Nothing brings a refined and unique character to your interiors better than antique furniture. These timeless works of craftsmanship allow you to feel the old-time ambience while gracing your space with their timeless charm and aesthetic appeal.
Many people choose antique pieces for their historical and sentimental value. Their rarity and exceptional craftsmanship make them unique and position them as strong potential investments.
In this article, we will share a complete guide to understanding what qualifies antique furniture, how to identify it, and why it continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike.
What Qualifies as Antique Furniture?
Antique furniture is made earlier and considered valuable due to its age, rarity, high quality, or beauty. Most experts agree that the term should only be applied to furniture that is more than 100 years old.
More often than not, people still use the terms antique, vintage, and retro interchangeably. However, by definition, the three of them have slight differences.
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Vintage, though less strictly defined than antique, refers to items that exude a feeling of being from a bygone era, usually between 20 and 99 years old.
The other term is retro, which has nothing to do with when an item was made; it just means it feels or looks old. Retro items are designed to look vintage or antique.
The Allure of Antique Furniture
What sets this furniture apart is its ageless appeal and storied essence. It brings a distinction and enduring style that rises above contemporary trends. These cherished classic pieces never go out of style, making them a refined statement you will proudly showcase for decades.
These qualities have made antique furniture a luxury and a valuable investment in modern homes. Additionally, the sustainable nature of this furniture and exceptional craftsmanship contribute to the great appeal of owning timeless pieces over fleeting trends.
Here are the values behind every antique furniture you should consider:
1. Condition
Well-preserved antiques are often appreciated, especially when their craftsmanship and condition are meticulously maintained. Unless created by a renowned designer and produced in rare quantities, contemporary furniture tends to lose its value over time rather than appreciate.
2. Rarity
This is the nature of antiques; when you buy one, you can rest assured that nobody else or very few others will own the same thing.
3. Origin & History Of Ownership
The provenance of an antique, especially if linked to a notable or historically significant owner, can greatly elevate its value. Try delving into its origin story, such as who commissioned it, what purpose it originally served, and the distinguished home it first graced.
Identifying Authentic Antique Pieces
Each piece of antique furniture carries characteristics of the era in which it was crafted. By identifying these pieces, you will uncover not just authenticity but a living piece of history, including:
1. Signs of Age and Handcraft
Look for the markings on antique pieces, which occasionally include the year. You may also verify the age by looking at the joinery. Different types of joints were popular at different points in history.
For instance, Georgian-era antique chairs were almost always made with mortise and tenon joints.
Inspect the hand-forged marks, such as subtle imperfections and variations, like hammer marks or slight asymmetry, that indicate hand craftsmanship. You may also examine the wear patterns, such as handles, edges, and moving parts.
2. Materials and Hardware
The type of wood used in a furniture piece often reveals its age and authenticity. Fine woods were reserved for visible surfaces for centuries, while hidden sections were crafted with more modest materials.
Before the 1740s, craftsmen primarily relied on native British timbers like rich oak and refined walnut. Not until trade with the West Indies flourished did exotic mahogany enter the scene, becoming a favoured material in high-end furniture design.
For pieces made from iron elements, you may detect the signs of hand-forging, such as:
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Irregular hammer marks
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Slight variations
Cast iron should show signs of wear consistent with age.
Furthermore, the brass hardware has a rich, deep patina that develops over decades. Reproduced pieces, on the other hand, tend to lack this character, often showing an unnatural shine or uniformity from artificial ageing techniques.
3. Stylistic Details
Look at the maker's mark, which is often carved or burned into the wood and frequently found behind the upholstery or on the underside of the chair frame. You will find intricate carvings or embellishments that bear the nuanced irregularities of hand craftsmanship instead of the consistent precision of mass-produced decor.
You may check trusted online references, reputable reference books, or an experienced colleague for deeper insight into a piece's design origins and era. Whenever possible, trace its provenance to authenticate its age and legacy.
Major Eras and Styles in Antique Furniture
1. Georgian (1714-1820)
Widely hailed as the Golden Age of English furniture, the Georgian era, referred to by connoisseurs as the Mahogany Age, began in 1720 when the first shipments of Cuban mahogany reached England.
The characteristics of early Georgian style, including the general absence of carvings and the heavy corner chair, were defining features of the period.
During the middle Georgian period, chair backs and pediments were made in various styles, ranging from Rococo and Chinese to Gothic.
For the late Georgian, it was the introduction of sideboards, using brass handles and hardware, generally lighter construction; chairs were smaller and more delicate, and streamlined rectilinear forms dominated.
2. Regency (1820-1830)
The period was marked by an avid assimilation of widely variant design inspirations, with a core interest in new academic studies and findings on Greco-Roman culture. Designers of this era thoughtfully aimed to resurrect the pure forms of antiquity.
Characteristics of pieces from this period include:
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Pugin’s Gothic chairs.
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Animal parts are the main components of furniture structure.
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Using winged griffons, lion paws, and lion heads as popular motifs.
3. Victorian (1837-1901)
Queen Victoria’s reign coincided with English Imperialism's final gasp and the Industrial Revolution's dawn. As a result, furniture making changed from a craft into an industry.
Victorian furniture includes dark woods dominated by lavish and ornate carvings, round pedestal tables with claw feet, and chair backs crested with volutes.
4. Edwardian (1901-1910)
It was an age of elegance, garden parties, and the glamorous life of the landed aristocrat. As for the characteristics, Edwardian furniture uses painted decoration and new materials like wicker and bamboo.
Edwardian pieces also borrow the simple, clean lines and forms of the late Georgian style and use lighter, more delicate forms and structures than Victorian-era furniture's heavy ornamentation. Popular motifs from this era are florals.
How to Care for Your Antique Furniture
1. Regular Cleaning & Polishing
For basic maintenance, regularly clean and polish. Begin cleaning by gently dusting with a soft, dry cloth to maintain its natural patina. Steer clear of water-based cleaning, as moisture can lead to unsightly discolouration or even wood deterioration.
For a refined finish, choose a premium furniture wax over oil. While oils can momentarily revive the surface, they often attract grime. A delicate layer of high-quality wax offers a lustrous, protective shield.
Beeswax provides a beautifully organic alternative for those who prefer an all-natural touch.
2. Ensure the Environment
Avoid positioning your antiques in areas with direct sunlight, as UV can damage them. If it is impossible to put them in dark places, use curtains or shades to diffuse or block the sunlight completely.
Suppose your antique furniture can not be fixed with simple maintenance, or you do not want to compromise its value and integrity. In that case, you may seek professional help to safeguard your cherished pieces.
Related Article: How to Clean Couch Upholstery: DIY Care Tips
As pieces of art and history, antique furniture is the most beloved furnishing for elevating living spaces. Its enduring appeal allows us to experience distinct sentimental feelings of a past era.
Are you tempted to start your antique collection? Book a one-on-one consultation with House of Chippendale, specialising in finely hand-crafted mahogany furniture, unique and antique pieces, and home decor that will enrich your living space for generations to come!
