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Antique Chest Furniture

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Rare Antique 18th Century Paneled and Carved Scottish Coffer Chest
Located in Hopewell, NJ
18th century paneled oak Scottish coffer, with three panels to the front, two panels to each side, raised on stile feet, original steel lock plate and hinges, gorgeous rope weave pat...
Category

Antique 18th Century Scottish Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique English Carved Oak Coffer Trunk Chest Coffee Table Blanket Box c1770
Located in Shreveport, LA
18th century English carved oak coffer trunk chest coffee table blanket box ~Direct from England
Category

Antique 18th Century British Jacobean Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Large Antique Shipping Chest, English, Oak, Carriage Trunk, Georgian, circa 1800
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique shipping chest. An English, oak carriage trunk, dating to the late 18th
Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

George I Walnut Chest Drawers Antique 1720
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Stunning period George I walnut chest of drawers The walnut chest is in two parts (this was common
Category

Antique 1720s Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Antique chest of drawers, Northern Europe, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique chest of drawers from around 1860, in the elegant Biedermeier style, is a unique piece
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique chest of drawers, Northern Europe, around 1850.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chest of drawers from the mid-19th century. The chest of drawers has three spacious
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of...

Materials

Walnut

Antique English 17th Century William III Carved Oak Coffer Chest Candle Box 1690
Located in Portland, OR
A good late 17th century antique English carved oak coffer chest from the reign of King William III
Category

Antique 1690s English William and Mary Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

1850s Antique Country Traveling Trunk Chest in Solid Pine Wood Restored
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1850s antique country traveling trunk chest in solid pine wood restored and polished to wax
Category

Antique 1850s Italian Country Blanket Chests

Materials

Fir

Fine Traditional Antique Serpentine French Country Chest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and Traditional Antique Three Drawer French Chest with good size and great presentation
Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Wood

Antique Chippendale Three Drawer Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Chippendale style three drawer commode. Wonderful antique three drawer chest with hand
Category

Antique 19th Century American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Burl

19c French Antique Walnut Empire Chest with Columns
Located in New Orleans, LA
This 19th-century French walnut Empire chest showcases the period’s signature balance of strength
Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Military Campaign Style Bedside Chests
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made pair of antique military campaign style bedside chests with leather
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique Pine Chest of Drawers, 18th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Antique pine chest of drawers, 18th century.
Category

Antique 18th Century French Country Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Antique Chest on Stand, English, Georgian, Oak, Chest of Drawers, circa 1720
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique chest on stand, an English, Early Georgian, oak chest of drawers dating to the
Category

Antique Early 18th Century English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Antique Chinese Blanket Wedding Chest Carved in Relief with Floral Design C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Asian Blanket Chests

Materials

Wood

Antique Dutch Baroque Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique baroque style oak chest of drawers, 19th century. With an overhanging scalloped edge top
Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

ANTiQUE 18TH CENTURY SIX PLANK HEAVILY BURRED CHESTNUT WOOD TRUNK CHEST
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, highly
Category

Antique 1760s English Georgian Blanket Chests

Materials

Chestnut

Antique English Lift Top Chest of Drawers
Located in Sheffield, MA
A fine English antique Georgian style dresser with 3 long drawers and a lift top. Each drawer with
Category

Antique 19th Century Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique 17th C Italian Leather Pine Brass Stud Work Carriage Chest Trunk 1680
Located in Portland, OR
Antique Italian late 17th century leather on pine carriage chest/trunk, with brass stud-work, circa
Category

Antique 1680s Italian Baroque Blanket Chests

Materials

Brass

Antique Silver Chest, English, Oak, Cast Iron, Storage Trunk, Victorian, C.1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique silver chest. An English, oak and cast iron storage trunk, dating to the mid
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Blanket Chests

Materials

Iron

Antique Victorian Pine Military Campaign Blanket Box Chest Trunk Coffee Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely well made, antique Victorian circa 1860-1880 pine
Category

Antique 1860s English High Victorian Blanket Chests

Materials

Pine

Antique Baroque Style Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique baroque style walnut chest of drawers, early 19th century. This chest has great original
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Baroque Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Antique English Trunk Chest Blanket Box Storage Coffer Oak c. 1900s-1920s
Located in Tyler, TX
BEAUTIFUL Antique English Trunk, Chest, Blanket Box, Coffer, or Coffee Table with Lift-Top Storage
Category

Vintage 1910s English Victorian Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest on Cabinet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome 18th century British Colonial chest with a beaded cornice over three drawers with campaign
Category

Antique 18th Century English British Colonial Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Hardwood

Italian antique wooden chest with inlay decorations and folding top, early 1800s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique wooden chest with inlay decorations and folding top, early 1800s Rectangular wooden
Category

Antique Early 1800s Italian Blanket Chests

Materials

Metal

Antique Oak Flat-Lidded Chest from 1691 Renaissance-early Baroque, 17th century
Located in Halle, DE
Antique flat-lidded chest from the 17th century. Renaissance / Early Baroque. Made in 1691 in oak
Category

Antique 17th Century German Baroque Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique Pine Painted Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in Sheffield, MA
Painted a blue/grey, this 31.5" high chest with 3 large drawers can serve as great storage in any
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Country Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

19th C Antique Brown Distress Painted Pine Wood Dovetailed Blanket Chest Trunk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C Antique Brown Distress Painted Pine Wood Dovetailed Blanket Chest Trunk. Item features
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Rustic Blanket Chests

Materials

Pine

Miniature antique George iii Style Curly Maple chest
Located in Pasadena, TX
Georgian style curly maple bowfront chest of drawers, Crafted in rich, aged curly maple, it
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Regency Chest Drawers Mahogany Commode 1830 Period Antique
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Regency mahogany bow front chest of drawers This chest of drawers stands upon splay feet with a
Category

Antique 1830s Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique British Colonial Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome British Colonial chest crafted in mahogany with six drawers in a low profile with brass
Category

Early 20th Century English Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique Japanese Tansu Campaign Style Clothing Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Asian Tansu campaign style stacking clothing chest. It has a lacquered burnt
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Antique Oak Coffer Chest 17th Century Box
Located in Potters Bar, GB
diamond designs on the three panels Great storage chest and can also function as a coffee or side table
Category

Antique 17th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Antique 4 Panel Coffer, English, Oak, Linen, Mule Chest, Country House, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique four panel coffer. An English, oak linen or mule chest, dating to the mid
Category

Antique 1750s British Georgian Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique Mahogany Three Drawer Chippendale Chest c. 1820
Located in Westfield, MA
Introducing an exquisite Antique Mahogany Three Drawer Chippendale Chest, dating back to circa 1820
Category

Antique 1820s American Chippendale Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Carved Coffer, English, Oak, Linen Chest, Window Seat, William III, 1700
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique carved coffer. An English, oak linen chest or window seat, dating to the William
Category

Antique Early 1700s British William and Mary Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Louise Art Deco Blanket Chests Fine Hammered Antique Bronze by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
they can experience the finish first hand. Louise Art Deco Blanket Chests Fine Hammered Antique
Category

2010s Indian Other Blanket Chests

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Louise Art Deco Blanket Chests Fleur De Lis Mid. Hammered Antique Bronze
By Paul Mathieu, Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
antiqued white bronze The metal finishes will tarnish over time. Regular non-abrasive household metal
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Blanket Chests

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Antique 18th-Century English Oak Chest of Drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered here is this beautiful antique 18th-century English oak chest of drawers with original
Category

Antique 18th Century Classical Roman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Early Georgian English Antique Oak Chest of Drawers
Located in Harderwijk, NL
Offered: this English antique and elegant early Georgian oak chest of drawers with unique inlay
Category

Antique 18th Century Classical Roman Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Oak

French Antique Wooden Chest Carved with Vegetal Patter Renaissance Period 16th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice carved wooden chest from the Renaissance period, late 16th early 17th century. The lower part
Category

Antique 17th Century French Renaissance Blanket Chests

Materials

Wood

Antique Italian Walnut and Pecan Inlaid Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent walnut and pecan, inlaid commode with an allegory center from the Piedmont District, Italy. Beautiful silver gilded hardware with a sunflower motif on escutcheons and ...
Category

Antique 1780s Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Antique 18th Century Hepplewhite Mahogany serpentine Chest.
Located in London, GB
A fine late 18th Century Hepplewhite period figured mahogany serpentine Chest having book-matched
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Hepplewhite Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Antique Highboy Chest With Shell Carving
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very well made 19th Century American Highboy. The Chest, with fine traditional form and
Category

Antique 19th Century American Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique chest of drawers, France, late 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chest of drawers from around 1880. Origin: France Wood: oak Dimensions: height 104 cm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Commodes and Chests...

Materials

Oak

Antique English George III Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Faversham, GB
A period George III mahogany chest of drawers with an arrangement of two short over three long
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British George III Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Brass

Antique early 18th century Dutch or German Solid blacked oak chest or trunk
Located in Casteren, NL
This is a blackened oak chest with paneled sides and richly carved geometric decoration across the
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Renaissance Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique Italian chest of drawers with marble top
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Antique - Decoration - 19th It has five drawers and its original paint. Its particularity lies in
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble

Antique Country French Commode ~ Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Country French Commode ~ Chest of Drawers represents a nice departure from dark-stained
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Commodes and Chests o...

Materials

Brass

Antique Storage Chest, English, Oak, Fireside Bin, Bedside Box, Georgian, C.1780
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique storage chest. An English, oak fireside bin or bedside box, dating to the
Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique Teak Military Campaign Secretaire Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
An outstanding antique teak military campaign secretaire chest of drawers, dating from around the
Category

Antique 1860s British Campaign Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique French Victorian Trompe-l œil Carved Oak Blanket Chest Ottoman Bench
Located in Forney, TX
contemporary style, the original antique coffer / trunk / blanket chest, circa 1875, having a hinged top that
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Blanket Chests

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Antique early 18th century English warm brown chest or trunk with rich carvings
Located in Casteren, NL
This fine oak chest was crafted in England around 1700 and stands as a beautiful example of the
Category

Antique Early 18th Century English Renaissance Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Large Antique Victorian solid Mahogany Chest Of Drawers
Located in Leicester, GB
Large Antique Victorian (1837-1901) solid Mahogany Chest Of Drawers with five wooden knob handle
Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Beautiful Antique Chest on a Stand, Metalwork, 1800s
Located in Budapest, Budapest
A beautiful patinated antique chest from the early 1800s.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal

Antique late 17th century English honey color chest or trunk with rich carvings
Located in Casteren, NL
This antique oak chest, dating from the early 17th century, is a remarkable example of early
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Renaissance Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Primitive American- Pennsylvania Antique Blanket Chest Bench circa 1800 s W Till
Located in Wilmington, DE
Primitive American- Pa Antique blanket chest bench circa 1800's w till Offered is a Primitive
Category

Antique 1860s North American Country Blanket Chests

Materials

Walnut

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Antique Chest Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of antique chest furniture for your home. An item from our selection of antique chest furniture — often made from wood, mahogany and metal — can elevate any home. There are 3456 variations of the antique or vintage choice in our collection of antique chest furniture you’re looking for, while we also have 11 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. 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 21st Century. An object in our assortment of antique chest furniture made by Georgian designers — as well as those associated with Victorian — is very popular. A well-made option in this array of antique chest furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Gillows of Lancaster London, Biedermeier and Ken Petersen are consistently popular.

How Much is a Antique Chest Furniture?

The average selling price for a piece of antique chest furniture at 1stDibs is $2,957, while they’re typically $235 on the low end and $144,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Chest Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    To tell if a chest is antique, first examine its materials and details carefully. An antique chest is one produced 100 years ago or more. This generally predates the use of engineered wood, particleboard, plastics and other synthetic materials. As a result, an antique chest usually features solid wood construction.

    In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.

    On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Lane Furniture does indeed make cedar chests. From 1912 to 1987, the American furniture company estimated it had sold around 12 million chests and that number continues to grow with today’s sales. Cedar chests are widely used to store clothing and linen because cedar wood is a natural repellent against moisture and moths. You can shop a collection of Lane cedar chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 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 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.

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The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.