If you’re thinking about buying antique furniture, you’ll want to perform some preliminary study. Consider taking an antiques class, going to the library, visiting museums, spending time with a restorer, and asking questions that demonstrate your comprehension so that you will be treated seriously.
The following are some suggested guidelines to get you started:
Antique furniture will be over 100 years old from a technological standpoint.
Antique furniture’s value is determined by the craftsmanship, not by its age or rarity.
Check to see whether any repairs have been made, but don’t dismiss an item that has been restored. Antiques will be over a century old and have been used as everyday home furniture. However, keep in mind that extensive restoration operations, even if done expertly, may reduce the value of an antique.
An outstanding antique is produced through quality antique repair. Keep an eye out for misaligned wood pieces, uneven design and style, a sloppy finish, or anything else that catches your attention. You might occasionally find great bargains on furniture that will need to be restored. However, if feasible, receive a reliable restoration estimate before to purchase. Repairs and refinishing may be very expensive, especially if you want high-quality results. Good deals in particularly terrible condition might easily cost a lot more than good, ready-to-use products.
Antique furniture may be a great investment, but keep in mind that the item you buy should also go in with your home’s decor. Make a mental floor plan for your specific spots in your home before you start shopping, and make a mental note of certain measurements to ensure that the piece will fit in your selected position. If you find the item won’t fit after you have it home, talk to the vendor about what kind of arrangements he can make. (Some will repurchase, while others will not.)
Purchase whatever appeals to you, but keep in mind the potential for resale. For example, art deco and mid-century modern may be popular now, but they may not be in ten years. Traditional American and English pieces of furniture, such as Georgian and Chippendale, are always desirable. Trends may have a substantial impact on values. It will either be a sellers’ or a buyers’ market, depending on the economy and market demand. Do your homework and get advice from experts in the field of antiques.
How about selling at a decent price? Trustworthy merchants have very consistent selling prices, and a variety of publications with up-to-date standard pricing ranges may be obtained. These publications will be updated annually with revised pricing and will be available for purchase in a local bookshop.
Auctions are a fun way to find a great deal – or to get caught up in a frenzy of overpaying. To perform effectively at any public auction, you’ll need calm self-control and a superior understanding of pricing ranges and quality levels.
So, if you decide to participate in a furniture auction, make sure you’re ready before you arrive. The majority of auction houses have websites containing auction listings, descriptions, and photographs of the majority of the things that will be auctioned. This will give you plenty of time to investigate the goods that may pique your interest before attending the auction.
