It is a phrase that is loosely used to describe previously owned furniture, but a piece must be between 30 and 100 years old to be termed "vintage." Furniture that is at least 100 years old is considered "antique." Any piece from the 1990s to the present is just used furniture. An estimate for the value of your antiques can be obtained by contacting local antiques dealers or checking online auction sites. The main determinants of value are age and condition. Antiques can be divided into five general categories based on appearance and condition: excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. The category describes how well preserved the item is. If you were to sell it today, it would go under the term "vintage." Value increases with age and quality. Poorly made or damaged items will not be worth as much. Antiques can be valuable investments if cared for properly. It is important to learn about different preservation methods such as conservation, restoration, and repairing. These processes can restore an object that looks like it might otherwise be destroyed or unusable due to damage or age. Antiques can be displayed in many ways. Some people display them in open rooms with other items while others place them in a special room by themselves. Some collectors even hire artists to paint pictures so they can purchase more expensive pieces. Value varies depending on what type of furniture it is and how it is constructed.