Teach yourself to create antique reproductions using manuals and plans

If you have good basic building skills, you can get your antique furniture and reproductions education and training from the many books available through art and woodworking publishers.

I recommend: Dover Publications, a leading art publisher, carries instruction books for antique furniture reproduction in a number of popular styles; Making Antique Furniture Reproductions includes patterns for pieces in the style of Sheraton and Chippendale, among others, and Making Authentic Shaker Furniture teaches techniques for reproducing antiques in this simple, functional tradition. Order In the Craftsman Style from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware.

Acquire hands-on training in reproducing antiques

If you're serious about antique furniture reproduction, you'll want to learn from the finest craftspeople. Whatever style of furniture you're interested in, there is education available in reproducing antique examples, often using historically appropriate tools and techniques.

I recommend: The School of Woodworking at the Center for Essential Education offers 6-day and longer courses in crafting antique furniture reproductions such as a Craftsman chair or a Sellers table, using only hand tools. Northern New Mexico College has established an entire department devoted to reviving the art of Spanish Colonial Furniture Making.

Get certification in appraising antique furniture and reproductions

Whether you are a dealer or an interior decorator, you can benefit from education that will help you distinguish between true antique furniture and reproductions. You can parlay your training into a second career by becoming a certified appraiser of personal property.

I recommend: The International Society of Appraisers offers a number of courses toward certification, including Appraisal of Antiques. Through Appraisal Course Associates, you can take a 6-day core course in Appraising Personal Property, or a 15-hour Personal Property Appraiser seminar. Both are based on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).