| Antique collectors know exactly where to look for | | | | large kitchen which functioned as the main gathering |
| and purchase an antique console or farmhouse table. | | | | place for a farming family. Unlike today, the tables |
| The internet has made it possible for the average | | | | were designed to be practical and sturdy instead of |
| consumer to also benefit from purchasing a durable | | | | decorative. The table likely contained enough seating |
| and elegant piece of antique furniture. If you have | | | | for everyone in the family and for guests as well. |
| purchased other antique pieces of furniture before | | | | The seating arrangement was likely a mixture of |
| then you may know a little bit about the markings | | | | chairs and benches to accommodate even more |
| made by furniture makers in the past. The markings | | | | people. The tables and seating were always made of |
| represent either the craftsman or the company that | | | | the most durable type of wood around at that time. |
| created the piece of furniture. Before begging your | | | | The material needed to be strong enough to |
| search for an antique console table or an antique | | | | withstand frequent use including all three daily meals |
| farmhouse table you must first determine the style, | | | | and preparations for meals. The table also served as |
| time period, and type of table that best fits the | | | | a meeting place for the adults of the family and a |
| design style that you are trying to create or add to. | | | | place for children to do school work since most farm |
| Research is the most crucial step in finding and | | | | children were home schooled in the evening because |
| purchasing an authentic antique piece of furniture. | | | | they also took part in farm duties during the day. |
| Collectors are constantly researching and have many | | | | If you know the time period in which the piece of |
| years of experience of looking at and buying pieces | | | | furniture was made then you may want to start by |
| of furniture at auctions or estate sales. Since you | | | | researching the different furniture makers of that |
| probably do not have this type of experience, you | | | | time. Look for the style and type that you prefer |
| must first begin by researching the type of table you | | | | and make note of the markings made by the |
| are looking for. For instance, an antique console table | | | | company or craftsman. Use this as a guide for |
| has many uses and placements. Most console tables | | | | shopping at antique stores, flea markets, or garage |
| are used in an entryway or at the end of a hall. The | | | | sales. You can also shop on the internet but you |
| modern purpose of a console table is to fill in an | | | | must be very careful and choosy especially if you are |
| empty space along a wall and provide a surface for | | | | making a large purchase. Determining the authenticity |
| the storage of items or to display decorative items. | | | | of an antique console or farmhouse table is much |
| Historically, console tables where used for the | | | | easier in person. Nonetheless, you should always be |
| placement of candle holders so homeowners and | | | | careful if you have never shopped for antiques |
| visitors could find their way around a home in the | | | | before. There are many treasures out there, when |
| night time hours. | | | | you know what you are looking for, finding it |
| An antique farmhouse table was typically located in a | | | | becomes that much easier. |