Does restoring antique furniture decrease value?
Time takes a toll on all objects, including valuable antiques. In some cases, it makes sense to restore these items to their former beauty. However, improper antique restoration can decrease or even destroy the value of some pieces.
Does painting vintage furniture devalue it?
Once paint has been applied to the antique the original patina of the piece is obviously gone, but even if you change your mind months or years later and decide to restore the finish you will never regain the original patina of the antique.
How do you fix antique furniture?
How to restore antique furniture
- Talk to a professional.
- Always try to preserve the original finish.
- Cleaning of furniture should be carried out with care.
- Shellac is one of the oldest types of finishing materials.
- Restorers prefer hide glues.
- Removing candle wax is best done straight away.
What makes a piece of furniture an antique?
According to Merriam Webster, an antique is “a relic or object of ancient times” or “a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago.”
Should I repaint antique furniture?
When deciding whether or not to paint antique furniture, it’s helpful to come up with a cost basis. The cost basis is the value of antique furniture in its current state. An antique dresser could be worth $250 unpainted in its original condition, but painting it could make it worth only $50 to an antique dealer.
Why has antique furniture lose value?
Dealers, auctioneers and designers point to a number of reasons for the declining interest in antiques and rapid rise of contemporary design. More homes have open-concept, casual living spaces rather than formal dining rooms and studies, which reduces the need for stately mahogany dining tables, chairs and cabinets.
What makes an antique piece of furniture worth more?
Read more about our antique furniture valuations below! When valuing a piece of furniture, our experts consider the item’s age, style, size and origin. The condition matters too: an item in exceptional condition is typically worth more than an item that has become a bit wobbly or has some conservation issues.
How does restoration affect the value of antiques?
Much of the value of antiques comes from their age. The patina, or surface wear or oxidation, of a piece is evidence of its age and history, so in most cases, it is prized by collectors. If you destroy the patina during the restoration process, you can dramatically decrease the value of the item.
Which is the best way to appraise antique furniture?
For rare items, however, a professional will be better able to preserve the item’s integrity and value. If the piece seems old and looks like it’s in relatively good, original condition, your best bet is to have the piece appraised by a professional. Most large cities have companies who specialize in appraising antique furniture.
What’s the difference between second hand and antique furniture?
There is a big difference between buying a piece of second-hand furniture and buying an antique item. While second-hand furniture depreciates with age and use, an antique item can cost a significant sum of money.
What makes antique furniture more valuable than new furniture?
Antique furniture has use and value and resale prices are high. Most new furniture loses value quickly. Finish is important; destroying it reduces worth. Proper restoration can retain or add value, but sloppy repairs lower value. Broken legs, arms and drawers can be fixed. Hardware can be replaced with other period hardware.
Much of the value of antiques comes from their age. The patina, or surface wear or oxidation, of a piece is evidence of its age and history, so in most cases, it is prized by collectors. If you destroy the patina during the restoration process, you can dramatically decrease the value of the item.
What are the different types of antique furniture?
Antique furniture comes in all different styles and pieces. Different types of wood, craftsmanship, and finishing materials contribute to the individuality of each piece. Understanding how to assess the quality of antique furniture and how to care for it can make a difference when selecting a piece. What sorts of antique furniture are available?
How can I find out how much my antique furniture is worth?
Sometimes the easiest way to get a rough estimate of what your antique furniture is worth is to see how other similar pieces are priced. The internet is a treasure trove of information and databases that will help you narrow down a price, once you know what to search.
