Q: What is the difference between Antique and Vintage?
A: Everything you buy for the home (furniture, lighting, rugs, artwork) can be plotted on a historical timeline and labeled antique or vintage. Not everything for sale has a certified date of origin, but an item’s age is key in determining it’s value. Also considered are condition, quality and rarity. The age of an item is evaluated not only in terms of its actual date of origin but also in the context of what is fashionable at the time as well as socio-economic trends. 

Antique: An antique can be defined as "a relic or object of ancient times" or "a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period.” According to various customs laws, the item must be at least 100 years old. If an item is not definitively datable to 100 or more years in age, it should not be directly referred to as an antique.

Vintage: An item described as vintage should speak of the era in which it was produced. Vintage can mean an item is of a certain period of time, as in "vintage 1950's" but it can also mean (and probably always should) that the item exhibits the best of a certain quality associated with that specific era. An item should be representational and recognizable as belonging to the era in which it was made. Vintage should not be used in reference to items less than 20 years old.

Q: Do you ship antiques?
A: Yes, we're happy to obtain several shipping estimates and make arrangements to ship items to most destinations worldwide. Please provide us with the shipping address and we will get the best quote for you by our trusted shippers. Items professionally shipped or mailed out of state do not incur Alabama sales tax. 

Q: Do you rent antiques?
A: Yes, we give quotes for prop hire per request. Our standard fee is 10% per item at full retail value, for one week rental. We require a check for the full value of items on hire which is held until the items are returned. Damages and/or loss will be charged to the hirer at full value of each item. Items should be checked by the hirer upon receipt. Deliveries left at unattended premises are at hirers risk. Deliveries or collection of goods are the responsibility of hirer. 

Q: Do you offer designer discounts TO THE TRADE?
A: Yes, we offer designer discounts TO THE TRADE. Please submit the form and provide a copy of your Business License or Resale Certificate and a business card in person or by email.

Q: Can I combine antiques with modern or traditional interiors?
A: Yes, mix...don't match! Antiques are a wonderful addition to any room. Using antiques is the perfect way to add texture and depth to your designs. 

Q: How do I care for my furniture?
A: We recommend using the following guidelines:

UPHOLSTERY CARE GUIDELINES
 
FABRIC

• Vacuum regularly or brush with a nonmetallic, stiff-bristle brush to remove dust and grime.
  
• Reverse and rotate seat and back cushions to increase longevity.
• Protect from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Know your fabric’s Spot Cleaning Code so you can act fast if a spill occurs.

• Overall cleaning is recommended approximately every 12 to 24 months. 
• Don’t wait until severe soiling before cleaning. The more soiling, the less likelihood of restoring the fabric. Use a professional upholstery cleaning service.
• Don’t remove the seat or back cushion casings for cleaning. 
• Unlike slip covered cushion casings, upholstered casings are not meant to be removed.

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SPILL TIPS: Pat spills immediately with a soft white cloth. Always test cleaners first in an inconspicuous place. Do not saturate fabric with cleaner. Pat instead of rubbing to avoid altering surface texture. (Pile fabrics may need a nonmetallic, stiff-bristle brush to restore their appearance.)  Clean stains from the outer edge in to prevent “circling."

LEATHER

• The more you use it, the better and more vintage your leather furniture will look.
  
• Keep leather out of direct sunlight.
• Never use detergents, polishes, preserves or saddle soap. They can remove natural oils.
• Dust using a soft cloth dampened with distilled water or vacuum for routine maintenance.
• Most surface scratches will fade over time if you rub them with your fingertips. The warmth of your hand releases natural oils that help marks disappear.

CASE GOOD CARE GUIDELINES

WOOD         

•  Irregularities in wood are natural and add to its beauty.
  
• The French used wax, varnish and French polish to protect wood surfaces and bring out the natural wood grain. Varnishes and shellacs may offer the most protection against water stains, but they also yellow over time and tend to look plastic. 
• Lolo French Antiques et More prefers wax finishes for a more natural look. Nothing compares to the patina of a hand rubbed wax finish. We use wax products almost exclusively for their warmth and ease of maintenance. Feel free to contact us for advice regarding the care of your French antique furniture.
  
• Furniture paste wax is stable and long lasting. It will provide protection from moisture and dust and is not permanent. Regular waxing of your French antiques will preserve their luster and application is easy. Use a soft cloth to apply French paste wax to open surfaces. For detail work such as carving, a toothbrush can be used to get into nooks and crannies. Once you apply the wax, let it set for 10 to 15 minutes. A good hair shoe brush helps to work or burn in the wax evenly across the surface. Finally, a vigorous buff with a soft cloth rag or fleece mitt burnishes the surface to a warm glow. Regular waxing (two or three times a year) adds depth to the finish. If you have guests coming on short notice, a quick once over buff will bring up enough of the residual wax coating to revive the luster while removing the dust from the surface. Wax is also a very forgiving finish. It is great for "touch up" of minor surface scratches or abrasions.
• Dust using a dry soft cloth or spray lightly with the Original Bee's Wax Furniture Polish. We do not recommend products such as Behold or Pledge. These products can trap dirt and cause a buildup on the already French paste waxed surface.
• For water spots on paste waxed surfaces, French paste wax may be applied with 000 steel wool. Gently work wax over the water spot in the direction of the grain until the spot fades. Do not rub too vigorously as this will remove the wood finish.
•  Do not put wood furniture near direct heat, such as above or behind a heat register. In a dry climate, even kiln-dried boards may experience some shrinkage. 
• Avoid direct sunlight on wood pieces as this can cause fading or cracking. It is ideal to keep wood furniture in a regulated room temperature with consistent humidity. Introduction of humidity to wood pieces prevents cracking. This can be done through a humidifier on your HVAC system. Another solution is to place a saturated sponge in a shallow bowl of water and place the bowl inside the antique piece. This releases moisture and helps the piece to equalize so that the extremes of dry heat shrinkage are somewhat offset.
• Moving antiques should be done by professionals. If you do choose to move a piece, we recommend first removing all drawers, doors, shelves and cornices when possible. Plastic furniture sliders may be placed on the bottom of feet for easy moving from one end of the room to the other.
• Place felt on the bottom of any accessories you may display on top of your wood pieces to prevent scratching and always use a coaster! Dampness damages wood furniture.
• Most pieces of furniture have some kind of metal ornamentation or hardware, such as brass knobs or escutcheons, ormolu, or other decoration. With time brass and copper hardware will acquire a soft patina that may appear to some as unattractive. Brass and copper hardware on historical and other valuable antiques should not be polished to remove the tarnished appearance. The original finish and patina should be retained on the hardware including handles, knobs, hinges, pulls and escutcheons.

LACQUER

• Lacquer finishes should be cleaned as needed with a soft cloth dipped in warm soapy water or water with a drop of vinegar.
  
• Never use abrasive kitchen cleaners, paper towels, or pre-treated furniture cloths on lacquer.
• Avoid placing lacquer furniture in direct heat, direct sunlight, or a damp area.
• Maintain stable moisture with a humidifier nearby, or simply place a glass of water inside or under your piece.
• Fine hairline cracks are inherent to the construction and finishing of lacquer furniture, but will not sacrifice the structural support or durability of your furniture.

LUCITE

• Use a soft cloth and an acrylic cleaner, such as Novus.
  
• Never use abrasive cleaners or paper towels, as these will easily scratch the surface.