Things to Look For When Buying Antique Furniture

Are you an antique lover and wanted to purchase vintage items to decorate your home or office, but don't have much idea about what you should look for while buying an antiques Furniture? Not to worry, here is our defined tips for avoiding the most obvious pitfalls! Vintage furniture is usually constructed from one of three things: Solid wood furniture, Veneered furniture, and Particleboard.

1. Get to know what hardwood sounds like when you knock/tap on it. Pieces should sound solid and not hollow.
2. Does the item have its original finishing, or has it been re-polished? Does it have a shiny pliable surface or the nicely clean coat of age?
3. Look beneath, analyze the back, check for loose joints - when buying chairs find out it shouldn't be wobbly or missing rungs when you take a seat on them. Good restorers are hard to come by and can be costly.
4. Do the drawers open and shut finely? - If not, the drawers' offsets might be damaged and need swapping.
5. Look for woodworm - search for the revealing holes. Tap into the holes; if dust particles come out, the worm is alive. This kind of thing is repairable, so do not let a few holes put you off buying.
6. Look for wood joined at ends and corners, not glued or nailed in. Dovetailed joints or mortise and Tenon joints make furniture sturdier and able to take more weight.
7. Are the handles and knobs original? Make sure none of the handles or knobs are broken or missing. Often handles have been replaced, but make sure that they are a good quality replacement, in line with the part.
8. Look for a disparity in color and any unexplained screw holes under the top. This could impact the item's value.
9. Are there any new pieces - like legs, shelves or back boards? There should never be any plywood in a genuine antique as plywood has not been made until about 1920.
10. Look for Something Different - try to find out an item that will be statement pieces as well as functional. Always look out for shape, curves, scrolls, ornate carvings, pretty legs, and pieces that really speak!
11. Get to know general prices for what you are looking for. Do your research. If you are buying at an Auction, remember to factor in the Buyers Commission.