Antique furniture is a term used to describe a pre-loved piece of furniture that is at least 100 years old. The age and rarity of this type of furniture make it valuable for collectors of beautiful antiques. However, for the average homeowner, antique furniture has its charm too. Antique pieces reflect the style of the era they were made and can add interest to your home.
From the intricate carvings on a chest of drawers from the Victorian era to the decorative scallop shells and the fluid shapes of Rococo furniture, there is something for everyone when it comes to period pieces. Here are five reasons to furnish your home with antique furniture rather than buying new.
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Add Character to Your Home:
There is no doubt that antique furniture has more character than modern furniture. Antique pieces have been handcrafted and are more unique than furniture that has probably been mass-produced in a factory. Even the minor scratches and scuffs add to the charm of a period piece. Antique furniture make great statement pieces and intriguing talking points for guests.
The Thrill of the Hunt:
For many people, the thrill of the hunt is what makes antiquing so fun. Hunting out pieces in a curious antique shop hidden away in a back alley or an obscure flea market makes each purchase an adventure. Besides old antique stores and markets, you can also find excellent finds at car boot sales, general fairs, antique marketplaces, and auction halls. In fact, live auctions are a fantastic way to find unusual, bargain items.
However, for the uninitiated, it could be an intimidating experience as they ponder over how to bid during a live auction. Although the specifics can vary depending on the auction, the bidding process is often the same. Getting to grips with the process and doing your research on the value of furniture from different periods is a great way to ease your way in. Don’t forget to establish a budget or else you risk leaving out of pocket.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint:
Although many global furniture companies have adopted greener business practices, buying artisan antique furniture is always going to be more sustainable than purchasing a mass-produced piece. A lot of modern furniture requires mass harvesting of materials, a manufacturing process, and long distance transportation. In turn, new furniture often leads to higher carbon emissions than antique pieces. Buying antique furniture can help reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you buy locally.
Support Local, Independent Businesses:
Buying period pieces for the home allows you to support local, independent businesses. Rather than giving a big chain your money, purchasing your furniture from small businesses allow you to give back to the community. This can help keep them in business, and it also helps offset carbon emissions too.
Generate Less Waste:
Nowadays, a lot of modern furniture is cost-effective because it is made from cheap materials. In turn, this type of furniture isn’t made to last. Unfortunately, this means it doesn’t hold value and may break easily. The short life span means that money is wasted and more waste is generated. On the other hand, antique furniture, as the name suggests, can last for a substantially longer period of time. Furthermore, it tends to hold or increase in value over time, and it can be sold on if you no longer use it.
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