Question 1

How do I know if my furniture is antique?

Accepted Answer

To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.

Question 2

What antique furniture is popular?

Accepted Answer

Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. & J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.

Question 3

How do I identify my antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.

Question 4

What makes furniture an antique?

Accepted Answer

A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

Question 5

Is antique furniture in style?

Accepted Answer

Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.

Question 6

How can I tell who made my antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 7

How can you tell antique furniture from reproduction?

Accepted Answer

To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.

Question 8

How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.

Question 9

How old is furniture called antique?

Accepted Answer

How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 10

What is the best finish for antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs

Question 11

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

Accepted Answer

To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

Question 12

How can I tell how old my antique furniture is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.

Question 13

How can I tell what my antique furniture is worth?

Accepted Answer

To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.

Question 15

Is antique furniture worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.

Question 16

Is antique furniture making a comeback?

Accepted Answer

Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How do I date antique furniture from the UK?

Accepted Answer

To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How old must furniture be to be considered antique?

Accepted Answer

To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 19

What’s the difference between vintage and antique furniture?

Accepted Answer

The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.

Question 20

How do you tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture?

Accepted Answer

To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

Antique Furniture Michigan

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

ANTIQUE "Michigan Chair Co" Cellarette - Stickley Era - W2962

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

Antique “Michigan Chair Co.” Oval Top Table - Stickley Era - W3192

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

Antique "Grand Rapids, Michigan" A&C 2-Door Bookcase Stickley era- W7308

1890s American Antique Furniture Michigan

Large Original Antique Map of Michigan 'North', USA, 1894

1910s American Beaux Arts Antique Furniture Michigan

Beaux Arts Bronze Ovoid Pendant from Michigan Central Station, Detroit

Mid-19th Century American Antique Furniture Michigan

Folk Art Scumble Burl Painted Chest, from Muir, Michigan

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

Antique Morris Chair c. early 1900s. "Michigan Chair Com" - Stickley Era SALE

1870s English Victorian Antique Furniture Michigan

Vintage "Michigan Avenue" Blue Transferware Small Plate by Johnson Brothers

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

Ca. 1910, Limberts Dutch Arts & Crafts Furniture Co. Writing Desk

Early 1900s English Antique Furniture Michigan

Original Antique Map of the American State of Michigan ( Northern Part ), 1903

Early 1900s English Antique Furniture Michigan

Original Antique Map of the American State of Michigan ( Southern Part ), 1903

1910s American Antique Furniture Michigan

"Equal suffrage for Michigan in 1916" Advertising Fan for the Bissell Company

Late 19th Century Antique Furniture Michigan

Antique Map of Western States, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa by A & C. Black, 1870

Mid-19th Century American Antique Furniture Michigan

26 Star Antique American Flag, with 11 Stripes, Michigan Statehood, ca 1837-1846

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Antique Furniture Michigan

Mathias AltenAutumn Landscape with Country Road, Grand Rapids, Michigan Artist, Beautiful, circa 1934

Late 19th Century Realist Antique Furniture Michigan

Will Howe FooteBermuda Landscape, ca. 1890's

Early 20th Century American Victorian Antique Furniture Michigan

Walnut Sideboard with Hairy Paw Feet, 20th Century

1910s American Art Nouveau Antique Furniture Michigan

American Mahogany Desk with Leather and Gold Edge

1920s Art Deco Antique Furniture Michigan

7-Piece American Ypsilanti Art Deco Wicker Furniture Set

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Furniture Michigan

Early 20th C. Michigan Maple Block Co. Butcher Block, circa 1930

Early 20th Century American Antique Furniture Michigan

Lithograph on Tin Advertising Sign, Hoover Steel Ball Company Ann Arbor Michigan

Early 20th Century Antique Furniture Michigan

Antique Parlor Gas Stove - Heater by Economy Stove & Mfg Co., Michigan

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

Stickley Brothers Quaint Furniture Antique Mission Oak Table

1920s American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

Stickley Brothers Quaint Furniture Arts & Crafts Spindle Back Armchair

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

Stickley Brothers Quaint Furniture Quarter Sawn Oak Side Table

Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Antique Furniture Michigan

Early 20 Century Renaissance Revival Royal Furniture Co Walnut Sideboard

1920s French Provincial Antique Furniture Michigan

Antique Standardized Furniture Tuscan Walnut Buffet Sideboard William & Mary

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Antique Furniture Michigan

Early 20th Century American Solid Oak Bookcase Berkey and Gay Manufacturer

1910s American Neoclassical Revival Antique Furniture Michigan

Neoclassical Style Desk or Sofa Table

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

Rare Antique Piano Cane Copper Oak Bench by Limbert Arts Crafts, 1906

Early 20th Century William and Mary Antique Furniture Michigan

Antique William & Mary Spanish Revival Walnut Painted Secretary Writing Desk

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Furniture Michigan

1930's American Art Deco Wicker Set

Late 19th Century American Antique Furniture Michigan

American Commonwealths, Michigan

Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Furniture Michigan

SUPERB Antique Barrister Bookcase by Michigan Chair Company from Early 1900s.

1880s Scottish Victorian Antique Furniture Michigan

Original Antique Map of Michigan, 1889

1890s English Other Antique Furniture Michigan

Original Antique Map of Michigan, circa 1890

Late 19th Century American Antique Furniture Michigan

G.W. & C.B. Colton Map of Michigan

1920s American Folk Art Antique Furniture Michigan

Pair of Monumental Garden Lions Lake Michigan Estate

Late 19th Century Antique Furniture Michigan

Antique Map of Wisconsin and Michigan by Johnson, 1872

1890s American Antique Furniture Michigan

Mathias Alten
Autumn Landscape with Country Road, Grand Rapids, Michigan Artist, Beautiful, circa 1934

Will Howe Foote
Bermuda Landscape, ca. 1890's