| The aesthetic value of antique furniture pieces is one | | | | are hard to reach by regular dusting. If these simple |
| of the reasons why many antique collectors prefer | | | | signs are not available, experts say, the item might |
| these items. There is a wide variety of styles and | | | | not be as old as an antique should be. You must also |
| era to choose from. Antique collectors have, in some | | | | consider whether a piece of furniture has been |
| ways, mastered the skills in knowing what a good | | | | restored or refinished. Restoration on antique pieces |
| buy is, but as novice, you may need more time and | | | | may decrease the value of the item especially if |
| experience. | | | | done poorly. |
| If you plan to buy antique furniture piece to add | | | | Examine the surface colour. The surface finish of a |
| glamour to your home, be on the lookout for | | | | piece of antique furniture is also a significant detail to |
| reproductions. The following helpful information will | | | | observe. A quality piece of antique furniture should |
| guide you on the basics of buying authentic and | | | | show flat colouring except for some shades which |
| practical antique furniture. | | | | might have naturally occur due to age. The back side |
| Observe the dimensions. Authentic antique furniture | | | | of a piece may differ in appearance with the surface |
| does not have uniform dimensions since wood, which | | | | but it should have unvaried shades as well. |
| most antique furniture are made of, shrinks with age. | | | | Interview the antique shop owner. You will get more |
| Otherwise, there is a strong possibility that what you | | | | details through a one on one interview with the shop |
| are eyeing for is not genuine at all. To clearly see the | | | | owner. Ask about the era and style of the furniture |
| various angles of furniture, take the time to view it in | | | | which you may later research on to be more familiar |
| broad daylight. | | | | with the item. You may also request for a warranty |
| Test the solidity of the item. Antique furniture has no | | | | of the item. |
| real value if it loses its functionality. What use is an | | | | Consider antique restoration. While some would no |
| authentic antique chair when you cannot actually sit | | | | longer consider unstable antique furniture, you may |
| on it? Antique shops allow buyers to sit or move | | | | choose to have the item restored to its former glory |
| items for verification. Antique experts also suggest | | | | through the help of a professional antique restorer. |
| this method. | | | | Antique restoration is the art of restoring an antique |
| Make sure that parts are available. Good quality | | | | to its natural appearance with the purpose of making |
| antique furniture has complete functional or | | | | it appear new. In some cases, antique restoration |
| decorative parts as well. | | | | refers to the process of restoring an antique for |
| Look for proof of antiquity. Since the age of an | | | | preservation or conservation of its features to avoid |
| antique is one of the major determinants of | | | | more wear and tear. |
| authenticity, you should have the assurance that the | | | | Get a second opinion. If you are hesitant about the |
| item for sale passed the age definition of an antique | | | | value of your target antique piece of furniture, you |
| which is at least a hundred years old. One way to | | | | may hire the expertise of antique experts. What's |
| verify this is to look for signs of depreciation in the | | | | more, you may also have the furniture appraised to |
| item such as dust accumulation in its corners which | | | | determine its actual value. |