Many people like to buy antique furniture, including antique chairs, because of the blend of style and history. Antiques have a story to tell about the people who owned them and how they were used, even if you have to imagine what that exact story is. Whether you buy antiques because of their style, as an investment, to preserve a piece of history, or for sentimental reasons, beginners should educate themselves about the pieces and the time period they come from.

One of the biggest issues for beginning antique buyers is that it can be hard to know when you’re getting the real thing and when you’ve come across a reproduction or imitation piece. In addition, pieces that have been fixed or changed in some way can have a reduced value if the fix wasn’t done correctly or if the piece wasn’t restored properly.

Beginners should try to learn as much as they can about particular areas of antiques. If you are interested in antique chairs, do as much research as you can about the period or style that you’re interested in. It’s often easier to start with one particular item and increase your knowledge from there. Study how the antique chair was made, what materials were used, and so on. In addition, research the issues that individuals can run into in buying the particular style or chair so that you’ll have a better idea of what to watch out for.

Sometimes you can find a class or workshop covering the antique chair period that you like which will help you learn not only about its construction but also its history. Check with local universities, community centers, or larger auction houses to see if they offer any classes on the topic. Buy a few books on the topic and read online sites as well. The more knowledge you gain, the better able you’ll be to buy good pieces.

Hands on looking will greatly improve your skills at spotting the real deal. If you know of an expert in the area, have them help you. Otherwise, try to find a good dealer or restorer that knows the topic and will work with you. Although books and research are helpful, you’ll need to be able to work with and recognize actual pieces.

If you focus on pieces that you love, you’ll be less frustrated when you find that you’ve paid more for something than it’s worth. Even with the most careful research, sometimes it will happen and you need to be ready for that. Do all you can to ensure that you’re getting an authentic piece, but recognize that sometimes you’ll miss something, particularly as you’re starting out.

Finding antique chairs can be great fun for treasure hunters. When you start out, it’s important to gain as much knowledge about the topic as you can and to practice looking for good pieces. Soon, your hard work will pay off in amazing finds.

About the Author

My Chair Pro is your complete information resource for chairs. Learn about everything from Lazy Boy chairs to ergonomic office chairs.

This article has been written because of a growing interest that people have in all things old.There is more than one way to create a chair. And if we are talking about antique chairs that date far back into human existence, then we can expect to be faced with styles and designs from more than just a measly number.

The concept of chairs was first introduced in the late 1600s, during which the Pilgrims from Holland created a sort of joint stool that was reserved only for special and esteemed people. Yes, at that time, not everybody had the opportunity to sit on chairs. Chairs were a privilege then, not the common household furniture we all have (and often take for granted) today.

History tells us that, perhaps, the first antique chair style was the Wainscot chair, which stories say was brought around by Governor Carver, who then brought it on the Mayflower. While the existence of the Wainscot chair at the time has already been verified, the real story behind it remains obscure. Whatever it was and whoever made it first happen, we are forever grateful. Imagine, if nobody had thought of making a chair in the first place, we would all be sitting on the ground until now.

From then on, as artistry advanced and other royals started to have chairs made to suit their particular style and ergonomic needs, a lot of antique chair styles and designs were born.

The Goddard Townsends of Newport, for instance, came up with chairs that were inspired by the Chippendale and Queen Anne traditions, while Benjamin Randolph made the Chippendale all the more in demand and popular when he brought them to Philadelphia.

But, perhaps, the most popular antique chair style was the Windsor chair, which came to be in the early 1700s also in Philadelphia. The first Windsor antique chair styles were meant to satisfy the lower class citizens only. In fact, they were priced so low that most households had one. And in the more affluent houses, the Windsor style chair was placed in the less intricately garbed rooms.

However, because of its popularity at the time and also due to the improvements that have been made with wood quality and carvings, and the history that went with it, the Windsor chair style is one of the most sought after pieces of antique furniture nowadays, with its value hitting impressive levels. It is amazing how much age can do to make a certain piece of object become more expensive.

There are many other antique chair styles that have been developed over the past centuries. These include the Carver chair, the Bainster Back chair, the Hepplewhite chair, the Sheraton chair, the Maple Fancy chair, and the Hitchcock chair, just to name a few.

Each style is unique, with their prices varying according to carving and design, age, maker, and historical background. As with any other antique, antique chairs are also appraised based on these four factors.

Antique chair styles have evolved through the years. What was once a symbol of authority or affluence has now become a commonplace implement in all households all over the world. No matter the style and make, chairs will definitely hold their value based on their ergonomic function. However, if you are referring to antique chair styles, then their value resides not just on their use, but also on the stories they tell.

Finally let me say that you may be surprised to know that there is a lot more information out there on this subject in such places as your local bookstore and library, and there are also a number of very helpful Blogs written on Antiques in general.

About the Author

john savage has written a most interesting Blog on Antique Collecting which is well worth looking at.

The History of Rocking Chairs

By Jerry Brecken

Do you remember those days when your grandparents used to tell you stories while sitting in their favorite rocking chairs? Did you ever experience the thrill of being rocked back and forth on that chair for the first time? For some people, rocking chairs are endearing parts of their lives. But, do you know that rocking chairs also have their own stories to tell? If not, here’s the history of rocking chairs that not all of you may have heard about.

The First Rockers

The original inventor of the rocking chair is still unknown. Though some stories attribute its invention to Benjamin Franklin, no historical evidence can prove them right. Historians can only trace the rocking chair’s origins to North America during the early 18th century. They were originally used in gardens and were just ordinary chairs with two rockers at their bottoms. It was in 1725 that early rocking chairs first appeared in England. They were also used as garden chairs and had hoop-shaped backs. The distinction of being the creator of the first popular rocking chair design actually belonged to England’s North American colonies. Windsor rockers, as this design was called, were first built near the Windsor Castle in the early 1700s. These rocking chairs featured a round hoop back, a birdcage (with spindles known for its cage-like appearance), and a comb-back (with comb-shaped head rest). The wicker rocking chair was another popular design created during that time. The production of wicker rocking chairs reached its peak in America during the middle of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were popularly known, were famous for their craftsmanship and creative designs.

Into the Modern Era

Michael Thonet, a German craftsman, created the first bentwood rocking chair in 1860. This design is distinguished by its graceful shape and its light weight. Thonet used bent steamed wood for these rocking chairs. Because of their affordability and beautiful design, bentwood rocking chairs not only became famous around the world but spawned countless imitators as well. Neoclassical designs also became a trend in the US during the 1890s. These rocking chairs were influenced by Greek and Roman designs as well as Renaissance and colonial era artistry. During the 1920s, however, folding rocking chairs became more popular in the US and in Europe. They were handy for outdoor activities and travel purposes. By the 1950s, rocking chairs built by Sam Maloof, a US craftsman, became famous for their durability and deluxe appearance. Maloof’s rocking chairs are distinguished by their ski-shaped rockers.

The Rockers of Today

Today’s rocking chairs are distinguished by their diverse materials and cutting edge, sometimes outrageous, designs. One of the modern era’s most unique was created by Ron Arad in 1990. The single volume rocking arm chair is made of steel that also tilts upward when it is not used. Meanwhile, Peter Opsvik of Norway created the “gravity balance” in 1999. This ergonomic rocking chair allows the sitter to relax or stretch through its four positions. Another unique one was created in 1999 by Illka Terho and Teppo Asikaine of Sweden. Known as the “chip lounger,” this rocking chair is shaped like a surfboard. In 2001, MAC Sports, USA released the “malibu” rocking chair, which can be folded up completely into its own carrying case.

Jerry Brecken is a freelance writer who is currently writing for My Rocking Chairs, a guide to selecting and buying ergonomic rocking chairs and elm rocking chairs

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