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How to Determine the Style of Your Antique Furniture

Whether you̵7;re interested in selling your antique furniture or not, determining its style doesn̵7;t require seeking a professional antique dealer̵7;s help. For example, when selling antique furniture, you must know its proper market. Antique furniture has four categories, explains the Chicago Appraisers Association. Utilitarian consists of old furniture, which museums have little interest in, but you can decorate your home with it. Secondhand furniture generally ranges from the 1920s to the 1950s and is not considered antique, but may sell for a high price if the piece is new. Museum antiques such as Tudor pieces are fragile. Decorative furniture consists of high quality pieces like Baker furniture.

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the antique furniture. Make a list of the type of markings, carvings and finishes so you can distinguish it from other types of antiques. For example, Georgian Adam, which dates back to the late 18th century, has slender lines, fluted columns and draped garland decorations.
- 2
  Research the various types of antique furniture. Read books on the different styles like Early Colonial furniture from the 17th century and Shaker furniture from the 19th century. Make detailed notes on each of the antique furniture styles.
- 3
  Compare the furniture styles to your antique furniture. Take a sheet of paper, your notes and a list of details about your furniture to help you compare. Look for the many details that your furniture and the styles have in common, such as the type of wood used and any carvings.
- 4
  Eliminate the styles that don̵7;t have the same furniture details in common, including your furniture̵7;s detailed markings. For example, if your antique chair has tapered legs and a heart-shaped back, eliminate styles like Shaker; the Shaker style has no decorations and is very functional. However, you wouldn̵7;t eliminate styles like Greek Classic, Rococo or Chinese.

Antiques