You might think the term "antique furniture" only comprises those items that are extremely rare and very expensive, but think again. In fact, they can give you a link to the past -- and in some cases, it's much more affordable than modern furniture, especially furniture that is well built.
Instead of buying "modern" pressboard, cheap furniture that'll probably fall apart in a few years, why not consider investing in some antique furniture that's going to stand the test of time?
For many collectors of course, old furniture is actually an investment. And that can be true of you, too, even if you're looking for some antique furniture to simply use in your home. But for the most part, if you're looking for this type of furniture that's beautiful and that is going to provide a service for you.
You don't have to be so careful about buying pieces of antique furniture that have had no flaws in them. In fact, you can get some pretty good deals on antique furniture with minor flaws so that these pieces aren't actually very valuable as collectibles, but will certainly fill the bill for you both in beauty and functionality nonetheless.
You can of course search the Internet for antique furniture, but when you buy antique furniture, you're probably going to want to see it "up close and personal," rather than simply buying it from an auction site unseen, as one example. So one good way to find valuable sources for antique furniture is to search the Internet for local venues that may have antique furniture for sale at reasonable prices. The aforementioned estate sale is one good place, as are places like flea markets, garage sales, or secondhand furniture shops.
You do have to look carefully, of course, but this "old-style" furniture exists everywhere. You can of course check places like your grandmother's attic, or you may simply inherit a few pieces from a relative at some point in your life.
If you want a good deal on a piece of "less-than-new" furniture (especially if you're not looking for it to be in pristine condition as a collectible), be prepared to haggle with whomever you buy the furniture from. Make sure you take a close look at what you're considering buying, and note any flaws it has, including any that are going to need fixing.
Then, be prepared to bargain with the seller to bring the price down if need be; the key to shopping for antique furniture in this regard, of course, is to get good, sturdy, attractive furniture that's going to serve you well for a very reasonable price.
Once you've got a handle on buying good furniture that is antique, who knows? You may never want to go with pressboard "storebrand" furniture ever again. Antiques have an ambiance, beauty and history that simply can't be matched by anything in "modern" times.
