Buying vintage furniture can be an exciting experience that adds oodles of character and charm to your home! However, it’s essential to ask yourself a few key questions before purchasing to ensure you find the perfect piece.
Here are eight questions you need to ask yourself before purchasing your next vintage piece of furniture.
Do I have the budget for it?
When you eventually find a vintage furniture piece that you love, it’s easy to get swept up in its charm and end up spending way more than you can afford – and that’s without restoration costs included! Before you start with your vintage shopping mission, draw up a realistic budget for your next purchase. Remember to factor in a percentage for potential restoration costs, as they may be needed with an older piece.
Do I have space for this?
You’re lucky if you haven’t ever made the impromptu decision to purchase a piece of pricey furniture only to realise, when it arrives at your home, that it doesn’t fit the space you have to work with, or even worse, it doesn’t even fit through the door. For this reason, it’s crucial to consider the space where the furniture will be placed. We recommend measuring the area you have available as well as the dimensions of the piece you want to buy to avoid any potential space issues.
Am I sticking to the style?
An old dresser may look gorgeous in the vintage shop, but may not work in your home. It’s important, going into a ‘vintage shop’ to already have defined style you’re after, whether it’s mid-century modern, Art Deco, or farmhouse. This will help narrow down your search and make the hunt more focused.
What’s the quality like?
You don’t want to invest thousands into a vintage piece that falls apart after you’ve purchased it. Always do a thorough inspection of the materials used in the vintage furniture and assess its overall quality. Solid wood construction is often a good indicator of durability.
Examine the condition of the piece thoroughly. Look for signs of wear, damage, or needed repairs. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller for more details or additional photos.
Who was the previous owner?
If possible, gather information about the piece’s history and previous owners. Learning about the item’s provenance can add value and character.
How will I transport it?
You’ll be surprised at how often this conundrum presents itself to buyers. Remember, not all vintage furniture sellers will provide an option for delivery – especially if it’s a find of an online marketplace, directly from the previous owner. More often than not, these sellers expect buyers to organise their own means of delivery. It’s important to consider how you will transport the furniture to your home before purchasing anything.
And there you have it. Now that you’ve considered these important questions, vintage furniture shopping should be a breeze!
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