Your Cart is Empty
🇮🇱 We Stand with Israel 🇮🇱
Antique furniture is an investment worth taking part in. Buying the best antique furniture is comparable to buying the best art piece. Over time, the value will rise and you'll have one good investment on your hands.
When it's time to switch up your bedroom furniture or purchase a beautiful piece for your guest bedroom, there's no doubt that looking at antique beds is the best plan of action. If sleeping in one of the most extravagant beds is something that calls out to you, then you'll need to shop for an antique bed. But the shopping process isn't easy for everyone.
Not everyone knows the ins and outs of antiques and how to find the best of the best. If you're one of those people who need a hand when shopping for antiques, then look no further. Here's our guide on how to buy the best antique bed!
Before you begin your shopping journey, know what antique means. There are many antique furniture pieces and other antique item imitation pieces out there so you'll want to know what you have before you buy it. Usually, a store will label an item as an antique if it's 50 years or older.
When shopping with a fine antique dealer, they'll list an item that's 100 years or older as an antique. And although you might not find a genuine antique piece from the 1600s, the replications of these items can be quite valuable themselves. Examine the piece through and through.
Straight and uniform cut marks usually show signs that the item was made with a machine rather than handmade. Knowing what type of wood the piece is made of is another way to tell an antique's age. Here are some styles to look out for.
There are certain characteristics of antique pieces that'll help you determine it's style. Here is what to look for in English-made antique pieces.
Victorian pieces were made in the mid to late 19th century. The most commonly used woods were Rosewood, Mahogany, and Walnut. These antiques are large and heavy pieces that usually have a dark finish.
Tabletops were often made from marble and the designs were ornate decorations or carvings.
Queen Anne pieces were first made in the early 18th century. The most commonly used woods were Cherry Wood, Mahogany, Oak, Maple, and Walnut. These antiques are simple pieces and sometimes with a scallop-shell mount.
They have curves throughout them usually seen in the legs and have little decorations.
Regency pieces were made in the early 19th century. The most commonly used wood was Mahogany. These antiques are often smaller simpler elegant designs.
Although, they have bold curves and use more colors.
American-made antiques have their own special criteria as well. Here's what to look for in an American-made antique piece.
Shaker pieces were made in the late 18th century through the mid 19th century. The most commonly used woods were Maple and Pine. These antiques are functional pieces without much decoration.
The design and craftsmanship, however, is stunning.
Early Colonial pieces were made in the 17th century. The most commonly used woods were Walnut, Maple, Birch, and Pine. These antiques are made with square lines and are solid pieces.
The carvings and decorations on this type of antique are heavy.
Late Colonial pieces were made in the 18th century. The most commonly used woods were Pine and Mahogany. These antiques are made to interpret the same type of style as seen in Queen Anne and Georgian pieces.
When shopping around for an antique bed, you'll also need to keep the sizing in mind. Antique pieces may not be standard sizes, and you'll need to purchase a mattress to fit.
The fittings of a bed tell you a lot about it. If the bed has a wooden side rail with bolts, this usually points to a European origin. L-shaped rails connecting to T-shaped hitches are a sign of the 1900s and later.
L-shaped rails connecting to C-shaped hitches are a sign of the 19th century and later. Look for these clues to give you a good hint of when the bed was made.
Sometimes, antique beds undergo alterations. Look for these alterations in the frame. Are there screw holes that have been filled in?
If so, this means that the hitches were moved. The legs might have been sawed down as well. These are all things to take notice of when shopping for an antique bed.
Always check the condition of the bed. Is it sturdy? How does the finish look?
The finish should be of high quality, and the bed should not feel weak.
As mentioned above, there are certain qualities to look for in different styles of antiques. When looking to purchase an antique bed, look for these factors to determine the quality and rarity of a piece. Identify the bed's age, look at the carvings, decorations, and designs, and check for the maker's name.
Shopping around for a high-quality piece might lead you to imitations. When looking for antique wooden beds, you'll want to only spend time with people who you can trust. Here at English Georgian America, we only provide you with the best antique furniture and custom antique reproductions.
Browse through our antique bed inventory today to find the right piece for you, and know that you're purchasing not only a timeless piece but an investment as well!
