Question 1

Is Italian furniture worth it?

Accepted Answer

Many furniture lovers feel that Italian furniture is worth it. However, not all furniture made in Italy is of equal quality. Many world-renowned furniture makers, such as Kartell, Venini, Cassina, Natuzzi, Fendi, Vistosi and Fabrio Ltd., are based in the country. Still, smaller companies that produce more economical furniture also call Italy home. As a result, it's important to consider materials and construction methods when selecting furniture for your home. Shop a large collection of Italian furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 2

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 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

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 6

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 7

How can you tell an antique Italian pottery?

Accepted Answer

To tell an antique Italian pottery apart from other pieces, do some research using trusted online resources. First, identify the maker by looking for marks on the bottom or interior. Once you know who produced your pottery, you can then explore the styles and types of pieces they produced over the years and use this information to estimate your piece's age. For pottery to be antique, it must be at least 100 years old. If you'd like assistance with the dating process, talk to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a collection of antique Italian pottery on 1stDibs.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Italian Antique Furniture

1880s Italian Rustic Italian Antique Furniture

Rare Italian Furniture Ebonized, with Original Mirror and Carvings

1910s Italian Art Nouveau Italian Antique Furniture

Italian 1910s Art Nouveau Armchair Hand Carved walnut , Eugenio Quarti manner

Early 18th Century Italian Louis XIV Italian Antique Furniture

Early 18th Century Italian Salvator Rosa Gilded Frame

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Italian Antique Furniture

Italian Period Fan Shaped Table Mirror

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Furniture

Exceptional Italian Renaissance "Cassone"

Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Italian Antique Furniture

19th Century Italian Gilded Wood Frame

18th Century Italian Baroque Italian Antique Furniture

A Pair Of 18th Century North Italian Giltwood Side Chairs

Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Italian Antique Furniture

19th Century Italian Giltwood Frame

1820s Italian Neoclassical Italian Antique Furniture

Pair of Italian Genoese Carved Parcel Gilt Side Chairs, circa 1820-30

Late 17th Century Italian Louis XIV Italian Antique Furniture

Period Giltwood Italian Salvator Rosa Frame

Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Italian Antique Furniture

Early 19th Century Empire Italian Marble Column

18th Century Italian Italian Antique Furniture

Italian 18th Century Country Walnut Oval Center/Dining Table

19th Century Italian Italian Antique Furniture

19th Century Italian Carved Gueridon by Gabriele Capello

Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Italian Antique Furniture

Period Rectangular Giltwood Italian Salvator Rosa Style Frame

Late 18th Century Italian Renaissance Italian Antique Furniture

18th Century Italian Walnut Desk and Three Chairs

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Italian Antique Furniture

Modern Signed Oriental Watercolor Woman with Child

19th Century Italian Italian Antique Furniture

19th Century Northern Italian Walnut and Ebony Secretary

19th Century Italian Italian Antique Furniture

Chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Kardex italiano

Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Italian Antique Furniture

Italian Lombardy Flower Inlaid Monetiere , in the manner of Maggiolini, Ca. 1820

Mid-18th Century French Louis XIV Italian Antique Furniture

18th Century French Giltwood Frame

Early 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Italian Antique Furniture

19th Century Florentin Giltwood Frame

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Italian Antique Furniture

Vintage Brass and Hand Blown Glass Decanter

1720s Italian Louis XV Italian Antique Furniture

Chest of Dravers Venetian Commode 18th Century Urn Shaped in Walnut Louis XV

Early 19th Century Italian Empire Italian Antique Furniture

Period Giltwood Large Italian Empire Frame

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Italian Antique Furniture

1930s Italian Lenci Animalier Ceramic Sculpture

Early 19th Century Italian Empire Italian Antique Furniture

Period Century Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame

19th Century Italian Antique Furniture

Large 19th Century Italian Giltwood Mirror

Early 19th Century Italian Empire Italian Antique Furniture

Period Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame

Late 18th Century Italian Italian Antique Furniture

18th Century Walnut Tuscan Sideboard

Late 19th Century Italian Napoleon III Italian Antique Furniture

19th Century Italian Chandelier in Glass Crystal and Metal

19th Century Italian Italian Antique Furniture

Carved Gueridon by Gabrielle Capello

18th Century Italian Baroque Italian Antique Furniture

18th Century Italian Desk

18th Century Italian Antique Furniture

Circa 1700, Rare Italian Walnut and Oak Marquetry Commode, Museum Quality

Early 19th Century French Empire Italian Antique Furniture

French Empire Bronze Table Credited to Sormani

Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Italian Antique Furniture

Set of Eight Period Oriental Colored Etchings

Early 1900s Italian Mid-Century Modern Italian Antique Furniture

20th Century, Piero Zen Wooden Liberty Vitrine 1900

1760s Italian Neoclassical Italian Antique Furniture

18th century Italian Paint Decorated Writing Desk with Drawer Circa 1760s

18th Century Italian Italian Antique Furniture

18th Century Italian Commode

Late 19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Italian Antique Furniture

19th Century Blue Black and White Lacquered Wood Florentine Blanket Chest

18th Century Italian Antique Furniture