How to Collect Antique Furniture
Victor Thomas
Have you observed the quantity of antique shops there are in your city? There is an explanation for that. There is a huge demand for antiques. As ever more people observe the craftsmanship and quality of older pieces of furniture they are making the decision to invest in these pieces.
For the beginning collector of antique furniture, it can be a little overwhelming to get started. There are a lot of different eras, styles, and designs to choose from, and it may be hard to narrow down where to begin. The best answer to that is to begin with what appeals to you.
Unlike collecting figurines or stamps which are often hidden away on shelves or in albums, antique furniture frequently occupies a prominent place in collector's homes. So, one of the best pieces of advice on what to collect is to collect what you fancy. As these pieces will be displayed in your home they should be something that is not out of place there and that you enjoy owning. If you don't like having it in your home then you are unlikely to appreciate it regardless of its value as a potential investment.
There are a lot of elements that bear on the value and price of an antique furniture object. One of the primary considerations is the piece's age which generally has the biggest consequence on the value of the object. As a general formula: the older it is, the more priceless it is.
Along with the age, a collector also needs to look at the condition of the piece. Two chairs of similar style and age could be very different in price if one of the chairs has noticeable defects in the wood. Be sure to look closely for any cracks, separation of the construction, or any signs of repair. All of these factors will affect the value of the furniture.
It is also a good idea to consider the type of wood used to construct the furniture. Items made from hardwoods such as teak and mahogany typically are worth far more than ones made from softwoods such as pine or poplar. Further, hardwoods hold up better over the years and are richer in color and have a more desirable graining to collectors. Be aware of any treatments, waxes, or polishes which have been applied to the furniture as these can also decrease the value.
If you would like to start collecting immediately it is usually best to begin with smaller, less expensive pieces then any mistakes are less costly. As your knowledge grows about antique furniture you should then add some objects which are larger and more pricey.
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