Skip to main content

Religious Antique Furniture

to
149
799
514
1,350
2
1
71
61
57
43
27
17
14
12
3
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
265
730
355
3
277
42
2
27
7
18
11
13
1
574
507
145
138
138
930
275
225
128
66
1,353
1,352
1,353
3
2
2
2
1
Sort By
Large and Very Rare Silver-Inlaid Antique Judaica Tray
Located in London, GB
A large and very rare silver-inlaid antique Judaica tray Jerusalem, c.1900 Height 2.5cm, diameter
Category

Antique Early 1900s Israeli Modern Religious Items

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Pair of Turkish 19th Century Antique Ottoman Embroideries
Located in London, GB
A pair of Turkish 19th century antique Ottoman embroideries Turkey, 19th century Small: height
Category

Antique 19th Century Turkish Islamic Religious Items

Materials

Fabric

Antique Statue of Virgin Mary and Child , 19th Century
Located in Basildon, GB
A Pine Carving of Virgin and Child signed E. Lechner. Carved in 15th Century style, a high relief with a hollowed back and depicting the crowned Virgin standing on contrapose with lo...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Gothic Religious Items

Materials

Wood, Pine

Antique Rare Judaica Torah Pointer Art Deco Austria Ca 1900 with Gemstones
Located in Doha, QA
trade and Jewish religious life until its destruction and expulsion in the late Middle Ages. Judaica
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Religious Items

Materials

Rock Crystal, Multi-gemstone, Silver

Antique Orthodox Icon of Jesus Pantocrator in silver and enamel, 1890s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a stunning antique Orthodox icon, depicting Jesus Pantocrator. The
Category

Antique 1890s Baltic Belle Époque Religious Items

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Greek Goddess Plaque Bas Relief Neo-Gothic Revival 29cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful antique gilt bronze plaque in bas relief of a Greek goddess depicted with wings, probably
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Gothic Revival Religious Items

Materials

Bronze, Gold Leaf

Antique a rare burl wooden national cashier register
By National Cash Register Co.
Located in Brea, CA
a rare burl wooden national cash register. It is in excellent condition
Category

Antique Early 1900s American American Classical Religious Items

Materials

Brass

Expressive Antique Bronze Wall Corpus of Christ, Rarely SIGNED Artist, ca. 1920
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and antique bronze wall sculpture of corpus of Christ. A powerful and beautifully modeled
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Antique Church Angel Candle Holders with Brass Chandeliers – 19th Century
Located in Mortsel, BE
These stunning antique church candle holders, dating back to the 19th century, are captivating
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Religious Items

Materials

Brass

Antique Large Bisque Porcelain Holy Water Font with Angels
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare antique large bisque porcelain holy water font with angels. A beautiful quality large antique
Category

20th Century Italian Religious Items

Materials

Porcelain

Christianity Monastery Work Framed Wall Decoration Antique German 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century framed wall decoration with a
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Antique Spanish Colonial Hispano-Philippine Carved Polychrome Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
. A wonderful example of early religious folk art! Provenance/Acquisition: Sticker from the National
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Philippine Spanish Colonial Religious Items

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Copper Engraving Showing Two Mosques, ca.1785
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Mosquée - Autre Mosquée'. Copper engraving showing two mosques. This
Category

Antique 1780s Religious Items

Materials

Paper

Antique Oak Sculpture – The Grief of Mary , circa 1500
Located in Basildon, GB
A Late 15th/Early 16th Century Oak Sculpture depicting ‘The Grief of Mary’, carved almost in the round with Mary wearing a head scarf, neckerchief and draped mantle over a long tunic...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Gothic Religious Items

Materials

Oak

Antique Sterling Silver Breastplate - Judaica - London 1922 Jacob Rosenzweig
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1922 by Jacob Rosenzweig, this Antique Sterling Silver Breastplate, is of
Category

Vintage 1920s English Religious Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique American Brass Menorah with "Der Tog" Hallmark, Circa 1920
Located in New York, NY
the 2009 Coen Brothers film A Serious Man. This piece reflects not only Jewish religious tradition but
Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Religious Items

Materials

Brass

Antique Gilt Bronze Brass Glass Gothic Sanctuary Lamp / Church Candle Light
Located in Lisse, NL
religious art in the daytime, but with the candle burning in the evenings it makes this Gothic antique even
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Gothic Revival Religious Items

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf

Antique Ming Dynasty Wood-Carved Buddha and Soapstone Plinth
Located in Vienna, AT
religious statue of the Buddha. The figurine was attentively carved out of black stained wood. The statue's
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Chinese Ming Religious Items

Materials

Soapstone

Large Antique Roman Hymnal or Song Book “Antiphonaire”, 1862
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Impressive antique hymnal or songbook titled "Antiphonaire, Antiphonarium Romanum," featuring Latin
Category

Antique 1860s Georgian Religious Items

Materials

Leather, Paper

Monumental Pair of Medieval Antique Italian Church Armorial Shields
Located in Forney, TX
antique character and rich European old world charm. Provenance / Acquisition: Formerly owned by a
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Renaissance Religious Items

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage / Antique Gilt Metal, Altar Crucifix Candle Pricket, Set of 3!!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous Vintage / Antique Gilt Metal, Altar Crucifix & Candle Pricket, Set of 3!! Altar Crucifix
Category

20th Century Unknown Renaissance Revival Religious Items

Materials

Metal

17th Century Italian Tabernacle Walnut Door - Antique Renaissance Décor Piece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 17th Century, antique Renaissance Tabernacle door made of hand crafted Walnut, in good
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Italian Renaissance Religious Items

Materials

Metal

Large antique silvered bronze altar crucifix on wood cross and stand
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A large 19th-century Italian Baroque–style crucifix, crafted in silvered bronze and ebonized wood, mounted on a circular wooden base. Above the figure of Jesus Christ is a plaque ins...
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Antique African Moroccan Tuareg Carved Wood Medicinal Flask 19th C.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique North African Moroccan Tuareg wood medicinal flask. Rare late 19th century medicinal flask
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Moroccan Islamic Religious Items

Materials

Leather, Wood

Large Antique Sacred Heart of Jesus Earthenware Wall Sculpture, Glazed Stoneware
Located in Lisse, NL
standout example of religious art, combining both powerful symbolism and masterful craftsmanship. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Gothic Religious Items

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Japanese Zushi mini shrine, Shinto talisman holder, wabi sabi wall decor
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique wooden Zushi (miniature shrine, the "house of the Gods") with water-drop like symbol
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Primitive Religious Items

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Antique Bronze Enamel Elephant Incense Sculpture Cloissone Champleve
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Enameled bronze elephant incense scupture, figure. Either Japanese Cloissone or French Champleve . No makers markings.
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Religious Items

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Sterling Silver Antique Judaica Torah Breast Plate, Late 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Sterling silver antique Judaica Torah breast plate, Late 19th century Continental, 1882 Height
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Religious Items

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Exquisite Antique French Silver and Niello Enamel Sculptural Pectoral Cross
Located in New York, NY
Superb, museum quality antique French silver and niello enamel high relief sculptural pectoral
Category

Antique 19th Century French Religious Items

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Engraving of Brahma, the Hindu Creator God, 1723
Located in Langweer, NL
Description: Antique religion print titled 'Brama ou Bruma'. This print depicts Brahma, the Hindu
Category

Antique 1720s Religious Items

Materials

Paper

Antique Buddhist Alter Shrine 17-16 th Century
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare Buddhist alter shrine, made in pine wood. Rich on carved figural sceneries. Original polychrome lacquer, beautiful and untouched condition. From Shanxi Province in China.
Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Religious Items

Materials

Pine

Antique Gothic Judaica Box with Kabbalistic Seals and Sacred Texts
Located in Doha, QA
This rare and evocative Medieval Gothic box contains a powerful combination of Salomon’s Kabbalistic seals, a sacred ex libris dedicated to God, and a Star of David inscribed with He...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Renaissance Religious Items

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Rare Judaica Silver Spice Tower 18th century Germany
Located in Doha, QA
This is an extremely rare and absolutely magnificent filigrane made 18th century silver spice tower. It has been crafted in Germany and hallmarked in two places with number 12. The G...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century German Religious Items

Materials

Silver

Antique 1930 s Cast Aluminum Church / Funeral Light Up Crusifix
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique 1930's Cast Aluminum Church / Funeral Light Up Crusifix .Wonderful Art Deco design,, Heavy
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Religious Items

Materials

Aluminum

Antique French Louis XV Style Kingwood Marquetry Signed Bibus
By Paul Sormani
Located in Forney, TX
: (approx) 22.75" Wide, 11.25" High, 9.5" Deep --- Condition: Great original antique condition with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Religious Items

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Large Size Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Transparent Glass Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning, top quality made antique pendant in the Gothic style. If you are a collector of rare and
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Religious Items

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Antique Crucifix w. Bronze Corpus and Stunning Hand Carved Oakwood Cross
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size, finest quality and superb condition antique wall crucifix. This antique work of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Antique Verger s Bible Box, English, Oak, Carved, Ecclesiastical, William III
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique verger's bible box. An English, oak carved ecclesiastical case, dating to the
Category

Antique Late 17th Century British William and Mary Religious Items

Materials

Oak

Antique Gothic Hand-Carved Crucifix w. Polychrome Corpus, European Church Relic
Located in Lisse, NL
Corpus of Christ in original polychrome. This antique devotional piece exemplifies the masterful
Category

Antique 1890s French Arts and Crafts Religious Items

Materials

Wood, Oak, Paint

18th Century Italian Rustic Antique Kneeler in Larch Wood
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare antique Italian kneeler, very rustic in larch wood. Completely original and in its old
Category

Antique 1780s Italian Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Lot of Two Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Lot of two Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex
Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Religious Items

Materials

Silver Plate, Sheet Metal

Extraordinary Antique Tramp Art Crucifix in Wood, Folk Art Cross, circa 1880
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
striking addition to any collection of religious art, folk art, or Americana. It would also make a unique
Category

Antique 1880s French Folk Art Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Antique Cast Bronze Orthodox Christian Wall Mounted Icon, Cross or Crucifix
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique religious icon is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Italy and date to
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Large Antique 19th Century Ornate Russian Old Believers Reticulated Silver Cross
Located in New York, NY
Large, highly detailed 19th century Russian Old Believers reticulated silver cross. Finely hand wrought with beautiful patina from being handled with love and devotion. The top and t...
Category

Antique 19th Century Russian Religious Items

Materials

Silver

Antique Hand-Colored Print of an Armenian Nun, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Religieuse Arménienne'. Print of an Armenian Nun. This print originates
Category

Antique 1840s Religious Items

Materials

Paper

Antique French Onyx Cloisonné Benetier "Holy Water Font", Circa 1920 s.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Onyx & Cloisonné Benetier "Holy Water Font", Circa 1920's.
Category

Early 20th Century French Religious Items

Materials

Onyx, Enamel

Antique Engraving - Crucifixion Christ - Silver Plated Copper - After Van Dyck
By Anthony van Dyck
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A late 19th century engraving, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and cherubs "Christ aux Anges". Engraved on a copper panel, silver plated. After Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641)...
Category

Antique 1880s French Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

Antique 19th Century Russian Double Sided Silver and Niello Reliquary Cross
Located in New York, NY
Antique Russian late 19th century silver and niello double sided reliquary cross on period long
Category

Antique 19th Century Russian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Good Size Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Cathedral Glass Lantern 1920s
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning, top quality made and all original antique pendant in the Gothic style. If you are a
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Religious Items

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Enormous Antique Bronze Eagle Sculpture Church Bible Stand or Saint John Lectern
Located in Lisse, NL
connoisseur of ecclesiastical antiques and meaningful design, this remarkable bronze eagle sculpture offers a
Category

Antique 19th Century European Gothic Revival Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Antique Hand-Colored Print of an Armenian Monk, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Moine Arménien' or Armenian Monk. The nowadays Mekhitarists or
Category

Antique 1840s French Religious Items

Materials

Paper

Antique Asian Bronze buddhist bell Tibetan Meditation Prayer Ghanta Bell
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Asian Bronze buddhist bell Tibetan Meditation Prayer Ghanta Bell. Buddhist Tibetan
Category

Antique Early 1900s Tibetan Tibetan Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Antique 17th Century Limoge Signed Plaque Of A Madonna Praying
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 17th Century French painted porcelain wall hanging plaque portraying the Madonna in prayer
Category

Antique 17th Century French Other Religious Items

Materials

Porcelain

Antique icon Zosima and Swataj, second half 19th century
Located in Gorssel, GE
Zosima and Swataj, founders of the Solowetski Monastery, holding a model of their monastery in their hands, Old Believers icon, second half 19th century. Dimensions: 30 x 35 cm.
Category

Antique 19th Century Russian Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Beautiful Pair of Antique Bronze Marble Sacred Heart Busts of Jesus and Mary
Located in Lisse, NL
gilded bronze. This graceful pair of antique busts, crafted around the early 1900s, captures one of the
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Religious Items

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant, Saint Relic Wood Carved 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique reliquary contains a relic of Saints with paper roll telling the name in latin. It is
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Edwardian Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Antique Spanish Colonial Baptismal Font Vessel and Altar Garniture Pair
Located in Forney, TX
Spanish Colonial set of three Mexican religious folk art pieces. Ornate, highly decorative, silver
Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Colonial Religious Items

Materials

Silver

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Religious Antique Furniture", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Religious Antique Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of religious antique furniture on 1stDibs. A piece of religious antique furniture — often made from wood, metal and paper — can elevate any home. There are 454 variations of the antique or vintage item from our selection of religious antique furniture you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect choice in our collection of religious antique furniture — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. An object in our assortment of religious antique furniture made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Art Nouveau — is very popular. A well-made option in this array of religious antique furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by A. Calmet, Francis Higgins and Jean-François Théodore Gechter are consistently popular.

Finding the Right Religious-items for You

Religious art has had an enduring and significant role throughout history and continues to resonate with modern audiences. Over the years, vintage and antique religious artifacts have become popular with collectors and the devout alike, and religious art has been used to express devotion across a range of media.

Historic examples of religious art remain evocative. From the Renaissance to 1800, many Old Masters actively explored sacred themes from Christianity. In the Baroque period, painters infused religious scenes with intense emotions through the technique of chiaroscuro, which uses strong contrasts between light and dark.

From the 18th to 19th century, Gothic Revival saw designers using elements that evoked the Middle Ages. Artists found inspiration in the romantic qualities of medieval paneling, furniture and other accoutrements, such as candelabras, statues and crosses. Works created in the Gothic style add drama and a grandiose elegance to any room.

Religious art reflects the diversity of beliefs around the world. Islamic art and Judaica are just a couple of examples of the vibrant expression that has coursed through faith-based art over the centuries. Sculptures have long depicted the image of Buddha, while intricately carved reliefs have stunningly depicted deities from Hinduism, like Ganesh. Members of Nepalese religions that emphasize shamanism have made ornate drums, artistically enhanced with images of animals like birds.

In some cases, artisans have created pieces that celebrate specific religious holidays such as the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. But even everyday items are an opportunity to bring both art and religion into a space. For example, designers of furniture over the years have drawn on elements found in cathedrals and other religious settings in order to elevate their work.

On 1stDibs, find a varied collection of antique and vintage religious artifacts and other objects that can be searched by style, period, artist and material, such as wood or metal.

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

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

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

    Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 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.

Read More

Dickens Fan on Your List? This First Edition of ‘A Christmas Carol’ Is a Treasure

Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.

Patchwork Quilts Are the Latest Nostalgic Design Trend

New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.

Medal-Worthy Memorabilia from Epic Past Olympic Games

Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.

Ahoy! You’ve Never Seen a Collection of Sailor Art and Kitsch Quite Like This

French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.

39 Incredible Swimming Pools

It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.

Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors

The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.

Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier

Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.

Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure

Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.