There are a wide variety of antique furniture styles and types of woods.
Collectors tend to select a style that they like and look for pieces that fit that style and era.
They tend to select similar woods or woods that complement the style and look they are trying to create. Some furniture is valuable just for its historic value, a chair that a famous treaty was signed in, a table that appeared in a movie, etc. These styles are reflected not only in furniture, but in jewelry, glass, figurines and a wide variety of collectible items. Primitives Made before electric tools were available and have a roughness and hand made look that appeal to a number of collectors. Art Deco and Art Nouveau Popular in the U.S. in the early part of this century.