The definition of an antique is “an item perceived as having value because of its aesthetic or historical significance” and is often said to be around 100 years old. While some may question why you want something so old instead of the new modern look that’s taking over retail stores, antiquers, collectors, and interior designers understand the impact an antique sofa can have on the entirety of a room.
Shopping for antique furniture is not always easy, however. There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for an antique sofa for sale beyond its aesthetic. Here are some tips to find the perfect sofa for your home.
Keep an Eye on the Quality
Antique furniture is desirable due to its durability and high quality materials when compared to some of the cheaply made furniture being mass-produced in this current day and age. But not all antique furniture is automatically worth purchasing. Make sure that its usable and in good condition. Rust, chips, and other noticeable issues can be signs of water damage and other hard-to-repair issues that will make the sofa dangerous to use and expensive to fix. Little scratches, on the other hand, are manageable and sometimes even add to a piece.
Check for Labels
A lot of older sofas have higher price tags due to their rarity. But don’t be fooled into purchasing a pricey piece without knowing exactly what it’s worth. Sofas from the 17th or 18th century will often not have signatures but may have a pencil or chalk mark that indicates who made the piece and where it was produced. Sofas from the 19th century and onward will be factory-made and include stamps.
Learn the Style of the Time Period
As stated previously, an older antique sofa for sale may not have a tag or stencil. But you can still identify if the antique sofa is authentic by seeing if it matches the usual characteristics of furniture from that time period. For example, Eloquent’s Louis XV sofa embodies the style of the time period its from, which is the Louis XV period in the mid-1700s.
The Louis XV period has furniture that’s known for its curvy shape, lightness, and symmetry, replacing the more formal look of the furniture from the previous time period. The most notable characteristic is the cabriole-style legs on the sofas, often full of carved designs.
You will also notice that Louis XV period furniture is very decorative, usually with flowers and other nature-inspired elements. The fabrics were especially known for having floral arrangements. Eloquent’s antique sofa for sale has that light, exotic appearance of the time period.
Keep Measurements in Mind
Even though a lot of antique furniture wasn’t mass-produced like it is today, sellers should still include the dimensions of the piece. You want the piece to fit into your living room properly without being too small or too overbearing. This is especially important when purchasing an antique sofa for sale online. Ask if they have photographs of the sofa in a lived-in environment to get a better idea of how it would look when in the home.
Go With Your Heart
People looking for antique furniture often have a more unique taste and are looking for one-of-a-kind pieces that will stand out in their home. While you may have something in mind when you start shopping, you’re bound to come across something that catches your eye. It may remind you of something meaningful, have an awe-inspiring shape or pattern, or just plain speaks to you. If you see something that makes you happy — even if it isn’t perfect — go for it. Create the decor of your dreams!
