Antique fairs can be fascinating places to discover furniture with genuine character, craftsmanship and history. From Georgian chests and Victorian chairs to Art Deco cabinets and mid-century pieces, there is often far more variety than you would find in a conventional furniture shop.
However, buying antique furniture is not always as simple as choosing the piece you like most. Condition, originality, previous repairs and structural integrity can all affect whether an item represents a worthwhile purchase. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid expensive mistakes and identify pieces that are worth preserving.
Check the Overall Condition
Start by looking at the piece as a whole. Does it sit evenly? Are the legs straight? Do doors and drawers open properly? Does anything appear loose or unstable?
Minor surface marks are completely normal on antique furniture and can actually contribute to its character. More significant problems, such as major cracks, loose joints or badly warped panels, may require professional restoration.
That does not necessarily mean you should avoid the item, but the potential repair costs should be considered before buying.
Look for Signs of Previous Restoration
Many antique pieces will have been repaired at some point during their lifetime. Sympathetic restoration carried out properly is not necessarily a problem and may have helped preserve the furniture.
Look closely for:
- Different colours of wood around joints
- Newer screws or fittings
- Areas that appear heavily sanded
- Replacement veneers
- Modern adhesives
- Sections with noticeably different finishes
Poor-quality repairs can sometimes cause more problems than the original damage, so it is worth examining the piece carefully.
Check Drawers, Doors and Joints
One of the easiest ways to assess antique furniture is to use it.
Open every drawer and door. Check whether they move smoothly and whether the furniture feels stable when gently handled.
Traditional furniture was often built using strong joinery methods such as dovetail joints and mortise-and-tenon construction. These are good indicators of craftsmanship, but even well-made joints can loosen after decades of use.
Examine the Finish and Patina
The natural ageing of wood, known as patina, can be one of the most attractive features of antique furniture.
Avoid assuming that every mark, colour variation or worn area needs to be removed. Over-restoring a piece can sometimes reduce its character and potentially affect its value.
A professional furniture restorer can often revive tired finishes without stripping away the history that makes the piece special.
Look for Veneer and Inlay Damage
Many antique pieces feature decorative veneer, marquetry or inlay work.
Check carefully for:
- Lifting veneer
- Missing sections
- Cracks
- Loose decorative pieces
- Previous replacements
These details can often be restored, but specialist craftsmanship may be required.
Check for Woodworm
Small round holes can indicate historic or active woodworm.
Old holes do not automatically mean there is a current problem, but fresh dust or powder around the holes may indicate activity. If you are unsure, it is worth getting professional advice before introducing the furniture into your home.
Consider Whether Restoration Would Improve the Piece
Some of the best antique fair purchases are pieces that need a little attention.
A faded tabletop, damaged polish, tired upholstery or loose joint may look disappointing at first, but professional restoration can completely transform the furniture while retaining its original character.
At The Abbey Group, we regularly restore antique furniture that owners have discovered at fairs, auctions and markets. Our craftsmen can repair structural damage, restore finishes, replace damaged veneer and carry out specialist upholstery while respecting the age and craftsmanship of the original piece.
Think About Where the Furniture Will Go
Before buying, consider the practical side too.
Measure the available space at home and check doorways, staircases and access routes. Antique furniture is often larger and heavier than modern furniture, so planning ahead can save problems later.
Conclusion
Buying furniture at an antique fair can be a rewarding way to find distinctive, well-made pieces that may last for generations. The key is to look beyond surface appearance and consider construction, originality, previous repairs and restoration potential.
If you find a piece you love but it needs professional attention, The Abbey Group can assess and restore antique furniture using traditional techniques and specialist craftsmanship.
To discuss an antique furniture restoration project, call 01708 741135 or email info@abbey-group.net.