64 338
HOME
64
June14
PRECONCEPTION:
Antiques are fragile and will fall apart.
“Actually, antique furniture is generally very well constructed, and made by hand,”
says
Marie Hélène Van Houten from The Past Perfect Collection
. “If it has lasted
this long it will likely withstand your daily routine. For the most part, even the most
expensive new items will come up short in comparison with the craftsmanship and
quality of materials found in antique furniture. Of course, there are plenty of delicate
antiques that are not suitable for regular use, but there are many that can grace your
home and still be useful.”
Directory
China Collection
20 Malcolm Road
6235 1905 | chinacollection.com.sg
Just Anthony
379 Upper Paya Lebar Road
6283 4782 | justanthony.com
The Past Perfect Collection
896 Dunearn Road
#02-01D Sime Darby Centre
6737 3078 | pastperfect.sg
Woody Antique House
Block 13
#01-05 Dempsey Road
6471 1770 | woodyantique.com
Antique-buying advice
•
Tr y to find out more about
the history of the piece you’re
considering buying, including its
age, its original use and where it
was made.
•
Always think about how the
furniture might be placed in your
current home or a home you might
be going back to. Ask yourself
whether or not it will fit in with your
home décor.
•
Ask about any restoration or
damage to the item.
•
Always ask to handle the piece,
then have a look at it from odd
angles to really get a feel for it.
PRECONCEPTION:
Authentic pieces are
costly to buy and to
maintain.
“There are many authentic
pieces of furniture on the
market that will not burn a hole
in your pocket,” says Chris Ang.
“For maintenance, there is not
much you need to do, since most
pieces will already have been
given a new coat of lacquer to
protect them. To clean them, you
can just dust them or wipe them
down with a slightly damp cloth.
In dry conditions, furniture wax
can be useful; but don’t use it too
frequently, and be careful not to
expose your antiques to too much
sunlight or air-conditioning.”
A British colonial camphor and ebony secretaire
chest of drawers from The Past Perfect Collection.
The brass lock on this
Indo-Dutch mahogany
and ebony storage trunk
is made to last.