One of the most important requirements for antique shoppers is to know how exactly to determine the price of furniture you want to purchase. The aim of every shop is to make a handsome profit from what they sell to customers. Sometimes, you will be surprised with shops that sell you a piece of furniture for much less than what it is actually worth. The best way to find out if you are paying the right price is to learn all about antique furniture before you go shopping.
Antiquing is an intriguing business. With the help of the internet, it is today possible to conduct a thorough research to find out all about antique furniture values. In order to be in a better position to bargain, you must also be adept at identifying the period of the furniture. For instance, you must be able to differentiate between Tudor and Queen Anne furniture. You must also be able to determine whether the furniture you want is an American or European antique. Conduct enough research to learn about the era when the furniture was made to determine the age of the piece. Equipping yourself with this vital knowledge is only the first step. Many shops in the antiquing business are adept at creating exact replicas of original pieces and unless you are trained to do so, you may not be able to identify the difference. In order to ensure a good bargain, you must therefore learn a few essential tricks to determine the exact antique furniture values.
As soon as you locate the antique furniture you want, look closely to determine if it is a genuine, authentic and quality item. Look for damage signs such as cracks and missing pieces. Check to see if the hinges are tightly secured and the drawers can be opened and closed in a smooth manner. The most important aspect is to ensure that the structure of the furniture you choose is sound and sturdy. Inspect closely to find out if any prior refinishing has been done on the furniture. See if wood in all parts of the piece is original. Of course, you cannot rule out a certain amount of wear and tear in very old furniture. If you are planning on purchasing furniture over a hundred years old, ensure that it is functional. Inspect the edges of the furniture to see if they are smooth. If the edges are rough, then you can be sure that the furniture is not as old as they claim. In such cases, you can bargain on antique furniture values and get a good deal. As the older veneers are thick as compared to today’s furniture, they may not be even. If the piece is vibrant in color and clean, it means that the craftsmanship is of excellent quality.
Last but not the least, as you consider antique furniture values for the sake of making a profit through reselling, determine if the pieces you choose are considered to be rare and whether they are in demand. There is definitely no point in spending a fortune on a rare antique piece that is not easy to sell.
