Buying vintage furniture is better for the planet, and the intricate details add character and personality to living spaces. The history and aesthetics of vintage furniture are unmatched by mass-produced furniture and accessories. And it is often much more expensive than what is available in big-box furniture stores.
Whether you are a novice enthusiast or a seasoned collector, this guide offers helpful tips and advice to help you make informed decisions in finding the perfect vintage pieces for your beautiful home.
Invest in researching and educating yourself
Before purchasing a vintage dining table in Kolkata or a coffee table, you must learn about the different styles and eras of vintage furniture. From the Victorian era to the Mid-century Modern, the different times have played a significant role in the design and appearance of the furniture pieces. Hence, you must educate yourself to understand what you truly want for your home.
It would be best to familiarize yourself with vintage furniture brands, designers, and materials commonly used during specific periods.
Research and education will not only help you make an informed decision but will allow you to show off your knowledge when guests ask about the furniture pieces and their significance.
Define your style and needs
Decorating a home isn’t about randomly putting pieces and hoping they will work. The pieces must complement each other and fit like pieces of a puzzle. So, before investing in vintage furniture, it is critical to determine your personal style and consider your existing decor.
Determine whether you are interested in a specific era, such as industrial and Art Deco, or seeking to mix up the different styles. Then, assess the purpose of the furniture. Consider whether you are looking for functional or statement pieces.
Once you have answered all the questions and have some clarity, you are ready to delve forward to buying a vintage piece.
Measure your home and plan
Furniture pieces are available in all shapes, designs, styles, and sizes. Before bringing these expensive pieces home, you must know how much space you have in your home. To decorate your dining room or living room with vintage furniture, you must measure the room. Determine how much space is there where the furniture can fit comfortably. Then, you can plan the different pieces that amplify the decor of the space. For instance, you can get vintage dining chairs to create an abstract look with your contemporary or modern dining table. You can even get vintage coffee tables or sofas.
Set a budget
The prices of vintage furniture greatly vary. And when it comes to purchasing vintage pieces, you cannot put a price on them. Connoisseurs go as far as to attend auctions to purchase vintage furniture from different eras. So, if you are willing to spend as much as required to acquire the piece of your choice, you can skip this step.
If you want to take things slow and introduce one vintage piece at a time to see how it fits with your interior decor, you can set a budget. The budget must reflect the rarity and quality of the pieces you want.
Source reliable and authentic sellers
Source authentic and reliable sellers by visiting thrift stores, antique shops, flea markets, high end furniture stores in Kolkata, and online platforms specializing in vintage furniture. You must check out their collection and also go through reviews of customers to ascertain the credibility of the furniture sellers before making a purchase.
Inspect the quality of the pieces
Once you have found an authentic seller, the next step is to thoroughly examine the furniture pieces and look for signs of damage, wear, or repairs. However, it is important to note that vintage furniture pieces often have some imperfections. But you must ensure the imperfections are manageable and part of the character.
You must check the furniture pieces for their stability, especially in tables, chairs, and dressers. It is best to avoid pieces that have extensive structural damage. Such pieces won’t be of any use.
Ensure the pieces are authentic
Since you are spending so much money on vintage pieces, it is only right that you check whether they are authentic. The authenticity of the pieces can be checked by looking for the tags, maker’s mark, or labels on the furniture. This can determine the origin and authenticity of the furniture pieces.
Also, you must research specific details of famous designers so you can recognize their work easily.
Do not hesitate to ask questions
An important step in buying vintage furniture is asking a lot of questions. If you have any doubts or want to know more about the provenance, history, or other details about the furniture, do not hesitate to ask the seller. You may also want to know about any known issues with the furniture that you should be aware of.
Asking about the care and maintenance of such pieces is also essential. Since you would want them to last a long time, it is critical to take care of them. Learn about proper maintenance and care to preserve the value and condition of these pieces.
Besides these, you must also consider the fabrics and upholstery. Vintage pieces may require you to reupholstery them to improve their existing condition. So, you must consider whether you are willing to make that extra investment or if the existing conditions perfectly suit your needs and home decor.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing vintage furniture is a rewarding yet challenging journey. It will connect you with the craftsmanship, rich history, and unique design of the furniture pieces. Each piece has a story to tell, and you will become a part of it. You can use these pieces to make a statement or for their functional value.
By following the recommendations and tips mentioned above, you can curate a collection of vintage pieces that reflect your personality and style. You must also be diligent in your research and learn about the different eras and designers before investing in these pieces.