If you are looking for high-quality furniture but have a limited budget, buying vintage is the next best thing. But looking for vintage pieces is not similar to bargain hunting or going to a local thrift shop. More often than not, genuine vintage pieces can be found only in specialty stores. For a piece to be considered vintage, it has to be at least 30 years old.
Buying vintage furniture online
The internet is another helpful tool in finding that perfect vintage leather sofa you have been thinking about getting for your home. Many websites sell only vintage furniture, and each piece is usually labelled with the year it was manufactured. In addition to specialty websites, you can also find auction sites with a wide array of choices, plus the option to bid on the piece you want.
The advantage of searching online is the extensive selection available. Unfortunately, not being able to inspect the piece in person means you are taking the risk of buying something from a seller who may or may not be reputable. Online photos also have limitations and sometimes what you see in pictures may look quite different in person. Nevertheless, with a bit of work, it is likely you will find one-of-a-kind vintage furniture online.
Tips on buying vintage furniture
Buying brand-new furniture is challenging enough, let alone buying vintage furniture. How do you find something that is worth your money?
- Look for a piece of furniture that has a good structure and foundation. The foundation of the vintage piece you are buying is a telling sign that it is good quality. Check the frames and the joints. You can have a sofa reupholstered, but it is only worth the cost if the structure is excellent.
- Look for minimal signs of use. When buying vintage furniture, look for examples that have been gently used. Consignment stores often have a better selection than ordinary second-hand shops.
- Visit good sources frequently. Explore several vintage stores within your area. Estate sales and flea markets sometimes yield great finds, but you need to take time to find out where the best ones are.
- Search for lesser known brands. Do not confine your choices to popular brands. Sometimes, less prominent furniture manufactures during a specific era may have made excellent furniture that is less expensive.
- Consider repurposing the piece. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can also buy vintage furniture and repurpose it for added style. For example, an old chest can be used as a coffee table, and a small table can be refurbished into a nightstand.
- Buy pieces that fit your space. Do not forget to measure the available space in your home before you buy furniture. A great looking piece is useless if it will not fit through your door.
Buying vintage furniture also means you do not have to look for pieces that match. Instead of buying a whole set which is likely going to be expensive, look for individual pieces that look great together. This way, you are not only saving money but also uniquely expressing your design style.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/old-room-mirror-interior-vintage-1210117/
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