How do I find out what my furniture is worth?

In most cases, the fastest way to find out what your furniture is worth is to have it appraised by a qualified professional, since online research alone can't reliably account for age, maker, and condition the way an appraisal report can.

If you just want a rough sense of value, start with a few basic steps on your own:

• Identify the piece: Check the underside, back, or inside drawers for maker's marks, labels, or signatures, and note the style or period (Victorian, mid-century modern, Arts & Crafts, and so on).
• Document condition and history: Record dimensions, materials, joinery, and any wear, repairs, or refinishing, along with purchase receipts, prior appraisals, or family provenance.
• Compare to recent sales: Look at auction results and listings for similar pieces in similar condition to get a ballpark figure.

This kind of research works reasonably well for everyday, mass-market furniture, but it breaks down quickly for antiques, designer pieces, or anything you need documented for insurance, an estate, a donation, or a legal matter. In those cases, an informal estimate won't hold up to scrutiny from an insurer, the IRS, or a court, and that's where a written appraisal report becomes necessary.

When a professional appraisal makes sense

A professional furniture appraisal is worth the cost when the piece is genuinely old (roughly 100+ years), carries a recognizable maker's mark or designer attribution, or when you need documentation for a specific purpose such as an estate settlement, an insurance claim, or an IRS charitable donation deduction (Form 8283). Furniture Appraisal Experts' certified appraisers evaluate antique, mid-century modern, designer, and contemporary furniture, researching comparable auction results and dealer records to support each valuation, and every report is prepared in accordance with USPAP.

If you're ready to move past guesswork, you can start with an online furniture appraisal or browse our pricing guide for details on what an appraisal for your piece or collection might cost.