The Allure of Antique Furniture

Why do so many people love antique furniture? There are many reasons. For some, the craftsmanship and beauty is what draws them to pieces from ages past. Others enjoy the historical significance of collecting furniture from long ago. Still others may think of buying old furniture as an investment that could pay off in the future. No matter why you choose to enter the world of antiques, you are sure to find plenty of fulfillment shopping for and purchasing beautiful pieces of furniture.

Unlike other types of collectibles, furniture is normally collected according to time period rather than particular item. For example, no one wants to have just tables or just chairs from different time periods. The most popular way of collecting furniture from ages past is to choose your favorite time period and look for items from that period. There are plenty of different periods from which you can choose. For example, the Queen Anne period dates back to 1702-1714 and is characterized by delicate lines, excellent balance and a lack of excessive adornment. This is in contrast to the later Louis XV period which features gilding and intricate scrollwork.

In addition to time period, you may find that you have a particular building material you are most fond of. Most antiques are crafted from wood, although there are many different types of wood that you may come across. Rosewood is one such wood that was popular in Victorian times for many different types of furniture. Walnut was commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries. Beech was used from the 17th to 19th centuries as a popular wood for framing and for furniture that was to be painted. Once you know how to recognize different woods and their patinas, you will be more adept in spotting fakes.

On the subject of fakes, this is something that anyone wanting to collect antique furniture needs to know about. Unfortunately, there are reproductions that are sold as the real thing to unassuming customers. Sometimes, the seller is not even aware that the piece they are selling is not a real antique. Before you go shopping, it's a good idea to do some reading and research about the time period of furniture you are in the market for. By understanding the characteristics that define real antiques as well as fakes, you can often distinguish a real antique from a reproduction.

Copyright 2007 Janice J. Sterling - All Rights Reserved

American Antique Malls News:
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Theres history behind Fairhopes antiques
Gulf Coast Newspapers, AL - 17 hours ago
They specialize in French, English and American Classical fine antiques and also antique rugs. Third generation, Fairhope native, John Nelson of Nelson .
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Consign yourself to the hunt - Boston Globe

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Boston Globe, United States - Nov 8, 2008
In an 18th-century former residence, I Love It melds second-hand clothing with art, antiques, and jewelry, including sea glass creations by a local artist. .
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Clare-area men carve wooden canes for wounded vets - Chicago Tribune

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Chicago Tribune, United States - Nov 10, 2008
Burton spent about a month creating a walking stick that is embedded with antique buttons and once made a Native American-themed cane for a Native American .
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Whats old can be a bargain - NewsOK.com

Whats old can be a bargain
NewsOK.com, OK - Nov 8, 2008
Just the sight of a mall parking lot may be enough to make you scream "Bah humbug!EUR Antique dishes fill the shelves at Miss McGillicuttys in Jenks. .
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Barack Obama: All the Presidents' dogs - Times Online

Times Online
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The Clintons had her declawed to save the antique furniture, provoking uproar among animal welfare groups. Then when they left office it was announced that .
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1800s Vampire Killing Kit Nabs $14850 At Stevens Auction - Antiques and the Arts Online

1800s Vampire Killing Kit Nabs $14850 At Stevens Auction
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The sale comprised the contents of Pippen's stores (Pippen Antiques and Pippen Interiors), items from his personal residence (which he considered a perfect .
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The Natchez Democrat (The Natchez Democrat)
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Of schnapps and shopping - Telegraph.co.uk

Telegraph.co.uk
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Or join the locals beneath the gothic arches at the Dom Bar (0043 512 238 551, www.domcafe.at), where tealights flicker among the antique prints and clocks. .
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Port Orchard collection in Westport - Grays Harbor Daily World

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He began going to antique shops, thrift stores, and bidding in online auctions for more items. Within months, his living room transformed itself into a type .
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The road less traveled - Boston Globe

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