How to Judge the Condition of Antique Furniture?

by

Matt Young

When evaluating antique furniture, there are many techniques that can be utilized by anyone who wants to make an accurate valuation. There are particular warning signs to watch out for in antique pieces that indicate newness, and they can be discovered easily if one learns about them ahead of time.

On the other hand, there are indicators of age that can be observed, which are helpful to know about because they imply higher value in the furniture. It may be costly and time consuming to have antiques appraised by an expert, so it can be helpful to have a basic education on the signs to look out for when judging the value of antiques.

Indicators of High Value

In this section are some characteristics of age (and higher value) that can be seen in antiques. A general concept to be aware of is that wood and glass tend to become warped over a long period of time. For example, wooden tables that may have been perfectly round when it was built will most likely not still be perfectly round if it is truly an antique, because the wood will have become warped. The same can be observed in the glass that is found in antique mirrors and other glass pieces.

In wooden furniture, look for variations in colour. These occur in old furniture because certain segments of the furniture are exposed to light for many years, while others, like the back of a dresser, are not. If there are signs that the furniture has been reupholstered several times, this can indicate a higher age and value. General indicators of age can also include normal wear tear and build-ups of dirt or dust.

Indicators of Lower Value

It is also important to know how to avoid buying new furniture that can be mistaken for antique furniture. In terms of coloration, the inverse of the advice above is true: new furniture tends to be uniform in colour because it has not been exposed to light long enough to show discoloration. If there are screw holes in the furniture with nothing in them, this likely means that part of the original piece of hardware (such as a handle) is missing, which will decrease the value.

It is not uncommon for some antique items to be forged or counterfeit. The people who produce these fake antiques will use various techniques to artificially make the antiques look older than they really are, such as using old screws or other hardware. Finally, if different types of wood are visible in the furniture, this can mean that the item was damaged and repaired at some point after its original production. However, if you are thinking of buying really high priced items, it may be advisable to call the experts since a few errors can be costly.

For further details on collectibles, antique chairs or finding an antique desk supplier, or any other topics that have been raised, visit

LovedayAntiques.co.uk

who are experts in the antique trade. They also have a

sculptures page

for those who are interested.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com

Reshaping Rooms Using Sofa Sectionals

by

Christine.H

Crafting the right look for your living room is all about the sofa. As the most influential anchor in the room, your sofa can set the tone for a truly striking living space. Sofa sectionals are a great way make a statement and reshape the usage of a room large or small.

Whether youre redecorating or furnishing a living space from scratch, selecting a sectional should be done carefully, to ensure a good fit with your dcor and personal taste. Ask yourself a few questions up front for a living room that looks professionally appointed.

Would you describe your other furniture as modern or minimalist? Look for sectional sofas from Armen Living, Coaster, Diamond, or Global Living. Are you more traditional, favoring antiques, hearty wood, or rich leather? Try brands like Catnapper, Distinction Leather, Homelegance, Klaussner Furniture, or Simmons.

Are you furnishing a basement media room? Or is your sectional sofa for a social living room space? Will you be entertaining or relaxing? Or both? Consider the purpose(s) youll want your sofa to serve when you consider design style and upholstery options.

Small Spaces and Sofa Sectionals?

Why consider a sectional in a small space? Using a sofa sectional in an open-concept bachelor space is a great way to divide the room between living and dining or sleeping space. In super compact apartments, a sectional can be very functional, as long as the size is chosen carefully so as not to crowd the room.

If you do have a large room to fill, sectionals can meet that need too. Instead of restricting your size, opt for a large model of your favorite style. Add an extra connecting-joint seat for a wide U-shape or J-shape instead of the standard L-shape as best suits your space.

Sleeper Sofas and Custom Options

After youve chosen a style and size, move on to other options like sleeper models and custom fabrics. A combination like a sectional sleeper is tough to find, so you may have to sacrifice other specifics. Do you have a really particular colour or texture in mind? If your taste leans towards unique niche products and you know your sectional sofa simply must be blue or made of chenille, make sure youve searched with your highest priority first in case you have to relinquish a feature.

Shop for Your Sofa Set Right at Home

Finding the perfect sectional sofa in person can involve trips to one showroom after another, as you deal with limited selection, sales pressure, and busy retail spaces. Shopping online is a great way to take the time you need, in a relaxed atmosphere, to find the right fit for your specific style and space.

Get access to the best selection and pricing possible at an e-tailer like Every Sofa. As the name implies, youll find sofas and sofa sets that cover any combination of must-haves, including style, upholstery, and price. Shop for

sofa sectionals

, including

selected models with sleeper sofas

, at Every Sofa for an unbeatable combination of price and service.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com