How do I identify my antique furniture?

To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.

What makes furniture an antique?

A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

Is antique furniture in style?

Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.

What antique furniture is popular?

Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. & J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.

How do I know if my furniture is antique?

To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.

How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?

There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.

Is antique furniture worth anything?

Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.

Is antique furniture making a comeback?

Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.

How do I date antique furniture from the UK?

To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?

To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.

What is the best finish for antique furniture?

The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

How can I tell how old my antique furniture is?

To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.

How can I tell what my antique furniture is worth?

To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

How old is furniture called antique?

How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

How can you tell antique furniture from reproduction?

To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.

How can I tell who made my antique furniture?

To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

How old must furniture be to be considered antique?

To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.

How do you tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture?

To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

What’s the difference between vintage and antique furniture?

The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.

Antique Furniture Knobs

Antique Vienna Biedermeier Silver Sugar Box With Pear Knob, by Thomas Dub, 1863

By Viennese Manufactory

Located in Vienna, AT

Biedermeier silver sugar bowl in rectangular basic form on four rocaille feet, the walls of the container drawn in towards the top and provided with folds, which run straight on the ...

Category

1860s Austrian Biedermeier Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Silver

English Pine Bow Front Chest of Drawers, c. 1880 with original knobs and feet

$3,995

English Pine Bow Front Chest of Drawers, c. 1880 with original knobs and feet

Located in Atlanta, GA

*A special detail to me are the chest knobs. All 8 knobs have a great circular design and are original to the piece.

Category

1880s European Victorian Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Pine

Very Early Meissen Tea Caddy With Merchant Ship Scenes And Bud Knob, 1763-1774

$2,741 / set

Very Early Meissen Tea Caddy With Merchant Ship Scenes And Bud Knob, 1763-1774

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Vienna, AT

Rectangular porcelain box with rounded shoulders, small round, slightly domed lid with bud handle, colourful painted merchant scenes on the four sides and on the top of the lid, gold...

Category

Late 18th Century German Rococo Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Porcelain

Scandinavian 19th century birch chest of drawers

$3,074

Scandinavian 19th century birch chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Each pine lined drawer is fitted with working lock and key, as typical with swedish furniture there are no knobs or handles and the drawers open on the key.

Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Empire Revival Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Birch, Pine

Late 19th Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk

$62,000

Late 19th Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

It retains its original, beautifully aged Carrara marble top—a hallmark of high-status Damascus furniture—and its delicate porcelain knobs. Each drawer is framed with a fine silver a...

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Recent Sales

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Tea Service, Pewter with Wooden Knobs and Handles, circa 1925

Unavailable

Sold

H 2.56 in W 2.56 in D 3.94 in

1920s Spherical Ebony Door Knobs

Located in London, GB

1920s spherical ebony door knobs with circular rose brass backplates. Seven pairs available.

English "x" Shaped Leather Bench with Adjustable Knobs

Sold

H 21.5 in W 22 in D 15 in

English "x" Shaped Leather Bench with Adjustable Knobs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charming English leather upholstered "X" shaped bench with adjustable wood knobs to adjust the height. Leather has beautiful rich patina and finished with antique brass nailhead trim.

Category

Early 1900s English Other Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

19th c. English Knob Finial Scrollwork Andirons

Sold

H 17 in W 9 in D 15 in

19th c. English Knob Finial Scrollwork Andirons

Located in Greenwich, CT

A pair of decorative 19th century English andirons in wrought iron with knob finials over scroll work decorated shafts and feet, as well as scroll-ended log supports.

Category

19th Century English Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Iron

'KAYE' of Leeds Rose Brass Door Knobs

Sold

H 2.56 in W 2.56 in D 2.96 in

'KAYE' of Leeds Rose Brass Door Knobs

By Kaye

Located in London, GB

'KAYE' of Leeds rose brass door knobs, Edwardian, the teardrop shaped handle with circular backplate. Four available.

Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Brass

1920s English Oak and Brass Door Knobs

Sold

H 3.15 in Dm 2.37 in

1920s English Oak and Brass Door Knobs

Located in London, GB

English turned oak and brass door knobs, circa 1920. Sold as pairs, in good working order ready to use.

Category

1920s British Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Oak

'DRYAD' of Leicestershire Rose Brass Door Knobs

Sold

Sold

H 2.25 in Dm 2.5 in

AMAZING SET OF TWELVE WEDGEWOOD DOOR KNOBS OR TIE BACKS.

Located in Buchanan, MI

AMAZING SET OF TWELVE WEDGEWOOD DOOR KNOBS OR TIE BACKS. CURRENTLY DOOR KNOBS BUT COULD EASILY BE FITTED AS DRAPERY TIE BACKS

Category

19th Century English Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Bronze

Amazing Set Of Twelve Wedgewood Door Knobs Or Tie Backs.

Sold

$1,028 / set

$22,330 / item

$9,510

H 35.44 in W 65.36 in D 36.23 in

Stunning Quality 1980s Spanish Foosball Kicker Table

Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB

A fantastic quality original solid wood-framed Spanish foosball table. Complete with painted metal players, an abacus-type scoring system, and a set of footballs. Two standout featur...

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

$7,950

H 97.25 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in

French Modern Fire Place in Black Sheet Steel

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Fire place, sheet steel, France, 1960s. A well-designed fire place executed in black coated steel, ably employed as either the heart of a decor or its focal point. The whole constru...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Sheet Metal

Pair of Large Ginkgo Leave Brass Wall Lights, Organic Shape, Tommaso Barbi Style

$7,425 / set

H 35.44 in W 21.66 in D 5.91 in

Pair of Large Ginkgo Leave Brass Wall Lights, Organic Shape, Tommaso Barbi Style

By Tommaso Barbi

Located in Bochum, NRW

Amazing pair of wall lights made of two overlapping brass leaves of ginkgo. Organic shape, this wall light could make an eye catcher of your interior. Entirely hand made, this piece ...

Category

2010s European Mid-Century Modern Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Brass

Ludovica Table by Ayres

$4,249 / item

H 18.9 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in

Ludovica Table by Ayres

Located in Geneve, CH

Ludovica Table by Ayres Dimensions: W 41 x D 41 x H 48 cm. Materials: Red Travertine. At AYRES we design utilitarian objects and furniture with a primary aesthetic. Our basic shap...

Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Marble

Midcentury Italian Maison Jansen Style Steel and Brass Table with Marble Top

$5,250

H 27.75 in Dm 20.5 in

Midcentury Italian Maison Jansen Style Steel and Brass Table with Marble Top

By Maison Jansen

Located in Atlanta, GA

A vintage Italian Maison Jansen style steel and brass side table from the mid 20th century with white veined round shaped marble top, ring pulls, lower ring and hoof feet. Created in...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

$5,254 / item

H 22.45 in Dm 17.72 in

Art Deco Brass Table/ Desk Lamp, Re Edition

By Woka Lamps

Located in Vienna, AT

Big elegant desk lamp with two sockets All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.

Category

2010s European Art Deco Antique Furniture Knobs

Materials

Brass

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Antique Furniture Knobs For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of antique furniture knobs for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique furniture knobs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. Antique furniture knobs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique furniture knobs made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Arts and Crafts — are very popular at 1stDibs. Antique furniture knobs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Forman, G.F Brevete and Josef Hoffmann are consistently popular.

How Much are Antique Furniture Knobs?

Antique furniture knobs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,182, while the lowest priced sells for $150 and the highest can go for as much as $18,000.

Questions About Antique Furniture Knobs

How do I identify my antique furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
What makes furniture an antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.
Is antique furniture in style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
What antique furniture is popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. & J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
How do I know if my furniture is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
Is antique furniture worth anything?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
Is antique furniture making a comeback?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
How do I date antique furniture from the UK?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
What is the best finish for antique furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?
1 Answer
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.
How can I tell how old my antique furniture is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
How can I tell what my antique furniture is worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
How old is furniture called antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
How can you tell antique furniture from reproduction?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
How can I tell who made my antique furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
How old must furniture be to be considered antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
To be considered antique, furniture must usually be at least 100 years old. Contemporary is the name for furniture produced within the last 20 years. Vintage furniture is at least 20 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
How do you tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
To tell the difference between antique and reproduction furniture, first look at hidden areas, such as the backs or insides of the drawers. On reproduction furniture, you may find plywood or engineered wood in these areas, while antique furniture will usually have solid hardwood on drawer interiors and backs. Also, slight irregularities and marks indicating that the furniture was built with hand tools rather than machines usually suggest that the piece is antique. Because it can be difficult to differentiate reproductions from genuine antiques without expertise and training, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer about the age of your piece. Find a diverse assortment of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
What’s the difference between vintage and antique furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 25, 2019
The difference between vintage and antique furniture is that vintage furniture is at least 20 years old, while antiques must be at least 100 years old to be considered antique.