If you are a parent or a collector of vintage furniture, an antique high chair may be on your list of things to acquire or dispose of. High chairs have been an essential piece of furniture for infants and toddlers for many decades, and antique high chairs hold a special place in our homes and hearts.
In this post, we will explore the value and uses of antique high chairs, how to determine their age and worth, and what to do with your old high chairs. We will also provide tips for purchasing second-hand high chairs and where to find antique high chairs for sale.
What Age is a High Chair?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a high chair is suitable for infants who are six months old or can sit upright independently, up to a maximum of three years old or 50 pounds in weight. Since high chairs have been in existence for more than a century, antique high chairs may vary in terms of design, functionality, and safety features.
Before purchasing an antique high chair, ensure that it meets your child’s current safety and practical needs. Look for stable and sturdy high chairs with safety straps and unbroken parts.
Can You Use an Antique High Chair?
Using an antique high chair for your child can be a charming and nostalgic experience. However, you must ensure that the high chair is safe and suitable for your child’s needs. Antique high chairs may not meet the current safety standards, and may contain lead paint, small parts, or other hazards. You should consult a restoration expert or furniture specialist before using an antique high chair for your child.
If you are not planning to use an antique high chair for your child, you can repurpose it as a home decor item or sell it to a vintage collector.
Should You Buy a Second-Hand High Chair?
Buying a second-hand high chair is an affordable option for parents, especially if you are looking for a specific brand or design. However, you should be cautious when purchasing second-hand high chairs and ensure that they meet your child’s needs and safety standards.
When purchasing a second-hand high chair, look for the following:
- Stability: Ensure that the high chair is sturdy and does not wobble or tip over.
- Safety straps: Confirm that the high chair has functional safety straps or harnesses.
- Cleanliness: Check that the high chair is clean, with no visible stains or signs of mold or mildew.
- Age and wear: Investigate the high chair’s age and wear and tear. Avoid high chairs with chipped, cracked, or missing parts.
Pictures of Antique High Chairs
Here are some pictures of antique high chairs that you may find interesting:
What Can You Do with an Old High Chair?
If you have an old high chair that you no longer need or want to keep, you can repurpose it or sell it to a collector.
Here are some ideas for repurposing your old high chair:
- Outdoor planter: Fill the seat of the chair with soil and plant your favorite flowers or herbs.
- Photo display: Use the high chair as a unique photo display for your family pictures.
- Desk or table: Remove the tray and use the high chair as a small desk or side table.
- Dog or cat bed: Convert the high chair into a cozy bed for your furry friend.
How Old is My Antique High Chair?
Determining the age of your antique high chair can be tricky, but there are some clues to look for. Identify the style, materials, and manufacturer’s mark to narrow down the age range.
Here are some tips for determining the age of your antique high chair:
- Style: Look for design features that were popular during a particular historical period. For example, high chairs with ornate carving and curves were popular during the Victorian era, while sleek and simple designs emerged in the mid-20th century.
- Materials: Determine the type of wood and finishes used, which can indicate the era of the piece. For example, high chairs made of oak were popular in the early 1900s, while mahogany was a popular material in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Manufacturer’s mark: Check for labels or marks that indicate the manufacturer or brand. Research the manufacturer to determine the period they operated and the type of high chairs they produced.
Antique Baby High Chairs Wooden
Wooden high chairs have been in use for many decades and remain a popular choice for parents and collectors. Antique baby high chairs made of wood may be ornate or simple, painted or bare, and feature safety features such as straps and tray locks.
Some popular wooden high chair brands include:
- Whitney Brothers: Known for their sturdy and safe wooden high chairs designed for institutional use.
- Keilhauer: A Canadian manufacturer of high-quality wooden furniture, including high chairs.
- Heywood-Wakefield: An American furniture company that produced wooden high chairs during the mid-20th century, known for their iconic Streamline Moderne designs.
Antique High Chair Value
The value of an antique high chair depends on several factors, such as its age, condition, rarity, and historical significance. High chairs that belong to a recognizable brand or period may fetch a higher price than generic or mass-produced high chairs.
To determine the value of your antique high chair, you can consult furniture experts or antique dealers, or research prices on online marketplaces such as eBay or Etsy.
Antique High Chair Near Me
If you are looking for an antique high chair near you, there are several options to consider. You can visit local antique shops or thrift stores, attend estate sales or auctions, or search online marketplaces for sellers in your area.
Here are some online marketplaces to check for antique high chairs near you:
- Facebook Marketplace: A popular online marketplace for buying and selling items, including vintage and antique furniture.
- Craigslist: A classified advertisement website with local listings for high chairs and other furniture.
- OfferUp: A mobile app that connects local buyers and sellers for second-hand items, including antique high chairs.
Antique High Chair for Sale
Selling your antique high chair can be a profitable venture, especially if you have a rare or valuable piece. You can sell your antique high chair through online marketplaces or auctions, or approach antique dealers or appraisers for an evaluation.
Here are some online marketplaces for selling your antique high chair:
- Etsy: A popular online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, including antique high chairs.
- eBay: A global marketplace for buying and selling various items, including antique high chairs.
- Chairish: An online marketplace for vintage and designer furniture, including high chairs.
Conclusion
Antique high chairs hold sentimental and monetary value for parents and collectors alike. Whether you plan to use an antique high chair for your child or repurpose it as a decor item, ensure that it meets safety standards and your practical needs.
With the tips and insights we have provided in this post, you can confidently explore the world of antique high chairs, determine their age and value, and make informed decisions about purchasing, selling, or repurposing high chairs that are close to your heart.