If you have furniture that is a little dated or worn out, you might be thinking about upgrading. Instead of throwing out the old and spending thousands on new furniture, have you considered breathing new life into your old furniture through repair and re-upholstery? You may find that this will save you money in the long-term, and it allows you to keep that rocking chair that’s survived three-generations in usable condition rather than taking up room in the corner as decor!
Evaluate the Value of Your Furniture
You may be wondering if salvaging your antique furniture is even worth it. If that’s the case, it’s time to evaluate the monetary value of your old furniture! There are many factors that go into determining the value of antiques, including:
- How old is it?
- Who made it?
- How was it made?
- Where was it made?
- Did someone famous/historically significant own it?
Once you’ve taken a look at these factors, you will probably have a better idea of the price tag attached to your item, both in used and repaired condition!
Sentimentality Matters
Yes, how you feel about that piece of furniture absolutely plays into the value of your item. Maybe it was one of the only items your great-grandparents brought from “The Old Country” when they immigrated to the Americas. Perhaps your grandfather lovingly hand-carved it for your mother or grandmother. And maybe it was the first thing that you could afford to buy on your own, and you want to hold on to the memory of how you felt the day you brought it home.
All of this matters, and while it may not add to the overall monetary value of the piece (unless a potential buyer is interested in the story), it DOES add to the value the piece has for you. In this case, you absolutely should consider repairing the piece and keeping it to pass on for many more generations to come!
Antiques Aren’t Dead…The Market Just Changed
There seems to be a rumor going around that collecting antiques is dead…and that’s just not true at all! The market for antiquing hasn’t disappeared, it’s just adapted and changed just like the rest of the world. With the ready accessibility of the internet expanding the market for antiques beyond just local buyers, like most forms of retail, antique traders have moved to the digital platform.
Old Furniture Doesn’t Have to Look Old
If you love a piece of furniture but feel like it just doesn’t “fit” with your interior decor, maybe it’s time to consider updating the piece! Updating your furniture can go beyond reupholstery, fabric repair, mechanism work, and wood rejuvenation; you can also upgrade the appearance of your item to fit your personal style.
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(Before Furniture Repair) (After Furniture Repair)
Ask the Furniture Repair Professionals
When you’re not sure just what your project would cost or what all can be done for your favorite old armchair, it’s time to give the furniture repair technicians at McDowells a call. We’re happy to provide you with a quote, and promise you that we will put just as much love and care into your furniture as you will get out of it for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth repairing antique furniture instead of buying new?
Yes, repairing antique furniture can save you significant money compared to spending thousands on brand-new replacements. Restoration also allows you to preserve heirloom pieces—like a rocking chair passed down through three generations—in usable condition rather than letting them sit as mere decor.
What factors determine the monetary value of antique furniture?
The value of antique furniture is determined by its age, maker, construction method, place of origin, and whether a famous or historically significant person once owned it. Evaluating these factors gives you a clearer picture of what the piece is worth in both its current and restored condition.
Is the antique furniture market dead?
No, the antique furniture market is far from dead—it has simply evolved and shifted to digital platforms. The internet has expanded the buyer pool well beyond local collectors, allowing antique traders to reach a much wider audience online, just like most other forms of retail.
Can antique furniture be updated to match modern interior decor?
Absolutely—old furniture doesn't have to look outdated. Beyond standard services like reupholstery, fabric repair, mechanism work, and wood rejuvenation, professionals can also upgrade the overall appearance of a piece to complement your personal style and current home decor.