Buying and collecting antiques has become a cultural sensation in America and across the world, with countless people scouring their homes for anything that might be old or valuable. But while some types of antiques do make good investments, many people believe that old furniture or decorative items are best used for their intended purpose: to be used or displayed in the home for the enjoyment of the owner and his or her guests. The next time you come across an interesting or beautiful antique, try to see it as a great design object rather than a stack of dollars bills.

Ragen Wilfert is an interior designer and co-owner of The Open Door and Ragen Wilfert Interiors on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. He specializes in antiques and custom designed pillows. Here he offers information and ideas to help you buy, care for, and showcase antiques that reflect your style:

• Not always expensive.
  Antiques are meant to be cherished and cared for but, in Wilfert's experience, they are not always as pricey as many people think. The principal value of many heirloom antiques is not monetary, but sentimental.
  
• Value increases over time.
  Many antiques are assets with value that increases over time. If you buy a high quality antique table today, it could go up in value in a few years time, depending on how the market is doing.
  
• Appreciate the workmanship.
  Many antiques were built in a time when carpenters and craftsman created each piece with attention to detail. Woods, for example, were often joined with dovetails or pegs rather than nails or screws. Because it was so well made, antique furniture typically lasts far longer than modern furniture.
  
• Care and cleaning are simple.
  Caring for an antique is not difficult. In most cases, Wilfert recommends just wiping the piece with a soft cloth rag.
  
• Show off your best antiques.
  Don't keep your antiques in a basement or attic; showcase them in your best living spaces so that you and your guests can enjoy them. Wilfert loves when people get creative, like taking a super modern room and putting a 400-year-old piece in it. The contrast makes the piece seem even more special.
  
• Express your individuality.
  Unless you're a dealer or investor, you should never buy an antique just because of its perceived market value. Instead, choose antiques that say something about your personality, style, or taste. Buy things you love, and then treat them with care.

For more information about antiques, check out the following organizations or websites:

Ragen Wilfert Interiors
www.ragenwilfert.com

Antique Web
www.antiqueweb.com

The American Society of Appraisers
www.appraisers.org

HGTV: True Antiques
www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_furnishings

Antiques Roadshow
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow

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