How Old Should Furniture Be before It Is Considered an Antique?
July 14, 2015The classic definition of an antique is an item such as an objet d'art or piece of furniture that is of value and at least 100 years old. As well, an antique of value needs to be in mint condition and unaltered.
However, the definition of antique will vary greatly among antique experts and antiquarians. In truth, when antique experts congregate there will usually be an intense debate about the true meaning of antique.
Then again, a car is considered a “classic” when it is 20 years old or older. Plus, it does not need to have original parts. Rarely is there controversy about the definition of a classic car.
Age Matters
Oftentimes, the age of a person will determine the value of a piece. For instance, a person in their twenties will consider a 1950s chair or couch an antique. But take someone who is in their eighties and they will generally laugh at the notion that a 1950s couch is valuable. That same couch is probably similar to the one in their living room when they raised their kids.
Numerous Expert Opinions
Basically, there are two different ways of establishing the worth of furniture. Some professionals consider a piece an antique by the design and elevation of panache. When examining a piece they look for great craftsmanship and high quality design. So, even if an item is 100 years old, if there is poor craftsmanship then it is not an antique. For instance, a simply made 1800 chair would not be considered an antique because the design is too basic. Another example would be a Shaker ragdoll. Surely, the doll was made with second hand material and lacks intricate embroidery.
Conversely, other specialists say that an antique is defined by the age of a piece and its origin. In fact, a piece does not need to have outstanding craftsmanship in order to be valuable. But the condition of the piece needs to be of high quality. It is these rare pieces that are in excellent condition and are made by a certain artisans that have worth. Like they say, beauty is by the eye of the beholder and rare old pieces are definitely a treasure.
Antique Furniture
When it comes to antiques, furniture is quite popular. This is because antique furniture is very practical and holds value. Habitually, an antique owner will take great care of their collectables so that the value increases or at least remains the same. However, new furniture generally depreciates in value the very second you buy it. That is, unless you wait a hundred years.
Antique furniture consists of loveseats, couches, chairs, dining tables, chests, bureaus and more. The most common wood for antique furniture includes mahogany, rosewood, pine, oak and walnut. In fact, specific types of wood were commonly used in certain eras. For example, before the 1700’s oak was classically used for furniture. Maple and cherry wood was prevalent in the 1800’s. And by the late 1800’s rosewood was commonly used for Victorian style furniture. And then again, by the 1900’s oak was back in style.
You cannot always tell how old a piece is by the wood that is used. But for the most part, it can help identify the century it was made.
Contact Us
Rear 404 Burke Road, Camberwell VIC 3124
Mobile: 0417 585 207
Email: rod@lordsantiques.com.au
Optimized by NetwizardSEO.com.au