Antique Resources

Just got done with my first purchase and second visit to this place, and I recommend it. I also would urge those seriously interested in Chicago’s highest-​end antiques to disregard other reviews.
I’ve been doing antique shopping in Chicago for 2 years now, and I can confidently say this is the highest-​end antique dealer in the city, rivaled only in lighting by Stanley’s Gallery.
My most recent purchase was a beautiful mahogany nightstand made in 1840 from England, pretty much the crème-​de-​la-​crème as far as I can see. When I arrived, I was greeted by a female sales associate who was polite, helpful, if a bit overly professional. When I told her I was looking for a dynamite nightstand, she showed me a couple of absolutely exquisite pieces, not pushing me in any direction based on price.
The piece I picked out is currently being touched up as we speak, and I’ll update my review if that turns out disappointing. Once I identified the piece I wanted, I asked her for a lower price and received a 50 dollar discount.
Overall, I will DEFINITELY be back as my income increases as I foresee this will become my number 1 destination for antique furniture. The pieces on display are almost universally outstanding. Keep in mind, this is not a place for bargain hunters, something I think that has led to a lot of the negative reviews and frustration on the owner’s part. The only legitimate knocks I can give the place is that delivery probably ought to be included for in-​city shoppers given the prices of the pieces and that the staff could do with a bit of loosening up.

The man is SO rude. If you aren’t seriously contemplating spending big bucks for antiques, don’t waste your time

This is by far the most off putting antique store I have ever been to. I’m a Registered Interior Designer and just moved here from Texas. In Texas, I worked on multimillion dollar homes. Trying to get familiar with the area and potential new shops to work with, I passed by and stopped in. I explained that I was an Interior Designer new to the area. They allowed me to walk through; however, I was followed around the entire store as if expected to steal something. The saleswoman walked me out, and I thanked her for letting me look around. Her way of saying goodbye — telling me «if the owner were here, he wouldn’t have let you in». Wow. That was inviting. I definitely won’t be back, nor will I ever be bringing any business their way.

Antique Resources is «To the Trade or for Serious Inquiries Only» according to the sign on the door. Not verbtatim from the sign, but close. There is even a doorbell.
I was not put off by the sign and attempted to make a serious inquiry, but Antique Resources is not open on Sundays so I was not able to go inside. Low rating is due to the borderline rude sign essentially warning people off.
There are some amazing light fixtures in the window and I would like to get inside, but the price tags I could see were a little scary (items in the $ 2k range). Likely caters more to decorators than to people decorating their own homes. If I am able to get inside in the next few weeks I will update with more info.