subject: Know How And Where To Buy Authentic Antique Furniture [print this page] If you are interested in adding some antique furniture to your home furnishings, you're not alone. Antiques have long been the selection of choice for discerning homeowners who like to have a little bit of history in their furnishings and who appreciate the craftsmanship of old world artisans. But unsuspecting buyers sometimes fall prey to merchants who misrepresent their wares as authentic when they are, in fact, reproductions. Here are some tips for how and where to buy authentic antique furniture.
Where to Buy
Online Merchants
Buying from online auction sites is a risky proposition at best. First of all, you have practically no way of knowing whether or not the item is a certified antique: you only know what you are told, and positive ratings on these sites are not reliable because they are subject to artificial manipulation. If you really want to buy online, go to a reputable website that only deals in and sells antique furniture. Go to the site's "About Us" section and check out the merchant's credentials and reputation first-hand.
Things to look for:
-- Do they have physical offices?
-- Do they represent a large number of reputable dealers?
-- Are they well-regarded in the antiquing community?
Auction Houses
Finding a treasure within an auction lot is a real rush for antique furniture lovers! Most high-end auction houses will offer guarantees of authenticity and back up everything they sell. If you are not looking for a very specific piece, you just might fall in love with something unexpected that you never knew you couldn't live without.
Antique Stores
Antique stores, especially those in smaller communities, will not have the best selection but they are fun places to browse and really get a good idea of what kind of style you like. Remember that antique furniture is classified according to style: Rococo, Louis XIV, Shaker, Colonial, etc. Do a little online research about styles then have fun poking around your local antique shops.
Estate Sales
If you live in an area known for its admiration of antique furniture, you may be able to pick up some really beautiful items at estate sales. For antique hounds, New England estate sales are virtual treasure troves! Ask a lot of questions since the descendants of the deceased may actually know quite a lot about the history of certain pieces of furniture.
The tricks to successful antique furniture buying are: have some basic knowledge; know what you like; ask a lot of questions; and know where to shop.
