How to Find Pictures of Antique Chairs

If you need pictures of antique chairs for a research project, or to help with a buying spree, you have to know where to look. Browsing through antique websites and catalogs may prove cumbersome if you don't know exactly what to look for. So if you want to locate photographs or drawings of antique Queen Anne dining chairs or the intricate designs on a Chippendale chair back, consider these sources.

Instructions

1

Check out books in your local or college library. The design or history sections will yield the best results. Let the librarian known what type of antique chair photo or drawing you need.

2

Check antique furniture websites. There are several websites dedicated to French furniture, one of which is franceera.com; there also are sites dedicated to English furniture, one of which is victoriana.com. Many antique stores have their own websites, so do an online search for antique chairs and you may find some photographs of unsold pieces in these stores.

3

Browse antique stores and take photos yourself. Always call first to save time, unless you feel like antiquing all afternoon.

4

Find movie stills. If you are looking for a photo of a Louis XIV chair, check stills or photographs from movies, TV shows, or documentaries set in that era.

5

Check auction house catalogs and websites. They often sponsor estate auctions that feature antique chairs and other furniture. Do a keyword search on the website, or ask an auction house rep if they have catalogs featuring antique chairs.

6

Go to a specialty design or fine arts bookstore. They often stock books with photographs of antique furniture and international magazines with features on various interior decorating and design styles. Many of the photographs may contain antique chairs. While youre at one of these stores, pick up a copy of Architectural Digest. They often feature articles with photos of expensive homes and their equally expensive furniture and antiques.

7

Visit a museum. If you live in a large or medium-sized city, check with the research or library department. They may photographs or drawings of antique chairs from current or past exhibits.