Looking for an antique farmhouse table? Read on…
So you have a brand new modern apartment, or perhaps you have just re-decorated your kitchen to feature sleek lines. An antique farmhouse table is one item that many people want to place in contemporary kitchen and dining areas due to the stately character that these can bring. There is one problem though – exactly how does one go about finding a suitable piece? An antique table is one that is over 100 years old, and as such they are not easy to find in good condition. But there are some steps you can take to maximize your chances of finding the dream table.
Firstly, and if money is no object, you can contact one of the many companies that specialize in finding and restoring old tables back to their former glory (links at the end of the article). Supply of tables from these companies is by no means guaranteed instantly; since antique tables are so popular right now the chances are that you will have to wait a while for one to come in that is right for you in terms of size and shape.
If the price of these pieces makes you baulk (the shipping alone can cost nearly $500 for the larger items alone!) then you can try out the local flea markets in the off chance that you may find a bargain. Be warned though, that the chances of finding one are slim at best, but there are many lucky people out there that do manage to find an unwanted table out there. You are more likely even end up finding an antique table that is in poor condition at many markets (often without the seller knowing the true age!) and if so, it is a great idea to buy it and find a restorer afterwards to bring the piece back to life. This will still be expensive, but there will certainly be at least $1000 saved off the price if you were to buy direct.
Other Options
While many will give the nod towards sites such as EBay for their internet options, these auction sites have so many visitors that it is difficult to find one at a bargain price. Add to this that if the seller lives far away you will have to buy the antique farmhouse table without even having seen the item and you have a certain element of risk.
Tales of buyers who have bought a piece that is ridden with marks and scuffs and are unable to get a refund are rife in the antiques industry, and many advise against any purchase that you cannot see beforehand – especially when buying from individuals and not companies.
However, if you are familiar enough with the search interface it is possible to find tables that may have been overlooked. By using the advanced search option and hunting down those table sets that are “Pickup Only” you can find some hidden gems where the buyer simply cannot be bothered with all of the hassle involved with shipping. This does restrict you to local sellers but as previously mentioned the act of seeing the furniture set is absolutely essential.
If all this is getting you down you can always look for a reclaimed farmhouse table at a fraction of the price. Many companies specialize in using reclaimed wood to construct a sturdy piece and modern techniques to artificially date a table can be very convincing.
Conclusion
Buying an antique farmhouse table can be costly and require a fair amount of effort in your hunt for the perfect piece, but no other type of table brings the character, heritage, and sense of history that a genuine antique can
