Question 1

What is Memphis furniture?

Accepted Answer

Memphis furniture is a name given to furnishings created by the Memphis Group. This artist collective began producing furniture and decorative objects in 1980 and continued to unveil collaborative designs until 1987. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Memphis 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

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 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

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 7

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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 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

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.

Memphis Antique Furniture

1890s Italian Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Italian Memphis Style Desk Lamp, 1980s

1880s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Belgo Chrom Chairs Steel Design Memphis Style, 1980s

1880s German Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

1980s 3-spot CEILING FIXTURE metal and lucite honsel memphis era

Recent Sales

Late 19th Century North American Brutalist Memphis Antique Furniture

Memphis Style Studio Artist Post Modern Solar System Metal Glass Coffee Table

Early 20th Century Memphis Antique Furniture

One-of-a-Kind 1990s Steel and Copper Artisan Console Table

Early 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Italian Postmodern Table Lamp Style of Memphis, 1980

Mid-19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Memphis Antique Furniture

19th Century Staffordshire Chintz Memphis Pattern Transferware Ironstone Drainer

1880s German Memphis Antique Furniture

Memphis Style Articulating Wood Lamp

1880s Italian Memphis Antique Furniture

Pair of 1980s Murano Glass Sconces

1880s Dutch Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Dutch Design Harvink Zino Memphis Style Chairs Black

1880s Italian Mid-Century Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Small Memphis Floor Lamp by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1981

1880s Dutch Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

4 Dutch Design Harvink Zino Memphis Design Chairs Gold Black

1880s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

1980s Postmodern Memphis Side Table in Black Lacquered Metal and Glass

Early 20th Century Italian Other Memphis Antique Furniture

Memphis Style Macassar Coffee Table

People Also Browsed

1980s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Italian Postmodern Black Tokyo Stool by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1985

1980s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

21st Century and Contemporary American Memphis Antique Furniture

Leather Meander Flexible Wall Sconce

2010s South African Minimalist Memphis Antique Furniture

Pair of Park Night Stands in Oak by Yaniv Chen for Lemon

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

1980s Italian Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

B&B Italia Model Arcadia Dining Leather Chair Paolo Piva Set of 4

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Corbu Bench in Walnut by DeMuro Das

2010s Italian Memphis Antique Furniture

Ondamarmo Vulcano Onyx Matte Polished Side Table

1960s Mid-Century Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Formanova Italian Dining Chairs Set of Four by Gianni Moscatelli

2010s Bosnian Mid-Century Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

"V" Day Bed Yellow Velvet and Beechwwod base (Mid Century Style)

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Brueton Attributed Stainless Steel Pedestal Base Coffee Table

1980s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Giorgio Saporiti Post Modern Jada Slipper Chairs in Espresso Bouclé & Velvet

1980s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Set of 4 Post Modern Chairs Model Vienna by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast

1980s American Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

Post Modern Counter Height Bar Stools on Casters, Black Metal + Velvet

1980s European Post-Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

5 Postmodern Memphis Milano Style Chairs from the 1980s

21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Memphis Antique Furniture

2 parts sofa in stainless steel by Studio Glustin

Memphis Antique Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Memphis Antique Furniture?