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17th Century Furniture Important Supposedly from Northern Italy, Antique Art.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
17th century furniture important supposedly from northern Italy, great decoration, carved walnut on
Category

17th Century Italian Gothic Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century French Provincial Louis XVI Cabinet or Armoire made of Oak
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Large late 18th-century Louis XVI style armoire or cabinet from France. Made of solid oak and waxed
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Arts Crafts Armoire or Wardrobe by Jac. van den Bosch for t Binnenhuis, 1910
By t Binnenhuis, Jac van den Bosch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Arts & Crafts armoire or wardrobe. Design by Jac. van den Bosch for 't
Category

1910s Dutch Arts and Crafts Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Late 17th Century Louis XIV Solid Walnut Antique Wardrobe or Armoire with Secret
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and important italian antique wardrobe in solid walnut made in the late 17th century of the period Louis XIV. The line is in fact typical of this period of high period that want...
Category

1680s Italian Louis XIV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Rosewood Ocean Liner Furniture Suite from Ducrot, 1920s, Set of 6
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Main suite set from the liner Giulio Cesare launched in 1920 in Palermo with first voyage from Genoa in 1922. Completely fitted out by the Ducrot firm of Palermo. Excellent cabinetry...
Category

1920s Italian Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Steel

Armadio in Stile Barocco Italia Fine XIX Secolo
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Armadio in stile Barocco, laccato e dipinto. Fronte con coppia di ante pannellate dipinte con dama e cavaliere, grande cassetto nella base con coppia di formelle dipinte con cesti di...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

Armadio Manierista Toscana, inizio XVII Secolo
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Armadio Manierista in noce laccato, con parti in noce, parti dipinte e parti dorate a foglia oro. Fronte con coppia di ante esternamente bipartite, decorazioni fogliacee dorate nell...
Category

17th Century Italian Other Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Nutwood

French Louis Philippe Chestnut Bookcase Vitrine Two Pieces Side-Board Mid 19th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
French armoire vitrine bookcase of the Louis Philippe period Glass, chestnut iron. The glass
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Glass, Chestnut

Louis XIII period walnut Wardrobe - 17th century - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
A very beautiful natural walnut armoire with two doors, featuring a wide diamond-point decoration
Category

17th Century French Louis XIII Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Louis XV Wardrobe In Solid Walnut, Late 19th Century
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
Investment in Heritage This exceptional armoire is not only a functional piece of furniture; it is a
Category

1890s French Louis Philippe Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Country French Two Part Pine ArmoireAntique
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rustic French Country Armoire with panel doors. The Armoire has six later shelves, an interior
Category

19th Century Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Pine

English 18th Century Oak Cabinet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This handsome solid oak cabinet was crafted in 18th century England to function like a armoire or
Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Vintage Boho Hand Carved Eastlake Linen Press
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior architecture with this monumental Eastlake Victorian armoire, a breathtaking
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

18th-Century Tuscan Poplar Wardrobe Dated 1751
Located in Atlanta, GA
across the upper frieze. Originating from Tuscany, this elegant armoire reflects the region’s restrained
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood, Poplar

18th Spanish Style Antique Polychrome Wwooden Wardrobe in Red
Located in Marbella, ES
furniture. The upper crest features ornamental details that lend distinction and balance to the piece. Ideal
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

Solid Oak Paneled Back 2 Door Adjustable Shelves Antique Cupboard Blanket Chest
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Solid Oak Paneled Back 2 Door Adjustable Shelves Antique Cupboard Blanket Chest Armoire. Stunning
Category

19th Century American Country Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Blue Painted Cupboard Dated 1850
Located in Vo , Veneto
remarkable expressive vitality. Restoration Information: The photographs show the furniture in a state that
Category

1850s German Other Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Fir

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Cabinet. Vienna, c. 1830.
Located in Vienna, AT
. We welcome all inquiries and look forward to assisting you. Biedermeier is not merely furniture. It
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Portuguese 18th Century Faux Bois Painted Cabinet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
, offices, or in place of an armoire. The cabinet has been cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to
Category

18th Century Portuguese Other Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Oak Tallboy Linen Cabinet, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
Lebus for Utility Furniture. The inside the cupboard are shelves and a further three drawers to the
Category

1920s British Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

19th Century German Biedermeier Wardrobe, Walnut with Wonderful Grain Pattern
Located in Greven, DE
W x D: 179 x 111 x 50 cm Description: Two-door piece of furniture standing on block feet in a
Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Painted Cupboard Dated 1843
Located in Vo , Veneto
. Restoration Information: The photographs you see portray the furniture in a state that is not yet restored or
Category

1840s German Other Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Fir

French Louis XV Period Biblioteque in Cherry, 18th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A French Louis XV period armoire in cherry, now converted to a bookcase with antique wire panels
Category

Mid-18th Century French French Provincial Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Large wooden Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Wedding or Tapering Cabinet
Located in Meulebeke, BE
China during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). This style of furniture is often referred to as a "wedding
Category

19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Copper

Pine Two Door Vertigo or Vertical Cabinet
Located in Baltimore, MD
footprint than a full-size armoire
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Pine

Wonderful Art Deco Brass Clothes Rail, 1920s France
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
practical clothes rail, all the while an extremely decorative piece of furniture – typical of 1920s French
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Early 19th Century Biedermeier Walnut Somno, Vienna
Located in Dresden, DE
cabinetmaking, was frequently used in bedroom furniture due to its durability and natural matte texture. The
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Louis XVI Mahogany and Gilt Bronze wardrobe
Located in Cheshire, GB
19th Century French Louis XVI Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Armoire, the dome top above a large central
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Wardrobe, Brass Frame, Mirror, Geometric Design, France, 1930
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
piece of furniture combines the characteristic features of Art Deco. This style was popular in the 1920s
Category

1920s European Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Tall Chinese Bridal Cabinet with rural motivs
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
This tall, antique Chinese bridal cabinet is an impressive piece of furniture that exudes a rich
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Cabinet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent ebonized cabinet from 19th century France carved with a paneled design and Neoclassical elements over the exterior that enhances the magnetism of such a grand storage p...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Charles Limbert Wardrobe - W8072
By Charles Limbert
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Charles Limbert Wardrobe - W8072 This is a very nice antique Charles Limbert Wardrobe from the early 1900s. Excellent condition with great original finish and a great selection of ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Oak

19th Century Louis Philippe Solid Walnut Wood Antique Large Wardrobe, 4 Doors
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this spectacular antique solid walnut wardrobe, made in the mid-19th century in Italy, during the Louis-Philippe period. This wardrobe is extremely rare due to its large ...
Category

1840s Italian Louis Philippe Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

18th Rustic Spanish Walnut Cupboard
Located in Marbella, ES
an ideal piece of furniture for rustic, Mediterranean, or colonial settings, bringing history and
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Wardrobe, Brass Frame, Mirror, French Design, 1930
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
piece of furniture combines the characteristic features of Art Deco. This style was popular in the 1920s
Category

1920s European Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Maple Co Arts Crafts Ash Wardrobe Compactum The Wardrobe has 3 doors
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
very useful piece of furniture dating from around 1880 The Wardrobe is sound and sturdy in generally
Category

1880s Arts and Crafts Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Ash

18th C French Period Louis XV Bleached Walnut Deux Corps Lyonnaise Pantalonnier
Located in Birmingham, AL
A grand and rare 18th century French Louis XV period armoire deux corps pantalonnier, handcrafted
Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Iron

Queen Anne–Style Walnut Triple Wardrobe
Located in Cheshire, GB
A well-proportioned Queen Anne–style triple wardrobe, crafted in richly figured walnut with attractive bookmatched veneers throughout. The façade is composed of three arched panel do...
Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

17th-Century Lombard Walnut Wardrobe with Paneled Doors — Brescia, Italy
Located in Atlanta, GA
extraordinary survivor of Italian Baroque furniture-making, it embodies grandeur and restraint in perfect
Category

17th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Cabinet with Carved Birds in the Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period armoire from the early 20th century with dark brown rubbed
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Art Deco Walnut Tallboy Compact Wardrobe By Waring Gillow 1930s
By Waring Gillow
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco highly figured walnut tallboy/compact wardrobe by Waring and Gillow. Circa 1930s. The tallboy is in excellent clean condition, and has been refinished at some time in the p...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Viennese Late Biedermeier Wardrobe circa 1850 in Cherry Veneer
Located in Darmstadt, DE
and elegant presence. A timeless and authentic example of Viennese Biedermeier furniture, blending
Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Spruce

Antique English Flame Satinwood Two Door Wardrobe 19th Century
Located in London, GB
heartwood of Chloroxylon swietenia.  The lustrous, fine-grained, usually figured wood is used for furniture
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Painted Bavarian Cupboard
Located in Buxton, GB
an original piece and is in excellent condition, perfect for collectors of antique furniture. This
Category

1880s German Colonial Revival Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Italian Blue-Painted Cherrywood Wardrobe with Original Hardware
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming 19th-century Italian wardrobe crafted in solid cherrywood and finished in a softly aged blue lacquer. Of smaller, well-proportioned scale, this piece is distinguished by i...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Country French Four Door Wardrobe
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Country French Four Door Wardrobe Four Door Wardrobe was designed to be a versatile storage piece perfect for the casual or rustic decor! Hand-crafted from dense, old-g...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Country Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Steel

19th Century Majestic Pair of Antique Wardrobes in Lacquered Fir and Poplar Wood
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this spectacular pair of antique wardrobes in solid poplar and fir, made in the Late 19th century in Italy. This pair of wardrobes is extremely rare due to their large, t...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Poplar, Fir

STUNNiNG ART DECO HEALS LONDON LIMED OAK SINGLE WARDROBE PART OF A LARGE SUITE
By Heal s
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Art Deco Circa 1920's Limed Oak, Heals of London single Wardrobe which is part of a suite Pleas...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Oak

Swedish Painted Linen Closet with Shelves, Circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
furniture design of the period.
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Pine

c. 1880 Arts Crafts 3-Section Cabinet by Edwards Sons
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1880s/1890s; Edwards & Sons - Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England This antique cabinet brings together three of the major artistic movements from its period: Arts and Crafts, Craft...
Category

Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Edwardian Ash Compactum Combination Beaconsfield Wardrobe, 1900s
Located in South Shields, GB
An Edwardian ash combination wardrobe or hall robe - circa 1900s. There are two compartments - one with a clothes rail and coat hooks - the other with a shelf. There are a further ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Ash

Louis Philippe Bonnetière In Solid Cherry At The End Of 19th
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
the furniture lends itself to it. Shelves are removable. The four racks allow you to position the
Category

1890s French Louis Philippe Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Magnificent Antique Four-Door Mahogany Wardrobe
Located in Cheshire, GB
This exceptional late-19th to early-20th-century four-door wardrobe showcases superb craftsmanship, rich materials, and grand architectural presence. Constructed from beautifully fig...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Oak Hall Robe Cupboard or Wardrobe, 1920s
Located in South Shields, GB
A beautiful quality oak hall robe/cupboard or wardrobe - circa 1920's Inside, the cupboard there are coat hooks, a clothes rail and a shelf.
Category

1920s British Art Deco Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Hynek Gottwald Bauhaus Oak Wardrobe with Chromed Tubular Legs, 1930s
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Żory, PL
Original Bauhaus wardrobe designed by Hynek Gottwald, manufactured in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s/1940s. Features three doors, two interior clothing rails, two shelves, and the i...
Category

Early 20th Century Bauhaus Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Antique Victorian Wardrobe, 1880s
Located in South Shields, GB
A beautiful quality Victorian mahogany triple door wardrobe, circa 1880s. Inside, beautifully fitted out with a pull out clothes rail to one side and pull out shelves and drawers t...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Historic library, France, circa 1900.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique library from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Furniture in very good condition
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Louis Philippe Antique Armoires Furniture

Materials

Wood, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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