Choosing Antique-Inspired Furniture

We know from our customers that buying a piece of fine antique furniture is always a special experience. But sometimes it makes more sense to buy new antique-inspired furniture for your home. Perhaps because it's hard to find the exact antique piece to suit your space.

High-quality reproduction furniture is very impressive and easy to live with and it's a good investment too. These pieces are often hand-crafted using the same methods as original antiques.  Look at furniture by makers like Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture, Ambella Home Collection, Woodbridge Furniture Company and Currey & Co as well as lighting by Dale Tiffany, and you'll see why they are so in demand amongst homeowners who recognize superb design and craftsmanship.

Let's take a look at three important elements to consider when you are choosing antique-inspired furniture.

High-Quality Materials

Everything starts with high-quality materials whether we're talking about solid wood,  exquisite flame mahogany veneers, wrought iron, or superbly cast hardware. Or how about hand-rolled art glass?

The craftsmen at Dale Tiffany use the same hand-rolled glass techniques as were used to make original Louis Comfort Tiffany lamps. They also hand-cut their unique and colorful glass to replicate the famous Tiffany stained glass designs. The Dale Tiffany table lamp in the photo shows the gorgeous effect of the fine glass... you can't fake that! (See more about the authentic Dale Tiffany creative process including a video.)

Craftsmanship in Construction

Some of the best antique-inspired furniture is crafted with the exact same techniques that the makers used for the original European antiques. From hand-cut marquetry to intricate carved details, these reproductions are works of art in their own right. This amazing Jonathan Charles desk in the Queen Anne style shows just what we are talking about. The craftsmen and women certainly need to be as good as the craftsmen in days of yore. The only difference is that today's furniture experts get to produce their work under decent lighting - they don't have to work on fiddly inlays by candlelight!  (See more about traditional Jonathan Charles hand-craftsmanship including a short video.)

High-Quality and Antiqued Finishes

Hand-rubbed and carefully crafted antiqued finishes add the finishing touch to the best antique-inspired furniture. Perhaps you'll love an ebonized finish or the welcoming allure of an aged brass or oiled bronze finish. The gleam of hand-waxed wood, antiqued mirrors, crackle glazes, distressed painted wood, polished marble... there are so many choices.

This Ambella Home sink chest shows how refined and authentic the best finishes can be, imbuing your home with a sense of substance and tradition.

If you need more convincing, take a look at some of our client spotlights and other blog posts featuring antique-inspired reproduction furniture. Or tell us about your own favorite piece of antique-inspired furniture!

Antique-Inspired Living Room

Whether you're looking for a new coffee table or console table, lounge chair, French sideboard or Rattan seating, antique inspiration is a great way to go. Maybe an antique style chandelier is what your home decor needs. Many of these antique and vintage style pieces could even be used in your home office, especially the bookcases or other office furniture. The quality shelving means you can store your belongings in security and style. If vintage furniture is more your taste, we'd recommend styles such as Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern. For something more old-fashioned, we'd recommend Victorian style furniture.

Antique-Inspired Dining Room Decor

From dining tables to dining chairs, antique style furniture ensures you'll be eating in style. Whether you're in the market for Hollywood Regency or French Country style, this interior design movement gives modern furniture a run for its money!