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

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 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 Virginia Furniture

Vintage 1920s American American Craftsman Ashtrays

Antique Brass Irish Setter Dog Ashtray by Virginia Metalcrafters, 1920s

Early 20th Century North American Tobacco Accessories

Antique Virginia Metalcrafters Irish Setter Figural Dog Brass Desk Ashtray

Antique Late 19th Century Maps

Antique Map of Virginia, Delaware, Maryland & West Virginia by Johnson, 1872

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Antique Bird Print of a Virginian Partridge

Antique 18th Century British George II Secretaires

18th Century Antique English George II Virginia Walnut Bureau

Antique Early 1900s English Maps

Original Antique Map of the American State of Virginia, 1903

Antique Early 1900s English Maps

Original Antique Map of the American State of Virginia, 1903

Antique 1880s American American Craftsman Dining Room Chairs

Set of Six Beautiful Antique Dining Chairs, Hickory, Virginia, 1880s

Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Decoys

1940 Dove Decoys Locustville Virginia

Antique Late 19th Century American American Classical Paintings

19th Century Antique Portrait of Virginia Gentleman, Oil on Canvas, Framed

Antique 1890s American Maps

Large Original Antique Map of West Virginia, USA, C.1900

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Antique Map of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia and Surroundings

Antique Late 19th Century Maps

Antique Map of Virginia, with Inset Map of the South Western Continuation

Antique Early 1800s Maps

Antique Map of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia by Tardieu, 1802

Antique 1860s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

35 Star Antique American Parade Flag, West Virginia Statehood, ca 1863-1865

Antique 18th Century French Baroque Maps

Antique Map of Virginia & the Chesapeake Bay by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, c. 1750

Antique Early 18th Century Prints

Antique Print of Two Idols of the Virginian Culture by B. Picart, 1721

Antique Late 19th Century Maps

Antique Map of Virginia, with Inset Map of the Northern Part of West Viriginia

Antique Early 18th Century Prints

Antique Print of a Gathering Around a Fire in Virginia by B. Picart, 1721

Early 20th Century American Victorian Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

1938 Pair of Antique American Medallion Andirons by Virginia Metal Crafters

Antique 1860s British Maps

Antique Civil War Map of Virginia, "Seat of War in Virginia Sheet 2" 1862

Antique 1860s British Maps

Antique Civil War Map of Virginia, "Seat of War in Virginia Sheet 3" 1862

Antique 19th Century Victorian Jars

Antique HF&S London Orange Stoneware Virginia Tobacco Jar Canister Caddy

Antique 1730s Prints

Antique Religious Print of American Indians of Virginia Around a Campfire, c1730

20th Century American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

35 Star Antique American Civil War Flag, West Virginia Statehood, 1863-65

Antique Early 1900s American Maps

Antique Map of Virginia, Showing the Location of Civil War Battle Fields, 1902

Mid-20th Century American Federal Sideboards

Vintage Virginia Galleries Henkel Harris Flame Mahogany Sideboard

Antique Early 19th Century American Painted Furniture

Virginia Pie Safe w/ Images of Pretzels & Original Red Paint, 1820-30

Early 20th Century American Andirons

Pair of Antique American Hessian Soldier Andirons by Virginia Metalcrafters

Vintage 1950s American Andirons

Circa 1950s Pair of Iron & Brass Andirons by Virginia Metalcrafters

Antique 1890s English Other Maps

Original Antique Map of Virginia, circa 1890

Antique 1870s English Other Prints

Original Antique Print of Richmond, Virginia, circa 1870

Antique 1870s English Other Prints

Original Antique Print of Richmond, Virginia, C.1870

Antique 1890s American Maps

Large Original Antique Map of Virginia, USA, 1894

Antique 1890s English Other Maps

Original Antique Map of West Virginia, circa 1890

Antique 1840s German Other Prints

Original Antique Print of Natural Bridge, Virginia, circa 1840

1990s American Books

American Antiques: The Hennage Collection, Williamsburg, Virginia, 1st Ed

Antique 1890s American Maps

Large Original Antique Map of West Virginia, USA, 1894

Antique 1890s American Maps

Large Original Antique Map of Virginia, USA, circa 1900

Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Maps