Home Furnishings
2008-04-01 12:10:00
Antique desks
Question: If I refinish my antique secretary desk, will it decrease its value?
Answer: This is a very good question, and I will try to give you a concise answer. It depends.
I would first want to ask some specific questions about the piece: is the piece in unmolested original condition? Is this piece of museum quality? What will be its use? What is the origin? Is it intended for resale?
Popular TV shows and antique dealers have propagated the myth that repairs and finish work decrease the value for any older piece of furniture. While this may be true of a high-quality piece that is truly in its original condition, most furniture isn’t of significant value to begin with. Moreover, most pieces have already had some structural or refinish work along the way. In these cases, additional work of good quality can actually enhance the value of the piece.
When we look at the furniture’s use, we want to know if the piece is to be functional or decorative. If the furniture is required to handle a person’s weight, to hold objects, or to sustain frequent movement of hinges and pivot points, then a repair would be worthwhile. If the furniture is intended to be set in a corner to look good, then repairs or finish work may not be necessary.
Is the furniture of European or American origin? Collectors of early American furniture tend to prefer things in original condition, even if it’s less than perfect. Collectors of European furniture don’t generally consider the value of a piece to be diminished by a good quality repair or refinish.
If your piece of furniture is intended for resale, it is important to consider how the monetary value would be affected by repairs or finish work. However, if this is a meaningful piece of furniture to you, or one that you want to eventually hand down to the next generation, then it makes sense to keep it in good shape. The value of the piece will be realized in its use and enjoyment over the years.
In conclusion, if you had two pieces of furniture that were the same, except that one was in great original condition and the other had been repaired and/or refinished, then the first one would be worth more to a collector. But most of us don’t own a piece like this. So, look at your antiques as simply needing maintenance. Keep them in good shape, love the way they look, and appreciate the old growth wood and craftsmanship of days gone by. Don’t be scared of some high quality repairs or finish work. It will likely increase the value over the long term.
