Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Old Armoire: Picking Out Antique Cabinets for Your Home

With the current state of the world economy, purchasing antiques isn't a top priority for most people. However, the antique industry in Australia is doing well despite the general slump. This only proves that consumers are still interested in the antique market. While antiques are mostly procured through auctions or private sales, there is no lack of shops and flea markets that specialize on second hand furniture.

Antique cabinets are probably some of the most popular and most useful pieces a buyer can obtain. The addition of an antique cabinet inside a room can improve the look and feel of the space. Aside from the aesthetic benefits of an old armoire, it is can be quite functional as well. An old cabinet usually makes for a great storage unit in a home.

So it comes as no surprise that a buyer would want to make sure that the cabinet to be purchased is of excellent value and quality. Here are some tips on how to pick out antique cabinets for a house.

Examine Carefully

When picking out antique cabinets, as with all other kinds of purchases, it is important for the buyer to ensure that the piece is worth the price paid for it. There are many sellers who will jump on the opportunity to fleece an unaware customer.

To avoid this, the item in question must be examined carefully. It is advisable to visually and physically inspect the object from different angles and under different lights in order to guarantee the condition of the antique. Wooden cabinets may bear some imperfections on the surface, but the wood itself must be in excellent condition - meaning it would not fall apart with the slightest move or touch.

Ask Questions

A few questions wouldn't hurt anyone as well. This will help a buyer determine the actual value of the furniture, and subsequently, the most ideal price for it. The general questions that one has to ask involves the time periods of the furniture, the material from which it was forged, and perhaps even the history of the item.

A buyer would have to overcome shyness, because buying an antique is a serious investment. Owners of shops and flea market stalls that sell second hand furniture will generally be willing to answer a potential customer's inquiries.

Be Wise

Good sense and judgment are valuable tools for a buyer of antique cabinets. Upon accomplishing the steps presented above, one would have to make a decision. The advantages of procuring such an item should be carefully weighed against its disadvantages.

If there is a problem with the cabinet's condition, then it would be wise to decline the sale. If the price is too steep or seemingly doubtful for a particular piece, then it would be prudent to browse around for other options.

On the other hand, when the cons of going for the buy are negligible, and the buyer has a good feeling about the furniture piece, then he or she can proceed with the transaction.

Why Antique Cabinets?

There are several reasons that make antique cabinets beneficial for a home. For one thing, antiques in general are considered sensible investments. Over time, these pieces increase in value. If an owner decides to sell it, he earns.

Antiques and second hand furniture have environmental advantages as well. Because these articles are usually made from natural materials and tend to last for a long period of time, they have reduced impact on the environment than their commercially produced counterparts.

Last but not the least, the best antique cabinets simply look good and make a home more beautiful.

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