Antique furniture holds a timeless charm, not just for its design but for the quality of materials used in its creation. Unlike modern furniture, which often relies on mass production, antique pieces were crafted with care, using the finest woods available at the time. These materials were chosen not only for their durability but also for their aesthetic and functional qualities. The type of wood used in an antique piece can reveal fascinating details about its era and the craftsmanship behind it.
So, what types of wood were commonly used in antique furniture? And what can these woods tell us about the history and value of your cherished piece? Let’s explore.
One of the defining features of antique furniture is the wood itself. For centuries, skilled craftsmen sought out the highest-quality materials to create furnishings that would stand the test of time. While many types of wood were used, a select few became staples in antique furniture making. These include:
Each of these woods carries its own historical and structural significance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable ones.
Mahogany, a hardwood native to South Africa and the West Indies, gained immense popularity in Britain during the mid-18th century before spreading across Europe. Known for its rich, reddish-brown hue and exceptional durability, mahogany became a favorite for crafting elegant, long-lasting furniture.
Renowned for its strength and sturdiness, oak was a go-to choice for furniture makers, particularly during the Georgian Era. It was often used for carcass construction and drawer linings. Oak saw a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian period, further cementing its place in furniture history.
Rosewood, prized for its deep, dark color and distinctive fragrance, was initially used for veneer and inlaid decoration before the early 19th century. Its unique qualities made it highly sought after, but its popularity led to overharvesting, pushing the species to the brink of extinction.
Understanding the type of wood used in your antique furniture is crucial when it comes to restoration. Each wood type requires specific care to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. At Foxwood Furniture Restoration, we specialize in bringing antique pieces back to life. Whether your furniture has suffered from wear and tear, water damage, or even fire damage, our expert team is here to help.
At Foxwood, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to restore your antique furniture to its original glory. Our services include:
Your antique furniture deserves the best care, and we’re here to provide it.
What makes a piece of furniture valuable? Recently, Foxwood restored a beautiful Italian heirloom family couch at our Ann Arbor location. While furniture can depreciate over time, its value can vary depending on various factors. So, what makes furniture valuable?
Age tends to depreciate the value of items. Most of the time, this applies to furniture. However, there are some exceptions. As a rule of thumb, any piece of furniture that passes through two generations in fair condition starts increasing in value. What defines a generation? For Foxwood, a generation is loosely defined as 20 to 25 years. So, if a piece of furniture was made in the seventies or eighties, it started increasing in value in 2020! This value is also because furniture from that time period is of better quality than anything made today.
It might be hard to believe, but most furniture today is not made to a high standard. At least, not compared to a piece of furniture made 20 years ago. In fact, furniture made over 20 years ago is far superior to the furniture that you can find in the store today. Furniture can have tremendous value based on its materials, age, and creator. Furthermore, value can vary depending on the quantity and availability of a piece. Just like supply and demand, if there is less available then it’s going to be more valuable. It is also important to know that retail value does not translate as auction value. So, what makes a piece of furniture valuable is reliant on many factors. However, without a doubt, any piece of furniture over 20 years old is worth restoring!
Since 1994, Foxwood Furniture Restoration has specialized in furniture restoration including refinishing, repairs, stripping, sanding, and upholstery. We have a variety of services including smoke, water, and fire-damaged furniture repair! Foxwood has a professional and experienced team that is ready to tackle any job! So, contact Foxwood today for your furniture repairs and restorations.
Check out our blog for more interesting articles!
Are you looking for a furniture piece with character? A newly popularized furniture trend is the aged painted or wood with a distressed finish. In a state as full of history as Michigan, nothing is more beautiful than a distressed piece of furniture. Foxwood Furniture Restorations embraces this beauty.
A distressed finish, also known as aged painting, is used to make new furniture appear vintage and aged. In addition, distressed finishes are often created by making the paint seem worn. Aged painting is used to create a worn appearance to a new piece of furniture in colors besides the natural wooden coloring with brief glimpses of the original wooden base.
There are several distressing and aging techniques that Foxwood Restorations can do to make your furniture piece as beautiful as possible. Also, keep in mind that each distressed piece is different than the next. Each piece is unique. One particular distressing technique is called the wet-distressing technique. This is a popular technique when layering colors as it creates a naturally worn effect. Another popular technique is the dry-distressing technique which is best to use with single colors with a desire to expose the natural wooden layer. Lastly, the resist technique is used to create a chipping paint appearance meant to show antiquity.
If you are in or around Livingston County, you understand the value of Michigan’s history. Those living around the University of Michigan can practically feel the school’s history oozing from its foundations. Opened in 1817, The University of Michigan causes Ann Arbor to soak in past history. Foxwood Restorations will fix up student’s furniture for the best price whether that be repairs, distressing wooden furniture, or age painting furniture, Foxwood Restorations can do it all!
If you are interested in getting a new look for your furniture or getting a piece repaired, contact us! We are interested in bringing a new character to your house or school dorm! Finally, get your furniture repaired by the best, come to Foxwood Restorations. We cannot wait to hear from you!