
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century Works of William Shakespeare comedies, histories, tragedies 3 volumes Each volume
Category

Late 19th Century English History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

British Handcolored Lepidoptera: Treasures from A History of British Butterflies
Located in Langweer, NL
The hand-colored plates from the sixth edition of "A History of British Butterflies" by Morris are
Category

1890s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Historical Antique Map of Russia, Examining the History of Russia, 1838
Located in Langweer, NL
Throne'. Historical map of Russia, examining the history of Russia from the Reign of Peter the Great
Category

1830s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

She: A History of Adventure by H. Rider HAGGARD
Located in Middletown, NY
FIRST ENGLISH EDITION / FIRST ISSUE London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1887. 8vo. 7 1/4 x 4 3/4 (184 x 120 mm); viii, 31, ii advert.; two color lithographs facing one another on a sin...
Category

Late 19th Century English History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

An Antique Map of Extremadura: Crossroads of History and Nature, 1903
Located in Langweer, NL
The image is a historical map of Extremadura, an autonomous community of Spain, from an unspecified year. The map features the region's topography, including mountain ranges, river s...
Category

Early 1900s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Allegorical French Louis Philippe Clock of Clio the Greek Muse of History
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Muse of History. The standing figure of a gilded Clio is shown leaning against the clock plinth reading
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Majestic Bears of the 19th Century – Exquisite Antique Natural History Prints
Located in Langweer, NL
black bear. These natural history prints exemplify the meticulous scientific illustration style of the
Category

1830s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Fort Smith, Arkansas – Rare 19th Century Lithograph of Frontier History, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Fort Smith, Arkansas – Rare 19th Century Lithograph of Frontier History Description: This
Category

1850s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Anatomical Studies of Bats from 'The Mammals' Natural History Publication, 1836
Located in Langweer, NL
-century drive to document natural history comprehensively, making scientific knowledge more accessible
Category

1830s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Hand-Colored Lithograph of Fire Salamanders –A Natural History Illustration 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1852 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Fire Salamanders – A Natural History Illustration
Category

1850s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Set of 6 Original Vintage Natural History Prints. French, C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of natural history Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using
Category

1920s French Folk Art History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Beacon Lights of History by John Lord in 5 volumes
Located in San Francisco, CA
A five volume leather bound set titled "Beacon Lights of History" by John Lord published in New
Category

1880s American History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Leather, Paper

Hand-Colored 18th-Century Engraving of Exotic Quadrupeds from Natural History
Located in Langweer, NL
, likely based on the natural history knowledge of the time. While these depictions are stylized and not
Category

Early 1800s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

History of the Indian Tribes of North America – Th. McKenney & J. Hall
Located in Middletown, NY
McKenney, Thomas L. (1785-1859) and James Hall (1793-1868) History of the Indian Tribes of North
Category

Mid-19th Century American History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Leather, Paint, Paper

1910-1911 The Book of Decorative Furniture
Located in Bath, GB
. A fascinatingly informative study of the history of decorative furniture. Sections are dedicated to
Category

1910s British History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Anatomical Studies of Bats from 'The Mammals' Natural History Lithographs, 1836
Located in Langweer, NL
Here is a detailed description of the two bat lithographs: One print presents four different species of bats, meticulously rendered with a focus on their anatomical features. The ba...
Category

1830s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Facial Studies of Bats from 'The Mammals' Natural History Lithographs, 1836
Located in Langweer, NL
These two lithographs focus on the detailed facial studies of various bat species. They come from "De Zoogdieren: afgebeeld en in hunne levenswijze geschetst" (The Mammals: Illustrat...
Category

1830s History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

1837-52 A History of British Birds, Indigenous and Migratory
By William MacGillivray 1
Located in Bath, GB
A Zaehnsdorf bound set of this impressive work on the birds of Britain, the first edition, illustrated. The first edition. Complete in five volumes. Bound by Zaehnsdorf. A compre...
Category

Mid-19th Century British History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

20th-Century Graphic – Russel's History of England, King Edmund i Murdered
Located in Opole, PL
We present you one of the fourteen graphics from the series, depicting the history of England. The
Category

Early 20th Century European History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Pair of Large Original Antique Natural History Prints, Shells, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of shells Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown, Gilpin and Edwards with original h...
Category

1830s English Folk Art History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

History of Muhlenberg County Kentucky by O.A. Rothert 1913
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an extremely rare first edition and signed hardback copy of the History of Muhlenberg
Category

Early 20th Century American Country History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History Of England, 5 Vols., 1849
Located in Bridgeport, CT
London, Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans. Vols 1-V, Third Ed. Brown leather with gilt spines, leather and marbled boards. Marbled end papers, yellow edges. Includes: Vol. 1, Third...
Category

19th Century English Victorian History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

Extremely Large Hand-Drawn Manuscript Map of Surinam, 1830, History of Slavery
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A unique large hand-drawn map of Surinam by Albrecht Helmut Hiemcke (German, 1760-1839) ? 'Colonie Surinaame', 1830 A large hand-drawn and coloured map of the colony of Suri...
Category

Mid-19th Century Surinamer History Of Antique Furniture

Materials

Paper

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "History Of Antique Furniture", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

History Of Antique Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of history of antique furniture for your home. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using animal skin, leather and paper. There are many kinds of the item from our selection of history of antique furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A choice in our collection of history of antique furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Victorian, Folk Art and Empire styles are sought with frequency. Georges Bareau, Archibald Alison and Ferdinand Barbedienne each produced at least one beautiful object in our assortment of history of antique furniture that is worth considering.

How Much is a History Of Antique Furniture?

A piece of history of antique furniture can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,867, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $750,000.
Questions About History Of Antique Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    The history of Martinsville furniture starts with the founding of the company in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1906 by Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee, a pair of former tobacco farmers. They launched their business with $30,000 in capital and began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company. In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings with a range of dining room sets. By the 1950s, the company’s name had been changed to American of Martinsville, and it had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as a variety of furniture styles. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul László, the brand innovated with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company's most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun's most popular line was Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Find a variety of American of Martinsville furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    The history of Kartell furniture begins with Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli and his wife, Anna Ferrieri. They founded the company in 1949 as an industrial design firm, producing items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures, kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. The affordability and infinite range of styles and hues won devotees of Kartell’s ingenious designs for juicers, dustpans and dish racks. Kartell designer Gino Colombini was responsible for many of these early products, including the KS 1146 Bucket, which won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955. Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. In 1972, Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” opened at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. In 1988, Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, who has expanded the company’s roster of designers. Shop a collection of Kartell furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    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
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    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.