Antique Bedroom Furniture Buying Tips
When choosing antique furniture, a bedroom suite may cost more, but if you can find one you will do well to purchase the whole set. The value of this type of furniture will only continue to rise if you take good care of the wood. If you cannot find a set of furniture, you can create your own with different antique pieces of similar color and style.
Due to differences in bed sizes from earlier centuries, modifications will have to be made to the bed by using a modern frame and attaching it to the antique headboard and footboard. It is advisable to fasten new wood blocks long enough to reach from the floor to a couple inches above the frame to the bottom inside legs of the antique bed. Attach the frame to these blocks instead of directly to the old wood itself. This will ensure stability while preserving the integrity of the older wood.
It is up to the owner as to whether the antique wood should be refinished. This is a matter of taste, as some consider scrapes, scratches, and rub marks to be part of the charm and character of an antique piece of furniture. However, it is good to keep in mind that as wood ages it dries out and can crack and warp, so it would be best to stain and hand wax the antique before use. It is rare to find antique bedroom pieces that were originally painted, as stain was used most often. But if you choose to paint it, make sure to sand it down carefully before painting.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to use furniture oil on antiques. It only serves to dry it out, ruin the stain, and leave it with a dull, gray coloring. As long as there is a good wax on the wood, it can be treated weekly with a simply furniture polish.