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Antique Leather Traveling Trunk with Hand-Painted Carriage Scene
Located in Barcelona, ES
Dome Top Leather Trunk with poychrome hand Painted Scene, early 20th century. A gorgeous traveling trunk from France with a hand painted horse carriage landcape at the lid. Wooden tr...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century Victorian Period Pine Iron Bound Travelling Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
This 19th-century English pine and iron-bound shipping trunk dates to the mid-Victorian period, circa 1870. It features a superb presentation that highlights its distinctive and vers...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century Georgian Leather Brassbound Coaching Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
This small, attractive early 19th-century Georgian leather brass-bound coaching trunk or chest is a remarkable piece. It is covered in beautifully studded leather and reinforced with...
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Antique Reddish Brown Lacquered Elm Trunk with Brass Lock and Raised Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
This antique Chinese lacquered elm trunk showcases the warmth and craftsmanship of late Qing or early Republican-era cabinetry from the early 20th century, with a hand-rubbed lacquer...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Original Green Painted Swedish Dome Top Trunk Dated 1840
Located in Round Top, TX
Original green painted dome top pine trunk from Sweden with wrought iron straps and side handles. Monogram EFD and date "1840" indicate this trunk was likely a dowry or wedding prese...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Dome Top Trunk, Circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Add a piece of history to your home with this stunning antique wooden trunk, dating from approximately 1880-1890. Handcrafted from solid pine, this charming piece was originally desi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

17th Century Leather and Brass Fleur De Lys Malle Trunk from Avignon, France
Located in Dallas, TX
Trunks are one of the oldest types of furniture in existence today. They date back many centuries
Category

17th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 s CHINESE EXPORT HEAVILY CARVED CAMPHOR WOOD LINEN TOY CHEST
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
well made piece of art furniture. It is the best kind of antique because it looks interesting and
Category

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

Louis Vuitton, Brown Leather, Monogram Canvas, Vintage Steamer Trunk, France
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Manhasset, NY
Louis Vuitton, Steamer Trunk, Distressed Brown Leather, Monogram Canvas, France, Early 20th Century Large vintage steamer or luggage trunk by notorious French fashion house, Louis V...
Category

1920s French Modern Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Original Blue Painted Flat Top Trunk dated 1858
Located in Round Top, TX
The colorful blue paint is all original on this beautiful flat top trunk. Flowers were a traditional embellishment as seen on the front of this handcrafted trunk with monogram (BPD?)...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Brown Lacquered Coffer with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
character and some imperfections, which is the quintessence of antique and vintage furniture. With its clean
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

English Chatham Wilkes Faux Bois Steel Steamer Trunk J E Bates Brass Latch
By J E Bates Sons, Chatham Wilkes
Located in Cincinnati, OH
protect the surface if stacked with other trunks while in transit. Each of the four knobs on the raised
Category

1910s English Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Steel, Brass

ENGLAND 1890 Victorian Pair Of Army Officer Travel Chests In Crocodile Leather
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Military officer's chests in crocodile leather. This is an exceptional pair of British military officer's travel trunk chest, created in England during the Victorian period,...
Category

1890s English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Antique Travel Suitcase, English, Leather Gentleman’s Case, Edwardian, C.1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine antique travel suitcase, an English gentleman’s leather case, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A superb example with charming provenance and richly patinate...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

antique beech shepherd’s chest, 1850’s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Low shepherd’s chest with a beautiful appearance and proportions. These chests were made in the same way for centuries. They were decorated with traditional magical geometric symbols...
Category

1850s Romanian Folk Art Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Beech

Chinese Handcarved Chinoiserie Wood Trunk Chest
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Chinese antique handcarved wood trunk or chest with great reddish patina and brass hardware. Great condition.
Category

1910s Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

18th Century Oak Trunk or Coffer, Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
It is the beautiful hand-carved details that make this oak trunk or "coffer" so impressive. Please examine detailed photos to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the impressi...
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Baroque Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF SKINNERS CAMPAIGN CHEST PART OF A SUITE
By Skinner
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite original early Victorian Campaign storage chest with original sign painted front ...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Antique Ladies Folding Crocodile Purse, Sewing Kit.
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Victorian Leather Ladies Purse. A folding crocodile leather ladies purse, wallet, sewing kit with silver-gilt mounts and clip fastening, hallmarked London, 1885 with makers maker FP ...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Silver

Spanish 18th Century Primitive Coffre - Trunk
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome and primitive Coffre - Trunk from the Catalan region of Spain. Sturdily constructed from walnut with handsome iron hardware. A great storage piece perfect at the base...
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Walnut

Petite Edwardian Leather Suitcase
Located in Chicago, IL
Petite but packed with character, history, and mystery, this early 20th-century English Edwardian leather suitcase is a rare find. Its unusually small size suggests it may have been ...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Antique Studded Redwood, Bronze and Cast Iron Trunk c.1850-1920, Monogrammmed
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A handmade, antique trunk with metal top, steel corners, cast iron handles and brass key hole. Studded with bronze screws and washers on all sides. "RPW" is monogrammed on top...
Category

Late 19th Century Rustic Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Steel, Iron

English Victorian Period 19th Century Black Traveling Trunk With Initials J.G.F.
Located in Atlanta, GA
. Perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of antique furniture and the stories they carry, this English
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Canvas

19th Century Camphor Wood Travelling Campaign Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A large late 19th-century camphor wood brass-bound travelling campaign trunk with brass mounts and carrying handles. It features a warm, rich colour and patina, suitable for use as a...
Category

19th Century British Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Other

19th Century Victorian Period Oak Brass Bound travelling Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A 19th-century, large Victorian period oak & brass-bound travelling chest or trunk. Made from oak with brass mounts and brass carrying handles. It features a warm, rich colour and pa...
Category

19th Century British British Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Chinese Camphor Wood Sailor s Large Brass-Bound Sea or Campaign Chest Lock
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Sailor's Large Brass-bound Camphor Wood Sea or Campaign Chest, Mid-19th Century. A large rectangular dramatic campaign or sailor's trunk lined with Camphor wood and w...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

19 Century Works Men Chest with Drawers .
Located in Den Haag, NL
early electronica .And before that i don't no . its bin very well put together like all the furniture
Category

1890s European Georgian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Large 19th Century Camphor Wood Campaign Trunk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A large late 19th-century camphor wood brass-bound travelling campaign trunk with brass mounts and brass carrying handles. It features a warm, rich colour and patina, suitable for us...
Category

Late 19th Century British Campaign Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass, Other

Antique Hartmann Wardrobe Trunk
By Hartmann Trunk Company
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1920s; Hartmann Trunk Co. - Racine, WI Antique wardrobe steamer trunk with cushioned top. This piece features many inclusions you'd find in a full-size home wardrobe such as draw...
Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Antique shepherd’s chest, 1850s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Big shepherd’s chest with a beautiful appearance and proportions from around 1850. These chests were made in the same way for centuries. They were decorated with traditional magical ...
Category

1850s Romanian Folk Art Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Beech

John P. Shriner Co. Domed Steamer Trunk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A colorful John P. Shriner & Co. steamer trunk in classic domed formed with vibrant paneled black and orange-red tooled leather alternating between metal bands with decorative bracke...
Category

19th Century American Rustic Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Antique Boho 19th Century Travel Trunk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Step back in time with this exquisite 19th-century vintage travel trunk, a true relic of adventure and craftsmanship. Constructed from solid wood with iron-reinforced edges, this pie...
Category

19th Century American Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

1920 s Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk in Stenciled Monogram, 130 cm Vuitton Trunk
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This superb Louis Vuitton cabin trunk is spectacular and very rare. Indeed, its dimensions are huge for a cabin trunk since it reaches 130 cm wide . These dimensions are perfectly un...
Category

1920s French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Antique American Painted Farmhouse Commode Mule Chest Blanket Storage Trunk 38"
Located in Dayton, OH
Primitive Antique American country farmhouse Poplar Commode / mule chest / blanket trunk featuring a hinged top with lower cabinet. Mule chests were popular in England and colonial ...
Category

19th Century American American Colonial Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Poplar, Paint

Antique Indian Wedding Trunk with Carved Details, Mirror, and Hidden Storage
Located in Yonkers, NY
This antique Indian wedding trunk is a striking blend of function and artistry, designed to store treasured heirlooms with a touch of grandeur. Crafted from solid wood, likely teak o...
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Vintage French Aux Etats Unis Travel Trunk
By Aux Etats Unis
Located in Newtown, CT
Vintage French Aux Etats Unis Travel Trunk 20th century vintage French travel trunk made by Aux Etats Unis. Aux Etats Unis was a competitor of Louis Vuitton and other well known tru...
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Canvas

19th Century Chinoiserie Indian Trunk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Early 19th Century Indian trunk on stand, the whole decoration with maroon background and gilt chinoiserie scenes with foliate decoration. The base with shapely carved legs with carv...
Category

Early 19th Century Indian Chinoiserie Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

19th Century Rustic Pine Original Painted Flat Top Trunk
Located in Round Top, TX
The colorful paint is all original on this beautiful flat top trunk. Flowers were a traditional embellishment as seen on the front of this handcrafted trunk with red, orange, green, ...
Category

Late 19th Century Hungarian Rustic Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th C. English Oak Wood and Steel Banded Safe Storage Cabinet Chest Trunk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C. English Oak Wood and Steel Banded Safe Storage Cabinet Chest Trunk. Circa Mid 19th Century. Measurements: 27" H x 37" W x 24" D.
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Steel

A Good Quality 19th Century Leather Hat Box and One Metal
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Good Quality 19th Century Leather Hat Box and One Metal This is a sturdy piece it is made from very stiff leather and protects it contents well, the case has a flat studded bottom...
Category

1910s Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

19th Century Hand Carved Dome Top Oak Trunk, Hungary
Located in Round Top, TX
Oak dome top trunk from late 1800's with mesmerizing traditional hand carved details. Restored and waxed, no lock. Signs of wear typical for age include nicks, scratches, stains, ag...
Category

Late 19th Century Hungarian Rustic Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Provincial Chinese Storage Trunk, Early 20th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Provincial Chinese Storage Trunk, Early 20th Century. Weather wood exterior with iron hardware and trim. Lacquered interior.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Iron

Small 17th Century Italian Carved Walnut Wood Cassone
Located in Dallas, TX
rectilinear shape associated with Italian Late Renaissance furniture remains prevalent. This form is softened
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Antique shepherd’s chest, 1820s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique shepherd’s chest with geometric decoration from the Carpathian Highlands, ca. 1820. Also called sarcophagus chests or Wallachian chests because of their association with the ...
Category

1820s Romanian Folk Art Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Beech

Italian early 1900s brown leather cardboard travel trunk with key, early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
you to visit our shop, where you can find beautiful vintage furniture and home accents.
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Suitcase Steamer Leather Original Interior Blue White Ticking Leather 22" long
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
. Bearing maker's label 'J C Sweeney, manufacturer of portmanteaus, trunks, India overlands, ladies boxes
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

English Oak Trunk with Metal Accents and Lateral Handles, Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
setting, making it not just a piece of furniture, but a conversation starter that tells a story of the
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Spectacular Victorian Brass Bed, c1880
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Completely unusual pet bed, because he/she/it deserves the very best.
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Vintage European J. Cleve Sons Portsmouth Trunk
Located in Fullerton, CA
This large 19th century shipping trunk has superb original paint and patina from its years of love. Crafted from solid wood throughout, it has metal banding and a distressed gold mak...
Category

19th Century European Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Metal

Vintage T. Anthony Art Deco Leather Canvas Green Brown Hard Luggage - 4 Pc Set
By T. Anthony
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage T. Anthony Art Deco Leather and Canvas Green & Brown Luggage - 4 Pc Set. Listing includes (2) green suitcases, (2) brown suitcases all with canvas hard case with brown leathe...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather, Canvas

Pretot Paris leather traveling trunk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Early 20th-century steamer travelling trunk, in leather finish with metal fixtures, the interior fitted with drawers and hangers. Dimensions Height 16 Inches Width 41 Inches Depth 21...
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Pretot Paris leather traveling trunk
Pretot Paris leather traveling trunk
$1,911 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Travel Trunk
Located in Newtown, CT
Antique French Travel Trunk. Well made late 1800's. It measures 20" deep and high and 35.75" wide. Wear is consistent with age. Nice graphics and the handles are stamped LV.
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Canvas

19th Century English Leather Suitcase
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century English leather suitcase is a charming relic of refined travel in a bygone era. Crafted from supple leather, its surface shows wear and patina that highlight its ag...
Category

19th Century English Edwardian Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

Small Late 17th Century English Oak Trunk / Chest / Bench
Located in San Francisco, CA
A desirable late 17th century English oak trunk / chest. Warm and rich original patina. In very good shape and condition, the original hinges have been replaced. Perfect for a bench ...
Category

17th Century English Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Oak

Rare English 19th Century Regency Cellarette Wine Cooler
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Incredible large English Regency antique cellarette wine cooler in a blonde light color wood, beautifully grained, having carved paw feet and original lead liner. A rare find with m...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Wood

VINTAGE RESTORED ANTiQUE NAIL TACKED BORDEAUX LEATHER STEAMER STORAGE TRUNK
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite, fully restored, circa 1920's hand dyed Bordeaux leather steamer trunk with ornate...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Leather

19th Century Italian Carved Cassone Trunk with Original Hardware, 1890s
Located in Miami, FL
Place this elegant antique coffer at the foot of a king size bed. Crafted in Italy, circa 1880, the rectangular trunk stands on bracket feet. Heavily carved on all three sides with a...
Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Furniture Trunks

Materials

Walnut

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Antique Furniture Trunks For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique furniture trunks is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct antique furniture trunks — often made from wood, metal and animal skin — can elevate any home. Antique furniture trunks have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique furniture trunks made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Industrial — are very popular at 1stDibs. Antique furniture trunks have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Louis Vuitton, Goyard and Hartmann Trunk Company are consistently popular.

Finding the Right Trunks-luggage for You

Add a charming piece of travel history to your space. Antique and vintage trunks and luggage can make a statement as decorative accents and practical furnishings in nearly every room of your home.

There have been many types of trunks and luggage over the years, with availability of these wares broadening as train travel expanded during the 19th century. Antique steamer trunks — named for their use on steamships — mostly date from around 1880 to 1920. These pieces of luggage fit a steamship’s luggage size regulations and essentially doubled as wardrobes, ensuring that a traveler’s evening dresses and suits were kept wrinkle-free on a journey from city to city.

In 1858, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton introduced the world to the now-iconic Louis Vuitton trunks. During this early period of railroad travel, Louis Vuitton trunks solved common travel problems. Instead of the traditional round shape, these handcrafted rectangular trunks stored better on trains. To discourage burglars, the French craftsman and his son, Georges, also eventually patented a revolutionary sophisticated lock for the trunks. The famous LV monogram was first used in 1896 as part of an initiative by Georges to prevent counterfeiting of his coveted travel trunks.

Even if no longer used for travel, the vintage luggage is a popular item among collectors for its historical value and charm. At home, an old wood trunk is a durable storage solution as much as it is a versatile surface. It’s a coffee table in the living room of your farmhouse-style home or rustic loft apartment and a nightstand or blanket chest at the foot of your bed in your bedroom.

From Victorian trunks to Art Deco traveling jewelry cases, journey through history today with an extensive collection of antique trunk suitcases and vintage luggage on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Furniture Trunks
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 25, 2019

    The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.

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