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Antique Armchair Furniture

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1916 Sikes Furniture Walnut & Leather Upholstered Seat Armchair
By Sykes Furniture Company
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1916 Sikes Furniture Company Walnut and Leather Upholstered Seat Armchair. Measures 26" in width
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Colonial American Armchair by Herman de Vries for Sikes Furniture Company
By Herman de Vries, Sikes Chair Company
Located in San Diego, CA
A Craftsman armchair by Herman de Vries in solid maplewood; hand-hewn spindles, shaped seat on
Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Maple

1 of 6 Solid Elm Windsor Armchairs circa 1860 English Countryhouse Furniture
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
armchair The Antique Windsor chair is a country piece of antique furniture that usually comes with
Category

1860s English High Victorian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Elm

Gustavian gilt Armchairs with Lions heads, a pair, Sweden, end 19th century
By Empire Furniture
Located in Paris, FR
This pair of large Swedish Armchairs represents a summit in élégance and comfort. The Light Neo
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Bombay Art Furniture An Anglo-Japanese Walnut armchair with a double back leg.
Located in London, GB
A late Anglo-Japanese style Walnut armchair with a stylish double back leg incorporated into the
Category

Early 1900s English Anglo-Japanese Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1 of 6 Burr Yew Wood Windsor Armchairs circa 1860 English Countryhouse Furniture
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to 1 of 6 lovely solid Yew hand sawn circa 1860 Windsor stick back armchair I
Category

1860s English High Victorian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Yew

Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Armchairs, Pair
By Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of French Provincial Louis XV style fauteuils or dining armchairs By Romweber USA
Category

1920s American French Provincial Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Burl

Baroque armchair
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Baroque armchair
Category

1810s European Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Baroque armchair
Baroque armchair
H 52.76 in W 22.84 in D 14.57 in
Brienz armchair
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Big Brienz armchair with old one fabric beautiful sculptures
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antique Brienz armchair
Brienz armchair
H 47.25 in W 24.81 in D 22.45 in
Sussex Armchair
By William Morris (English)
Located in Grange-Over-Sands, GB
An early 20thC beech Sussex armchair, possibly by Morris & Co. Dimensions: H 88cm Seat H 41cm W
Category

1890s Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Beech

Sussex Armchair
Sussex Armchair
H 34.65 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Carved Armchair
Located in Studio City, CA
Wood Carved Armchair, Leather Seat Measures 24"W x 20.5" D x 41"H // seat height of 17.5" H and
Category

1890s English Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

Carved Armchair
Carved Armchair
H 41 in W 24 in D 20.5 in
Gothic Armchair
Located in London, England
Oak framed gothic style armchair on original pot casters. Aged fabric removed, may require further
Category

1880s British Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Oak

Gothic Armchair
Gothic Armchair
H 38.59 in W 26.78 in D 31.5 in
Adam Armchair
By Robert Adam, Jonathan Sainsbury
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine and important George III design attributed to Robert Adam, circa 1775. The Adam Armchair is
Category

Late 18th Century Regency Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Adam Armchair
H 41.34 in W 30.71 in D 24.41 in
Spanish Armchair
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Spanish carved walnut armchair with old cut velvet fabric, 19th century. Nicely carved
Category

19th Century European Baroque Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Brass

Spanish Armchair
Spanish Armchair
H 44.75 in W 28 in D 22.5 in
Thonet Armchair
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Thonet Armchair
Category

19th Century French Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Thonet  Armchair
Thonet  Armchair
H 50 in W 28 in D 25 in
Swedish Armchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
19th century Scandinavian armchair in beech and linnen. This charming armchair was made in Sweden
Category

Late 19th Century Scandinavian Neoclassical Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Beech

Swedish Armchair
Swedish Armchair
H 31.9 in W 16.5 in D 18.9 in
Antique Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 14 monumental armchairs, beautiful hand carved mahogany with bronze ornamentation. Can be
Category

19th Century French Régence Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Armchairs
Antique Armchairs
H 58.5 in W 27 in D 25 in
Antique Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large armchair profusely carved with pierced shell and floral garland cresting, 24 carat gold
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Armchairs
Antique Armchairs
H 61 in W 33 in D 26 in
'Drouant' Armchair
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Paris, FR
Stamped 'Ruhlmann' under the seat Varnished wood. LITERATURE : For the same model : F. Camard, Ruhlmann, éditions du regard, Paris, 1983, p. 92, 126, 266. Ruhlmann, un génie de l...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

'Drouant' Armchair
'Drouant' Armchair
H 33.86 in W 22.05 in D 26.78 in
English antique armchair
Located in Stroud, GB
Edwardian English armchair covered in Egyptian calico and natural hessian standing on mahogany
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Beech

English antique armchair
English antique armchair
H 32 in W 32 in D 37 in
Pair of Armchairs
Located in London, England
Pair of oak armchairs on turned legs and original casters. Circa 1890 H 82cm (SH 45cm) x W 72cm x
Category

1890s Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair of Armchairs
Pair of Armchairs
H 32.29 in W 28.35 in D 23.23 in
Swiss alp armchair
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Swiss alp armchair
Category

Mid-19th Century Swiss Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swiss alp armchair
Swiss alp armchair
H 42.13 in W 19.69 in D 21.26 in
Primitive Windsor Armchair
Located in Darlington, GB
A unique eighteenth century primitive Windsor armchair. This original handmade country armchair is
Category

18th Century British Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Elm

Primitive Windsor Armchair
Primitive Windsor Armchair
H 34.65 in W 22.45 in D 27.56 in
Armchair Rococo Sweden
Located in New York, NY
An armchair made in Sweden during the Rococo period 1750-1775. Made in Sweden. Later painted.
Category

Mid-18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

Armchair Rococo Sweden
Armchair Rococo Sweden
H 36.5 in W 28 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Armchairs
Located in London, England
Pair of French walnut open armchairs on reeded legs. Circa 1880. H 101cm x W 70cm x D 74cm
Category

1880s French Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair of Armchairs
Pair of Armchairs
H 39.77 in W 27.56 in D 29.14 in
East Anglian Armchair
Located in Greenwich, CT
A generously sized armchair in oak with an imposing stance featuring slightly raked back and
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Oak

East Anglian Armchair
East Anglian Armchair
H 41 in W 25.5 in D 21 in
Painted Venetian Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A hand carved, hand painted and gilded Venetian armchair. Modern velvet upholstery and trim
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Painted Venetian Armchair
Painted Venetian Armchair
H 36.5 in W 27 in D 26.5 in
Art Deco Armchair .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Deco armchair from 1930 Czech Republic. Every piece of furniture that leaves our workshop
Category

1920s Czech Art Deco Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Armchair .
Art Deco Armchair .
H 33.08 in W 27.96 in D 31.5 in
Victorian Walnut Armchair
By Maple & Co.
Located in London, GB
Victorian walnut armchair A Victorian walnut armchair of good proportions. Fully restored and
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Victorian Walnut Armchair
Victorian Walnut Armchair
H 33.86 in W 33.86 in D 34.65 in
Regency Library Armchair
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A good quality early 19th century simulated rosewood Regency period library armchair having
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Beech

Regency Library Armchair
Regency Library Armchair
H 37 in W 23 in D 34 in
Mahogany inlaid armchair
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany inlaid armchair, having shaped back with central inlay, to the needlepoint seat. All
Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mahogany inlaid armchair
Mahogany inlaid armchair
H 37.5 in W 22 in D 22.5 in
Toad Armchair, 1925
Located in Marseille, FR
1925 toad armchair, height 79 cm, width 62 cm, depth 70 cm. Additional information: Style: 30s.
Category

19th Century Antique Armchair Furniture

Toad Armchair, 1925
H 31.11 in W 24.41 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Russian neoclassical parcel-gilt mahogany armchairs Each armchair made during the Empire
Category

19th Century Russian Empire Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of Armchairs
Pair of Armchairs
H 35.5 in W 24 in D 24 in
Sainsbury Library Armchair
By Jonathan Sainsbury
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A very fine Georgian mahogany library armchair of unusually generous proportions. Exceptional
Category

18th Century British Georgian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Mahogany, Feathers

Sainsbury Library Armchair
H 37.6 in W 35.44 in D 35.83 in
Victorian Walnut Armchair
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian walnut armchair in good condition with buttoned pear drop shaped back with serpentine
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Victorian Walnut Armchair
Victorian Walnut Armchair
H 36.62 in W 33.86 in D 26.78 in
17th Century Armchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Great 17th century walnut armchair from the Louis XIII period. The proportions and turning quality
Category

17th Century French Renaissance Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Armchair
17th Century Armchair
H 44.1 in W 25.2 in D 25.99 in
Neoclassical Single Armchair
Located in New York, NY
A fine neoclassical armchair. Mahogany with patinated brass inlay, details and sabots.
Category

Mid-19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Single Armchair
Neoclassical Single Armchair
H 39.5 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
Victorian Gentlemans Armchair
Located in Norwich, GB
Gentleman’s open armchair, mahogany arch shaped back with Acanthus carving, yellow upholstery
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Gentlemans Armchair
Victorian Gentlemans Armchair
H 41 in W 28 in D 33 in
William IV Armchair
Located in Wilson, NC
William IV armchair with concave crest rail and reeded splat, classically shaped arms, upholstered
Category

1830s English William IV Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

William IV Armchair
William IV Armchair
H 34 in W 22.5 in D 22 in
Art Nouveau Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Nouveau open armchair Measures: Arm 25 1/4" H Seat 17" H.  
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

Art Nouveau Armchair
Art Nouveau Armchair
H 39.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Gustav Siegel Armchair
By Gustav Siegel, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gustav Siegel (Austrian, 1880-1970) for J&J Kohn Austria armchair Measures: Seat height 18
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Bentwood

Gustav Siegel Armchair
Gustav Siegel Armchair
H 30.5 in W 20 in D 19.25 in
Single Neoclassical Armchair
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Neoclassical armchairs. Karelian Birch with carved details and central carved
Category

1820s Russian Neoclassical Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Birch, Giltwood

Single Neoclassical Armchair
Single Neoclassical Armchair
H 36 in W 22.5 in D 22 in
17th Century Armchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Fine French Louis XIII armchair. Made in the 17th century from walnut and equipped with hidden out
Category

17th Century French Baroque Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Walnut

17th Century Armchair
17th Century Armchair
H 48.8 in W 26 in D 35.4 in
Single Russian Armchair
Located in New York, NY
A single Russian armchair in mahogany.
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Single Russian Armchair
Single Russian Armchair
H 35.5 in W 19.5 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Napoleon III French Crapaud Armchairs Boucle Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Napoleon III French Tufted Crapaud armchairs. Walnut frame fully restored, newly
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vienna Secessionist Armchairs
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Vienna Secessionist armchairs newly upholstered in leather with nail head trim having an
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Vienna Secessionist Armchairs
Vienna Secessionist Armchairs
H 35 in W 31.5 in D 26 in
Thonet Children's Armchair
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Den Haag, NL
Adorable child-sized version of the iconic Thonet armchair. Signed with sticker on bottom. Vienna
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Beech

Thonet Children's Armchair
Thonet Children's Armchair
H 25.99 in W 14.57 in D 13.78 in
Baroque Walnut Armchair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good early 18th Century Franco-Flemish walnut armchair with arched upholstered back over shaped
Category

1710s French Baroque Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Other

Baroque Walnut Armchair
Baroque Walnut Armchair
H 39 in W 19 in D 25 in
Georgian Mahogany Armchair
Located in New Orleans, LA
A magnificent 19th-century mahogany arm chair crafted in the George II taste. From the pierced, intertwined ribbon back and duck-form armrests to the hairy ball-and-claw feet, the qu...
Category

18th Century English George II Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany

Georgian Mahogany Armchair
Georgian Mahogany Armchair
H 40.13 in W 27.75 in D 22.5 in
Regence Beechwood Armchair
Located in Essex, MA
Nicely carved frame and very sturdy with caning in excellent condition. Includes a loose cushion. From a Fifth Ave New York estate.
Category

1730s French Baroque Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Cane, Beech

Regence Beechwood Armchair
Regence Beechwood Armchair
H 37 in W 25.75 in D 20 in
Generous Georgian Armchair
By John Linnell
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine and overscale George III armchair in the manner of John Linnell, having shaped back with
Category

1770s European Adam Style Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Damask, Beech

Generous Georgian Armchair
Generous Georgian Armchair
H 43 in W 26.5 in D 30.5 in
George III Painted Armchair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Darlington, GB
, see final image for a similar ‘new ballon back’ pattern armchair. (Lindsay Boynton, Gillow Furniture
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Beech

George III Painted Armchair
George III Painted Armchair
H 37.41 in W 22.45 in D 22.45 in
Frits Henningsen Armchair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
(c. 1940-1950), were crafted in his own furniture workshop, in central Copenhagen. Desk is sold
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Frits Henningsen Armchair
Frits Henningsen Armchair
H 32.68 in W 23.23 in D 25.6 in
Bavarian Antler Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Rare late 19th century Bavarian deer antler armchair. Designed with large fallow deer antler-shaped
Category

19th Century German Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Antler, Leather

Bavarian Antler Armchair
Bavarian Antler Armchair
H 39 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Jugendstil Armchair 719F
By Koloman Moser
Located in Toronto, CA
Bentwood chair by Koloman Moser (1868 – 1918), an Austrian artist who was one of the founders of the Vienna Secession, a movement attempting to unify painting, architecture, and the ...
Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Jugendstil Armchair 719F
Jugendstil Armchair 719F
H 35 in W 21 in D 19.5 in
Regence Style Giltwood Armchair
Located in Houston, TX
Regence style giltwood armchair upholstered in leather decorated with nail head trim. Large-scale
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Regence Style Giltwood Armchair
Regence Style Giltwood Armchair
H 43.5 in W 28.5 in D 31 in
Antique White Bergere Armchairs Late 19th century French Armchairs
Located in London, Park Royal
A pair of French Louis XVI style bergères in original paint from the 19th century. Rosettes on the corner posts with tapered and fluted legs. re upholstered in a Warm linen.
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

George IV Walnut Armchair
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stately George IV bergère armchair with caning details exudes elegance and sophistication. The
Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Walnut

George IV Walnut Armchair
George IV Walnut Armchair
H 42.13 in W 26.25 in D 28.25 in
Berlin Deko Expressionist Armchair
By Lajos Kozma
Located in Petershagen, DE
This large-scale armchair embodies the bold expressionist spirit of 1920s Berlin Deco design
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Berlin Deko Expressionist Armchair
Berlin Deko Expressionist Armchair
H 46.86 in W 27.96 in D 27.56 in
Pair of French Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
This listing features a pair of Rococo style floral armchairs. These chairs come in a beautiful
Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Armchair Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of French Armchairs
Pair of French Armchairs
H 34 in W 22 in D 22 in
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Antique Armchair Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of antique armchair furniture for your home. An item from our selection of antique armchair furniture — often made from wood, fabric and walnut — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the choice in our collection of antique armchair furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An object in our assortment of antique armchair furniture, designed in the Louis XVI, Victorian or Louis XV style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made option in this array of antique armchair furniture over the years, but those crafted by Thonet, Josef Hoffmann and Jacob and Josef Kohn are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Antique Armchair Furniture?

Prices for a piece of antique armchair furniture start at $1 and top out at $889,500 with the average selling for $3,800.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About Antique Armchair Furniture
  • 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 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 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 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.
  • 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 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
  • 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 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 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
    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 ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 25, 2019

    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.

  • 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.