A purchase of antique furniture can be the perfect way to bring the energy of your home. This is the information you need to know before searching for antique furniture.

Make sure you check the construction

You'll need to find out how the furniture is held together if you are purchasing antique furniture. Look out for quality craftsmanship. Take a look inside any drawers and examine the sides for dovetail joints. If there isn't any, it is likely that the piece is being joined by modern nails and glue. If you can detect dovetailing, then the piece may be handmade. However, if the joints appear to be perfect then the piece may be made by a machine. Small imperfections in the fittings are an indicator of good quality. Be sure that the frame is rigid and solidly made. If, for instance, a chair wobbles it could be necessary for the joints to be replaced or repaired.

Pay attention to any damage

However, the passage of time and inadequate maintenance can result in an antique being damaged. It is important to thoroughly examine the item prior to handing it over your cash. Before you do that, ensure your antique is fully functional. Are there any missing items from the drawers? Do you have any holes that must be filled? The next step is to go over your product carefully. Different furniture types are prone to wear and tear at different locations. Furniture that is heavy may be moved instead of elevated over time. They may also have been in damp conditions, which can cause the legs and feet to begin to rot. This Article can cause damage and strain to furniture. Make sure you check the feet and the underside of your furniture. Check for any signs of woodworm. If you spot areas that have small holes dotted around the piece, this is likely to be an indication of woodworm. Make sure that the item is treated before you take it into your house, since it may spread to other furniture!

Make sure to replace the part.

When you purchase antique furniture, you're looking for an original piece. That means there are no modern accessories. This could mean that an old bolt has been replaced by a newer bolt or an entirely new drawer has been installed. Have the handles been replaced? Examine carefully to determine if each piece is an original antique.

It is recommended to look for a name

You should inspect the item for any label, signature or mark. If you happen to see one, you might be able to determine who made the piece. It might be possible to dig into the history of the piece. A good signature can give you information about who, what, where, and when. Check everywhere but particularly on the underside and back of drawers, behind the piece, and on the sides. While you might be able to locate some thing, signatures and labels are also possible to falsify. Look for similar wear to the label and examine the surface to see if it's older. Stamps and labels start to appear on furniture that was built in the 19th century. So don't be expecting them on earlier pieces. If you believe that the antique you are viewing is older, it's worth considering.

Be on the lookout for copies

The need for furniture that is antique has led to many fakes pop up on the market — and sometimes they look similar to the original! You will need to use your magnifying glass to verify the authenticity of your antique furniture. Look over the furniture for indications of wear. A damaged piece may be a sign of age. Also, be aware of dirt on the corners of drawers, which can also indicate the age of the piece.