Antique Furniture Value Guide
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Identifying Valuable Antique Furniture
Understanding furniture styles and periods helps you recognize potentially valuable pieces. Get started with our free online antique appraisal. Here are the most sought-after styles in today's market:
Victorian (1837-1901)
Ornate carvings, dark woods (mahogany, walnut, rosewood), curved lines. Look for Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Eastlake styles. Values range from $500 to $15,000+ for exceptional pieces.
Key markers: Machine-made dovetails, round nails, heavy proportions
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1969)
Clean lines, organic curves, mixed materials. Designer pieces by Eames, Wegner, Nakashima, and Knoll are highly prized. Values range from $200 to $50,000+ for iconic designs.
Key markers: Teak, walnut, molded plywood, hairpin legs
Arts & Crafts (1880-1920)
Simple, sturdy designs emphasizing handcraftsmanship. Gustav Stickley, Roycroft, and L. & J.G. Stickley pieces are museum-quality. Values range from $800 to $100,000+ for rare pieces.
Key markers: Quarter-sawn oak, exposed tenons, copper hardware
Federal/Empire (1780-1840)
American interpretation of Neoclassical styles. Features inlay, brass hardware, and elegant proportions. Pieces by noted makers like Duncan Phyfe are highly collectible.
Key markers: Hand-cut dovetails, square nails, flame mahogany veneer
What Determines Antique Furniture Value?
Provenance & Maker
Documented history and known makers dramatically increase value. A labeled Stickley piece can be worth 10x an unlabeled equivalent. Look for stamps, labels, and paper tags inside drawers or on the back.
Original Finish & Hardware
Original finish is typically preferred over refinished pieces, sometimes by 50-80%. Original brass hardware, knobs, and pulls add significant value. Replaced elements should be disclosed.
Condition & Repairs
Structural integrity matters more than surface wear. Honest patina is desirable; amateur repairs hurt value. Professional restoration by period specialists can preserve or increase value.
Rarity & Desirability
Unusual forms, rare woods, or limited production runs increase value. Market trends shift - Mid-Century Modern has appreciated significantly while "brown furniture" (Victorian/Edwardian) has softened.
How to Get Your Furniture Valued
Upload Photos
Include overall shots, joinery details, any labels/stamps, and condition issues
AI Analysis
Our AI identifies style, period, and maker using 25+ years of appraisal data
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my furniture is antique or reproduction?
Look for signs of age: hand-cut (irregular) dovetails vs. machine-cut (uniform), square nails before 1890, shrinkage across wood grain, wear patterns in expected places. Our AI can help identify reproduction markers from your photos.
Should I refinish my antique furniture before selling?
Generally, no. Collectors prefer original finishes with honest wear. Refinishing can reduce value by 50% or more. Clean gently with appropriate products, but preserve the patina. Consult our appraisal before making any restoration decisions.
What photos should I take for an accurate appraisal?
Include: overall front/side views, back of the piece, drawer construction/dovetails, any labels/stamps/signatures, hardware close-ups, condition issues (damage, repairs, missing parts), and the underside or inside of drawers.
Why has "brown furniture" declined in value?
Tastes have shifted toward lighter, simpler aesthetics. Heavy Victorian and Edwardian pieces are less popular with younger buyers. However, exceptional examples, signed pieces, and unusual forms still command strong prices. Market trends are cyclical.
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