Antique Secretaire Furniture
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English 19th Century Regency Secretary Figured Mahogany
Located in Atlanta, GA
English 19th Century Regency Secretary Figured Mahogany with Flat Moulded Top, Cabinet Doors and Turned Feet
Category
19th Century English Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Napoleon III Ebony Chiffonier with Secretary Desk, Brass Inlay Detailing
Located in Madrid, ES
slab of off-white marble. Though it is a durable piece of furniture which could be used as a dry bar
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century French Secretary ~ Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century French Secretary ~ Commode is a marvelous example of the cabinetmaker's art! Hand-crafted from dense, old-growth oak to last for centuries, it features a "slant front...
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Dutch Burr Walnut Floral Marquetry Bureau
Located in London, GB
best pieces of period Dutch furniture.
The serpentine fall opens to reveal a fabulous interior with a
Category
1780s Dutch Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Late 18th Century Inlaid Oak Secretary Bureau, Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
This drop front secretary is charming in every way, with a soft, satin wax finish that compliments the deeply aged patina of the inlaid oak and European country styling. An inlaid st...
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Country Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Danish 1810s Beige Gray Painted Two-Part Tall Secretary with Slant-Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Danish painted wood two-part secretary from circa 1810 with beige / light gray painted finish, slanted desk, four doors and carved reeded panels. A testament to timeless Danish cra...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique 19th C. Chippendale George III Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote.
Antique 19th C. Chippendale George III Mahogany Slant Front Secretary Desk. Item feat...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Eastlake Chip Caved Walnut Barrel Roll Cylinder Secretary Desk c1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Antique Eastlake Chip Caved Walnut Barrel Roll Cylinder Secretary Desk C1890.
Measures - 87 1/2" x...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$2,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Carved Walnut Secretary Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique fruitwood "Secretaire a Abattant" was crafted in France, circa 1840; the tall
Category
Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
A fine 18th century Scottish Regency mahogany and satinwood inlayed secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine early 19th century Regency mahogany and satinwood inlayed drop front secretary . Signed in two places
Category
Late 18th Century English Regency Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France
Located in Miami, FL
Secretaire a abattant, France circa 1820, Biedermeier period. The outside with fall front and two
Category
Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Late 18th Century George III Mahogany Bureau Secretary Desk
Bookcase
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 18th Century George III Period Secretary Desk & Bookcase. Made from mahogany with a hooded pediment showcasing dentil molding over a glass covered display portion with beautifu...
Category
Late 18th Century George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$5,250 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique 1900s Bureau
Located in Neuss, NW
Wonderful bureau from the 1900s. High-quality solid oak wood corpus with a tambour door, eight drawers, four interior drawers and numerous compartments.
Quality Features:
very good...
Category
Early 1900s British Mid-Century Modern Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak
$3,025
Antique 19th century English oak secretary / bureau
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A very fine antique secretary/ bureau.
With writing desk, 2 large and 2 small drawers and hidden secret letter compartments.
Decorated with original brass ornaments and handles.
Two ...
Category
19th Century English George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Federal Period Tambour Secretary in Mahogany and Birdseye Maple c. 1800
Located in Westfield, MA
An exceptional Federal period tambour secretary, crafted around 1800, showcasing a sophisticated combination of figured mahogany and vibrant birdseye maple. This piece beautifully ex...
Category
Early 1800s American Federal Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
18th Century Swedish Slant Front Desk, Circa 1780, in Soft Grey Paint
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant 18th-century Swedish slant front desk, circa 1780, featuring a classic Gustavian form and later painted surface. The exterior has been repainted in a soft grey tone, lendi...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Pine
Spectacular masterspiece ladies writing secretary desk Napoleon III, 1860 France
Located in Wien, AT
1860.
The piece of furniture has a slender, high structure, with a richly decorated front and sides
Category
1860s French Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Secretary / Writing Desk - Painted
Located in Kvidinge, SE
typical Gustavian.
A fantastic piece of furniture that brings a touch of Swedish elegance and historical
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,616 Sale Price
30% Off
Georgian Mahogany Tallboy
Located in Norwich, GB
Georgian flame mahogany Tallboy with canted, fluted corners, secrétaire break front with
Category
1760s British Georgian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Original French Louis XV Secretary Desk, Paris 1760
Located in Belmont, MA
piece stands out for its beautiful kingwood veneer and marquetry on an oak carcass. The secretaire with
Category
1760s French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Kingwood, Mahogany
$13,200 Sale Price
40% Off
Antique French Secretary
Located in Malibu, CA
This early 19th-century drop-leaf secretaire features the traditional Biedermeier ebony accents
Category
Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Other
$8,499
English Regency Sheraton-Style Secretary and Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
English Regency period mahogany and satinwood two-piece secretary cabinet. Pine secondary wood. Top section having a shaped cornice with an ebonized lion medallion flanked by sphinxe...
Category
Late 18th Century English Regency Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century Swedish Oak Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
This elegant Swedish oak secretary shows off with a distinctive carved top bonnet or crown and round finials. Also known as a bureau, this secretary would have been a "signature stat...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Country Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Paint
19th Century French Empire Abattant Secretary Desk in Flame Mahogany Drop Down
Located in Atlanta, GA
furniture, crafted from flame mahogany. The abattant (drop-front) design allows for a concealed writing
Category
1890s Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Antique George II period small walnut bureau
Located in London, GB
A George II period golden walnut Bureau of attractive small proportions, herringbone inlaid throughout, having ¼ veneered fall-front opening to reveal leather writing surface and ste...
Category
Early 18th Century English George II Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Cherrywood Secretary From The 19th Century -france
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant cherry wood secretary from the 19th century
It is unusual to find a secretaire in cherry
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Secretary
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Secretary
Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
19th Century European Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th-Century Biedermeier Mahogany Secretary Desk in Beautiful Graining
Located in Opole, PL
of furniture with three drawers at the bottom, a drop front, and a narrow drawer under the cornice
Category
Mid-19th Century European Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Baize, Mahogany
$7,119 Sale Price
20% Off
Superb Period 1780s era Italian Tombstone Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
not only a functional workspace but also a statement furniture item that brings artistic beauty into
Category
1780s Italian Rococo Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Danish Biedermeier Pine Secretary Desk With Blue Leather
Located in Centennial, CO
A stately antique circa 1900 Danish Biedermeier style secretary desk crafted out of gorgeous straight grain pine with original brass hardware. From top to bottom the desk has a stora...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique 19th C Empire Drop Front Desk Secretaries
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique 19th C Empire Drop Front Desk Secretaries.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Outstanding Country French Period 1780s era Walnut Secretary Desk with Bookcase
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
wood.
This secretary with bookcase is not only a functional piece of furniture but also a statement of
Category
1780s French French Provincial Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800
Located in Leimen, DE
Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800, mahogany veneer. The desk has its original brass fittings. The leather on the writing surface is original as well. The ...
Category
1790s French Directoire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$5,144 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Secretary W/ Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite early 19th century French Empire secretary, meticulously restored and sourced from Paris, France. Masterfully hand-crafted from rich mahogany, the piece is topped with i...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Extraordinary Signed Zwiener Ormolu Mounted Lady
s Secretary
Located in Cypress, CA
firm of Maison Jansen in 1880. Manufacturing revival and
Nouveau furniture he became Fournisseur de la
Category
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
IMPORTANT ANTiQUE GEORGE II 1740 FIGURED WALNUT
HARDWOOD BROWN LEATHER BUREAU
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
dating to the middle part of the 18th century, this piece is like pure art furniture and looks absolutely
Category
1740s English George II Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Walnut
Fine Antique Georgian Style Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The lower chest with three graduated drawers with openwork brass batwing drawer pulls and brass escutcheons with the key. Flanking the uppermost drawer are two slide supports with sm...
Category
19th Century English Georgian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century European Painted Bureau Bookcase with Glazed Doors, circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant late 18th-century European bureau bookcase, crafted circa 1790 and retaining its original understated sophistication. This two-part piece features a glazed upper cabinet w...
Category
18th Century European Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
Early 19th Century Swedish Painted Secretary Cupboard in Grey with Patina
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional early 19th-century Swedish secretary cupboard, circa 1810–1830, finished in soft grey with a beautifully aged patina. Crafted from oak and pine, the two-part construct...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Pine
Queen Anne Secretary Desk 19th Century
Located in Fulton, CA
A 19th century Queen Anne secretary desk crafted in solid mahogany with flame mahogany detail. Fitted interior with pigeon hole and drawer storage. Nice glow to finish and patina. Be...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Queen Anne Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire or Biedermeier Secretary Mahogany, 1815
Located in Berlin, DE
and leg buttons
very elaborate workmanship and rare furniture
smooth thrusts made of solid linden
Category
19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Louis XV-style Scriban/Slant Front Desk
Located in San Francisco, CA
Italian-made, Louis XV-style scriban or slant front secretary/desk, circa late 19th-century. The slant-front opening to four drawers, above the relief carved case, retains its origin...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,800 / item
Antique French Secretary Desk, France 1770-80
Located in Belmont, MA
craftsmanship.
Unveil the timeless allure of this Secrétaire à abattant, a masterpiece hailing from late 18th
Category
1770s French Louis XVI Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Kingwood, Satinwood
$11,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Napoleon III French Secretary Chest of Drawers Mahogany Rosewood Inlaid
Located in Brooklyn, NY
19th century Napoleon III French secretary (secretaire) chest of drawers in fine mahogany rosewood
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
$3,968 Sale Price
49% Off
19th Century Swedish Blue Oak Secretary Bureau
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary is a striking statement piece with panel doors, dramatic bonnet, and traditional lower three large drawers.
The entire secretary has been given a professional cust...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique English Adams Style Hand Painted Double Bonnet Bookcase Secretary Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Adams Style Hand Painted Double Bonnet Top Bookcase Secretary Desk. Item features a double bonnet top, hand painted figural scenes to the front and sides, 2 swing doo...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Other Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Inlaid Napoleon III Secretary Desk
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Napoleon Desk/Secretary with gilt bronze molding and inlaid details.. It has a beautiful pink marble top. Its sides are in blackened pear and its facade in cedar. It has rosewood fr...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Parmesan Louis XV tiffin, mid-18th century
Located in Vicenza, IT
Elegant Emilian limelight of Parma manufacture, datable to the mid-18th century, the middle of the Louis XV period. Carved solid wood cabinet, entirely hand-carved, with rich rocaill...
Category
18th Century European Louis XV Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood
SECOND HALF OF THE 19th CENTURY SMALL STANDING DESK
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant small piece of furniture in carved solid walnut, with a folding top for standing writing
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
18th Century, Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Wood Secretary
Located in IT
wood types. Elegant and refined, it can be paired with both antique and modern furniture and placed in
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Boxwood, Rosewood
Antique Side by Side Secretary / Display
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique American side by side display and secretary cabinet. Made of beautiful quartersawn oak wood with elaborate sculpted wood embellishments. The display cabinet has three removab...
Category
Early 20th Century Late Victorian Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Oak
French 19th Century Louis Philippe Style Commode with Secretary
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A gorgeous 19th century French mahogany secretary style desk, designed as a classic Louis Philippe commode incorporating the work surface and storage compartments into the top “drawe...
Category
19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Iron
Fine English George III Antique Mahogany Secretary Desk circa 1780
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Of exceedingly good quality, this fine George III secretaire features a molded cornice projecting
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Swedish Blue Painted Tall Oak Secretary
Located in Round Top, TX
This oak secretary is a striking statement piece with panel doors, dramatic bonnet, three large drawers resting on cabriolet feet.
The entire secretary has been given a professional ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Paint
Secretary Cabinet by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A Macassar ebony secretaire side cabinet with a rectangular stepped top above an open recess and a
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Macassar
Italian Lombardy Flower Inlaid Monetiere , in the manner of Maggiolini, Ca. 1820
Located in CH
finely crafted monetiere exemplifies the refined artistry of Lombard furniture during the Neoclassical
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
19thc French Napoleon III Inlaid A.C Boulle style Top Portion "Bonheur Du Jour"
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Opa Locka, FL
This beautiful piece of furniture is the Top Portion Only of a 19thc French Napoleon III Boulle
Category
1880s French Napoleon III Antique Secretaire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$4,040 Sale Price
20% Off
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Antique Secretaire Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique secretaire furniture on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and metal. There are many kinds of the piece of antique secretaire furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An item from our selection of antique secretaire furniture is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Georgian, Louis XVI and Baroque styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one choice in our collection of antique secretaire furniture that is appealing in its simplicity, but Gillows of Lancaster
London, Henry Dasson and André-Charles Boulle produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Antique Secretaire Furniture?
A piece of antique secretaire furniture can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $7,477, while the lowest priced sells for $165 and the highest can go for as much as $15,675,000.
Finding the Right Secretaires for You
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.
Questions About Antique Secretaire Furniture
- Is antique furniture in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, 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, 2024To 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.
- What makes furniture an antique?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024Many 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, 2024To 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, 2021Antique 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, 2024Whether 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, 2024To 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, 2021There 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 ExpertNovember 4, 2024To 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, 2021The 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 REDOctober 7, 2020To 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, 2024To 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, 2024To 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, 2024How 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, 2024To 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, 2024To 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, 2024To 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, 2024To 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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