Antique Furniture

Antique furniture is easily available in India as the country has evolved through the umpteen royal eras that had surfaced in the decades gone by. One can even reminisce the royal years by walking into palaces and grand homes that housed kings and queens. To this date the furniture that is salvaged still stays put as most of them are either bought out or they are converted into museums.

Step into the palaces of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India and you can smell the whiff of old furniture. Standing there, from time immemorial. It may no more be able to take the weight of a person, but one look at it and you whish you could have it in your home.

The designs are imperial and the carvings have an elite air making. However the carvings are conspicuously different in different eras, cultures and rules. So if you look into the Mughal era you will find designs of paisley leaves and small flowers rampant. It is visible all their works, be it the bed, chairs or doors or balustrade.

When one looks for antique furniture, it depends on 2 factors a) the budget and b) the space available. Both factors contribute to the purchase of the furniture piece. Because if you have a big budget but the space is not enough to accommodate a 7 feet bed with skirting and a roof, the big budget will not make sense. Hence these points go hand in hand.

In the beginning furniture was primitive and it served the basic purpose of sitting, sleeping or the various other usages. But as comfort became the prime aspect, the mould changed to better and convenient furniture. Then there were creative ideas that transformed them into aesthetic beauty. Some furniture was moulded and carved by the best of artists and today command a colossal deal.

But when you are out to buy your best piece think of what you have in mind, and how best it will fit your home. Antique furniture is mostly made in wood. So it can well adapt to your home. But there are a few that crafted in other materials also. Moreover sometimes there is upholstery attached to the furniture that may stand in stark contrast to the existing wall colour or in-house upholstery. Hence have a holistic approach to the furniture you plan to buy.

Once bought, you need to take extra care of your antique furniture else it will crumble before you can save it. So right from the beginning follow a few steps and you can salvage it and see it beautifying your room for a very very long time.

The first thing is to keep it away from fire. Keep it away from direct contact with the heat. Too much of humidity is not healthy for your furniture, so do not keep it near the window at all times. Especially if it is a rainy day do not endeavour.
A better option is to keep a plant next to your furniture. It will swallow humidity and keep your furniture breathing. Read and interact about antique furniture for more knowledge and understanding before and after you purchase.