Buying Antique Furniture should begin with an appreciation for quality craftsmanship rather than age alone. Buyers should assess timber species, construction methods, originality, repairs, proportion and overall condition. Signs of traditional cabinetmaking---including hand-cut dovetail joints, solid timber construction and naturally aged surfaces---often distinguish genuine antiques from later reproductions. Furniture should also be considered in the context of modern living. Well-proportioned antique pieces frequently integrate beautifully into contemporary interiors while providing a level of craftsmanship rarely found in modern mass-produced furniture.