Antique furniture is a unique and highly sought-after type of furniture that can be found in many homes. It describes masterpieces that have been around for centuries and are valued for its history as well as the beauty it provides to your home. Some people enjoy collecting antiques, while others may want to buy antique furniture to suit their needs.
Regardless of what you are looking for in an antique piece, there are some helpful tips you should know when you go shopping. Below, we will discuss a few things you have to keep in mind before purchasing any piece of antique furniture.
Make Sure It’s An Antique Furniture, Not Just Old
First things first, it is important that you are clear on what distinguishes antiques from anything that is merely old. Generally speaking, an antique piece of furniture must be at least 100 years old. This is the baseline for differentiating antiques from other types of furniture that are merely dull or falling apart.
Every piece of antique furniture is usually unique, too, as there are no two pieces that are exactly alike. Every single mark, dent, and scratch you see on the furniture has its own history to tell about where it came from and what happened during its lifetime. Be sure you feel free to ask the seller about every detail on the piece of furniture you are interested in.
Look For Quality And Durability
Antique furniture is considered more valuable than other types because it has stood up to the test of time and still manages to look good after all these years. It means that if you find a rare antique, it must be really expensive to manufacture. However, this does not mean every item is well-made and durable.
Do your research on the furniture you are looking at buying before making any decisions. A Sydney antique store, purveyors of found antiques, has some of the rarest objects that can add value to your home or office. Of course, if you want to own an antique forever, you must consider buying pieces that last for many more years ahead. Make sure it can bear weight without wobbling and that the screws won’t come loose, as well as checking out durability by testing some of the furniture.
Know The Style You Want To Buy
Another tip to keep in mind when you come to look for antique furniture is that it may be difficult for you to find a piece that precisely fits your sense of style. Consider the fact that different people have different preferences. Some people like modern pieces made with wood, while others may prefer old masterpieces with details carved into every corner and edge.
When looking for an antique, make sure you set your expectations appropriately so as not to ruin all possibilities of finding something good. If you write down the styles and types of pieces you want, it will greatly narrow down your options and help speed up the process at the same time. This way, you’ll also know what kind of design and color you want as well.
Inquire About Condition And Other Details
Antique furniture is usually found in old homes, which means it has been sitting around for years without anyone taking care of it. It may be dirty; ashes and dust may even stain the surface, creating an unpleasant feel. No good antique piece of furniture will look new or shiny like anything you can buy off-the-rack in a retail store.
When shopping for antique furniture, make sure you inquire about its condition before buying to know how long it has had wear and tear already on it, especially if you are looking to use the item frequently. You also need to know what kind of restoration work can be done on the furniture that you are interested in, which will ultimately help you decide if it is worth the price or not.
Ask For Expert Advice
Once you have found a piece that is wonderful and durable, it’s time to consider whether you should buy it at all. Remember: not everything old is an antique! It simply must be 100 years or more for it to be considered vintage or antique. So even if your research shows you this particular piece is desirable and beautiful, there might be something wrong with it that specialists will spot right away. As such, do not be shy about asking an expert their opinions on any of the pieces you like before making up your mind.
It is highly recommended that you follow these tips when making your purchase, as they will help you avoid any mistakes in judgment that you could regret later due to ignorance.
