If you're on the hunt for a true antique rather than an expensive imitation, it’s essential to know what to look for so you can spend your money wisely.

“With so many reproductions today, you want to make sure you're getting the real thing, or, at the very least, paying a price that's in line with the piece itself,” says designer Shannon Claire , who recommends researching what actually constitutes an “antique” (hint: anything that’s at least 100 years old, though there’s more to it than that) before shopping around. Designer Jennifer Hunter —who frequently works antique pieces into designs for her clients—agrees, noting that an education on furniture techniques and various eras can act as a helpful road map. “I often research marks, materials, joinery techniques, and provenance; know

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