Choosing and Caring for Antique and Collectible Furniture
Collecting antique and collectible furniture is a rewarding pursuit. One reason is because there are so many interesting time periods to select from. Another reason is that many pieces will increase in value over the years, making them ideal investments. Antique furniture is beautiful and timeless, and can even be handed down as a family heirloom. Many people display their antiques as functional pieces in their homes, while others go with antique furniture reproductions for everyday use. Many reproduction pieces are just as gorgeous as the real thing and often more durable and lasting.
The first thing you should do when entering the world of antiques and collectibles is to do some window shopping. Visit some antique furniture centers in your area and see what catches your attention. You will find that you may be drawn to certain pieces, and if so you should learn more about the pieces and where they came from. Once you understand what you like and dislike, you’ll know which time periods you want to learn more about. There are lots of books and websites that can provide you with lots of information about antiques from particular eras.
Some examples of popular types of antique furniture include things like French antique furniture, English antique furniture, Chinese antique furniture, oak antique furniture, old hickory tannery furniture, painted antique furniture and Victorian antique furniture. As you can see from these few examples, there are lots of options for collectors. Collecting antique furniture is a bit different than collecting other things because you will want to go by time period rather than item. After all, no one wants a room filled with just chairs, or just tables.
Caring for your antique and collectible furniture should be done with great care. For wood pieces, always use a good quality beeswax polish and a lint-free soft cloth. You will only need to apply this polish one or two times per year. Stay away from spray polishes or other types of cleaners as they may damage the furniture. Even a feather duster can scratch a piece of antique wood furniture. The antique furniture dealer that you purchase the piece from should be able to tell you exactly how the piece should be cleaned and cared for. For furniture that is broken or damaged, the services of a qualified professional should be used.
