About Antique Furniture Reproductions

Many people enjoy the look and style of antique furniture, but not the price tag. Genuine antique furniture is often extremely expensive to buy or restore. A practical alternative to buying real antiques is purchasing antique furniture reproductions, which are contemporary copies of antique furniture styles. Does this Spark an idea?

Features

Reproduction furniture can be made from any period, in any style and from any materials. Popular periods in antique reproduction are the English Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian. These styles are typically enjoyed for their traditional elegance. The French Imperial period is also popular for its romantic opulence. Reproduction styles may also be listed by artistic periods, such as Baroque, Rococo and Gothic. Some periods of antique furniture incorporated reproductions themselves. For example, the Victorian period combined then-modern furniture crafting techniques with the bold, intricate excess of earlier times.

Types

Reproductions can be made of any type of antique furniture. Some purchase big pieces like beds and couches. These need to be strong enough to hold up the human body. Some buy storage furniture like end tables, dressers, vanities, wardrobes, desks and bookcases. These need to have working drawers and hardware. Good modern reproductions can take the wear and tear of everyday use. They may be made from materials like metal, plastic and various types of wood depending on the style and desire of the buyer.

Identification

Antique furniture reproductions can be stunningly similar to real antiques, but must not be mistaken for them. Usually, antique furniture pieces are not made from one wood type alone. They have cheaper wood at the unexposed parts, like the underside of a drawer. Reproduction furniture is, as in the modern style, consistent in wood type. The aging on antiques and reproductions, too, will be different. Reproduction "distressed" wood will look purposeful and, when examined closely, unnatural. There will be no cracking, warping or fading of the wood and the craftsmanship will look clean because it was done by machine.

Misconceptions

The idea of "fake" antique furniture does not bring about the same impression among antique collectors as it might among the general population. "Fake" is relative, and though it may have an effect on the price of a piece, it may not detract from the overall value. Many historical furniture pieces are reproductions themselves and appeal to a different market from the "authentic" antique furniture. For aesthetic purposes, there is no reason not to invest in some quality antique furniture reproductions.

Warning

Buyers should be aware of scammers and the pitfalls of the antiques market. Reproductions should be clearly labeled by intended style. Item descriptions should generally not include the terms "antique" or "circa," as these suggest a genuine antique. Reproduction furniture sometimes shows up in antiques auctions mislabeled as the real article. This is due to underhanded business practices such as using old wood to build a new piece or cobbling antique furniture parts together with new furniture parts.