ZAAR Design Center

I've known Ruth Olbrych for a long time. Not only is she a business woman who is dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate about her field and her beautiful antique Chinese furniture, but over the years she has become a good friend. The first time I met Ruth was when looking for an antique Chinese armoire to hide our TV and other things. We had been to a well known location in NY, and were inspired about the idea but not enough inspired by the items there to purchase. Somehow (!) I "found" Ruth and saw pieces on her web site. Connecting with her, we went to see her warehouse in Maine, driving there from MA and seeing family on the way. OK, just 5 minutes at her place left us breathless! Never mind the super-plain cabinet we went there for. Seeing the amazing armoire with an entire family story carved on the front was like stepping into another world. Whether in New York or even in San Francisco, we had not seen anything like it. The beautifully deep, rich red color and dark, somewhat worn metal hardware was brought to life by the softly highlighted figures embellishing the piece. The short story: Ruth has beautiful, high quality pieces and customer service to match. This was the first experience. A few years later I bought a pair of lovely Elm tables with wicker centers that we used together as a coffee table. Again, a very positive shopping experience. We didn't go to Maine that time but the whole experience was 100% great. As a designer and colorist, I have always had the greatest confidence in working with Ruth professionally and recommending Antiques by Zaar and Ruth as often as possible.

Ruth is a pleasure to work with and aims to please. She carries beautiful curated home décor and furniture that can add a special touch to any residence. Antiques by Zaar never disappoints, their communication and delivery is just as promised. She has helped source items that fit my specific needs. I have bought several pieces from Ruth over the years and it has always been a fun and rewarding process that adds character to my home.

I am an interior designer so obviously I work with a lot of vendors. Ruth who owns the company is special. She sells Chinese antiques as well as reproductions and she is honest about both. What really makes Ruth stand out amongst her peers is that she absolutely loves to help people. It's just in her DNA. Ruth doesn't sell "stuff" just to just sell "stuff". She really wants the best for everyone. She gives professional advice willingly but is always attuned to the fact that items purchased must fit the design plan and the lifestyle of the client. I have been working with Ruth since 2006 and look forward to a continued, wonderful relationship. Linda Zoffer del ZIO Designs Interiors, LLC

I needed an exquisite piece as a focal point for the top of a staircase and turned to Antiques by Zaar for a possible solution. I love using antiques mixed with contemporary furnishings to add warmth and contrast. Luckily Ruth (the "R" in Zaar) had a late 19th C Chinese altar table that was perfect in scale and feeling. The hand-carved peacock motif is exquisite, as is the worn-over-time patina that my clients just love to touch. In addition the piece arrived on time and in perfect condition. Kudos to Ruth and the white glove service she entrusts to deliver her treasures!

Ruth is not only an incredibly talented designer and importer, but, she is also an extremely helpful and kind person. Since 2006, she has helped me select a number of critical pieces that I love to this day - and always will. Most recently, an antique Chinese marriage bed that has all of my guests not wanting to leave :). Her work with Distinctive Chesterfields also produced an absolutely perfect wing back chair, as well. Thanks, Ruth, for all you do! Best to you and your family!. Karl.

This is the first review I have ever written but I feel I must share my experience. I spent months looking for the perfect sideboard for my dining room. I thought I found it but the company would not ship it to the US. Then I found another one I liked but the company would not make the size I wanted and they completed ignored me. Next, I saw the perfect sideboard after googling "show me images of elegant sideboards". I simply clicked on the photo and it come up as Antiques by Zaar. I emailed them expecting to be disappointed again-instead I get an instant reply from Ruth O. I called the number she left me and in 5 minutes I had purchased the sideboard. It arrived in 2 short weeks and I tell you it is the most elegant, beautiful sidebaord. Just what I wanted! It was so easy thanks to Ruth at Antiques by Zaar. I can't believe I was ready to pay thousands of dollars to have someone ship one from the UK! I AM SOLD ON ANTIQUES BY ZAAR. I can't wait to find another treasure. Thanks Arlene from San FRancisco

I have purchased from Antiques by Zaar several times over the last few years, and love both the product and the excellent customer service you receive from this company. The pieces are a well curated selection of both reproduction and 19th century asian furniture and decorative objects. There is a wonderful variety, and customization is available. So, if you need a shelf added or a color changed, it's not a problem for this company. Ruth is great to work with, warm, friendly and full of energy! I participated in a showhouse in 2011 and the pieces I used from Antiques by Zaar were the STARS of the space! I would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone, and fully intend to use them again!

I feel so fortunate to have stumbled across Antiques by Zaar while surfing the internet over 5 years ago! In that time the business has continued to grow steadily and successfully as Ruth has really worked various social media outlets to her greatest advantage. By offering her clients the asian pieces she is known for at competitive prices I don't need to shop anywhere else. Her customer service is impeccable and she sees every sale through to the end user and makes sure there is 100% customer satisfaction. Ruth is dedicated and passionate and this translates to her clients. She makes being in the business of interior design fun and because her furnishings are unique and attainable it is easy to see why her clients keep coming back!