Question 1

How do I identify Liberty furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Liberty furniture, check discreet areas for a maker's mark. Most Liberty pieces feature a diamond-shaped tag made of ivorine or enameled brass that bears the Liberty name. Early pieces may feature a red or white paper label, while furnishings from select lines may feature an oval-shaped brass tag with the model and maker names. If you need help determining if a particular piece is a Liberty, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Liberty furniture.

Question 2

Is Liberty furniture solid wood?

Accepted Answer

The best known Liberty furniture is made of solid wood. Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, 19th-century shoppers knew it as Liberty & Co. — purveyors of fine silverware designed in the Art Nouveau style, Arts and Crafts-style furniture and an eclectic assortment of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and other goods from around the world. Liberty & Co. also had a furniture workshop in Archway, London, run by Lawrence Turner and which employed carpenters to produce handcrafted, Arts and Crafts-style armchairs, stools, bookcases, cabinets, side tables and other furniture. Most of these high-quality and durable pieces were indeed made of solid wood such as oak, mahogany and walnut. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty & Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid. Find antique Liberty & Co. furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Is Liberty Furniture made in the USA?

Accepted Answer

With respect to the British company called Liberty, where the furniture is made varies. Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, 19th-century shoppers knew it as Liberty & Co. — purveyors of fine silverware designed in the Art Nouveau style, Arts and Crafts-style furniture and an eclectic assortment of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and other goods from around the world. Liberty & Co. also had a furniture workshop in Archway, London, run by Lawrence Turner and which employed carpenters to produce handcrafted, Arts and Crafts-style armchairs, stools, bookcases, cabinets, side tables and other furniture. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty & Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid. Find Liberty of London furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 4

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 5

What makes furniture an antique?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

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 7

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 8

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 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

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Antique Liberty Furniture

1880s English Egyptian Revival Antique Liberty Furniture

Aesthetic Movement 'Thebes' Stool By Liberty & Co

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Arts & Crafts Oak Cottage Dresser By Liberty & Co

1890s English Moorish Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co A Moorish walnut armchair with Mashrabiya turned details throughout

1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty and Co. An Arts and Crafts Wiclif rush seat side chair.

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty and Co. A rare and unusual Arts and Crafts oak corner dressing table

Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co. Glasgow style Arts & Crafts walnut three fold screen

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co attr A Tall Arts & Crafts Walnut torchère with an Art Nouveau style

1890s English Moorish Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty and Co. A rare and unusual Moorish oval eight leg side table

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co. Oak Arts and Crafts Cabinet, Signed

Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Archibald Knox. Liberty & Co. A rare & original pair of terracotta Olaf planters

19th Century British Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Glasgow School Oak Armchair George Walton Style 'Abingwood' Liberty & Co

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Arts & Crafts oak table illustrated in the Liberty & Co 1907 furniture catalogue

1890s English Egyptian Revival Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co Thebes Stool

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co Oak Barrel Back Chair

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co. Tea Service

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty Style Chandelier Centre Light

1880s English Egyptian Revival Antique Liberty Furniture

Egyptian Revival Chair Attributed to Liberty & Co

1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co Regent St London. An original Agent for Liberty aluminium shop sign

1890s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Liberty Furniture

Aesthetic Movement 'Thebes' Chair By Liberty & Co

1890s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Liberty Furniture

Egyptian Revival Thebes Stool By Liberty & Co

1890s Moorish Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co. A Moorish corner cabinet

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Arts & Crafts Tea Table by Liberty & Co

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Arts & Crafts X-Frame Stool attrib. Liberty & co.

19th Century Burmese Victorian Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty's Carved Burmese Antique Octagonal Side End Wine Folding Table Liberty

Early 20th Century English Egyptian Revival Antique Liberty Furniture

Egyptian Revival Maple Thebes Stool, Liberty & Co.

1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty and Co. A good quality Windsor armchair

Early 1900s English Anglo-Japanese Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co. An Anglo-Japanese walnut plant stand

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Pair William Birch Liberty & Co. Rush Seat Chairs

1890s English Art Nouveau Antique Liberty Furniture

1890-1900 Liberty & Co "Thebes" Wood Stool

1890s English Anglo-Japanese Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co. A rare Moorish Anglo-Japanese walnut sidetable

Early 20th Century British Egyptian Revival Antique Liberty Furniture

Rare Liberty & Co. Circa 1900s Long-Form Thebes Stool.

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Pair of Arts & Crafts X-Frame Stools attrib. Liberty & co.

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Liberty Furniture

Liberty & Co. Ltd English Sterling Silver Coronation Spoon

Early 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Antique Liberty Furniture

Rare Antique Liberty & Co. Table Middle Eastern Moorish Moroccan Damascus

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Large Antique English Arts & Crafts Copper Oval Mirror Liberty & Co.

Early 20th Century English Egyptian Revival Antique Liberty Furniture

Egyptian Revival Light Slat Oak Thebes Stool, Liberty & Co.

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Anglo-Japanese Walnut Armchair Attributed to Liberty and Co

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Liberty Furniture

Arts & Crafts Tea Table Designed By Leonard Wyburd For Liberty & Co

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Liberty Furniture

intricate Victorian, Arts and Crafts Moorish Style Stool, possibly Liberty

1890s Moorish Antique Liberty Furniture