There’s no better way to add sophistication to a room than by having a piece of antique furniture. Antiques offer instant charm and create visual interest in any room. They’re a guaranteed topic of conversation as guests ask you where you purchased the antique, and why. But wanting to incorporate antiques into your home and knowing the strategies for buying antique furniture are two totally different things. That’s why you need to know just what goes into the purchasing process before you make the commitment.
To offer some insight, antique furniture must be at least 100 years-old. (A vintage item would be at least 30-40 years old.) So determine how old you really want your antique to be. You might find that your style leans towards something older, such as items from the Queen Anne, Georgian, or Victorian era. But no matter what you love, use these tips for buying antique furniture and your home will be stylish—and timeless.
Select Your Style
In many ways, buying antique furniture is just like buying a piece of artwork. That’s why the first priority is to buy something you will enjoy. If you’re not sure exactly what your style is, you can always look through magazines and design books to get a sense of what you really like. You can even go online and search up various eras to see what appeals to you.
Know What You Want
When you’re looking for an antique item for your home, one important question is: Do you want a truly antique piece, or would a reproduction do? While true antique hunters search for beautifully preserved objects d’art, armed with pins, magnifying glasses, and levels, that might not be a concern for you. Many home decorators aren’t as concerned about a piece’s history or authenticity, opting for quality reproductions that are more affordable. Ultimately, what matters most is what would work best with your décor and, obviously, your budget. After all, a vintage piece will cost considerably more than a reproduction, so think about your budget when making your decision.
Do Your Research
Just like shopping for any piece of furniture, you’ll need to do some digging before you purchase anything. Strive to become knowledgeable about antique furniture, particularly the time period that interests you the most. You might discover other items, like a writing desk or even a chifforobe, that you’ll have to have in your home.
Don’t Be Afraid of Dings
Since it’s an antique, chances are the item you’re interested in might not be in pristine condition — and that’s okay. Scratches and dents only add to the character of the piece, and in most cases can be fixed by a professional. Plus, if it’s not perfect, you’ll be much more likely to negotiate the price than if you were to buy an item in excellent shape.
Get A Second Opinion
If you’re not used to acquiring antiques (and many of us aren’t), you might want an expert to weigh in on your purchase. A trained eye is more likely to find an undervalued treasure (or a clever masquerade) than a novice. You can also stay informed about trends in the antiques market by consulting relevant publications, but an expert will give you an honest opinion about the item, which can save you a lot of unforeseen stress in the future.
Antiques add extra excitement and character to your home. To fully enjoy your new furniture, always consider your taste, lifestyle and, of course, your budget.
Source: Antiques Bizarre, www.antiquesbizarre.com
