For many collectors of antiques (more than 100 years old) teak furniture is just second hand furniture! Maybe that’s true but that does not mean it isn’t collectible – and becoming more so as time goes on.

The furniture, with its simple lines and light wood tones, looks modern and, not surprisingly, it is a younger generation that it appeals to – a generation that never grew up with this furniture.

The majority of teak furniture that I seem to run across when I do appraisals is from two eras – the 50’s (or post WWII) and the late 70’s / early 80’s.

The collectible furniture are those pieces from the 1950’s.

So what is it worth? Like anything, it depends on how available it is. If you live is in a part of the country that has not had much economic prosperity there is a good chance that people hung on to furniture a long time and that there is a lot of this furniture still around.

On the other hand, perhaps people got rid of their furniture to buy something new and as a consequence there’s not much around. That’s the kind of market you want to sell in, not the first.

One thing that also affects the value of furniture is the name of the designer who made it. It’s worth while doing your research. Be careful though. There are many knockoffs that have been made over the years so buying from a private home may be your best bet – if you can find the pieces.

One book that I would recommend you read is Judith Miller’s “American Insider’s Guide to Twentieth-century Furniture”. It’s an excellent book for the novice and seasoned collector alike. The prices or values appear to be a bit on the high side as are most of her books, however this depends on where you sell or buy the pieces.

The point is that if you familiarize yourself with the furniture from this era, and learn which are valuable, instead of turning up your nose at a sale you might just find a diamond in the rough.

What do you think of the furniture from this era?