Although antiques are defined predominantly by their age there is an increasing fashion trend for furniture designs from the 1960s and 70s to be included and defined as antiques. These items also command very high prices and include all aspects of these eras such as clothing, furniture, jewellery and chinaware. Many antique collectors prefer to call articles from these eras as memorabilia rather than antiques.

Antiques from around the world are highly sought after and in general terms the older the piece the more highly sought after and valued it becomes. The condition of the article is also taken into serious consideration as to an antique’s worth and value, however, it should be realised that anything which has survived through the passages of time will inevitably have signs of wear or damage.

Most antique collectors and dealers will collect specific articles or articles made by specific people,  examples of this practice can be found within all areas of antique collecting such as collectors who seek Clarris Cliffe items or Lalique glassware and will travel hundreds of miles to obtain the rarest items.

Many people who adore antiques and chose to buy antique furniture and home furnishing items can find a whole host of very reasonable in good condition and affordable pieces from antique shops and auction houses, it is even possible to buy some pieces from places such as eBay, however, they need to be aware that there are many reproductions which are claimed to be a authentic and genuine articles are in fact reproduction or fakes. It should also be noted that unless the seller is out to deliberately deceive by making false claims it is not illegal in the UK to make and sell reproduction articles as long as the buyer is informed, it is a case of studying and looking for tell tale signs that the article is not as old as the claims. Simple checks can be made which will give an indication as to the authenticity of an item, for example with antique furniture the overall patina of the wood should show signs of age and by simply looking at the joints and types of nails or tacks used it is possible to quite accurately determine whether the item is genuine or not.

Due to the vast amounts of potential or actual money which antiques can be brought and sold for there are many unscrupulous people who try and imitate and replicate antiques and try and sell these fakes as a genuine and authentic articles. The trend of forging antiques has been occurring for many hundreds of years, to such an extent that good legitimate imitations and reproductions can themselves command high prices.

Typically the older the antique and the better the condition the more they are valued and prized. American furniture from one of the thirteen colonies on the east coast before the revolutionary war are highly sought after and command extremely high prices. Any discernable antique collector will endeavour to add pieces from this era in American history to their collection.

Although furniture which is antique usually generates interest at the auction houses, furniture which was made by famous cabinet makers are more highly sought after. For example Chippendale furniture from England which is in excellent condition can fetch thousands of dollars.

Antique collectors and dealers will also look for articles which are in good condition and not been altered or tampered with, very old pieces which have inevitably become damaged or broken over the years will need to have been repaired and restored in a sympathetic manner in order for them to still be valuable.

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying antiques is to try and restore or clean them without giving consideration and care in the techniques they use. In the case of furniture one of the worst and most common errors people make is to try and remove the patina and wear which has accumulated over hundreds of years. This habit does not only devalue the antique but typically causes more damage. Restorations and repairs should be carried out by experienced and professional craftsmen and women and this should only be done when absolutely necessary.

Antique collectors and dealers generally specialise in one or possibly two areas of items, as such auction houses catalogue articles according to which area they fall into, this makes it far easier for the expert antique collectors to focus their attentions on their chosen specialized areas.