Antique furniture always exudes a great charm: attention to detail, precious finishes, and quality materials make these objects not only an integral part of home decor but true works of art to showcase in one’s own home. But how do you recognize genuinely antique furniture from those that may appear so but aren’t? Here’s a brief guide to navigate the interpretation of various styles of antique furniture.
Characteristics of furniture from 1300 to today
Furniture is not only diverse today, but it has also varied throughout history. Similar to fashion trends, each era followed a distinct style. Antiques experts have categorized furniture based on styles:
- Gothic, characteristic of the 14th century.
- Renaissance, typical of the period between 1400 and 1600.
- Baroque (1600-1730).
- Liberty-Art Nouveau (1895-1915).
- Art Déco (1915-1930).
- Chippendale (1940).
Each of these antique furniture styles has well-defined characteristics. Renaissance-style furniture, for example, is easily recognizable for being massive, with predominantly dark colors, often made of oak and walnut. Additionally, furniture from this period typically features claw feet and thick tabletops. Common items from this era include double-bodied wardrobes and cabinets.
There are also styles inspired by the regency period of famous French monarchs, starting with Baroque, which gained popularity during the reign of Louis XIV. This style combines the imposing forms of the Renaissance with more symmetrical lines. Inlays and decorations abound, consistent with a historical period that celebrated splendor and opulence. Common furniture items from this era that can still be found in the antique market include chests of drawers and desks.
Tastes changed radically after the French Revolution, giving rise to bourgeois furniture and the success of the Empire style (1801-1821), Charles X (1825-1830), and, especially, Louis-Philippe (1830-1848). From this point onward, furniture was no longer a symbol of social status, and its design became subordinated to functionality.
Styles of antique furniture: differences between antique, antique-style, and fake furniture
For antique enthusiasts, it’s crucial to distinguish between antique furniture, antique-style furniture, and fake furniture. What’s the difference? In the first case, these are genuine antique items that have survived from the era in which they were made. Antique-style furniture, on the other hand, are reproductions crafted by skilled artisans in periods subsequent to the style to which the furniture refers. For example, Baroque-style furniture could have been made in the 19th century. The important thing is that the antique dealer specifies, even in the sales certificate, that it is a piece made in the style of a previous historical period. Antique-style furniture is generally more affordable than antique pieces but still commands a high price due to being crafted by professional artisans as unique pieces.
Unfortunately, fake furniture also exists—items manufactured recently and passed off as antiques. To protect against scams, in addition to seeking reputable and honest antique dealers, attention can be paid to some details:
- Color of the furniture: genuine antiques exhibit inimitable color nuances due to the passage of time.
- Signs of restoration.
- Nails and hardware that, before the industrial era, were not mass-produced, thus distinguishing one from another.
Criteria for assessing whether an antique furniture should be restored
Antique furniture is not just furniture but works of art. Therefore, those in possession of such pieces should consider, when necessary, the possibility of restoration.
Specific criteria are followed to evaluate whether antique furniture should be restored, starting with an assessment of the furniture’s conservation status.
It’s evident that an item damaged by woodworms will require specific treatment to eliminate the problem while still attempting to preserve the original wood. The finish is also crucial; with the skills of a professional, it’s possible to restore a piece to its former glory. Additionally, the patina, formed by layers of wax, oils, and soot from lamps and candles, is a typical characteristic of antique furniture. Patination is also performed during restoration to give an antique piece that distinctive charm that makes it unmistakable.
