Antique Furniture Collecting Tips

Buying antique furniture can be a daunting task, especially for the beginner. Given the huge variations in quality and price can be difficult to decide whether or not any agreement is reasonable. In addition, because a lot of antique furniture sold at auction, the intrinsic value of a piece can be difficult to define as the selling price will increase based on demand from various buyers. Because of this plasticity in value is useful to consider a few basics:

According to author Bob Brooke, “if you are a beginning collector of antique furniture are interested in, the old adage,” Buy what you like and can live, buy the best you can afford, buy from reputable dealers with experience , and if you do all these things that your investment will appreciate. “” This is a good mantra to keep in mind when considering an investment in furniture.

Another step that should help keep things in perspective is to remain aware of its purpose. For example, if you are looking for antique furniture, just to decorate your home, its rules may be very different from a person who is buying a piece primarily as a financial investment. Aesthetics should be the primary consideration for the designer, while the singularity and other factors that affect the likelihood of financial appraisal should be the main concern of investors.

It also helps to have some background in the types of antique furniture out there. A simple way of classifying old items is divided into four groups according to their place of origin: American, English, European and Chinese. These are broad classifications, so remember that there are a lot of sub-classifications within these four basic groups on the basis of variations in the time period and style. For the purposes of decoration, however, choosing one of these four basic groups should be extremely useful when deciding on your decorative theme. You can also choose a theme based on matching wood types and colors.

For the sake of investment, there are some tips that can help you avoid a bad investment decision. The first thing to determine is whether the piece you are considering consists of all its original parts. Old furniture is restored by replacement of components such as hinges or handles are best. If you are buying the piece based on appearance alone may be able to get a good deal on a piece restored or renovated. However, if your goal is to make a purchase that will appreciate in monetary value, it must focus on pieces that have all their original components and finishes, especially for older antiques.

If you are unsure about the finish of a particular piece you should inspect it by rubbing your finger across it. If the finish feels oily you should be careful. Ask what type of nails used in the piece. Another thing that is pure beeswax sheet damaging to antique furniture. Therefore, if you have been treated with lemon oil or linseed oil, the value of the furniture has been largely exhausted. Take this into consideration when you are cleaning your own antique furniture. The oils dry wood and finally make your piece will depreciate in value.

Because handcrafted furniture does not happen nearly as much in the modern era, antiques can be a very wise investment if done properly. Because the existing antique pieces are limited usually will increase in value if stored properly. Moreover, the unique nature of antique furniture makes it a perfect way to decorate with style. Antique decor creates an atmosphere of class and originality. Therefore, if you want to spend your furniture instead of simply spending, antique pieces may be the option you are looking for.