Architectural Antiques Used as Home Decorating Elements

"Historic architectural antiques, or architecturals, as they're commonly known, are finding their way into new home construction as imaginative and unusual building and decorating elements. According to Building Ideas magazine, part of the popularity stems from a renewed interest in the past, but these pieces are also considered an art form."

"Salvage houses around the country sell one-of-a-kind pieces, but antique collectors will also find an assortment of more common antique elements such as windows, doors, mantels, grates, staircases, newels, columns, pediments, fretwork and hardware. They could also happen upon such unusual finds as marble fountains, bronze street lamps, carved pulpits, courtroom benches, gazebos, domed ceilings and Tiffany chandeliers."

"Most urban areas are rich sources of architectural antiques, and dealerships specializing in architecturals offer an ever-changing inventory. Dealers usually will send collectors a photograph and dimensions in response to a specific inquiry and most will also ship purchases."

Architectural antiques, known as architecturals, are gaining popularity in new home construction as unique building and decorative elements. This trend reflects both renewed interest in the past and recognition of these pieces as art forms. Salvage houses nationwide offer one-of-a-kind items including windows, doors, mantels, columns, staircases, and hardware, alongside unusual finds like marble fountains, bronze lamps, and Tiffany chandeliers. Urban areas provide rich sources for these antiques through specialized dealerships with constantly changing inventories. Dealers typically provide photographs and dimensions upon request and offer shipping services. Beyond dealerships, collectors can search demolition sites by consulting Yellow Pages for contractors and checking newspaper estate sale listings.

Read at Los Angeles Times