I have always love antiques, so much so that I have learned to appraise items so when I am shopping I can know the true value of their worth. I recently just moved from a very blah apartment into my first real "big girl" apartment.

The place I moved into is a lot bigger and is from the 1920's, so I started little by little to buy beautiful antiques that would could fill my space. Mostly I shop on Craigslist or Ebay because much of the time, the sellers don't know half of the value of their pieces they are selling.

Mostly I have been trying to buy pieces for under $1000 just because I am an extremely frugal person, but I was surfing Ebay the other night and I found an absolutely to die for console table for $1200 that is Italian from the late 19th century. This piece literally looks like it out of the home of some very wealthy European royalty. When I looked looked into it, I found out that this piece was probably worth $10,000-$15,000.

My question is, should I go over my $1000 price limit and splurge on the item? I've got plenty of money in savings, it's just it's hard for me to go over that $1000 price limit I set for myself for some reason. How can I justify buying this piece or any other gorgeous antiques?

Thanks.

I say yes, totally, if you love it. Don't buy it because of what you think it could be worth or for investment hopes, but only if you truly love it for yourself. In the big picture of what furniture costs, $1200 is still a deal.

It sounds like you really love the piece and might regret a decision not to buy it. I don't think what it could be worth to someone is nearly as important as what it's worth to you. Since you have the money you should go for it even if it is a tad over your normal guidelines.

I don't think I'd pass it up for $200 over budget if I loved it that much. Especially if it's something that you think you'll have for a long time. Go for it!

only buy it if you really love it. having the value be worth way more than you'll pay is great but don't buy it in hopes of getting that amount in the future if you want to resell. because you have to remember something is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

Originally Posted by Matchmaker90210

I have always love antiques, so much so that I have learned to appraise items so when I am shopping I can know the true value of their worth. I recently just moved from a very blah apartment into my first real "big girl" apartment. The place I moved into is a lot bigger and is from the 1920's, so I started little by little to buy beautiful antiques that would could fill my space. Mostly I shop on Craigslist or Ebay because much of the time, the sellers don't know half of the value of their pieces they are selling. Mostly I have been trying to buy pieces for under $1000 just because I am an extremely frugal person, but I was surfing Ebay the other night and I found an absolutely to die for console table for $1200 that is Italian from the late 19th century. This piece literally looks like it out of the home of some very wealthy European royalty. When I looked looked into it, I found out that this piece was probably worth $10,000-$15,000. My question is, should I go over my $1000 price limit and splurge on the item? I've got plenty of money in savings, it's just it's hard for me to go over that $1000 price limit I set for myself for some reason. How can I justify buying this piece or any other gorgeous antiques? Thanks.

ARE YOU KIDDING? YOu found something worth $10-$15k and you are debating spending an extra $200? He$$, yes!

I would get it too if I loved it that much. But, I would never count on antiques as an investment. The market is not all that stable. I inherited a lot of antiques from my dad, and while some went up in value, most went down or didn't change value in years.

Just remember what looks great in pictures might not look the same in person. I would not. Invest in furniture like this without checking it out with my own eyes. Not so easy to send back furniture if it is not what you expected.

Originally Posted by Allisonfaye

ARE YOU KIDDING? YOu found something worth $10-$15k and you are debating spending an extra $200? He$$, yes!

My thoughts exactly!!!

Only spend the extra $200 if, when it arrives, you would be comfortable finding out the table isn't worth 10-15k, but instead just the $1200 you paid. If that will sit well with you, go for it! I have purchased all my furniture online (literally every piece, from large pieces to small decorative objects) and it has been a learning experience. When in doubt, ask for more pictures in different lighting, more up close, etc. It sounds lovely though! Post pics when it arrives if you move forward with it.

It's impossible to guage the value of an antique online. They could not be real, dated incorrectly, etc. especially when it comes to such a miraculous find as this.

If you love it, then buy it, but as others said, I wouldn't go over budget based on what might be an investment piece. You could get it, have it appraised only to find out it's worth a few hundred less than what you'll pay.

If you get it, be sure to post a pic!!