How do I identify my antique furniture?

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.

What makes furniture an antique?

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

Is antique furniture in style?

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.

What antique furniture is popular?

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.

How do I know if my furniture is antique?

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.

How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?

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.

Is antique furniture worth anything?

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

Is antique furniture making a comeback?

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.

How do I date antique furniture from the UK?

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.

How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?

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.

What is the best finish for antique furniture?

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

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

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.

How can I tell how old my antique furniture is?

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.

How can I tell what my antique furniture is worth?

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.

How old is furniture called antique?

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.

How can you tell antique furniture from reproduction?

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.

How can I tell who made my antique furniture?

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.

How old must furniture be to be considered antique?

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.

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

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.

What’s the difference between vintage and antique furniture?

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.

Norwegian Antique Furniture

Briar Walnut

Norwegian Wood

Norway Folk Art Furniture

Folk Costume

Norway 19th Century

Norway Norwegian

$2,500

$12,000

Rare Norwegian Carved Tankard Featuring Gnomes, Mid-18th Century

Located in Wiscasset, ME

The entire tankard is surrounded by a family of gnomes. Early peg construction, in excellent overall condition. Fair bet that you'll never see another one like this!

Materials

Paper

Materials

Glass

Norwegian Birch Burl Wine Taster

Unavailable

W 6.13 in D 3.38 in

Norwegian Birch Burl Wine Taster

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A rare wine cup carved similar in style to peg tankards of the region. Vine decoration and a hunter and stag surround the cup. The quality is masterclass - similar to the hand and...

Category

18th Century and Earlier Norwegian Folk Art Norwegian Antique Furniture

19th Century Norwegian Ale Bird

Unavailable

H 6.89 in W 11.03 in D 4.14 in

19th Century Norwegian Ale Bird

Located in Oslo, NO

A decorative and rear Norwegian Ale bird from Telemark, circa 1850. Hand-painted and carved, marked RRCD.

Category

19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Wood

Norwegian Footed Bowl & Tongs

Unavailable

H 1.15 in Dm 4 in

Norwegian Footed Bowl & Tongs

By David Andersen, Gustav Gaudernack

Located in New York, NY

A fine Norwegian plique-a-jour and transparent enamel footed bowl and tongs designed by Gustav Gaudernack for David Anderson

Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Silver

19th Century Norwegian Wooden Bowl

Unavailable

H 5.91 in Dm 15.75 in

19th Century Norwegian Wooden Bowl

Located in London, GB

19th century Norwegian carved wooden bowl has a lovely worn and used feel and look.

Category

Mid-19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Wood

Norwegian Twin Horse Headed Kasa

Unavailable

H 7 in W 15 in D 8 in

Norwegian Twin Horse Headed Kasa

Located in London, GB

With Incised Geometric Chip Carved Decoration Dug Out and Carved Birchwood Retaining Much Original Rosemaling Norwegian, c.1830 7” high x 15” wide x 8” deep This is a good clas...

Category

19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Norwegian Antique Furniture

19th Century Norwegian Carved Candlesticks

Unavailable

H 10.63 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in

19th Century Norwegian Carved Candlesticks

Located in Oslo, NO

A pair of Norwegian carved and painted wood candlesticks. Trøndelag, circa 1820-1850.

Category

19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Wood

Norwegian Love Token Mangleboard Circa 1814

Unavailable

H 7 in W 27 in D 4.5 in

Norwegian Love Token Mangleboard Circa 1814

Located in London, GB

With Stylised Horse Form Handle Hand Carved and Painted Birchwood Norwegian, Initialled “J A D O” and Dated “1814”

Category

Early 19th Century Norwegian Norwegian Antique Furniture

Norwegian Rosepainted Casa Dated 1714

Unavailable

H 7.49 in W 14.18 in D 7.88 in

Norwegian Rosepainted Casa Dated 1714

Located in Oslo, NO

A rose painted casa with horse heads. Carved and dated 1714 underneath. Rose painted 1830, originating from Vestlandet, Norway.

Category

18th Century Norwegian Folk Art Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Wood

Lozenge Form Norwegian Snuff Box

Unavailable

H 1.25 in W 4.25 in D 2.5 in

Lozenge Form Norwegian Snuff Box

Located in London, GB

With Stylised Acanthus Carved Decoration Burr Birchwood Norwegian, c1740 7.5 high x 4.5” long x 2.5” wide Of oval naïveté form, this rare example is finely decorated with carv...

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Scandinavian Modern Alf Sture Armchairs Teak and Wool Norway, 1950

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 8.75 in W 15.5 in D 9.75 in

Ceremonial Horse Head Kasa Dates 1828

Located in London, GB

With inscribed rim and original rosemaling dug out, hand-carved and painted birchwood. Inscribed "Hans Anderssen Fori," Norwegian, circa 1828. Measures: 8.75" high x 15.5" wide ...

Category

Early 19th Century Norwegian Norwegian Antique Furniture

"The Dandy" 1909 Self Portrait Thorvald Hellesen Oil on Canvas 7'8"x 4'6"

Unavailable

H 93.9 in

"The Dandy" 1909 Self Portrait Thorvald Hellesen Oil on Canvas 7'8"x 4'6"

By Thorvald Hellesen

Located in Miami, FL

"The Dandy" Selfportrait by Thorvald Hellesen Selfportrait Executed 1909 Oil on Canvas 238.5 x 140.5 cm. Thorvald Hellesen (Norway, 1888-1937) Exhibitions: Oslo Kunstforeni...

Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Farm Table, Coffe Table, Nordic

Unavailable

H 17.72 in W 31.5 in D 23.63 in

Farm Table, Coffe Table, Nordic

Located in Lučenec, SK

This is a stylish Nordic farm coffe table, original condition. The surface was treated with beeswax.

Category

1810s Norwegian Country Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Oak

A Cork and Twig Armchair

Unavailable

H 39 in W 22 in D 22 in

A Cork and Twig Armchair

Located in New York, NY

The serpentine crestrail featuring wound twigs above a square back flanked by two downturned arms centering a square seat raised on cabriole legs. The whole decorated with cork. Seat...

Love Token Mangleboard Circa 1797

Unavailable

H 1 in W 32 in D 6.5 in

Love Token Mangleboard Circa 1797

Located in London, GB

Decorated with Motifs and Lion Handle Pine and Birchwood with Original Rosemaling Initialled "KFD" and Dated "1797"

"Fjordslandschaft" An Atmospheric Oil by Georg Anton Rasmussen C.1897

Unavailable

H 28 in W 37 in D 4 in

"Fjordslandschaft" An Atmospheric Oil by Georg Anton Rasmussen C.1897

By Georg Anton Rasmussen

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A gorgeously rendered atmospheric oil on canvas landscape titled "Fjordlandschaft" (fjord landscape) by noted Norwegian artist Georg Anton Rasmussen (1842-1914). The painting depicts...

Category

Late 19th Century Norwegian Late Victorian Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Part of Wrought Iron Tower Clock

Unavailable

H 28.35 in W 26.78 in D 19.3 in

Part of Wrought Iron Tower Clock

Located in Gravenmoer, NL

Part of Wrought Iron Tower Clock from a church tower. signed and dated: Jonas Nordin 1855 This inscription is probably signed during the repairing, the clock is originaly from an e...

Category

18th Century and Earlier Norwegian Norwegian Antique Furniture

A Scandinavian Art Deco Mirror in the Manner of Thorvald Bindesbøll, 1930

Unavailable

H 35.04 in W 17.33 in D 2.37 in

A Scandinavian Art Deco Mirror in the Manner of Thorvald Bindesbøll, 1930

By Thorvald Bindesbøll

Located in Paris, FR

A stunning carved gold painted wood mirror in a very good vintage condition.

Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Art Deco Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Vintage Norwegian lacquered copper chandelier, 1960s

Unavailable

H 29.93 in W 14.97 in D 5.91 in

Vintage Norwegian lacquered copper chandelier, 1960s

Located in Milano, IT

Typical mid-century pendant lamp from Norway. Peculiar copper and matte black lampshade, conical in shape with small holes that create light effects around it. Stand consisting of an...

Category

Mid-19th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

J. Tostrup, Set of Six Vermeil Coffee Spoons with Polychrome Translucent Enamels

Unavailable

$2,900

H 27.96 in W 23.23 in D 17.72 in

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chair

Located in Allerum, SE

19th century Swedish Folk Art chair in it's original condition. Ca 1820 Sweden.

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Pine

People Also Browsed

Exceptional Karl Springer Free Form Table Set, 1980's

$72,000 / set

H 19.75 in W 49 in D 33 in

Exceptional Karl Springer Free Form Table Set, 1980's

By Karl Springer

Located in Culver City, CA

Available right now we have an increasingly rare and sought after set of Karl Springer Free Form Coffee Tables. These tables are a fusion of luxury and avant-garde design, embodying ...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Brass

Japanese Asian Two Panel Meiji Edo Byobu Cherry Blossom Tree Folding Screen

$3,495

H 60 in W 60 in D 0.75 in

Japanese Asian Two Panel Meiji Edo Byobu Cherry Blossom Tree Folding Screen

Located in Studio City, CA

A gorgeous, large two-panel antique Japanese Byobu folding screen depicting a nature landscape scene with a venerable cherry blossom tree and a running river with blooming flowers. ...

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

1958 Danish Teak Royal Cado Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius

$12,650 / set

H 78 in W 126 in D 18 in

1958 Danish Teak Royal Cado Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius

By Poul Cadovius

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Highly versatile and functional Cado wall unit in walnut by Danish designer Poul Cadovius. We currently have many different Cado pieces in stock and can customize your order to incl...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Teak

$1,090

H 2.5 in W 1.5 in D 0.75 in

19th Century Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle with Crane and Baby Etching

Located in Lomita, CA

This spinach jade snuff bottle stands out from others because of the surface etching of a crane and its offspring, we are told. This snuff bottle is in very good condition with its o...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Jade

Brutalist Bench, Reclaimed Oak Wood, Natural, Organic, Handmade, Logniture

$4,353

H 14.97 in W 11.42 in D 78.75 in

Brutalist Bench, Reclaimed Oak Wood, Natural, Organic, Handmade, Logniture

By Logniture

Located in Stara Gradiška, HR

This bench is a quiet testament to time and endurance, crafted from centuries-old reclaimed oak beams salvaged from European architecture. Its form is deliberately minimal, allowing ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Croatian Brutalist Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

$3,795

H 11 in W 8.5 in D 9 in

19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor

Located in High Point, NC

19th century hand-carved black forest humidor with a figure of a dog and cat. The cat is atop a barrel, which has a lid which lifts to reveal a compartment for tobacco. The barrel is...

Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Norwegian Antique Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

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Norwegian Antique Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of Norwegian antique furniture on 1stDibs. A piece of Norwegian antique furniture — often made from wood, metal and silver — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the item from our selection of Norwegian antique furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A choice in our collection of Norwegian antique furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Folk Art, Baroque and Rococo styles are sought with frequency. David Andersen, Georg Jensen and Marius Hammer each produced at least one beautiful object in our assortment of Norwegian antique furniture that is worth considering.

How Much is a Norwegian Antique Furniture?

A piece of Norwegian antique furniture can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,603, while the lowest priced sells for $50 and the highest can go for as much as $58,000.

Questions About Norwegian Antique Furniture

How do I identify my antique furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
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.
What makes furniture an antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.
Is antique furniture in style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
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.
What antique furniture is popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
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.
How do I know if my furniture is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
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.
How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
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.
Is antique furniture worth anything?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
Is antique furniture making a comeback?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
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.
How do I date antique furniture from the UK?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
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.
How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
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.
What is the best finish for antique furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
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
How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?
1 Answer
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
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.
How can I tell how old my antique furniture is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
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.
How can I tell what my antique furniture is worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
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.
How old is furniture called antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
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.
How can you tell antique furniture from reproduction?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
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.
How can I tell who made my antique furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
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.
How old must furniture be to be considered antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
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.
How do you tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
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.
What’s the difference between vintage and antique furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 25, 2019
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.