Furniture Then and Now; The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Antique accessories blending with today's sofas invite guest into a classic yet comfortable living room.

As a former interior design educator, I knew furniture styles and art history were important aspects of the curriculum taught to would-be designers.  I can’t believe how many times I’d tell my students, “There is nothing new under the sun”.  Classical furniture styles particularly French, Italian, English and Early American are still popular and often reproduced.  People want a connection to the past so fine furniture of these periods is in many lovely and impressive homes, as well as museums.  If you like the style, but can’t afford “museum quality” originals, many furniture companies have manufactured excellent, well made reproductions and even these reproductions have been copied!  There is definitely a price point for everyone, but if you go too low, quality will surely be compromised.  My advice – buy less but buy good.  Check out consignment stores where “your” style may not be the “in” one, but  where you can buy “up” at bargain prices.

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