The value of antique furniture lies in their originality and authenticity. These are hard to find and their significance cannot be substituted or replaced. English antique furniture is some of the most remarkable specimens in the world. These have evolved and changed over the years, signifying cultural, economic and political changes of the times. The Jacobian period, Queen Anne Period, William and Mary era, Georgian and Victorian are important ages of furniture making. Before you buy or decide on a piece of furniture you need to have a better understanding about the period it comes from, the characteristics of furniture of that period and what qualities to look for.

Georgian furniture styles made a lasting impact on the design of furniture and cabinet making industry in Britain. These had rich, elegant and compelling characteristics, and incorporated styles from previous eras. It witnessed a return to neoclassical art and design. Mahogany was a popular wood used in furniture making and solid oak also continued in use. Ornamental inlays, veneers, satinwood and yew wood crossbanding, astragal glass moulding, leather panelling with gold tooling, solid brass hardware, bracket feet and oval and swan-neck style pulls were common features of Georgian furniture. Robert Adam, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Chippendale were some of the best cabinet makers of the period and their creations are still respected today. Chippendale furniture is perhaps the most renowned. His signature furniture style was theQueen Anne-style cabriole leg whileChippendale furniture had other different style legs too. Lion's paw, the ball and claw, the late Chippendale, the Marlborough, the club and the spade were the others.

Georgian furniture designs were carried over to the Victorian and Edwardian periods and continued to influence furniture making thereafter. Victorian furniture deigns borrowed styles from Norman and Gothic periods as well. Just like antique furniture, antique lighting too comprised of the elegance of regency interiors. Antique chandeliers are great specimens of intricate glass carvings and lustrous designs. Victorian, Colonial, Empire, neo-classical and Tiffany are popular chandelier styles. Iron, brass, bronze, crystal, cut glass, mirror, antlers and nickels were used in the production of antique chandeliers. Make sure to go through pictures of all antique furniture and interior design items you are interested in before purchasing any. Keep in mind to find a reliable and well recognized dealer to buy them from.