The "antique furniture guide" project was started to create a forum for our own knowledge of antique furniture. Below are some types of antique furniture that are popular today. Browse and learn about antique styles as well as the many differences between antique periods.
Of course, this guide may just whet your whistle when it comes to antique furniture. Indeed, there have been many books written about antique furniture of all types. Once you start learning about furniture, you will start to better appreciate the craftsmanship, the materials and the stylistic features within any piece of furniture. The best online antique furniture store.
Additionally, there is much to know about different regional differences of antiques. Due to available materials, styles and needs, furniture styles evolved differently in different parts of the country. For instance, in New England, you may see a prevalence of maple and cherry woods. Meanwhile, fine antiques in the south may feature imported mahogany wood and a prevalence of pine wood during certain periods.
Antique furniture really tells a lot about how a group of people lived. Of course, like fine home-building, furniture acts as a status symbol for many individuals. Impressive woods, fine carvings and complex designs could take a simple piece like a dining table or china cabinet and really turn it into something special. Additionally, these custom made pieces could feature special signature features that signified the owner's tastes. Or they could feature something that set the particular cabinetmaker apart from his competition and act almost like a calling card for his business. These unique details add to the story that any piece of antique furniture has to tell.
Antique Armoires- Beautiful antique armoires or wardrobes often served as the main case piece in a bedroom. Of course, the armoire could feature shelves, hanging rods, hooks or drawers on the interior. Of course, because silvered glass was expensive, only the finest antique armoires featured full length mirrors. Additionally, you sometimes see beautiful details such as carved crowns, panels with delicate surface carvings or inlay or even painted details.
Antique Bars - Acting today as a crowd-pleasing center piece in the entertaining room, antique bars often have a Renaissance or Gothic look. Of course, they can feature lavish carved scenes, animals or mythical beasts that help bring a masculine yet artistic vibe to the bar. Today, antique bars can be fashioned out of antique buffets, antique hutches or even antique store counters. You can use your imagination and really create a special look to your room with an antique bar.
Antique Beds - There is something incredibly special about a bedroom furnished with an antique bed. Romantic, grand and often decorated with lavish detail, antique beds serve as incredibly unique centerpieces to any guest or master retreat. Depending on your needs, many antique beds can be extended and modified to accommodate modern mattresses. Additionally, antique twin beds can really bring a fabulous look to your grandchildren's room.
Antique Bookcases - Freestanding antique bookcases decorated the finest Georgian and Federal style homes. Often fitted with glazed glass doors, large antique bookcases can fit quite the extensive book collection. As you may have guessed, these large cabinets tend to have a pretty high price tag as well. Of course, smaller bookcases with wooden or simple glass doors often can provide a focal point in a living room as well.
Antique Buffets - Antique buffets take an ordinary dining room to a whole other level. Obviously, you can choose between something refined and elegant, like a Federal style buffet. Often these types of antique buffets feature tall tapered legs, inlaid designs and oval Hepplewhite style hardware. Or, if you prefer something more substantial, you may like a Victorian buffet. Typically made of rosewood, walnut or mahogany, Victorian antique buffets often have carved details and a heavier look. Or, if you like something in between, an Empire Period buffet may be generally subdued in detail, but have sumptuous mahogany veneers.
Antique Cabinets - Antique cabinets can be simple and very plain. Of course, antique primitive cabinets typically can have little to no moldings, simple wooden knobs and flat surfaces. Meanwhile, you can find some really impressive European antique cabinets with unique details on the doors top and feet. Antique cabinets can work in simple kitchens or workrooms. Or you can place them in formal and more public rooms of the home.
Antique Chairs - There is something pretty special about antique chairs. Of course, Victorian chairs can add an elegant touch to any corner of a bedroom or living room. Or, you can put a pair of regal French style antique chairs on either side of a fireplace. Finally, an antique wing chair can provide comfort and elegance to a formal living room.
Antique Chests - Antique chests or antique blanket chests are always a sought-after piece for the home. Store your extra winter blankets and pillows in an antique chest at the foot of a bed. Or place an antique chest in a living room and use it as a unique coffee table.
Antique Clocks - Once the supreme sign of wealth and education in a home, antique clocks serve as a reminder of craftsmanship and engineering coming together in one piece. Of course, you can choose to purchase a handsome tall case or grandfather clock, or a beautiful Victorian Mantel Clock for your home. No doubt, these timepieces will become some of your cherished possessions.
Antique Cupboards - When it is time to remodel a kitchen, butler's pantry, laundry room or library, you may want to consider some antique cupboards. Of course, antique cupboards feature solid wood materials, unlike many of the cabinets you can purchase off the shelf today. Additionally, antique cupboards add style and history to an otherwise utilitarian point in the home.
Antique Desks - The fine antique desks of the 18th and 19th century add incredible style and beauty to your home. Of course, the secretary desk is one of the most signature pieces in a fine or historic home. Typically, it will feature a folding desk surface, bookcase top and drawers or cabinet storage. However, there are many other types of specialty antique desks to consider: Wooten desks, pedestal desks and roll top desks all provide beautiful and functional work spaces.
Antique Dining Tables - Antique dining tables can take a regular dining room and make it spectacular. Obviously, fine antique dining tables can feature so many different designs. A Duncan Phyfe table will usually have a double pedestal base, beautiful mahogany top and sometimes banding or inlay around the edges. However, if you like something fancier, you could consider a Victorian dining table with fancy carved legs and burl walnut apron. Or, you could choose a fancy Jacobean style dining table with carved legs and usually fold out leaves.
Antique Dressers - Antique dressers from the 19th century typically last for many many years. Of course, this is due to their often superb craftsmanship - pin and mortise joints and dovetailed drawers. Also, antique dressers from this century often have beautiful details. Early 1800 dressers may feature deep drawers and carved columns. In the mid to late 1800s you may see more carvings, inlay or decorative wood treatments.
Antique Dressing Tables - The ultimate feminine detail, antique dressing tables hark to an era of glamour and beauty. Obviously, the lady's vanity or dressing table served her as she prepared herself for the world, and may feature drawers, folding mirrors and feminine details.
Antique Furniture - Unique antique furniture can work in so many different homes. Find what type of period or style you want to pursue, and you no doubt can achieve a well decorated room.
Antique Furniture Style Guide - If you are a beginner, our antique furniture style guide can give you an overview over different periods and styles. This guide will no doubt help you at your next auction, estate sale or visit to an antique shop.
Antique Furniture Values: A Beginner Guide - If you have inherited a piece of antique furniture and wish to know a current value, read this article about antique furniture values. Of course, it is just a starting point, so you will know what questions to ask a local appraiser, auctioneer or specialist.
Antique Mirrors - Antique mirrors are generally the finishing touches you wish to put into a room. However, antique mirrors should never be an afterthought! Of course, a gilded French antique mirror or mahogany Chippendale mirror can really add a special touch to your design.
Antique Sideboards - Antique sideboards are similar to buffets. Some people see a sideboard as a slightly smaller piece than a buffet. However, really the terms are interchangeable. An antique sideboard really enhances your dining room. However, today, many people choose to put an antique sideboard in a foyer, living room or even as a T.V. stand in a family room.
Antique Sofas - Antique sofas can polish a living room and add so much style. Obviously, you will need to check on the condition of the fabric or upholstery materials before you have it delivered. However, with hardwood frames and unique details, antique sofas can always be redone to suit your taste or particular room.