Antique Way

Depression Era Furniture Shares “Antique” Limelight

When I think of collections, I don¡¯t often think of antique furniture. Sure, homes end up decorated with antique furniture every day of the week, but how often does that constitute an honest to goodness collection?

I¡¯m not sure, other than the rare occasions when people can actually afford to buy a number of pieces of Stickley. But I do know that lots of people are interested in antique furniture, even if they don¡¯t actually collect it. You can mix a few pieces in here and there with the newer stuff for a chic look that¡¯s very now.

Of course, there¡¯s the furniture that¡¯s not quite antique by the traditional definition, but it¡¯s not new anymore either. Lots of those pieces were made during the depression era, which constitutes the ¡®20s, ¡®30s and spills over into the early ¡®40s in furniture terms.

Even though lots of hoity-toity antique sellers treated it like an ugly stepsister just a few short years ago, the stuff¡¯s managing to hold it¡¯s own now days.

More and more dealers have started to notice and carry furniture made during the depression years.

I attribute this to the fact that more and more pieces have come into the marketplace through estate clearings rather than to meet secondary market demand. But, demand does make up part of the equation.

After all, this furniture is still affordable in most cases. It fits in with lots of different decorating looks. And, many times, has a curvy deco appeal that isn¡¯t overly ornate. In other words, the furniture itself doesn¡¯t compete with the decorative furnishings and accent pieces used with it.

If you want to study up on this type of furniture before you head out shopping again, look for a copy of Furniture of the Depression Era by Robert W. and Harriett Swedberg for Collector Books.

In addition to a price guide, which may or may not be accurate depending on where you¡¯re doing your furniture hunting, this illustrated reference includes a wealth of information on dating, manufacturers and the identification of veneers used during the period.

Yes, depression era furniture makers employed lots of veneer work. And no, it shouldn¡¯t be too surprising.

Manufacturers had to make furniture appealing to consumers while keeping costs down during lean times. Layering a thin slice of ornate wood over wood of lesser quality offered a way to accomplish this objective.

According to the Swedbergs, actually identifying what types of woods and veneers were used during the depression era can be complicated by the fact that many different kinds of bleaches, stains and fillers were used to change the characteristics of the wood.

And, many styles were copied from those popular in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries throughout the depression years. Some are exact replicas, which can only be identified by closely examining the woods used. Others have slightly modified characteristics that make identification somewhat easier.

Most of the furniture we generally associate with the depression era has a distinct look, however. Some pieces are more popular than others. China and curio cabinets, many with nicely curved fronts and glass panels, seem to sell more readily than buffets, for instance. People seem to want more functionality in furniture pieces today rather than larger items that just take up space.

In the bedroom, ladies like the vanities and dressing tables with benches that were very popular during the depression era. They tend to prefer those with three mirrors instead of just one since the two side mirrors can be adjusted to show the face, profile and the back of the hair.

Small occasional tables from this time period might be the best bargain of all. But only the ones with fancy inlays and veneers in excellent condition command the highest prices.

For better or for worse, and opinions still vary widely on the topic, depression era pieces do seem to be sharing some of the ¡°antique¡± furniture limelight now days. And in my book, that¡¯s not such a bad thing.