Avoid using inappropriate cleaning products or methods that can harm the original finish. Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or excessive water when cleaning antique furniture.
Of course, most antiques are collectibles. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Some government regulations, rules, or laws reinforce the 100-year age reference. The U.S. Customs defines anything over 100 years old as an antique, which means it can be imported into the United States without any tax assessment.
Once the integrity of the finish has deteriorated through chemical deteriorzation, dings and scratches from abuse,or it has gone dark through the aging process, that original purpose is no longer being met.
Rachel Cannon agrees: "If it's a thrifted item that is constructed of a common wood like oak or pine, with rudimentary joinery, you're probably safe to paint it," she says. "However, if it's made of exotic woods like cherry, mahogany, or satinwood, probably not."
She adds, “By definition, an antique is an item that is 100 years old or older.” Whether it's a book, vase, glassware, or a piece of furniture, the 100-year-old rule of thumb remains the same.
The most expensive piece of furniture ever sold at auction is The Badminton Chest, a huge, lavishly decorated piece of Italian craftsmanship, which sold for a whopping £19m at Christie's London in 2004. The monumental cabinet was commissioned by Henry Somerset, 3rd Duke of Beaufort in 1726.
Refinishing valuable American masterpieces can diminish the value, or painting over or removing hand-painted techniques can reduce the integrity of an antique. However, in general, cleaning and restoring old furniture can add value and help bring it back to life.
While there's no official expert consensus for an item to be considered vintage, many agree an item should be between twenty to ninety-nine years old. An item regarded as retro is made recently but designed or in the style of items from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and very early 2000s.
As time passed, however, the value of many antiques started to drop. Just eight years ago, certain pieces still held some value and interest, but now it's like something shifted in the matrix. Suddenly, antiques that were once sought after are practically worthless.
People often get confused when talking about vintage and retro items. Basically, vintage denotes something that is authentic from an era at least twenty years ago, while retro is new items that have been made to imitate items of the past.
“We set a date of about 100 years old for the term antique, but for antique silver in particular, we might want to extend that back a little to say 1900,” says Sell. “Vintage silver is typically younger, 70 years or newer.
We've all heard experts tell us daily, altering the finish can destroy the furnitures value. In most cases this is true. For example, a 17th Century hand painted finish on a rare American or Continental piece can spell disaster if stripped.
Drying oils, like tung or linseed can soak into open grain where it begins to oxidize and turn black after years of build-up. Non-drying oil, like mineral oil, leaves a lubricated coat on the furniture which can take days to dry. All the while it attracts dust and pollen which sticks and accumulates on the surface.
You probably shouldn't replace something that's still in good, working condition. This is especially true for furniture, as it can be very expensive to buy new, and moving isn't always easy on your wallet. So, take a good look at your furniture. If it's still getting the job done, you might as well take it with you.
If the furniture is a unique designer antique or a valuable antique, don't refinish it. You might end up destroying the value of the furniture.
Antique and vintage furnishings are inherently timeless; after all, if that table was beautiful in 1920 and still looks great today, it's certainly not going out of style anytime soon.
Vintage furniture consistently ranks as one of the top-selling categories in antique malls. Pieces from the mid-20th century, such as those from the Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and even the 1970s and 1980s, are particularly popular.
The most expensive type of wood depends on its rarity, demand, and quality. Some of the costly woods include African blackwood, agarwood, and snakewood. Agarwood is the most expensive due to its unique resin and cultural significance.
Simply snap a photo of any Antique, and Antique ID will instantly provide you with an estimated price if available.
Stamps, Labels or Maker's Marks
Search for any labels, stamps or manufacturing tags underneath or on the back of furniture, or in the drawers. These marks will be able to tell you who made the furniture, where it was manufactured and often the year that it was made.
With increasing interest in sustainable living and conscious consumption, vintage and antique furnishings are enjoying a resurgence. Now is the perfect time to invest in standout vintage pieces.