How to Collect Antique Furniture

 
For the beginning collector of antique furniture, it can be a little overwhelming at first.  There are a lot of different eras, styles, and designs to choose from, and it may be hard to narrow down where to start.  The best answer to that is to begin with what appeals to you.

Unlike collecting stamps or figurines which are hidden away in albums or on knickknack shelves, antique furniture takes a much more prominent place in the homes of collectors. So one of the best pieces of advice for beginning antique collectors is buy what you like.  Because these pieces will be on display in your home, you need to make sure that the item you purchase is something you can live with.  You will be looking at it every day, so it should be something you enjoy.  If it is something that you do not enjoy having in your home, you will not appreciate it regardless of its potential investment value.

There are several different factors that affect the cost and value of a piece of antique furniture.  As with other types of antiques, the first thing to consider is the age of the piece.  All other things being equal, the older an antique is, the higher the value.

Along with the age, a collector also needs to look at the condition of the piece.  Two chairs of similar style and age could be very different in price if one of the chairs has noticeable defects in the wood.  Be sure to inspect closely for any cracks, separation of the construction, or any signs of repair.  All of these factors will affect the value of the furniture.

Another thing to consider is the type of wood that was used.  Some wood types, such as mahogany, are considered of much greater value than softer woods, like pine.  Not only do the harder woods hold up better over time, many of them have a much richer color that is desirable for antique collectors.  Also consider the treatment of the wood.  Some treatments, like lemon oil, are believed to preserve the wood, when in fact these products will cause the wood to dry out over time, and could lead to cracking and separation of the grain.  Wood should be treated with pure beeswax for the best long term preservation of the furniture.

If you want to get started right away and learn as you go, it is probably better to start with smaller pieces of furniture.  These are typically less expensive, and will give you a few pieces for your collection.  As you learn more about the styles and eras you are interested in you will be able to add additional pieces and expand your collection.