How to Buy American Antique Furniture: A Guide for New Collectors

Lot 135: Federal Mahogany and Tiger Maple Inlaid Bowfront Chest of Drawers, Est. $1,000-1,500

While I’ve heard some say “the golden age of antiques collecting is over,” in fact, it’s not over, and for some, it’s just beginning. There’s so much opportunity out there, especially for twenty- or thirty-somethings just starting out and setting up homes. Many members of this generation remain unaware of the antiques world, and often head straight to Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, or IKEA for copies of original items we see here at Skinner every day.

Things don’t need to be this way. With a little information and effort, younger collectors can acquire affordable antique furnishings, and enjoy living with distinctive works of art and antiques instead of cookie-cutter, mass produced furniture. And they can see a solid return on their investments in the future.

Here’s my advice to young people interested in learning how to collect American antique furniture:

1. Buy Less, Buy Better

It’s a better investment to have a few really good pieces than dozens of mediocre ones. Even if you’re buying on a budget, you should keep this in mind. I’ve seen houses with large collections, but there’s nothing incredible or fantastic. Commonplace items, even those that are hundreds of years old, don’t really go anywhere in the marketplace, no matter how long you keep them.

2. Buy Quality

Beyond that, there’s an argument surrounding quality. When buying antiques at auction you can get solid wood furniture handmade by really gifted artisans for the same amount – or less – than at a brand name, mass-produced furniture store that often sports “distressed” finishes to mimic the character that comes with age and use. Much of the American antique furniture on the market today is an incredibly good buy.

3. Consider Restored Furniture

Also, there’s nothing wrong with collecting restored furniture, as long as you know the details about the restoration and pay accordingly. Let’s say you want to buy an average, attractive Chippendale slant-lid desk that’s made from maple, birch or cherry. If you find one with replaced feet, it’ll cost you a fraction of what a comparable piece in original condition would run. We’re talking between $500 and $1,000 dollars. Not only is that antique desk affordable, it will have people commenting, “What a beautiful old desk.”

4. Trade up

As you learn more, you can trade your early purchases for something of higher quality. Look for a better desk; sell the restored Chippendale. You might get your money back or even make a profit. Who knows! Don’t be afraid of looking at all the things you’ve collected and thinking about what you’ve learned since you bought them. We learn from our mistakes as well as our successes, and there’s no exception to collecting.

5. Cultivate Your Style

Finally, don’t be afraid to play it slow when you start collecting. The best antique furniture is both beautiful and practical; it takes time to learn what you want and can use. Places like Colonial Williamsburg, Sturbridge Village, Historic Deerfield, and Winterthur all have remarkable programs that teach the latest scholarship about antique furniture and decorative arts. Museums, antique shows, and auction previews are also great places to learn.

At Skinner, we also host gallery walks. On Friday, March 4th at 5:30 p.m., I’ll walk you through what we have coming up in our March 6^th American Furniture & Decorative Arts auction. Just call 617.350.5400 to reserve your spot. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the antiques world, I’d love to hear your thoughts about buying antique furniture either at the Gallery Walk or virtually in the comments below.