Are you a DIYer looking to add some unique style and sophistication to your home? If so, waterfall furniture is a great way to achieve that look. With its sleek lines, eye-catching design elements, and timeless aesthetic appeal, this classic furnishing is the perfect addition to any room’s décor.
However, before you go out shopping for waterfall furniture it’s important to understand how it’s made as well as what makes it so special in order to date pieces accurately.
Whether you select an authentic piece from this era or choose a modern take on the look, nothing makes a living room quite like beautiful waterfall furniture. Here, we’ll walk through what to consider when shopping for vintage or new pieces as well as tips for caring for them – both old-fashioned methods and modern techniques that will help keep your new furniture looking amazing over time! So keep reading to know more about how to date waterfall furniture!
Why May You Want to Date Waterfall Furniture?
1 . To Appreciate a Historical Piece
Waterfall furniture is typically associated with the Art Deco movement. Dating such pieces allows you to appreciate their history and unique style. As an example, some of these items feature intricate details that are indicative of the era in which they were made – from curved edges to sleek lines and geometric shapes.
This makes dating waterfall furniture all the more important, as it helps to appreciate the craftsmanship and evolution of design that has gone into creating these pieces.
2 . To Determine Authenticity
Being able to accurately date a piece of waterfall furniture is essential when trying to determine whether it is an authentic antique or a reproduction. Knowing when and where the item was made can help you narrow down its provenance and authenticity.
For instance, some styles of waterfall furniture are associated with specific regions or manufacturers, so being able to accurately date it can give you an idea of where it has come from and its originality.
3 . To Estimate Value
Having a reliable date for your piece of waterfall furniture is also essential when trying to estimate its value. Knowing when it was made, and often where, can help you decide what kind of price it should have in the market today.
While age may not always be a determining factor in value – as other elements such as condition and rarity may play a role too – being able to accurately date your item will give you an idea of what is a reasonable price to expect.
10 Methods of How to Date Waterfall Furniture
1 . Check the Construction Materials
Look for clues within the construction materials to determine its age. Most waterfall furniture is made from plywood, veneers, molded plastics, and Bakelite. If your piece has any of these materials it could be anywhere from 1920s-1960s era.
2 . Examine Joints & Dowels
Pay close attention to the joints and dowels of your furniture. If there are any wooden pegs or dowels, they may point to a piece from the early 20th century. Flathead screws could indicate a piece that’s from the 1950s or later.
3 . Look for Labels & Markings
Inspect the inside and outside of your waterfall furniture for any labels or markings. Manufacturer labels, like those from Kroehler, could date your piece to the 1930s-1960s.
4 . Check the Hardware
Take a closer look at the hardware on your furniture. If it has original hardware, such as Bakelite knobs or metal drawer pulls, it may have been made in the 1930s or 1940s. Later hardware from the 1950s and 1960s often had a chrome finish.
5 . Inspect Drawers & Doors
Examine the drawers and doors for any clues about its age. If there are no metal glides, it could be from before 1950. Also pay attention to the style of dovetailing. Hand-cut dovetails are an indication of age and craftsmanship, while machine-made ones may point to a later date.
6 . Consider the Style & Proportions
Take note of the style and proportions of your waterfall furniture. The earlier pieces tended to be more ornate with curved lines and intricate details, while later pieces were often more streamlined and modern.
7 . Look for Brand Names
Look for any brand names or logos attached to your furniture. Popular brands like Lane, Heywood-Wakefield, and Basset could date your piece anywhere from 1930s-1960s.
8 . Check the Color & Finish
Inspect the color and finish of your waterfall furniture. Older pieces were often painted or stained in a darker hue, while later pieces tended to be lighter in color.
9 . Determine the Type of Wood
Check what type of wood your piece is made from. Vintage furniture was frequently made from Walnut, Oak, Mahogany, and other hardwoods. Later pieces were often made from lighter woods like birch and pine.
10 . Research & Document Your Findings
Once you’ve collected all the clues about your furniture, take some time to research its origin and document your findings. This will help you gain a better understanding of its age and history. It’s also helpful for any future buyers if you ever decide to sell it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take When Dating Waterfall Furniture?
When dating your waterfall furniture, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips: Make sure the piece is original – before you make an offer on any vintage waterfall furniture, look for signs of repairs or alterations that might indicate it’s not all original.
Check for the original finishes – waterfall furniture was often finished with lacquer, varnish, shellac and paint. Don’t be fooled by modern coatings that can easily give away a piece’s age. Inspect the material and construction – waterfall furniture is typically made from walnut or mahogany wood.
The construction should also have mortise and tenon joints for added strength. Take note of any labels or markings that can help with identification – many pieces were marked by their makers, so take note of any possible marks to help you identify the original manufacturer.
What Condition Should I Look For When Buying Waterfall Furniture?
When buying a piece of vintage waterfall furniture, look for pieces that are in good condition. There should not be any major signs of wear and tear such as scratches, chips, or discoloration. Check the joinery to make sure it has no loose joints. Look for any signs of repair work or restoration and be sure to ask questions about the piece’s history before making a purchase.
How Can I Tell If My Waterfall Furniture Is Authentic?
Waterfall furniture can be difficult to authenticate due to the fact that there are many reproductions of these pieces on the market. Look for any evidence of age such as watermarks, wear patterns, or tell-tale signs of repairs or alterations.
Additionally, inspect any labels or markings that could indicate the age, origin and/or maker of the piece. Finally, take note of any differences between your piece and examples of authentic vintage waterfall furniture online or in design reference books.
How Can I Care for My Waterfall Furniture?
To ensure your waterfall furniture stays looking its best for years to come, it is important to take proper care of it. Make sure to dust regularly using a soft, dry cloth and vacuum any crevices or tight spaces. You can also use a damp cloth with mild soap for deeper cleaning, but be sure not to soak the wood in water as this can cause damage.
To protect the finish, you may want to apply a coat of furniture wax occasionally. Finally, avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight as this can cause fading and discoloration.
Where Can I Buy Quality Waterfall Furniture?
For quality original vintage waterfall furniture, antique stores, flea markets, and online auction sites are great places to start looking. If you don’t mind a reproduction piece, you should also check out furniture stores and online retailers that sell new pieces made to look like the originals. Just be sure to inspect any piece thoroughly before making a purchase to make sure it is of high quality and is authentic.
Conclusion
Dating waterfall furniture can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It takes patience and knowledge of what type of piece works within one’s home. In terms of maintenance, caring for waterfall furniture mainly involves preserving the wood, which means fixing any chips or damage that may have occurred over time.
Additionally, regular dusting and polishing should be done to keep the pieces looking their best, although this will depend on whether you want to preserve the original patina or give it a more modern sheen! Finally, when purchasing authentic vintage pieces, it pays to purchase from a reputable dealer and ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order.
Following these tips on how to date waterfall furniture will help insure the longevity of your investment and ensure you enjoy your waterfall furniture for years to come.
