Any piece of antique furniture speaks of a country’s past. Antique furniture mirrors the history of different nations on the whole. Antique furniture’s development is influenced by wars, travels and discoveries of its time. Antique furniture is often linked to opulence of a country. Let us examine the different types and styles of antique furniture from different countries.
Antique furniture from China became popular from among the Oriental furniture because of the travels of Europeans to that country and travelers from that country visiting other parts of the world. Other countries in the Orient did not gain much popularity in antiques as the Chinese gained. Korean and Japanese furniture are not considered so much for their antique value as that of the Chinese. From the origins of the Chinese antique furniture that can be traced back to second century BC, the transformation from tatami mats to wooden seats can be traced to the Tang dynasty.
Most people opt for antique furniture and hardware pieces mainly because of the style and elegance they provide to the inner ambiance of an office, a home, or any other area. Prior to buying and collecting antique pieces however, the antique collector should first be equipped with the knowledge of where and how to shop. Bedroom Furniture Plans – Going Antique
Bedroom furniture plans sometimes remain plans that are made to sit in the backburner for long. But if you’re serious about all that antique fascination you recently vowed to express more of in your own bedroom, so be it. If you’re serious about your furniture looking great back through time, then you’ll need a wise stock of information making sure you don’t get swindled in the antique market. Genuine Antique Furniture Vs Fake Antique Furniture – How to Tell the Difference
Buyers and sellers beware: The country’s dire economic woes have created an explosion in the number of fake antique furniture and reproductions on the market. Fake furniture and reproductions have always been a cause for concern. But the difference now is that more fake antiques are flooding the market than ever before, bought by unsuspecting buyers. Antique Furniture For Sale Online – How to Spot Authentic Furniture
Antique furniture is great for people who have certain types of homes like a Victorian home. Anyone can use antique furniture for any reason they choose, it just looks better in older homes. The Chinese antique furniture styles of Ming and Qing dynasties are particularly unique for their elegance and daintiness. The Ming style antique Chinese furniture has been considered to be the ultimate model of Chinese furniture, with its exquisite craftsmanship.
The English antique furniture history can be broadly categorized into Renaissance and Restoration periods. Renaissance is the earliest known period in the English antique furniture that represents Tudor style. A lot of influence from foreign furniture styles can be seen in this period. Restoration period or the baroque style was popularized during the rule of King Charles II. Renaissance antique furniture was basic and without adornment.
The patterns followed in this type of furniture were medieval and Gothic. The popular wood during this period was oak though later on walnut wood gained some popularity. Baroque or Restoration antique furniture saw the use of mahogany and walnut and used less of oak. This period saw a great influence of the French and the Dutch on the antique furniture.
The French antique furniture has been a delight to connoisseurs of antique stuff. From the French furniture the armoires, chairs, chandeliers and tables are the most popular. The French furniture comprises both of the sophisticated items from Paris for the aristocracy and the rich, and furniture from the French provincial cities and towns that showcase talent of the districts. The other popular form from France was the furniture from country side that stayed up to the mid nineteenth century.
The American antique furniture is difficult to differentiate because the American antique furniture is influenced by the French and the English antique furniture. However, there is a distinguishing feature that defines an American antique furniture piece which is its practicality. Most American furniture pieces have more practical designs compared to their more lavish and elaborate English and French counterparts. For the American craftsmen, function was the primary concern, followed by decorative details. The American craftsmen differ from their European counterparts in this aspect.
Whichever country furniture you choose from, the best ways to buy antique furniture is to walk into the antiques store, stay close to the pieces of furniture you wish to buy, feel it, and allow it to speak to you. Buying antique furniture is a matter of heart and you should buy when the piece relates to your aesthetic sense coupled with a sense of matching to your home.
Antique oak chairs are a perfect complement to any room. These pieces will definitely add a touch of class and elegance in a space, regardless if it is an office, study or library.
There are many places online that you can find antique shows in Canada. The website antiquespromotion.ca is dedicated to the antique community and is a great resource to use. On this site there is information about dealers, an encyclopedia, forum, articles and classified ads. You may not have thought about it but buying and selling antiques is an environmentally friendly activity as well as a way to make money, it can also be a great Christmas gift.