How much to charge for antique furniture?

Question

I have a 3 piece french provencial set. A couch and 2 wing chairs. The 2 chairs are in good to very good condition.The larger wingback chair has some small rips in the upholstery (courtesy of my 4 year old) which are covered by the armrest protectors. The smaller chair could use some minor touch up on the exposed wood.Structurally all are excellent. I am wondering what to list this set for. If someone wanted to reapolser this set what would they pay?

Answer 1

I would look on Ebay to find similar pieces and see what they sell for (not just what the buyer is asking). Reupholstery costs are dependent on size of piece, fabric used (solid or patterned, stiff vs soft, fraying, etc), style/technique of upholstering...(ie: tufted, pleated, welted, etc). For labor alone a standard lounge chair would be a few hundred bucks just for the labor. Add to that the cost of the fabric (decent upholstery fabric can be had for around $12/yd but can cost well over $100/yard too). Cost of welting, and other trim...lots of variables involved. You can also check our local antique shops to see what they carry. Bring photos and if you're really pleasant and somewhat lucky someone might tell you how much they would charge for the pieces. A true antique is over 100 years old.

Answer 2

Just because a piece is French Provincial that does not mean it is an antique. French Provincial is a style, not an era. This style is still being made today. They could have been made 75 years ago, or one year ago. It's unlikely, unless these are authenticated antiques, that you will get more than a couple hundred dollars for all.

Answer 3

check eBay
french provincial is out of style right now ( I think of ala Granny's furniture)
you might have to put them into your basement and wait a few years to get a better price

PLUs.. they are not a antique
vintage only