| people like to buy antique furniture, including antique | | | | the antique chair period that you like which will help you |
| chairs, because of the blend of style and history. | | | | learn not only about its construction but also its history. |
| Antiques have a story to tell about the people who | | | | Check with local universities, community centers, or |
| owned them and how they were used, even if you | | | | larger auction houses to see if they offer any classes |
| have to imagine what that exact story is. Whether you | | | | on the topic. Buy a few books on the topic and read |
| buy antiques because of their style, as an investment, | | | | online sites as well. The more knowledge you gain, the |
| to preserve a piece of history, or for sentimental | | | | better able you'll be to buy good pieces. |
| reasons, beginners should educate themselves about | | | | Hands on looking will greatly improve your skills at |
| the pieces and the time period they come from. | | | | spotting the real deal. If you know of an expert in the |
| One of the biggest issues for beginning antique buyers | | | | area, have them help you. Otherwise, try to find a |
| is that it can be hard to know when you're getting the | | | | good dealer or restorer that knows the topic and will |
| real thing and when you've come across a | | | | work with you. Although books and research are |
| reproduction or imitation piece. In addition, pieces that | | | | helpful, you'll need to be able to work with and |
| have been fixed or changed in some way can have a | | | | recognize actual pieces. |
| reduced value if the fix wasn't done correctly or if the | | | | If you focus on pieces that you love, you'll be less |
| piece wasn't restored properly. | | | | frustrated when you find that you've paid more for |
| Beginners should try to learn as much as they can | | | | something than it's worth. Even with the most careful |
| about particular areas of antiques. If you are interested | | | | research, sometimes it will happen and you need to be |
| in antique chairs, do as much research as you can | | | | ready for that. Do all you can to ensure that you're |
| about the period or style that you're interested in. It's | | | | getting an authentic piece, but recognize that |
| often easier to start with one particular item and | | | | sometimes you'll miss something, particularly as you're |
| increase your knowledge from there. Study how the | | | | starting out. |
| antique chair was made, what materials were used, | | | | Finding antique chairs can be great fun for treasure |
| and so on. In addition, research the issues that | | | | hunters. When you start out, it's important to gain as |
| individuals can run into in buying the particular style or | | | | much knowledge about the topic as you can and to |
| chair so that you'll have a better idea of what to | | | | practice looking for good pieces. Soon, your hard work |
| watch out for. | | | | will pay off in amazing finds. |
| Sometimes you can find a class or workshop covering | | | | |