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Antique Biedermeier Furniture

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19th Century Fine Biedermeier Ebonized Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
highly refined example of early 19th-century Austrian furniture. Ebonized Biedermeier furniture was
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Pearwood

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
, refined design, Viennese Biedermeier furniture is admired worldwide for its exceptional craftsmanship and
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Swedish Biedermeier Flame Golden Birch Chest of Drawers Commode A
Located in Lewes, England
finish you associate with swedish biedermeier furniture and exhibits top grade golden birch veneers with
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Exceptional Biedermeier Pair of Chests of Drawers. Vienna c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
period. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is celebrated for its harmonious proportions, refined simplicity
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Large Biedermeier Walnut Center Table. Vienna, c. 1830.
Located in Vienna, AT
–1830 and represents the very finest qualities of authentic Biedermeier furniture. Viennese Biedermeier
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Restored Biedermeier Writing Desk, Spruce, Maple Veneer, Austria, 1830s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Biedermeier furniture. This writing desk is ideal for those looking for furniture with history and style. It
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood, Maple, Lacquer, Spruce

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Trumeau Commode. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
high-quality Viennese Biedermeier furniture. Each of our pieces comes with a Certificate of
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Trumeau Commode. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
high-quality Viennese Biedermeier furniture. It is sold with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Biedermeier Maserbirch Console Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
arts and interior design. Biedermeier was an influential style of furniture design from Germany during
Category

1830s Swedish Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Biedermeier Swedish Birch Ormolu Mounted Sofa Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
literature, music, the visual arts and interior design. Biedermeier was an influential style of furniture
Category

1820s Swedish Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Exceptional Biedermeier Salon Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
By Josef Danhauser
Located in Vienna, AT
circa 1825—a true masterpiece of early 19th-century furniture design. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Bureau-Commode. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
, balanced proportions, and impeccable workmanship, Viennese Biedermeier furniture represents one of the most
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Sideboard/ Buffet/ Halfcabinet, AT ca. 1850
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
remarkable piece of Biedermeier furniture coming in perfect restored condition. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: due
Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Biedermeier Fruitwood Wingback Chair c. Mid 19th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
grace of Biedermeier furniture, appealing to collectors and decorators alike. 42h x 33w x 31d seat
Category

Mid-19th Century French Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Biedermeier Nutwood Chest Of Drawers With Carvings, AT ca. 1850
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
fittings. A great sized piece of Biedermeier furniture coming in great old restored condition. Some older
Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Biedermeier walnut veneered sleigh daybed, Austria 1820s
Located in Beograd, RS
ornamentation, a hallmark of early modern design principles. Biedermeier furniture commonly utilized locally
Category

1820s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

19th Century Exceptional Biedermeier Chest of Drawers. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
drawers, a museum-quality piece dating to circa 1825. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is renowned for its
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of Three 19th Century French Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Regency and Biedermeier furniture to be timeless additions to any interior. The chair frames have been
Category

19th Century French Regency Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Textile, Mahogany

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
craftsmanship from the Biedermeier era. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is revered for its impeccable
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Nutwood Secretary Desk/ Secretaire, Austria ca. 1820/25
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
really outstanding piece of Biedermeier furniture from the 19th century in Austria.
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Ebonized Biedermeier Set. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier furniture made. Therefore, they are very rare. This fine Biedermeier set has a lovely pearwood
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Pearwood

German Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Walnut, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
dark wood band at the corners. Interesting facts: In Biedermeier furniture construction, attention was
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1820s German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Early XIX Century Biedermeier Two Door Cabinet, Walnut
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
restrained beauty of Biedermeier furniture, making it a truly rare and valuable addition to any discerning
Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Set of Six Chairs Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
By Josef Danhauser
Located in Vienna, AT
time when Viennese furniture-making reached its zenith. Biedermeier furniture is celebrated for its
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

19th Century Fine Set of Three Ebonized Biedermeier Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier pieces were mostly made in Vienna, Austria and account for only 1-2 % of all Biedermeier furniture
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Pearwood

Exquisite Biedermeier Secretaire, Germany, c. 1825–1830
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
admirers of fine Biedermeier furniture.
Category

1820s German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Ebonized Sofa. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
made in Vienna, Austria and account for only 1-2 % of all Biedermeier furniture made. Therefore, they
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Pearlware, Upholstery

Antique Biedermeier Maserbirch Card Console Table Circa 1830 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Roman Empire styles, adapting these to modern early 19th century households. Biedermeier furniture used
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1880s Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Germany, 19th Century
Located in Wrocław, Poland
– a typical feature of high-end Biedermeier furniture. All drawers are adorned with beautiful
Category

19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Pine

Antique Pair Swedish Biedermeier Birchwood Ebonized Armchairs 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Roman Empire styles, adapting these to modern early 19th century households. Biedermeier furniture used
Category

1880s Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Biedermeier Secretaire Chest Secretaire Abattant 19th Century
Located in London, GB
arts and interior design. Biedermeier was an influential style of furniture design from Germany during
Category

1840s Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Exceptional Biedermeier Cherry Pedestal Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is celebrated for its perfect proportions, refined simplicity, and
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Walnut

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Chest of Drawers, Walnut, circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
presented here is a stylistically pure example of Biedermeier furniture design in the Upper Rhine region
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Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Continental Biedermeier Period Figured Maple Table
By Josef Danhauser
Located in Forney, TX
the important Austrian Biedermeier furniture designer Josef Danhauser (1780-1829), having a
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Early 19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Maple, Burl

Biedermeier Germany cupboard/ Cabinet, ash wood
By Thomas Germany
Located in Valladolid, ES
comfort and practicality. As a result, biedermeier furniture is functional, comfortable, and easy to
Category

1830s Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Fine Ebonized Biedermeier Chairs. Vienna, c. 1825-30.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier pieces were mostly made in Vienna, Austria and account for only 1-2 % of all Biedermeier furniture
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Pearwood

Empire Armoire, Walnut Veneer, Full Columns, Brass, Austria circa 1815
Located in Regensburg, DE
between the doors. The empire or early Biedermeier furniture been built circa 1810-15 in the transition
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Early 19th Century Austrian Empire Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Ebonized Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
pieces were mostly made in Vienna, Austria and account for only 1-2 % of all Biedermeier furniture made
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Pearwood

Antique Biedermeier Maserbirch Console/ Card Table and Mirror 19th Century
Located in London, GB
literature, music, the visual arts and interior design. Biedermeier was an influential style of furniture
Category

1880s Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Large Walnut Mirror. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Austrian Biedermeier furniture. Our current selection includes over 120 museum-quality pieces dating from
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

19th Century Biedemeier Nutwood Commode/ Trumeau , Austria circa 1825
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
around 1825. A perfect sized example of antique Biedermeier furniture that blends well in a lot of
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Cherry Side Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
richness and sophistication of early 19th-century Vienna. Viennese Biedermeier furniture is revered for
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Cherry

19th Century Fine Large Biedermeier Walnut Mirror. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
interiors. Biedermeier style transcends trends—it is not just furniture; it is art. Features: Origin
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Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier furniture. The entire piece is beautifully veneered in richly figured walnut, with a warm amber
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Bench. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
collections of original Biedermeier furniture—over 140 museum-quality pieces available from the golden era of
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Walnut

19th Century Exceptional Extendable Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
elegance, proportion, and refinement that make Viennese Biedermeier furniture so admired and enduring
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Biedermeier Chest, Secretary or Cabinet, Walnut, Southern Germany, circa 1830
Located in Greven, DE
cubist form, the strict symmetry is particularly characteristic of Biedermeier furniture in southern
Category

1830s German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
exclusively in original Austrian and Viennese Biedermeier furniture from the period 1820–1830. Our collection
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Pair of Biedermeier Walnut Trumeau Cabinets. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
specialized exclusively in Austrian and Viennese Biedermeier furniture for over three decades — located in the
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Cherry Chest of Drawers. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
are very rare and account for only 10 % of all Biedermeier furniture made. The beautiful and modern
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19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Biedemeier Cabinets - Pair, Ashwood with Inlay Works, CZ ca. 1860
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
look of these perfect sized pieces of Biedermeier furniture. Really rare and special examples of 19th
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Mid-19th Century Czech Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Pair of Biedermeier Walnut Vitrines Cabinets. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier furniture, offering our clients rare and museum-quality pieces from the very heart of early 19th
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique circa 1860 Walnut Marble Topped Chest of Drawers with Original Key
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
drawers with the original key A very good looking and well made piece, this is Biedermeier furniture at
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1860s European High Victorian Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Table. Vienna, c. 1820.
Located in Budapest, HU
Biedermeier furniture and Central European applied arts has led to the preservation of several notable works
Category

1920s Austrian Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Fine Biedermeier Walnut Secretaire. Vienna, c. 1825
Located in Vienna, AT
exclusively in Austrian/Viennese Biedermeier furniture, located in Vienna – the birthplace of the Biedermeier
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Fine Large Salon Biedermeier Table. Vienna, c. 1825.
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier furniture continues to inspire contemporary design and remains a cornerstone of curated interiors
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mid 19th Century German Biedermeier Cherrywood Standing Desk
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
crafted from cherry wood. An authentic piece of Biedermeier furniture with an elegant design that follows
Category

Mid-19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Biedermeier Furniture

Materials

Cherry

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Antique Biedermeier Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, walnut and hardwood. Your living room may not be complete without a piece of antique biedermeier furniture — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. An item from our selection of antique biedermeier furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Neoclassical, Empire and Victorian styles are sought with frequency. A well-made choice in our collection of antique biedermeier furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Biedermeier, Josef Danhauser and Viennese Manufactory are consistently popular.

How Much is a Antique Biedermeier Furniture?

Prices for a piece of antique biedermeier furniture start at $125 and top out at $159,900 with the average selling for $4,798.

A Close Look at Biedermeier Furniture

The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.

Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.

There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.

“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.

Questions About Antique Biedermeier Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Biedermeier-style furniture is a type of furniture that emerged from Germany during the 19th century. The pieces were the antithesis of the opulent French designs of the time, displaying clean, simple lines and forms that emphasized functionality. Furniture in this style became popular again in the 1970s. Shop a selection of Biedermeier-style furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify Biedermeier furniture, familiarize yourself with its characteristics. Rather than a maker, Biedermeier refers to a period in history that began in 1815 with the close of the Napoleonic Wars and lasted through 1848, when revolutions broke out in many Central European countries. Furniture produced during this era usually features simple, symmetrical designs with rounded corners and edges; cherry, walnut and birch wood were among the most common materials. During the 20th century, several manufacturers introduced lines of Biedermeier furniture inspired by 19th-century originals. If you find a marking for a 20th-century maker on your furniture, it is most likely one of these later pieces. Because it may be difficult to determine if a furnishing is an original or an example of the revival style, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer help you with the identification process. Shop a collection of Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 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 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 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
    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 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
    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 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 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 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 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 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.