Antique: zoom on the cabinet

In recent years, antique furniture has become more and more sought-after. The older and rarer they are, the more valuable they are. One of the most popular pieces of furniture is the cabinet.

What is a cabinet?

Cabinet antiques are small cupboards. They consist of drawers with compartments that can be used to store valuables or valuable documents. In the beginning it was small. Later, models with two superimposed bodies appeared. Later, other models appeared with the lower body removed, to make way for a high base. The cabinets have many small drawers. In some models, they are hidden by a leaf with beautiful decorative motifs. This type of furniture belongs to the luxury furniture thanks to an unusual front, decorated with sculptures, and sometimes even gilded and inlaid. Historically, this furniture was used at the beginning of the 16th century. It reached its peak during the reign of King Louis XIV.

Antique cabinet, authentic or not

If you want to know if your antique cabinet is authentic or not, some small tips may be useful.

Materials used

The first thing you need to know is that the woods used to make this furniture are precious woods, so the furniture is very heavy. The most used wood is ebony. For the record, the cabinet is the first piece of furniture made of ebony wood; it is in a way the origin of cabinet making.

Carved motif

You can also know its authenticity thanks to the carved motif on the piece of furniture, as its patterns are not insignificant. They are the representation and reflection of a specific culture and period. With this information, you can easily check which period your furniture comes from. The furniture is a testimony to the skill of the artist or cabinetmaker who made it.

Where and how can you find this furniture?

Cabinet antiques can be found in many different ways. The easiest way is from a shop that sells antiques, or from an antique dealer. He will be able to help and advise you, and if you are lucky and deal with a real specialist, you will have some history lessons on the piece of furniture. The other method is to search on the internet, as more and more antique dealers are offering their services online.