Every culture has designed its own furniture, which provides insights and information about history. Most of the art of handmade furniture, however, has been lost with the coming of the industrial age. This is one of the reasons why antique furniture continues to appreciate in value. Today, even furniture no older than 25 years old is being collected by some antique dealers.
Features
Furniture has been handmade and factory produced in a wide variety of styles, designs and materials throughout history. There are now very few pieces from earlier than the Middle Ages, because wood does not have the longevity of gems and coins. The majority of antique furniture, from America, England, Germany, France and the Orient, is made from oak, mahogany, pine and walnut. Each style is different in appearance, construction, hardware and cost. Many of today's antiques either have pieces missing or parts replaced, which alters the appraised value. Antique dealers and collectors look at certain characteristics when comparing pieces. First, they look to see how much of the piece remains of the original and how much is repaired or replaced. In many cases, a piece that is worn is worth more than one that has newer material. Dealers also look at the finish on the wood to see how it has worn over the years. In fact, the finish is one of the most important aspects considered. The less wear and tear, the higher the value. Unless a piece is in terrible condition or not very old, do not refinish it. Most of the older furniture either had someone's named carved in it or a stamp with the name of the manufacturer. Especially when the artist or manufacturer is well known, these nameplates add considerably to the cost by verifying the producer. Furniture that was made in small amounts rather that that which was made in the thousands is worth significantly more. Some furniture is very ornate and handmade, while other pieces may be as ornate but made in a factory. The former is much more prized than the latter. Lastly, the age of a piece has a lot to do with its price.
Types
Over the past several centuries, there have many different furniture styles. The word "style" is the appearance of the furniture. "Period" refers the era when certain styles were originally made and sold. Sometimes, these are called "period pieces." The period frequently relates to the monarchy in power or the name of a very prized furniture craftsperson, such as Thomas Chippendale. Styles often continue from one period of time to another. For example, Queen Anne-style furniture is still being made today.
The evolution of antique furniture can be followed by material used, craftsperson or design. For example, in Tudor England during the 1500s and 1600s, furniture was made from strong and durable oak. that was plentiful throughout the country and neighboring areas. It did not have much carving or elaborate construction because it was hard wood. Walnut was used sparingly in the early 1600s and was more decorative. During Charles II to James II in the middle 1600s, more walnut furniture was produced with decorative style and elaborate carvings. Cherubs holding a crown was a common carving. Queen Anne in the 1700s is associated with walnut furniture, which emphasized the grain and was often lacquered. Mirrors and upholstered chairs became more popular. The Chippendale period in the mid-1700s introduced furniture made from mahogany and red walnut from America. The 1800s re-introduced styles from Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and China. Then, of course, all things began to change in the Victorian age with the Industrial Revolution.
Potential
In order to decide whether or not to restore antique furniture, spend a little time carefully looking over the piece for any names or labels, which can provide you with more information on the carver, location and time period. Analyze the general quality of the wood and level of craftsmanship. If you believe it is a rare and costly item based on criteria as that mentioned above, do not touch it. If you want some work done to it, bring it to a professional restorer. You can get a name from an antique dealer or museum curator. Even if it is not that rare but has charm because of its age, do not restore it. Just give it a light cleaning of dirt and dust and let its patina or old finish shine through. At times, all it takes is a little cleaning and some wood glue here and there and you have a wonderful piece.
Considerations
Everyone likes different styles. Some people like the ornate French pieces, and others like the simpler American country furniture. There is not wrong or right. Before you spend considerably money on antique furniture, decide what kind of furniture will go with your new house or apartment best. Then enjoy trying different types of pieces from various styles. In some areas of your home, you will want more functional furniture, such as the kitchen and even the family room. Other areas you may want something more elaborate, as in the formal living room. In order to see how these pieces will blend together, get a large piece of paper and draw the room's layout. Then cut out the pieces of furniture from magazines or old books. You will better be able to see what they will look like. Unless you have no children or pets and are very careful with your furniture, do not pay too much money for the furniture. You can get wonderful pieces for not too much money if you look hard enough.
.
Expert Insight
You do not have to get top quality, museum pieces from antique stores. There are always different ways to get period pieces of furniture. You can go to local antique auctions or shows, indoor or outdoor flea markets, estate sales, and even tag sales. Do not try to get everything all at once. If you wait and are patient, you will find the piece you want. You can also ask people who are in the second-hand or antique business to look for you, put a request on places like Craigslist or eBay. Except for the rarest pieces, there is a great amount of furniture available that will look wonderful in the special place in your home, office or apartment.
0 comments:
Post a Comment