How to Determine if a Wood Coffee Table Is an Antique or Vintage

Many people dream of getting a valuable antique or vintage furniture at a flea market or as a hand-me-down from a relative. However, just because a table has a retro look or appears to be old does not mean that it's a true antique or worth a significant amount of money. By examining your table closely, however, you may find some clues to indicate whether it is a reproduction or an antique collectible. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Examine the table for signs of aging. Just because a piece is old does not automatically make it a valuable antique or vintage collectible, but if the table does not show any signs of age, it may be obvious that it's a new table designed in a vintage style. Even a table that is well maintained will show some wear if it is truly an antique. Check for wear on the corners and legs, slight warping of the wood or the appearance of a patina on the table's surface.

2

Look for signs of modern tools and manufacturing processes. If the table is perfectly symmetrical and looks like it was factory-made, it is unlikely to be an antique. Check whether slats of wood are uniform in size. If they are, the piece was also likely made in a modern factory. If the piece appears to have been made in a modern factory, it may qualify as a mid-century vintage collectible, but it is not likely to be an antique.

3

Assess the table's age by looking at details such as the wood screws, nails, joints, surface finishes and markings made by saws when cutting the wood. Also look for manufacturer stamps or emblems. These details can help pinpoint when the table was made. Find an expert, reference book or website that specializes in identifying antique wood furniture, and determine whether details on your table correspond to any information about certain eras of furniture production.

4

Research antique and vintage coffee tables to try to identify your particular table. Once you determine the era your table was made, you can narrow down your research and look for your specific table. Use books and the Internet or consult an antiques expert for reliable information.