When making the decision to purchase or sell furniture, it is important to consider the item’s value on the open market. As with art, a piece of furniture’s value depends on many factors (condition, maker, age, and provenance, among others) and we always recommend that you consult a qualified appraiser to assess the item and assign an appropriate value. Distinguishing between an antique and a reproduction is a key consideration in establishing value for a piece or collection of furniture. Precise definitions of the terms “antique,” “period antique” and “reproduction” offer some clarity: Antique: Legally, the term “antique” applies to any item more than 100 years old. This definition was established in the 1930s, when increased immigration created an influx of personal property into the United States. The U.S. Customs Office was tasked with determining which objects were subject to taxation and which were not (such as artworks). Officials ultimately determined that any objects created prior to the mass-production of the Industrial Revolution (which was in full force 100 years prior in the 1830s) were considered “antiques” and as such, were allowed to enter the U.S. duty free.
Period Antique: A “period antique” describes a piece of furniture or decor that can be explicitly dated to the period that it represents. For example, a Louis XVI chair stamped by maker Georges Jacob (b. 1739; d. 1814) could be clearly dated to late 18th century France and would thus be considered a period antique. Reproduction: A reproduction is a piece of furniture made in an imitation or copy of a past style. Reproductions are often denoted by the phrase “style of” in the item title or description. Leading retailers often mass-produce reproductions of period styles to satisfy consumer tastes for low cost “retro” or “vintage” designs. For example, the chairs depicted below were produced in the 1960s by Maison Jansen in the Louis XVI style that originated 200 years earlier in late 18th century France. It is important to note that, based on the definitions provided above, a reproduction may also be legally classified as an antique. For example, the Chippendale style chairs depicted below were produced circa 1900, which would technically classify them as antiques based on their age alone.
However, they do not date back to the second half of the 18th century, when the Chippendale style first became fashionable– and thus, they cannot be identified as period antiques. Although it is always best to consult an expert to determine whether your piece is a period antique or a reproduction, there are a few general characteristics that often distinguish the two: -Antiques typically show signs of aging. Indicators of age include the following: boards that separate at the seams, nicks on the corners, worm holes, worn drawer runners, and irregular dovetail joints, among others. -Irregular hardware also indicates that your item may be an antique. Later reproductions almost always utilize regular, mass-produced hardware. -Mass-produced wood reproductions usually have a consistent color throughout the piece, in addition to rounded corners cut by a machine. To determine whether your item is a period antique or a reproduction, we recommend that you consult a qualified appraiser.
An appraiser will also review the item’s condition, any distinguishing marks or maker’s stamps, and provenance to assign a value. Written by Sarah Spieler, Research AssistantAntique chair very old removed from storageGreat interior design is more accessible now than ever before. Pros have access to more tools and resources online these days, and so do homeowners. There’s so much you can learn, find, and build online in interior design! We’ve compiled 101 of the best interior design resources online, with blogs, educational resources, tools, ideas, and more. Discover the best of interior design online with these resources. Follow trends, see the latest projects, and stay on top of what designers are doing with these interior design blogs. Develop your understanding of interior design with these lessons and reference guides. Learn about the greatest sources for scoring interior design finds from these resources. Generate floor plans, design room layouts, calculate materials, and more with these interior design tools.
Check out these interior design tutorials and bright ideas for the latest in home design. Featuring Pinterest, Houzz, and more, you’ll find the best places to get inspired in interior design here. Did we miss a great interior design resource? Share your favorite in the comments! Home Tours, DIY Project, City Guides, Shopping Guides, Before Afters and interior designer Emily Henderson to join me on-air to discuss the topic. 4,787 Photos and videos Are you sure you want to view these Tweets? Viewing Tweets won't unblock @diycraftsl. Loading seems to be taking a while. Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information. Add a location to your Tweets When you tweet with a location, Twitter stores that location. You can switch location on/off before each Tweet and always have the option to delete your location history. Turn location onNot nowAnyone can follow this list
Only you can access this list Here's the URL for this Tweet. Copy it to easily share with friends. Add this Tweet to your website by copying the code below. Add this video to your website by copying the code below. Sign up, tune into the things you care about, and get updates as they happen. Vodafone, Orange, 3, O2 Bharti Airtel, Videocon, Reliance AXIS, 3, Telkomsel, Indosat, XL Axiata » See SMS short codes for other countries This timeline is where you’ll spend most of your time, getting instant updates about what matters to you. Tweets not working for you? Hover over the profile pic and click the Following button to unfollow any account. Say a lot with a little When you see a Tweet you love, tap the heart — it lets the person who wrote it know you shared the love. Add your thoughts about any Tweet with a Reply. Find a topic you’re passionate about, and jump right in. Get instant insight into what people are talking about now.