Everything you need to know about buying antique furniture

Furniture that reflects the aesthetics of a particular era creates a connection with the past, is a an evidence of the skill and craftsmanship of artisans and, more importantly is of sufficient quality to stand the tests of time. An ode to the traditional methods of making and craftsmanship. Helen Linfield, of fine antique dealers Wakelin & Linfield, posits: “The past has always been an excellent source of value and inspiration for designers. There will always be a urge to be innovative and adaptable however, the most beautiful antique furniture pieces can withstand the storm of trendy trends and economics.”

Antique furniture may appear to be an incredibly complex place where a myriad of styles and questions of provenance converge. To help navigate this fascinating and sometimes challenging field we sought out the advice of members of LAPADA which is the Association of Art & Antique dealers that are recognized by the sign that resembles a gold chandelier which can be seen in their stores and on their merchandise at fairs. Today, the association has more than 555 members, each of which must adhere to strict and rigorous standards of expertise as well as the quality of their stock as well as knowledge of their area. Together, the members span from ancient to the most modern of styles.

1. Shop using your eyes and your heart

A prospective buyer seeking to purchase a new piece it is possible to be an urge to purchase furniture solely for investment reasons and not for personal taste. This means hedging your bets on a favorable change of the marketplace, and this is an extremely risky gamble – and even the most experienced experts often fail to meet predictions like this. To ensure that you don’t regret making a purchase, it’s usually best to purchase furniture because you really like the style. Helen Linfield offers some sage tips on this subject: “Once you have established the style or period that appeals to you most with regard to style and wood, your next task is looking for furniture that is built and then be guided by workmanship, colour, and patination. If the piece you choose is visually appealing and you are convinced that it is enjoyable to see every day then it’s a good beginning point because the pleasure you will get from it over time will be the return on your investment.”

2. When you’re looking into an item’s authenticity do not be afraid to touch the item

For the beginner collector, the most common (and legitimate) worry is the prospect of paying a substantial amount of money only later find that the object of interest is an imitation that is convincing. If you are considering a piece whose origins are not certain or even absent entirely, the buyer should not be afraid to give the item a thorough examination. A reputable antiques dealer understands that this is an essential part of the process and should be comfortable about doing it. any person who is reluctant without a valid reasons, on the contrary on the other hand, ought to raise some doubts. Harriet Chavasse, of Thakeham Furniture Ltd and Thakeham Furniture Ltd., provides the following guide for investigating:

Look first for any sign of a problem there. Are the sides, top or back comprised from plywood? Plywood wasn’t used in furniture construction until the 1930s, and it would not have been integrated into the construction of a Georgian piece. In the same way, staples, chipboard and Phillips screws can be a sign of construction that was later. Antique chairs were built with mortice or Tenon joints. Therefore, an Georgian chair that is joined with dowels isn’t Georgian!

The next step is flip the piece upside down (where it is possible!). If it’s a large table, like one that serves food, I frequently suggest that people use the torch to get an uninitiated look beneath. One of the first things to be looking for is a small portion of the “patina” that covers the top of the table: if the table has been in use for more than two hundred years, or more, there is an elongated waxy edge at the bottom of the table that fingernails have come into contact with the table. It is nearly impossible to replicate – especially If the underside is not smooth or has brush marks from staining beware of.
When a piece has been veneered as a rule of thumb the more thick the veneer, the more old the piece. Veneers were handsawn up until the end of the nineteenth century, and had to be cut in a coarse manner. They were then glued down [usually using ‘Scotch’ or animal glue] then polished and sanded on site. Veneers got thin and lighter as the mechanisation was increased. By the end of the 20th century, they were literally “paper” thin.
It is important to know the dates when it comes to the history of screws as well as nails. Screws in the way we use they were first introduced around 1675 and were hand-crafted up to the mid 19th century. The screw made by hand has a very thin or no taper and the slot in the head is rarely properly aligned. Additionally, the handcrafted screw is much more shallow in its spiral than the machine produced type. Nails were cut square, with round wire nails being utilized until around 1900.
Then, you can run your fingers across the table’s surface and notice that a new tabletop has a brand new surface and won’t be as smooth and silky as it was with the original patination. the grain could be raised and the edges could be sharp for an old piece. Similar to all areas of antique shopping it is here that your experience is crucial; however, you should take your time and a piece that “feels” wrong can be not a good buy, and your mind will begin to become accustomed.

3. Recent pieces are equally important.

Many would agree that a beautiful piece like a cabinet richly decorated and thousands of years old is an impressive and highly sought-after object of furnishings. It is important to have a wide-ranging view regardless of the space or even the category of furniture as

Alan Hatchwell of Hatchwell Antiques Alan Hatchwell of Hatchwell Antiques explains: ” ‘Mid-century’ has taken off, and by it the rapid increase in curiosity in large-scale binoculars for military and naval use as well as aeronautical marvels like propellers and wind tunnel models which are specialized, but thrilling and exciting areas. Discover what to expect from a quality object: the style and use of well selected wood. It is said that the Scandinavians are always top-of-the-line in their selection and use of premium veneers and woods. the latest design to become well-known, Danish, does not fail in this regard. Rosewood is a favorite for me, particularly when sun-bleached , resulting in a golden shade.”

4. All it takes is the upholstery

If you are looking at any furniture make sure you inspect the item thoroughly, taking special time to determine what’s underneath the cover. Check for indications that it was recovered or restored or refurbished. The original wool filling of a chair could be replaced with modern, but not as good materials, like foam. Harriet Chavasse of Thakeham Furniture Ltd is a fan of traditional craftsmanship:

“What matters is what’s underneath that furniture!” When you look beneath the upholstery, old couches and chairs can’t be more different than modern pieces. A brand new sofa, even if it comes from an excellent manufacturer, will be made from chipboard, which is stapled together, and then covered with foam. They’re not made to last. Every joint is hand-crafted and the frame is carefully designed to hold the upholstery. Modern furniture makers speak about “ergonomics” The artisans of the 18th century were doing it!”

Meet new people

If you are looking for your first time, make sure you visit several dealers, select one or two you prefer and then begin to establish a rapport with them. It’s fruitful as they get to know your preferences and become to be a valuable advisor, and could even help you find unique opportunities.

A brief overview of the main styles.
Tudor and Elizabethan

The Tudor period refers to the 200 year period in the history of which the Tudor Dynasty ruled over England. Furniture of the time was Gothic in design and one readily identifiable characteristic being linenfold panelling where a skilled craftsman could carve in a way which resembled folds in material. The era came end with Elizabeth I’s accession to the throne, marking the dawn of the Golden Age. In terms of style, the influences of the Renaissance were more apparent by the addition of scrolls Tudor roses , and an improvement in the production of inlays made of different colours and decorated woods.
Restoration Period

The furniture made of oak remained in the 17th century. However, walnut was becoming more sought-after throughout the Restoration period (1660-1689). The time before the Commonwealth saw these pieces of solid oak with their intricate carvings, employing more and more traditional designs of the Renaissance becoming lighter and elongated from the bulbous designs from the previous century. The same century witnessed the simplifying of furniture during the Puritan Commonwealth that was later reversed during the Restoration and the craftsmen from Europe that accompanied Charles I were the masters at veneering (using the application of a small layer of ornamental grain that was placed over an unfinished carcass) as well as marquetry. The entry to William and Mary kept with the influence and influence Continental Baroque.

18th Century

The 18th century brought the Rococo style, which was a playful one typically characterized by references nature and incorporating Asymmetrical elements, being a result of the more formal Baroque. The English response to this style is evident in the early work of the celebrated Thomas Chippendale – who also included, among various styles the ongoing fashion of Chinoisserie. Mahogany, a exotic hardwood that came from the newly established British colonies of the West Indies, allowed for sharper carving than walnut and was the predominant material in the period between 1730. The later designs of Chippendale embraced the Neoclassicism that was systematically introduced into England from Robert Adam, and it could be the late Georgian period’s ability to master this type of design that is most prominent for English furniture. Like its name implies the style was inspired by the an earlier time of Greece in addition to Rome for its shapes and ornamental motifs.

It is important to note the fact that “Regency Style” is frequently employed to describe not just the time period of the Regency in itself (1811-1820) but as well George IV’s reign after (1820 to 1830) and took inspiration in Greek, Egyptian and Gothic styles. The interest in this style was explored into Victorian periods, with a variety of Revivalist styles – such as the work of Pugin’s advocate for the Gothic and the Gothic – being showcased before an international audience at The Great Exhibition of 1851.

Arts and Crafts

The much-loved Arts and Crafts style was the result of a Victorian style that developed from c.1860 which had its most famous exponent William Morris, holding up the value of hand-crafted craftsmanship against the backdrop of industrialisation. In the final days of the reign of Victoria, beautiful styles in Art Nouveau, more entirely evident in the Continent were introduced.

Art Deco

The sleek and elegant style in Art Deco is instantly associated with the post WW1 period. Jeroen Markies, of Jeroen Markies Art Deco, explains:

“Art Déco was an time of lavish decadence, especially during the 20’s and 30’s featuring furniture designs that complemented an extravagant lifestyle through the using stunning wood, sleek lines, and attention to detail without sacrificing practicality. This style can be paired with many different styles of architecture and that’s for it to be still a very sought-after style for furnishings, mirrors, and decorative art to decorate your interior.”