How do I date an antique sofa?

Look at the leg shape, carving style and joinery. Cabriole legs and curved lines point to the 18th century (Louis XV, Louis XVI), while dense button-back upholstery and ebonised wood suggest Napoleon III. A cabinetmaker's stamp struck beneath the seat rail is often the most reliable confirmation of date and origin.

What is the price of an antique sofa?

Prices vary widely by period, condition and maker. Expect £400–£1,500 for a good standard period sofa, £1,500–£5,000 for a fine Napoleon III or Restauration piece, and considerably more for a stamped 18th-century Parisian example. Provincial sofas in walnut or cherry offer strong value for new collectors.

Can an antique sofa be reupholstered without losing value?

Yes, provided you use a specialist upholsterer experienced in period seating who respects traditional techniques — webbing, hand-tied springs, horsehair padding. Retaining or faithfully reproducing the original fabric — velvet, damask or needlepoint tapestry — preserves both the authenticity and the market value of the piece.

How do I recognise an authentic Louis XV sofa?

A genuine Louis XV sofa has a carved beech frame, cabriole legs, a cabriolet or medallion back and shaped seat rails. The cabinetmaker's stamp, struck under the seat rail or on the frame, is the most reliable proof of authenticity. Asymmetric curves and naturalistic carved motifs are also characteristic.

How should an antique sofa be transported safely?

Use a specialist fine-art and antique furniture carrier. Disassemble the piece where possible, wrap it in removal blankets and bubble wrap, and avoid any direct contact with carved or gilded wood surfaces. Always arrange agreed-value insurance appropriate to the piece's worth before shipment.