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It is a safe bet that nothing adds more to the atmosphere and comfort of homes than quality antique furniture or more to the atmosphere in dining rooms than fine antique dining room tables. Therefore, as you begin your search for that perfect antique table to complete the dining area, you will have several factors to keep in mind. You might begin by asking yourself if the table is going to set the style for the dining room or if it is going to fit with the style that you have already in place. This may also be a good time to jot down a few thoughts about what functions the table will serve, along with its obvious qualities as a fine piece of antique furniture.
Some antique hunters search for antique dining room tables using every bit of information they can get their hands on. In fact, you will find many antique enthusiasts using a magnifying glass to identify every part of the table, as well as the current condition. In general, it is wise to try to make an educated decision based on the things that are important to you. Among things to look for are negative signs of age, which would include shrinkage due to dry conditions or warping that can be the result of conditions that were too moist.
On the positive side, another sign of age is the slightly ragged edge of some antiques, often caused by the use of a handsaw instead of a motorized saw. For people who want authentic pieces, this type of marking can be a very good thing. Research into antique dining room tables will probably uncover at least three factors you might consider when making your purchase - condition, rarity, and history. Therefore, when you begin to consider these things, we recommend you get an expert opinion to help determine if you have a real treasure or something that merely looks like a treasure.
In addition, when you look for antique dining room tables, you will quickly discover that you have a number of wood types to choose from such as mahogany, walnut, and oak. For example, of the fine antique dining room tables available from around 1750 to 1850, there are a number of Victorian tables made in mahogany and oak, as well as an occasional rare item in rosewood. Available styles include round and oval, some with drop leaf, and larger tables with the desirable “D” end.
While the subject of caring for fine antique dining room tables could easily fill an entire book, a couple of areas that should be of concern for all antique table owners are light levels and humidity. Generally, you should be aware that wood finishes and stains could fade from exposure to high levels of light so you definitely want to protect your table from exposure to direct sunlight and high intensity lamps. If you are careful about light and humidity control, antique dining room tables can give a lifetime of use and enjoyment.
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Tables