Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Consider what details you know about the vanity. Does it have a company name on it? Did your great-grandfather make it? Did you purchase it at a sale for nineteenth century antiques? Did your aunt get it as a wedding present? Did the antique dealer tell you it was from the early twentieth century?
List the materials used in the vanity. Is it made from pine or oak or maple? Is it one kind of wood throughout, or does it use a higher quality wood on the outside and a different, less expensive wood on the back or for the drawers? Does it have any inlay? Is there any metal decoration at the corners? Are the drawer pulls porcelain or wood?
Evaluate the condition of the vanity. Does it stand firm or does it wobble? Were any of the legs repaired? Do the drawers work? Is the mirror in good condition?
Determine if the antique vanity has all of its original components. Was the mirror replaced with a modern mirror, or is it mottled and uneven like an antique mirror? Are the drawer pulls original or modern? Does it have its original finish, including signs of wear, or has it been painted? Is there a matching stool?
Compare your antique vanity to similar pieces. Look through antique price guides, search online antique websites, or visit antique stores to find pieces similar to yours. Begin your search using the most definitive information you have. If you know it was made in the 1850s, search by comparable dates. If you know it's made of oak, look for vanities made of oak.
Identify three to five antique vanities that are similar to yours. Similarities might include design, material, size, or date. Carefully read the details of each piece. Is your piece of furniture in better or worse condition? Is it older or newer? Does it have more embellishment or less?
Decide your antique vanity's value in comparison to the items you've found. If your vanity is older, or in better condition, or more unusual than the others, price it higher. If, however, your antique vanity is newer, has some damage, or is simpler in design, price it lower.