Collecting Antique Furniture 

Antique Woods - Oak  |  Mahogony and Satin   |  Antique Furniture Wood –Walnut | Other Wood |
Antique Furniture Styles 1550- 1700 |  Antique Furniture Styles 1700 -1840

Collecting antique furniture covers a vast array of styles, historical periods and woods. Not to mention taste, another could consider a piece loved by one collector an eyesore and a monstrosity. To be truthful most lovers of antique furniture can appreciate most antique furniture for its quality and workmanship even if they did not want that particular item in their house or their collection.

There are for most collectors’ four national types of antique furniture, British, European, (especially the French and Dutch schools of furniture building) American and Chinese. Within the range of these originating countries there is a wide diversity of styles. The furniture produced for the Stately homes of the English aristocracy or the Chateaus of the French nobility were entirely different both in quality of manufacture and the woods used when compared to furniture made for the country squire or the French tradesman.

But antique furniture whether made by such craftsmen as Chippendale or Sheridan in their fine workshops or by some rural craftsman working in a shed attached to his cottage can have its appeal to a collector.  Which type of antique furniture collector you become and which styles and period you select depend upon two main factors, what you like and what you can afford. Unfortunately these two criteria are not always compatible. For instance I really do admire some of the delicate French “saloon” type of furniture but good pieces by top makers are well beyond the price ranges of all but the wealthiest individuals.

You will also have to decide exactly what criteria you will use to build your collection. The perfectionist will accept no additions or replacements to the original article. Other collectors are happy to accept furniture with some medications since its original manufacture. For instance it is not uncommon for a sideboard to have had the feet either changed of removed all together at some time during its history. Often such items as door handles have been changed or damaged panels replaced. Such changes can often affect the value of an item and because of this you may be able to afford to buy an item, which had, these alterations or modifications made when you could not have afforded a perfect example.

If you are an antique furniture collector it is possible on occasions to find bargains. This is especially true if you do your research and read all you can on the particular type and period of furniture that you are interested in. It is a good idea to begin this research even before you have purchased your first piece if possible.

Also consider where you are going to display your collection and will it fit into your home with its present décor. A Colonial American chair might not sit well in a room that also has an English mahogany dinning table or a Chinese Chaise Longue there already.

If there is one golden rule when it comes to the collecting of antique furniture it must be to buy what you like and can afford. Accept the fact that you are going to fall in love with your pieces and that you are not really the owner but the custodian for future generations.