Buying Vintage Furniture

Choosing vintage furniture is a good move, it's usually solidly made, it reduces your impact on the environment and can give your home a point of difference, but how do you choose wisely?

A 1950's piece.

First of all vintage furniture is not antique furniture, it's between 30-100 years old so that would be anywhere from 1913-1983. Most people when buying vintage furniture tend to look at the 1950's-1960's but remember the scope is much larger than this. If you are looking at buying a piece because you want to reflect that era, then make sure that the piece (or pieces) are of a classic shape and design. It would be a bit pointless to buy furniture that although was made at the right time, looks like it was made 20 years earlier or later.

For example if you are looking at a piece made in the 1930's it should have an Art Deco look, and may have lacquered wood. 1950's Mid Century pieces often were made with brightly coloured fabric, and chrome tables were also very popular at this time.

An Art Deco seat.

So when you come across a great looking piece at your local garage sale, what do you look for? Make sure it is well made! Trying it out before you pay money for it is a smart move. Feel if the legs are sturdy, if the back is wobbly or if there is any sagging in the seat. Keep in mind that if the bones are good, you can always get it reupholstered to bring a tired piece back to life. Tired looking pieces are usually pried accordingly so it's often a great way to to not only get the right look but also have it fit with your surroundings.

When you purchase from a vintage dealer, you will be paying more, but this is because they often have restored the piece first and they have chosen furniture that is likely to be in better condition than you local op shop.

Here is a great video from a woman who runs a vintage furniture shop in Austin, Texas.

Have you purchased a good piece of vintage furniture? Did you leave it as is, or did you have it reupholstered?