FAQs

Antiques and Modifications

Q. Does altering an antique take away form its value?

A. For three decades we have spent 70% of our workshop time modifying antiques to more functional and useable furniture. Our decision to modify antiques is based on the following standard: create a measurably better product than what has been or could be crafted or manufactured using completely new materials.

If your budget is maxed out, a good solution is to concentrate on buying one good piece at a time. Don’t try to fill the whole house at once. But, when you do see that perfect piece, BUY IT. Antiques are one of kind pieces, and you will never see another like the one you had your heart set on.

Q. Are there some antiques, which should not be altered?

A. Yes. Period furniture pre 1840 should not be altered. Any rare piece, or a piece with special added features like cut glass or rare marble should not be altered. Perhaps the greatest error in alterations is trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear… once junk, always junk, as the saying goes.   Steven-Thomas chooses only the finest quality pieces in our alternations and modifications.