Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
An antique crochet tablecloth is a delightful find at an estate sale, but rarely will you find a perfect one. Antique tableware is often stained or yellowed with age. However, if you have a splotched, blotched or tinted treasure, you can bring it back with soap powder and a little care.
Refinishing old veneer is a good way to make a piece of wood furniture with good bones but a poor appearance look like an expensive edition to your home decor. Whether it was a bargain picked up at a garage sale or an heirloom that needs a little care, this is a do-it-yourself project that adds a lot of value to a neglected wood treasure.
As antique metal ages, it is exposed to environmental elements like humidity that affect the chemical composition of the metal, leading to oxidation and eventually rust. Cleaning the oxidation off antique metal is a delicate process that requires multiple cleaning passes to prevent damage to the antique. If you do not remove oxidation and rust from antique metal carefully, you risk making the antique less valuable than it was with the oxidation.
Adding the crackle effect to an object can make it appear older. This is a good technique to learn if you are one of the many people with an interest in antique-looking objects. Antiquing can be applied to any object after a printed image is placed on it. This allows you to customize the object with family pictures or any other image you want to use. There is an added sense of nostalgia created from pulling your family album out of an antique wooden box that displays an image of your great-grandparents on the top.
An antique sequin dress that has been preserved and stored correctly throughout the years is a good candidate for restoration. The biggest challenge to restoring an antique dress is returning it to its original color. Damaged zippers, loose hems, or lost and broken sequins are other problems to look for.
Many European antiques, including china and silver, have stamping on the bottom that identifies the maker and other information about the piece. Exported items often were marked in ways to identify not only the country of origin but the material used in the piece. When identifying a European antique, turn it over and study the back to find a wealth of information.
Displaying antique utensils is a great way to really spruce up the look of your kitchen. Learn about displaying antique kitchen utensils with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip.
Just because a violin is antique doesn't make it quality. Identify a quality antique violin with help from a dedicated violin instructor in this free video clip.
Polyurethane is a sturdy synthetic varnish that dates to the 1950s. If you own an older wood antique that was refinished with polyurethane, you may wish to replace the modern varnish with an authentic finish from the antique’s own era. Although sanding may seem like a straightforward way to remove varnish, mechanical sanders can damage fragile antiques and are difficult to use on ornate or oddly shaped pieces. Therefore, it’s usually preferable to use a chemical paint stripper designed for synthetic varnishes. The most efficient polyurethane strippers contain a very hazardous chemical called methylene chloride, which typically works in 30…
Antique glass or silver salt and pepper shakers require special care while cleaning so they stand out against other tableware. With a few simple household items, you can easily remove the layers of accumulated dirt, grime and debris that cover your antique salt and pepper shakers to restore them to their original glory. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and work carefully when handling the items so you do not scratch or chip glass shakers or scratch silver shakers.
Silverfish are small, flat insects that commonly infest homes, particularly in humid areas. Although they are not dangerous to humans, they eat starchy materials and often damage or discolor antique books by consuming the paper and glue bindings. Silverfish reproduce often and live for up to three years, so eradicating them from your home can be difficult and may require insecticides. However, you can remove them from individual books without any chemicals or further damage to the antiques.
At the turn of the 20th century, soapstone was often used in the eastern United States for countertops and sinks. Its popularity declined by the 1920s as lighter and less costly materials came into vogue, but soapstone's durability and beauty have won it a new generation of fans. It doesn't stain easily, it's physically tough and most damage can be repaired with only a small amount of effort. Even unskilled hobbyists can successfully refurbish a soapstone sink.
An antique Victorian chair can add a touch of elegance to a living room. Victorian furniture from the early 1800s to the turn of the 20th century featured wood frames in mahogany, walnut, rosewood or ebony with plush upholstered backs and seats. Upholstery was often done in deep-buttoned or tufted for a highly decorative appearance. Replacing the deep-button upholstery on an antique Victorian chair requires some practice to produce quality job. The look is achieved by pulling the fabric through inches of padding and allowing pleats to form on four sides of the button.
Whether you're pulling together family heirlooms for your wedding day or decorating with vintage curtains, you may have noticed the items need some freshening up. Antique cotton lace is just as delicate as it is charming, so cleaning it can be tricky. You’ll want to get it as bright and clean as possible without tearing the fabric. Some of the most effective cleaning supplies are cheap and readily available, such as white vinegar and salt. Plus, these items are safe for the environment -- and your old lace fabric.
An antique center chimney fireplace is the focal point of many older homes. The chimney may serve several fireplaces located throughout the home as well as a built-in oven. Popular during colonial times, a center chimney fireplace is an architectural design element that helps date the age of an antique home. An antique center brick or stone fireplace can be cleaned to reveal the original beauty, texture and color of the marble mantle and the brick or rock face.
When you're decorating your home to look older than it is, paint glazes and techniques can give your walls the look of aging plaster walls. Paint glazes can give your modern drywall an antique look. Use this technique to give your kitchen old country charm, make your Victorian library look authentic or bring an Italian villa into your dining room.
Both walnut and oak are solid, hard woods that have long been used for quality furniture. As they are both fairly dark when old and were often used during the same periods, the two woods are not instantly distinguishable. Walnut is slightly harder and usually more valuable. The main visible difference is in the grain of the wood, although color may provide some clues. Look closely at the item of furniture because people don’t always know the details of their property.
Refinishing a piece of antique furniture can change the value of the piece in a negative way, so you need to take every precaution to not remove all of the imperfections that make the piece interesting to antique collectors and add character to the piece. Sanding can be one of the most damaging steps during the refinishing process. Once you have decided that you want or need to sand, doing it properly can keep the process from ruining the piece.
Antique and vintage jewelry is beautiful and unique but sometimes needs a little TLC to be wearable. Modern beading wire is much stronger and more flexible than the fine chain or string that was used in stringing necklaces even as recently as 20 years ago. With a pair of needle-nose pliers and a few findings available at the craft store, you can restring your antique necklace and make sure that it stays secure and functional for years to come.
Glascock Stove and Manufacturing Company began in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1873. This company made a variety of wood stoves and heaters until the 1960s, when the foundry closed. The Carolina Pride heater was one model of small wood-fired heaters that the company produced. The Carolina Pride model came in two model numbers: 418 and 420. Both were made of sheet iron and were black with a nickel finish, according to the Glascock Stove Historian website.
Antiques can appeal to people on many levels. They typically have aesthetic qualities or craftsmanship lacking in modern furniture. Antiques can also provide historical, cultural and personal associations that create a link to the past. Plus, they can be investments that potentially make owners a lot of money. It helps to know the terminology for the antique field to be a wise buyer and not prey for the unscrupulous.
Restoring antique wood panels freshens the look of the ceiling and helps ensure the panels last a long time. These panels are available in many designs. They provide a country, formal or classic look to the ceiling, depending on the style of the panels. Like all wood products, the panels turn dull-looking over time and may be affected by temperatures and the humidity in the room. Restoring the panels seals the wood and provides an attractive finish that enhances the look of the room.
Home libraries can be as simple as a single shelf of much-loved favorites or as lavish as a millionaire's multiroom collection. One thing they have in common is that to visitors, they are a visual expression of the owner. That simple premise has led to home libraries becoming a carefully planned showcase, with both new and antique books artfully shelved and displayed for maximum aesthetic appeal.
Although Margarete Steiff started her family company in 1880, the Steiff bear was not “born” until 1902. Margarete’s birth in 1847 near Ulm, Germany, was followed by a high fever the next year, in which her legs were paralyzed and her right arm was painful to use. Because of her handicaps, she became a seamstress, designing her first stuffed toy, an elephant, in 1879. The Steiff bear that came along 23 years later has become a beloved collectible produced in many forms. These antique bears can be restitched, restuffed and cleaned by owners to look nearly new.
Cottage furniture has a charm all its own. Mix and match pieces, often painted white or in a pale tint, add a touch of casual romance to your home. An important aspect of cottage style is shabby chic pieces -- items with obvious signs of wear -- that are readily available at flea markets and thrift shops. If you discover a must-have treasure that's a little too shabby for your taste, consider giving it a makeover. Although you should think twice before rehabbing a valuable piece, in many cases, you can restore antique cottage furniture to its former glory without…
Yellow ware, a type of pottery most often seen in bowls and molds, gets its color from the clay manufacturers used to make the pieces. Yellow ware has been produced since in the 1800s, but even pieces from the 1950s are often classified as antiques today. Since yellow ware, like many antiques, has been widely reproduced, recognizing a piece that could have come from great-grandma's kitchen takes a little detective work. Examining the piece thoroughly will usually give you the clues you need to assess its age.
The Movado watch company was established in Switzerland in 1881. While the company continues to manufacture watches, the original Movado wind up watches were all crafted by hand. Due to the handmade nature of the early Movado wind up watches, distinct differences exist between original Movado wind ups and replicas.
Collecting antiques can be a fulfilling hobby, providing great investment potential as well as possible financial rewards, if you ever decide to sell your collection. Crystal antiques come in every possible shape and size you can imagine -- from animal figurines to ashtrays, chandeliers, vases, bowls and dishes. Identifying the markings on crystal is relatively easy, if you know how to go about it.
Wrought iron fences were common in the early 1900s, but they fell out of use in favor of less expensive materials. If you have found an antique iron fence, the installation process is very similar to other types of fencing. Please note that before you can begin this project, you must call your local Buried Cable Hotline and have them inspect your yard for buried cables. In most states, you can dial 811 to reach this hotline. Do not attempt to start this project until this has been completed.
In many stately homes or historic buildings, the original stairs connecting the first and second floors include a leather runner that runs the whole length of the stairs, preventing the wood beneath from becoming too worn. Over time, however, this leather can get stained, torn and distressed. When it comes time to replace these leather stair treads, it is important to consider the historic value of the home and select replacement leather that, while resilient, fits in with the existing historic decor.
Antique flip top desks have lids that you lift up to store items underneath. Rods that lock into position or that have a hinge that locks into place are what hold up the lid. It was common for antique desk rods to be made from wrought iron or brass. Restoring the rods will remove dirt or dust build-up and help to remove scratches that may have accumulated over time.
For a one of a kind look, antiques are hard to beat. While anyone can go down to a chain furniture store and pick up a new table or chair, antiques and vintage pieces are truly unique. Antiques also give a vintage twist to a room outfitted with contemporary furnishings for a fun and creative result.
Antique electric clothes irons are often found in resale shops, thrift stores and vintage goods stores. No matter how good or bad the outside looks, it's important to inspect, test and sometimes restore them before use. Old electrical irons often had cloth-covered cords rather than the rubber or plastic coatings found on modern electrical items. Over years of use, these cloth cords are bound to fray or come loose from their connective posts within the iron. With basic electrical repair knowledge and a few tools, you can restore the iron to functionality.
Grime, built-up furniture polish and oxidizing old varnish can eventually combine to dull the finish of furniture. If the piece is a treasured or valuable antique, you can't use just any method to restore shine. Harsh chemicals or overly vigorous cleaning could remove the patina antique lovers prize and significantly reduce the value of the piece. However, a gentle approach will reward you with a luster that will stand the test of time. Often, waxing the piece will be enough to restore it; but if the furniture is very dirty, it will first require cleaning.
Restoring an antique roll-top desk can seem like a major project for some, and although structural repairs involving damaged wood or legs are best left to a professional, restoring the finish of an antique roll-top desk is a viable home project. If you believe that the antique roll-top desk you are restoring might be worth a lot of money, have it checked by an appraiser before engaging the restoration.
The process of valuing an antique can be broken down into three stages: identifying exactly what the antique is, assessing its condition and researching its current price. However, bear in mind that no valuation is ever final, because worth may be effected, for better or worse, by trends in the market or in the wider economy and what any one individual may be willing to pay for a certain item.
Many antique chairs have button tufting in the upholstery. Whether you want to redo an antique chair or add tufting to a chair, button tufts can add to the aesthetics of your home décor. While you can pay a professional to do your button tufting, if you have some basic sewing and craft knowledge, making your own button tufts will allow you to choose your own tufting pattern and placement -- without the high costs of paying a professional.
Antique bottles come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and can posses a unique and nostalgic charm not found on modern bottles. Rather than keeping this elegant gem on a shelf, you may enjoy turning it into a tumbler so that you can use and enjoy it every day. The process is easier than it sounds and requires the use of a wet saw and sand paper.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is prone to tarnishing. Antique brass hinges are usually protected by a coat of lacquer, which helps them maintain their color and luster. Over time, the coat breaks down, exposing the brass to the damaging effects of air and moisture. Tarnished antique brass hinges can be cleaned and restored at home as long as they are not severely damaged. Damaged brass should be examined, cleaned and repaired by a professional curator.
A beautifully restored antique chair comes with a hefty price tag. One way to save money is to search flea markets and garage sales for a bargain. The trouble here is that often these pieces will be tattered and worn, and may not fit in with your existing decor. Don't let this put you off, though; by reupholstering the chair yourself, you can give it a new lease on life.
Antique Chinese furniture has a lacquer finish, not only for protecting the wood and wood stain but also to provide a soft polished finish that’s difficult to achieve with waxes or other finish materials of the time. To retain this antiqued look, as the existing lacquer wears away, a new layer is needed. Refinishing the piece requires more than simply spraying on a new layer of protective material, however. It also often requires removing any remnants of the old finish, as well as applying the new stain to refresh the color. The end result is usually worth the refinishing effort,…
If you have a kitchen or bathroom that hasn't been updated for the 40 years or so, you may be all too familiar with drawers that just won't close the way you want them to. The development of self-close and soft-close drawers for residential use in the 1970s helped to end problems with drawers that were noisy and hard to close. If you're about to remodel a kitchen or bathroom, take a look at your options in self-close and soft-close drawers.
Washstands were traditionally used to house all the trappings necessary to take a bath, from the wash basin to soaps and towels. The washstand has evolved into the modern day bathroom vanity, but there is still a certain charm about an antique washstand that makes many people want to convert one to use instead of a modern vanity. The most fitting sink to use with an antique washstand is a vessel sink, which sits on top of the washstand, much like the wash basins that were used before there was indoor plumbing.
When restoring an antique vehicle, repainting the engine can seem like a daunting task. However, a professional paint job done by an auto shop can be expensive, so you may want to repaint the engine yourself. With patience and preparation, even a novice antique vehicle restorer can repaint an engine and have a vehicle to be proud of.
Lending an old world look to your home, antique mirrors exude charm and elegance. Over time your mirror may begin to collect dust and will need to be cleaned. Many commercial products and cleaners can leave unsightly streaks that detract from the mirror's natural beauty. Using the right materials, you can restore your mirror’s shine and glimmer without leaving any streaks behind.
If the furniture in your house leans toward a shabby chic style, the tin accessories should match. Including bright and shiny new tin in an otherwise vintage-styled house results in a mismatched look. The tin may appear to be painfully out of place, or the other items may suddenly look more shabby than chic. Antiquing and distressing tin is different than doing the same for furniture. The process typically involves accelerating the tin's rusting process rather than sanding off some paint.
Charles Kohler and John Calvin Campbell began building pianos together in the late 1800s. One of their most popular models throughout the 20th century was the upright (a vertical piano), which was known for quality and value. Made of oak, ebony, cherry or mahogany, with ivory keys, many can be beautifully restored. Although some of the process, such as the tuning and restringing, should be done by professionals, you can save yourself some money by taking on part of the project. But, before you do, have a professional tuner take a look at the piano to make sure it is…
Antique fishing reels make decorative items for your home. Their antique appearance offers a vintage feel, which you can use to embellish any type of interior motif. Whether you want to reserve the fishing reels for a special place in the study or put them on display in the entrance of your home, you can find a use for antique fishing reels.
Reupholstering an antique sofa is an inexpensive way to revitalize a structurally sound, precious piece so it can be used again. Although a novice can recover any piece of furniture successfully, taking your time with the process and using the correct tools makes all the difference in the quality of the finished product.
Antique wall phones develop a “patina” resulting from years of cleaning, polishing and exposure to air. The patina adds a soft luster to the wood and needs protection from harsh chemicals during the cleaning process. Hiring a professional to clean your antique phone costs money you might not have. You can do the job yourself without purchasing pricey cleaning solutions. Use the materials you might already have on hand and thoroughly clean your antique wood wall phone.
