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Antique Armoires Furniture

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Art Deco Amsterdamse School Armoire by Willem Penaat for Metz Co. Amsterdam
By Willem Penaat 1, Metz Co.
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Amsterdamse School three- door armoire or wardrobe. Design by
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

Rare Beveled Mirrored French Louis XV Carved Oak 1790s Era Armoire Wardrobe
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare 1790s era French Louis XV carved oak armoire is an exceptional example of 18th-century
Category

1790s French French Provincial Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Large Belle Epoque F. Linke Style Mahogany, Mirror and Gilt Bronze Armoire
By François Linke
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A magnificent early 20th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze armoire in the
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Provincial Carved Elm Armoire, Original Brass Hardware, Ca. 1890s
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Provincial carved elm 2 door armoire with original brass hardware and fitted
Category

1890s French Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique French Louis XIII Armoire or Cupboard Walnut 300-Years Nice Old Patina
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Classic Antique French Louis XIII Armoire or Cupboard over 300- years old and remarkably still
Category

17th Century French Louis XIII Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Steel

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Wardrobe Armoire with Doors and Drawers
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
contemporary homes, harmonizing with both traditional and modern decor. It serves not merely as furniture but
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

ANTIQUE JACOBEAN REVIVAL HAND CARVED ARMOIRE WARDROBE WiTH GREY FRENCH PAINT
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
circa 1840-1860 Jacobean Revival hand painted French Armoire Wardrobe Please note the delivery fee
Category

1840s French Jacobean Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Antique North German Pine Sun Armoire with Gesso Appliqué
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
This exceptional one-of-a-kind armoire from the area of Bremen has the original pink gesso
Category

1790s German Empire Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Pine

Qing Dynasty Period Armoire Cabinet with 14 Drawers and Two Doors, 1900s
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large Chinese Qing Dynasty period armoire cabinet from the early 20th century with 14 drawers and
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Antique Original Painted Break Down Armoire from Germany
Located in Round Top, TX
This impressive original painted large armoire or "German Shrunk" was built in the traditional
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Late Qing Dynasty Elm Armoire with Storage Drawers and Hidden Lower Compartment
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty elm armoire from the late 19th, early 20th century, with traditional brass
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Modernist Armoire or Wardrobe by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924
By H.Pander Zonen, Hendrik Wouda
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco Modernist armoire or wardrobe. Design by Hendrik Wouda for H. Pander
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak, Pine

Fine Solid Oak Single Door French Country Armoire Bonnetiere Circa 1840s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This solid oak single door French Country armoire, or bonnetière, circa 1840s is a fine example of
Category

1840s French French Provincial Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Oak

18th C. Italian Birch Maple Wood Armoire Cabinet in the Baroque Style
Located in Wichita, KS
A late 18th century Italian armoire cabinet in the Baroque style with handsome, elongated bun feet
Category

18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Birch, Maple, Paint

Early 19th Century French Oak Bassette, Small Armoire, Buffet D appui
Located in Fayetteville, AR
bassette or petite armoire from the early 19th century is detailed with inlaid exotic woods depicting vines
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

French Antique Armoire, Early 19th C., with 3 Shelves, Louis XV
Located in Houston, TX
Antique rustic armoire with doors that open wide. Original hardware and locks. The crest has a
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Napoleon III Period, Wardrobe/Armoire with One Door, 19th Century
Located in Beaune, FR
Superb Napoleon III wardrobe, 19th century opening with a door decorated with painted floral bouquets and mother-of-pearl. Interior composed of 3 shelves.
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

An 18th Century Neoclassical Mahogany Armoire With Marquetry Inlay, Circa 1770
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An 18th century Dutch neoclassical mahogany armoire with floral marquetry inlay. Dutch, circa
Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Neoclassical Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Louis XV French Provincial Carved Armoire or Wardrobe France, 1700s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
armoire carved with symbols of plenty and happiness, which stored her trousseau to use in her own home
Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Oak

17 Century Armoire with Side Gun Door in Walnut from France
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful armoire called Bonnetière with a door on here side for guns from France
Category

17th Century French Louis XIII Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique 1890s French Plum Pudding Mahogany Gold Bronze Mirrored 2 Door Armoire
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Gold Bronze Mounted Plum Pudding Mahogany 2 Door Armoire, Circa 1890-1910. Doors
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Solid Oak Massive Arts Crafts One Door Armoire Wardrobe Large Beveled Mirror
By Wharton Esherick, Gustav Stickley, Hale and Kilburn Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Oak Massive Arts & Crafts One Door Armoire Wardrobe Large Beveled Mirror
Category

19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique One-Door Baltic Pine Wood and Iron Handmade Armoire, dated 1830
Located in Barntrup, DE
Rustic Baltic pine wood light brown armoire, dated 1830 This unique one-door Baltic pine wood
Category

1820s Latvian Country Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Iron

17th Century Italian Louis XIV Walnut Carved Wardrobe or Armoire
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and important antique wardrobe in solid walnut made in the late seventeenth century in the seventeenth century Italian Baroque Louis XIV. The line is in fact typical of this per...
Category

17th Century Italian Louis XIV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Faux Bamboo Armoire or Cabinet Chinese Chippendale Chinoiserie 91"h x 39"
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique French Faux Bamboo Armoire or Cabinet, France circa later 19th Century. It has a voluminous
Category

1890s French Chinese Chippendale Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Dutch Colonial Armoire with Low-Relief Carved Painted Birds and Foliage
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Dutch Colonial armoire from the early 20th century, with low-relief carved birds and
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Dutch Colonial Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Plum-Pudding Mahogany Bas d’Armoire, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted plum-pudding mahogany Bas d’Armoire. French, circa 1880
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Arts Crafts One-Door Armoire or Wardrobe Onder den Sint Maarten Style, 1900s
By Onder den Sint Maarten
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Arts & Crafts one-door armoire or wardrobe. Design in the style of Onder den
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Arts and Crafts Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

1920 French Art Deco Solid Brass Superior Quality Armoire/ Wardrobe Exotic Inlay
Located in Opa Locka, FL
This 1920's French Art Deco Armoire/ Wardrobe is constructed with solid brass. It is of the highest
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

French 19th century Transitional st. Mahogany and Ormolu armoire, signed Linke
By François Linke
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
armoire, signed F. Linke. This exceptional two door cabinet is raised on elegant cabriole legs with Ormolu
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique Baroque Pine Armoire With Heavy Paneled Doors, Denmark circa 1800-20
Located in Round Top, TX
handsome dark pine armoire resting on carved skirt base. The pine has taken on a deep patina with over 200
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Baroque Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Pine

Single Door Pine Cabinet Armoire with Adjustable Shelving, Denmark circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Narrow one door cabinet with interior adjustable shelving; exterior has two upper and one lower drawer. Made of pine, with dovetail joints and brass pulls. Restored, stable and ready...
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Country Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire
By Guggenheim Museum, Pauly et Cie
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
walnut armoire made by the genius that was Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim 1837-1910 Where to begin, this
Category

19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Hand Painted Armoire in Green and Pink Floral Motif, FR-1234-03
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hand Painted Armoire in Green and Pink Floral Motif Item #: FR-1234-03 Additional Information
Category

19th Century French Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

French 1740s Louis XV Period Fruitwood Two-Door Armoire with Raised Panels
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A French Louis XV period fruitwood armoire from the first half of the 18th century, with bonnet top
Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Indian 19th Century Gujarat Armoire with Iron Braces and Carved Half Columns
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indian Gujarat rustic hand-carved wooden armoire from the 19th century, with iron braces and
Category

19th Century Indian Rustic Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Louis XV Style Hand Carved Burl Elm Armoire or Wardrobe
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing at nearly 7 feet in height, this mid nineteenth century armoire is constructed of hand
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 18th Century Italian Solid Poplar Wood Antique Wardrobe or Armoire
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and important antique wardrobe in solid poplar wood made in early 18th century of the period baroque. Internally equipped with two shelves and in the central part a rod for hang...
Category

1720s Italian Baroque Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Poplar

Continental 19th Century French Walnut Armoire Outfitted to Function as a Bar
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
This beautiful and massive armoire in French walnut, has been outfitted as a bar cabinet. The
Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Baroque Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique French "Linke" Plum Pudding Mahogany Bronze D Ore Armoire, Circa 1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Plum Pudding Mahogany and Bronze D'Ore Armoire in the Style of Francois Linke, Circa
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Modernist Armoire by A.H. Jansen for L.O.V. Oosterbeek, 1920s
By L.O.V. Oosterbeek
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist armoire or wardrobe. Design by A.H.Jansen for L.O.V
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Beech

Art Deco Modernist Oak Armoire or Wardrobe by Hendrik Wouda for Pander, 1924
By H.Pander Zonen, Hendrik Wouda
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Deco Modernist armoire or wardrobe. Design by Hendrik Wouda for H
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak

19th Century Red and Black Chinese Armoire with Calligraphy and Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A red and black armoire with calligraphy and brass hardware from 1800s, China. This Chinese armoire
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Furniture " ( Plate Holder ) " late 19th century in Walnut Root
Located in Madrid, ES
English Furniture " ( Plate Holder ) " early 1900s 20th century walnut root, original glass 140cm x
Category

19th Century French Regency Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Louis Philippe Walnut Library Book Armoire with Secret Drawer, circa 1840
Located in Labrit, Landes
French armoire with a brass wire door. Louis Philippe period cabinet. Three shelves adjustable
Category

1840s French Louis Philippe Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th C French Country Armoire (Norman Style De Bayeux), Converted into a Dry Bar
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Introducing our Antique French Country Armoire in the Norman style de Bayeux, a timeless piece of
Category

Mid-19th Century French Provincial Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Provincial Walnut Hinged Blind Door Armoire w/ Cabriole Legs, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
French Provincial Walnut hinged blind door armoire with decorative scrolled foliage and shell
Category

1780s French French Provincial Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique 1844 Carved Dated Large Wardrobe Armoire with Expertly Crafted Panels
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very grand, hand carved extremely large continental oak wardrobe dated to the base 1844 A truly stunning piece, this is a tour de force of ...
Category

1840s European Early Victorian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Oak

Late 18th Century European Oak Armoire from the Ardennes Region of Belgium
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Late 18th century oak armoire from the Ardennes Region of Belgium, hand-rubbed tung oil finish with
Category

Late 18th Century Belgian Louis XV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Oak

American Walnut Hinged Armoire with Arched Doors and Interior Shelving. C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
American Walnut hinged Armoire with a carved molded cornice, arched paneled doors, flanking
Category

1810s American American Empire Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Steel

19th Century French Louis XVI Mahogany Armoire with Bronze Mounts from Paris
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Louis XVI Mahogany Armoire with Bronze Mounts from Paris is a stunning example
Category

1890s French Louis XVI Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Fine 19th Century French Louis XVI Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Armoire by Mercier
By Mercier Freres
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century French mahogany and gilt bronze mounted armoire by Mercier Freres. Fine quality
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Early 18th Century Bleached French Walnut Armoire from the Île-de-France Region
Located in Dallas, TX
Typical of Ile-de-France furniture from the early 1700’s, this walnut armoire has unadorned panels
Category

18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Iron

Austrian 18th Century Empire Style Two Doors Larch Wood Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
wax polishing, the piece of furniture can be set both in a classic and a rustic setting On request
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Empire Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Other, Brass

French Double Body Furniture from the 19th Century in Walnut Root
Located in Madrid, ES
French Double Body Furniture from the 19th Century in walnut root H: 240cm 50cm below 40cm above
Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

North German Empire Sun Armoire in Original Faux Bois and Stenciled Finish, 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A stately and rare armoire in the original faux bois and gold stenciled finish with carved pediment
Category

Early 19th Century German Empire Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Pine

E W Godwin Style of, an Anglo-Japanese Walnut Double Armoire Wardrobe Compactum
By Edward William Godwin
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, style of, a rare Anglo-Japanese walnut double armoire wardrobe compactum with
Category

Late 19th Century English Anglo-Japanese Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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Antique Armoires Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of antique armoires furniture available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, walnut and metal, every item from our selection of antique armoires furniture was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each choice in our collection of antique armoires furniture bearing Louis XV, Victorian or Louis XVI hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one object in our assortment of antique armoires furniture that is appealing in its simplicity, but Gillows of Lancaster London, Maple Co. and Shapland Petter produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Antique Armoires Furniture?

Prices for a piece of antique armoires furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $114 and can go as high as $536,000, while the average can fetch as much as $5,502.

Finding the Right Wardrobes-armoires for You

When shopping for antique and vintage wardrobes and armoires for your home, there are several things to keep in mind, not least of which is question number 1:

What is the difference between an armoire and a wardrobe?

The difference between an armoire and a wardrobe is actually simple: An armoire is merely an ornate wardrobe. A wardrobe is a tall, streamlined storage cabinet that usually has some combination of drawers, shelves and hanging rods.

Antique and vintage armoires, on the other hand, are freestanding, heavy wooden structures that typically feature decorative metal hinges and pictorial carvings. Armoires are large cabinets that aren’t outfitted with the varied storage features that wardrobes now commonly have. Armoires often have one or two doors and a hanging bar and allow for quick access. Whether a minimalist mid-century modern wardrobe or grandiose Victorian-era armoire is the right fit for you, both are highly functional furnishings and can be a smart storage solution.

Armoires have been around since medieval times, and initially they may have housed weapons and armor. In their early days, armoires were often adorned with elaborate carvings and lavish paintings, particularly in Renaissance-era France. During the 18th century and later, armoires were widely known as “presses” for hanging clothes, and they were so large that they swallowed up the room where they stood.

In today’s modern homes, an antique armoire can be a striking, architectural work of art amid comparably unadorned furnishings. Whether you’re using your piece in the kitchen for cookware or as a food pantry, in the bedroom for clothes or in the living room as a media console, it will likely become a lovable focal point.

The evolution of the armoire can be seen in today’s corner wardrobes, which may rest on an asymmetrical base to account for corner placement, and even mirrored wardrobes, which feature a mirror affixed to the inside panel of one of the doors for convenience. Contemporary wardrobes commonly feature additional sliding trays and drawers and hanging space for clothing or linens, and the cabinet doors make them ideal for concealing televisions and computer monitors when such devices aren’t in use.

When choosing the right wardrobe or vintage armoire for your home, it’s good to have the following in mind: What are you planning to store in it? How much of what you’re storing will need to be housed in it? It should be big enough to accommodate your needs. What is the size of the room where your wardrobe or armoire will live? A large new piece of furniture in a modest space can easily become a hindrance if you have to navigate your way around it during your daily routine, so be mindful of the area you'll need in order to move freely.

Whether you are looking for an antique walnut armoire or a simple contemporary wardrobe, find the right piece for your home today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Armoires Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    To spell armoire furniture, write A-R-M-O-I-R-E. You pronounce the word "ARM-wahr." The word armoire comes from the Old French term for cupboard, amarie. Its root is the Latin word armarium, which refers to a closet for storing tools. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of armoires from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

    When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

    Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

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