We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

How do I Choose the Best Antique Dining Chair?

By Misty Amber Brighton
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

There are many things to consider when buying an antique dining chair. You should make sure the feet are evenly worn so the chair will sit level and not wobble. If the seat is constructed from a woven material such as bamboo or cane, check to see if there are rotten or broken fibers. Look for large cracks in the chair, especially in the seat, back, and legs.

Turn the antique dining chair upside down and inspect the tips of each leg. Look for uneven wear on the feet, which could cause the piece to sit unevenly. If there are nicks, cracks, or bubbles on the feet, you may want to consider putting rubber tips on these ends for stability.

A vintage dining chair might be made of cane, bamboo, or wicker. Make sure the fibers are securely woven and not brittle. If the material seems to be rotten or loose, you may need to have that section repaired by a professional furniture weaver. Consider the cost of having this done before you make a selection.

Inspect the piece for signs of large cracks. Vertical cracks in the legs could cause the piece to be unstable, so an antique dining chair with cracks should be discarded. Sit in the chair to make sure any cracks in the seat, back, or arms of the chair do not pinch you. If so, try to determine whether the crack might be easily filled in with wood putty so this will not happen.

See if all the pieces are securely attached. Many vintage chairs were made with wood glue rather than nails or screws. This glue can break down over time, causing sections to come apart. If separation has occurred, think about whether or not it might be easy to re-glue the pieces or if fasteners should be added.

Ask about the history of the antique dining chair. Try to find out how often it was used and whether or not it was well cared for. If the piece has been in storage for some time, ask the dealer if it has been exposed to the elements, as this could cause the wood to rot prematurely.

An antique dining chair can add a touch of nostalgia to any home. Scouring antique malls and flea markets for the right one can be an interesting and educational experience. A persistent effort can pay off with a piece that not only looks good, but is practical and comfortable as well.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.