At my antiques appraisal events across the country, I evaluate objects with appraised values based on actual sales records, joke about the nonsense that is ever-prevalent in the world of art and antiques, and instruct audience members about what to look for when it comes to art, antiques and collectibles.
Here are a few tips to remember when considering antique furniture:
Remember that there are some basic rules when it comes to antique or vintage furniture. Use and enjoy antiques and vintage furniture in the manner intended. That means that chairs are not ladders and sofas are not beds.
Light can dry out, fade and otherwise damage furniture. Keep antiques out of direct sunlight.
Don’t oil your furniture; use it on salads, not on sofas.
Pets, even the best behaved and well trained pets, may significantly damage furniture. Encourage Fido and Fluffy to stay off the Victorian settee or Bertoia womb chair.
Furniture is intended to be ergonomically correct and comfortable; however, comfort and style relate to the time period in which a piece was made. For instance, the shorter and slighter bodies of people living in the 18th century prompted the production of furniture like petite settees, small-scale dressing tables and delicate chairs that were much more diminutive than today’s oversized and overstuffed pieces.
When considering an antique chair, consider its physical origin as well as the origin of its style. For instance, an early American or Colonial-style wing chair would have been made to suit the sitter, address regional characteristics, and the maker.
An American artisan may have produced an upholstered wing chair in order to provide good seating and warmth. The idea of the top, or wings, of the chair curving around at the shoulders of its intended sitter was a design consideration that was stylish and helped to keep out drafts.
Remember, whenever you consider
an antique which retains its original upholstery or a handmade needlework seat, consider the value of the upholstery. If you replace the upholstery, you may alter the value of the entire piece. Don’t be hasty to reupholster, repair or refinish an old chair. I have seen folks damage a piece beyond repair after trying their hand at “fixing” an antique. Condition is key to value.
Antiques appraiser and award-winning TV personality and talk show host Dr. Lori presents antiques appraisal events nationwide. Attend Dr. Lori’s antiques appraisal event at Glen Mills Senior Living Center in Glen Mills on June 27 at 11 a.m. Watch Dr. Lori across the country on the Fine Living Network’s “Worth Every Penny” and on “Daytime.” Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call 888-431-1010.
Source : www.pottstownmercury.com
