Nothing beats finding a vintage piece of furniture or fashion that is one of a kind and has something special about it. It’s like finding buried treasure, and you’ve struck gold when it’s yours to take home.

What I love about vintage furniture is that it so often carries a sense of history with it. I can’t get enough of pieces that are a bit weird and wonderful, I love to think about the story behind it.

I’m personally drawn to mid-century design, so I lean toward pieces from this era as the design during this period was crafted with innovative processes and creativity. They have character and soul, and I know they have lived a good life.

Taking time to source the perfect piece and then make sure that it is high quality will mean that you’ll have something that you’re likely to cherish for years to come.

Here are my recommendations for buying vintage furniture - 



 

Assess the quality


If you are unable to view a piece in person, you can request photos and a 
condition report so you are aware of any damage. There will always be wear and tear on vintage pieces, that is part of the appeal showing their signs of love, so don’t be surprised if there are some scratches here and there. However, you do need to ensure the furniture is structurally sound for frequent use so if you can test in person, this is always the best way and ask the owner if any repairs are needed on the piece so you know what you are buying.

 


Don’t be afraid to restore!


Restoring a vintage piece is a great way to save money. Vintage sellers will often put a 
mark up to recover the cost of restoring furniture, however if you are happy to buy a piece un-restored and either fix it yourself or find someone to do it, you will make a big saving. If the issue with a piece is cosmetic, for example the upholstery, this is an easy fix by sourcing the fabric and an upholsterer who are expert in restoring vintage furniture.  


 

Research your investment


Do your research on the item name, brand or designer to ensure the piece is genuine article. Unfortunately, there are replicas of iconic vintage designs, so you want to make sure you are getting the real deal.  If you have an authentic piece, then it is a worthwhile investment.

Secondly, look for quality materials. If the piece is made from good quality or luxury materials it's likely the piece will be durable and last for many more decades to come. If it’s clear that the piece is in good condition, structurally sound and free from any big scratches, then it is a valuable piece and will hold its value for years to come.  
Exceptional craftsmanship is another consideration. Pieces that are well made and have taken many hours to design and build are going to last.

 

 



Keep an eye out for designer branding or marks


A lot of valuable vintage pieces will have manufacturer stamps, designer signatures or a label either underneath or at the back of the piece. This can increase the value so it pays to do your research! The same can be said for the limited availability or rarity of a piece. If the piece is a rare or a limited edition, its value can be much higher as they are more sought after by collectors. If something is an iconic piece it’s timeless and will always hold its appeal. Iconic design pieces are highly coveted so they become an investment that you can sell easily in the future.

Make sure the piece will work in your space

There is nothing worse then buying furniture only for it not to through the door or the scale looks wrong in relation to the room. Before buying your vintage piece, check the dimensions of the piece. Vintage furniture can often be larger or smaller than contemporary pieces.

Also, ensure the piece will fit with the scale of your other furniture and the room. A large sofa might overwhelm a small living space.

 

 

Trust your instincts

If a piece speaks to you and fits your space and lifestyle, that’s what matters most. Trends come and go, but vintage pieces you truly love will always feel right in your home.

Integrating vintage furniture into your home’s design adds history, charm, and individuality—making your space feel curated and unique.

If you are looking for a beautiful vintage furniture piece for your home, I have you covered. Visit the gallery page to view my curated collection of mid-century design.