Buying antique furniture: Tips and tricks

Jun 27, 2012, 8:16 a.m.

Shopping trips focused on finding antiques are fun ways to spend an afternoon. Learning some tips to buying antique furniture can help make your excursions more enjoyable and your purchases more valuable. Antique furniture has several features that enhance the fun of finding antiques.

Unless you are an amateur (or professional) antique dealer, buy pieces that you like and can see fitting into your home for the long-term. Your instincts and feelings are highly important. They are just as important as proportions (will it "fit" in your home?), condition (does it need major refinishing efforts?) and, of course, price (does it work within your budget?).

You've probably heard about the importance of "patina" when buying antique furniture. If you're confused about the meaning of "patina," you're not alone. Looking up formal definitions will offer little help. Most amateurs finding antiques should concentrate more on the current finish and clues to prior finishing activities. Has it been sanded and refinished ad infinitum? Has it been stripped and painted often over its life? Or, is it in almost original condition with an obvious "patina," looking like the veteran wood it is?

Learn more about finding antiques of quality. Attend a few high-end antique auctions to learn about buying antique furniture that is expensive. You'll see many things you like and numerous items you do not favor. Your next shopping trips will be more focused and knowledgeable. You can even learn by browsing eBay. You'll get some idea of quality versus pricing.

These few tips are all you need to make finding antiques more rewarding. You'll still have great fun on your antique shopping trips, but you'll make more memorable purchases for your home.

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