Question 1

What are the main features of Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

The main features of Art Deco furniture are bold geometric lines and forms, and an integration of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood.

The Art Deco era made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, and while the period yielded a range of stylistically diverse furnishings, interiors and objects, collectors will typically find the period’s desks, tables and chairs embellished with metal accents, animal hides, ivory or mother-of-pearl inlays and shimmering mirrored finishes.

Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu. The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)

Shop a collection of Art Deco furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

What makes furniture an antique?

Accepted Answer

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

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

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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 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 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.

Maine Antique Furniture

Mid-19th Century American Maine Antique Furniture

Maine Country Sheraton Chest of Drawers

1920s American Folk Art Maine Antique Furniture

Classic Maine Eider Drake Decoy, circa 1920s

19th Century American Rustic Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Pine Grange Hall Farm Table from Maine

Early 20th Century American Country Maine Antique Furniture

"Autumn in the Maine Countryside" by Herman Roessler

19th Century American Barbizon School Maine Antique Furniture

Xanthus Smith, Peak of Otter - Mount Desert, Maine, 1877

19th Century American Adirondack Maine Antique Furniture

19thc New England Bucket With Original Lid From Maine

1830s American Folk Art Maine Antique Furniture

Maine Circa 1830 Grain Painted Chest Of Drawers

1890s American Maine Antique Furniture

Large Original Antique Map of Maine, USA, C.1900

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Maine Antique Furniture

American American Painted Cast Iron "Old Salt" Maine Fisherman Doorstop

Early 1900s English Maine Antique Furniture

Original Antique Map of the American State of Maine, 1903

Early 20th Century American Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Tiffany & Co. Waldorf Astoria USS Maine Bronze Letter Opener

17th Century Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Map of the Maine Region by Janssonius, 1657

Late 19th Century Unknown Rustic Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Bangor Stoneware Large 19" Five Gallon Jug Bangor Maine

19th Century American Rustic Maine Antique Furniture

19th Century Pine Farmhouse Dining Table from a Grange Hall in Maine

19th Century American Rustic Maine Antique Furniture

19th Century Pine Farmhouse Dining Table from a Grange Hall in Maine

Early 20th Century Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Engraving of Anne Louise Bénédicte de Bourbon, Duchess of Maine, 1900

Mid-19th Century Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Map of Maine et Loire ‘France’ by V. Levasseur, 1854

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Maine Antique Furniture

Folk Art Maine Rocky Coast Seascape, by D. A. Fisher, circa 1900

Mid-17th Century Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Map of the Region of Maine by Janssonius, circa 1650

19th Century American Rustic Maine Antique Furniture

19th Century Pine Farm Table Dining Table from a Grange Hall in Maine

19th Century American Rustic Maine Antique Furniture

Rustic 19th Century Pine Farmhouse Dining Table from a Grange Hall in Maine

Early 19th Century American Primitive Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Early 19th Century Becketed Maine Sea Chest in Original Blue Paint

1630s Maine Antique Furniture

Map of Le Maine by H. Hondius, 1633, Hand-Colored, Decorative and Historic

19th Century American Country Maine Antique Furniture

American Classic Painted 4 Drawer Dresser or Chest of Drawers from Maine

1830s American American Empire Maine Antique Furniture

American Empire Chest of Drawers with Mirror in Mahogany, Maine, circa 1830

1640s Maine Antique Furniture

Antique Map of the French Province Maine, Showing Le Mans, Alencon Etc., Ca1640

19th Century American Country Maine Antique Furniture

Early 19th Century Red Painted and Bird's-Eye Maple Chest of Drawers from Maine

19th Century American Maine Antique Furniture

Important Maine & Winchester Leather Trunk

Mid-19th Century Maine Antique Furniture

Portrait of "The Maine Bowker", of Brunswick, Maine Entering the Scheld River Bo

Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Maine Antique Furniture

Maine Yellow and Polychrome Decorated Box

19th Century American Folk Art Maine Antique Furniture

Uriah Dyer: Maine Landscape / Farm & Cornfield

Late 19th Century North American Maine Antique Furniture

Vintage Primitive Boat Model from Maine

19th Century American Folk Art Maine Antique Furniture

"Sugar" Box, Maine, Original Paint, circa 1840

19th Century American Empire Maine Antique Furniture

Mahogany Empire Bureau, Maine, circa 1820

1920s American Rustic Maine Antique Furniture

1921 South Harpswell Maine Egbert Cadmus Watercolor Painting

17th Century Maine Antique Furniture

17th Century Portrait of the Duke du Maine

1880s American Maine Antique Furniture

Large Carte De Visite Child and Dog Maine

19th Century American Maine Antique Furniture

A Sheraton Mahogany Secretary Desk and Bookcase, Maine

Late 19th Century American American Craftsman Maine Antique Furniture

Kitchen Island, Entertainment Center, Work Counter, Maine Farm, circa 1850

Late 19th Century Maine Antique Furniture