Antiques are a unique and special type of home decor. They’re often seen as being old-fashioned, even old-world, pieces that evoke feelings of history. But antiques also add much character to any space in which they’re placed, and they can also be quite affordable if you know where to look. You can include antiques in your home in many different ways. You need to know how to find the right ones and what styles will work best with your existing décor.
Here are some helpful tips on choosing antiques for your home so you can make the most of them when you find them.
Ensure the Pieces Are of Good Quality
Not all antiques are created equally. While most of them are likely to be of high quality, some may have been made in a very shoddy manner. If you’re spending a lot of money on antique furniture, for example, you want it to be of high quality so that it will last for a very long time. You can do this by looking at the materials used in the items and reading any markings on them to determine their age and authenticity.
If you’re purchasing an antique item over 100 years old, it’s essential to know that it may have some imperfections. Antiques of this nature were often handmade and were not created in a factory setting with machines. While today such imperfections may be seen as a mark of authenticity, back in the day, they were considered to be unacceptable.
Shop at Reputed Antiquing Shops
Antique shops and antique markets are great places to find unique and beautiful antiques. Not only do they have a lot to choose from, but also, they are likely to be of high quality. Many different factors go into determining the value of antiquing pieces, and you can expect the staff at these places to have a firm grasp on them.
When antiquing, you never know what you’ll find. You may have a particular item in mind or be open to anything. If you have a specific type of object in mind, be sure to ask the staff at the shop if they have it in stock. If not, they may know of other places where you can find it.
Be Aware of the Different Styles
When it comes to antique styles, there are many to choose from. If you’re not sure what will look best in your home, you can start by determining which styles of furniture and décor you like the best. You can find many different antique styles, including:
- Pre-1900 Furniture – The 1800s were an exciting time for home décor and furniture. Although the Victorian style was trendy, it was an eclectic mix of many different styles. Pre-1900 furniture features a mix of styles with simple lines, bold use of color, and decorative motifs.
- Victorian Furniture – The Victorian era was a time of significant change and development. It was also a time of excellent refinement where furniture design was concerned. Victorian furniture was elaborate, highly decorative, and very opulent.
- Edwardian Furniture – The Edwardian era was a time of change and progression in both the world and home décor. Edwardian furniture features dark, rich colors, large curved pieces, and ornate designs.
- Art Deco Furniture – Art Deco furniture features bold geometric designs, bright colors, and clean lines. It has a modern feel, and it would look great in traditional and modern spaces.
Check for Restoration
If you buy a vintage piece of furniture or an antique item for the first time, you’ll want to check for signs of restoration. While this doesn’t mean that the item is fake, you need to consider it. Checking for restoration on an antique item is essential as it signifies that more
work may need to be done. If you have someone restore your furniture, you need to find out how long it will take and how much it will cost. You also want to ensure that the person doing the restoration is reputable so that you don’t spend more money down the road.
Look for Objects with Meaning
While you’re antiquing, you may encounter an antique object with a fascinating story. For example, you can find antique books that famous people own. If you come across an item like this, you’re likely to be able to sell it for a reasonable price.
If you come across items like this, keep them. They are exceptional and can add a lot of history and character to your home. They also make excellent gifts if you know the person’s taste well enough to know what they might like.
Check the Condition of the Object
When you’re buying an antique item, it’s essential to also check its condition. You want to ensure that it is in good enough condition to be displayed in your home. If the item needs restoration, ensure you get a written estimate of the cost and an estimated time frame for completion. If you don’t see any issues with the item, you can negotiate a lower price. If
you buy something that isn’t in perfect condition, you can always have it restored. While this will cost you extra money, it’s often worth it as a piece of furniture or an antique in good condition will last a long time.