Of course, the most obvious place for an antique buffet is in the dining room. They can match the existing furniture in period, say country French, English or turn of the century American, or this piece can be the one antique in a room of modern furniture. For some people, and in some homes, an eclectic combination of furniture is what brings the decor to life.
Buffets are such great pieces because of the practicality and versatility of them. Whether it is storage or aesthetics or a combination, a buffet can meet these needs. In the dining room, they can store linens or large serving pieces, and become servers during a dinner party. They can also take on the roll of a liquor cabinet, craft closet or sweater storage, depending on the household needs.
They do not need to simply reside in the dining room, either. An antique buffet would work lovely in a kitchen or a foyer, even a living room for display with photos, books and knickknacks. In a guest bedroom, they can provide extra storage and surface area for the guests. The beauty of the piece can shine in most any room of the house.
An even more creative use is turning an antique buffet piece into a bathroom vanity by cutting the top and dropping a sink basin in. If this is desired, it would be wise to have a professional do the job or at least offer advice, as it will change the value and integrity of the piece, though it will be a very unique bathroom vanity. If size permits, it would be fabulous in a powder room, or a larger one could possibly hold two sink basins and work in a master bath.
Antiques can be quite fun to work with, and antique buffets offer a wide range of possibilities. Gone are the days of furniture only finding a home in one room, pieces can shift from room to room as space and needs demand. Anyone fortunate enough to own any antique buffets should use them anywhere they want, not just the dining room. If you like antique buffets, be sure to also check out antique sideboards.
September 14, 2010
Kitchen Furniture