Antique and Vintage Furniture

My family has been in the furniture refinishing and repair business for over 30 years. Furniture restoration is my passion. Why? you might ask. How can someone really enjoy furniture stripping, lacquering, and painting to that extent?

Whenever I walk by my grandmother’s treasured heirlooms, I am surrounded by the presence of history. Her antique furniture, passed down through generations, tells stories of the past. While some may dismiss these pieces as old and drab, I see the true value that they hold.

Take for example her grand dining table, with intricate carvings and handcrafted details. To some, it may look outdated and bulky, but to me, it’s a masterpiece of design. As I run my hand over the surface, I can feel the texture of the wood and imagine the craftsmen who worked tirelessly to create such a piece.

Many people overlook the signs of quality when it comes to antique furniture. They dismiss the value of age, craftsmanship, and authenticated marks. Yet, these signs hold the key to understanding the true worth of these pieces.

But preserving antique furniture is not easy. It requires care and attention to keep these pieces in top condition. Dusting regularly and avoiding direct sunlight are just a few ways to maintain the quality of these valuable possessions.

Cherished Memories

When people talk about a piece of furniture being “antique” or “vintage” we often assume that these words mean the same thing. Technically, antique furniture refers to any piece that is at least 100 years old. Vintage furniture simply means “of age,” but it generally refers to any piece that is over 20 years and under 99 years old. Whether you call your aged furniture antique or vintage, I call it a piece of quality craftsmanship from an era when a woodworker’s skill was highly prized and appreciated.

Whenever I see a beautiful piece of antique or vintage furniture, I can't help but feel a sense of serenity wash over me. The polished mahogany tables and intricately carved chairs seem to whisper tales of days gone by.

It's not just about the beauty of these pieces, although that certainly adds to the pleasure. It's also about the memories that they hold. The worn edges of a dining table that once held family meals, a cedar chest that contained family treasures that were passed down through generations. Each piece holds a sense of belonging and a piece of history.

As a furniture restorer, I have always been drawn to the shrouded mystery and rich culture of vintage and antique furniture. There is a certain joy that comes with seeing a cherished piece of someone’s history, a story waiting to be discovered. And when someone asks me to repair or refinish a piece of furniture that has seen better days, I know it's time to bring it back to life.

I carefully restore, clean, and refinish each piece that I bring to my shop, knowing that I am not just giving it a new life, but also a new purpose. Each piece is a window into a time that has passed, and I am honored to have a part in its restoration.

And while not all old furniture is antique or vintage, I believe that each piece is unique and priceless in its own way. It may be a simple oak kitchen table that has been passed down for generations, or a rocking chair that holds memories of a loved parent or grandparent. These pieces may not be worth thousands of dollars, but they are invaluable to those who hold them close.

So the next time you come across an antique or vintage piece of furniture, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history that it holds. You never know what memories may be waiting to be discovered.