Whatever your preference, if you plan to buy antiques, you should know the basics. You need this knowledge to determine whether a particular piece is original (in its original condition without any major changes) or altered (if major changes or additions are made.)

Initially, solid wood furniture, but with an improved cabinet furniture decorating techniques, applying veneers (thin sheets of wood) was developed. This provided an inexpensive way to create decorative effects of grain and different reasons. There was also an economic technique that makes cheap wood like expensive hard woods. This furniture has a solid body, which was a carcass of another, generally less expensive wood, like pine. Some woods used in antique furniture are beech, cherry, chestnut, ebony, elm, mahogany, pine and oak, satin, walnut, etc.

The following characteristics are important in determining the age, authenticity, quality and value or price of antique furniture:

I> Color and Patina: Patina is the glow of the wood after years of accumulation of wax and dirt. A rich subtle color is also an important characteristic of antique furniture.

II> Proportion: A disproportionate piece of furniture can be a “marriage” of different parts of different furniture.

III> Construction: Before the late 17th century, the furniture is made using a pen and ankle joints and tendons were handmade.

IV> Condition: Ignore pieces with marks or stains because the wood is damaged. A good restorer can undo surface spots. Antique furniture in perfect original condition is the highest price.

V> Changes: Altered furniture is always less desirable than the original. Telltale changes include large pieces reduced in size, freshly cut surfaces, plugged holes, repositioned handles etc.

Well, apart from auctions and dealers, you can always consult the classified section in the newspaper to see if someone selling furniture and go check. You will also find many sites that antique furniture on the Internet to sell or you can use the Internet to find out where you could go for good deals on antique furniture.