I buy a lot of old furniture and spend a lot of time hunting down that something special to refinish or paint and bring back to life. I think that vintage pieces add a touch of originality and charm to your home, allowing you to create your own unique style.
Over the past thirty years I've learnt a lot about how to buy vintage furniture and what to look for. I've made my fair share of mistakes along the way, but hopefully these tips will let you avoid my mistakes!
- Research
If you're on the hunt for something specific, Before you go anywhere do some research. Know basic styles and eras and decide what you’re after, and have a look at what similar pieces have sold for in the past.
Learn about the vintage furniture brands in the era you like, or the area in which you live. For example in Melbourne Parker Furniture was the brand of the mid 50s and 60s , or midcentury as it’s referred to. In Queensland, Rosenstengel Furniture of the 1930’s and 40s is something to keep an eye open for.
Beware of imitations. Most vintage and antique shops will state when a piece was made, but ‘backyard’ sellers often call new reproductions ‘antique’ , for example 1950s Queen Anne or Chippendale reproductions or Indonesian made ‘French provincial’ pieces.
2. Make a list
Before you go shopping draw out a rough room plan with measurements and mark on it what you’re looking for- Wardrobe, Desk, sideboard for the tv to sit on, etc - and the approximate size you want.
Whether you plan on going to the local vintage store, an opshop or estate sale, it’s easy to get distracted and forget what you’re looking for. Take a tape measure with you just in case.
Know your budget. It’s easy to get carried away when you find something you love. Many vintage shops offer afterPay and Credit card payments, and we offer layby system to our customers.
3. Find out it’s history
Not all second-hand furniture is considered vintage. Train yourself to look for original pieces and those with historic value. Vintage shops will usually list the maker if known, and will probably know the history of each piece, such as where they got it and from whom.
Vintage furniture made after 1940 will often have maker's marks, such as a stamp of the logo or number of manufacturer, which can help you authenticate the piece. One way to check the authenticity of an item is by looking underneath drawers or table tops. For example Rosenstengal furniture often had a paper label inside the cupboard door, but also on the majority of Rosenstengel works is a sequence of numbers stamped to the back or underside.
See if the construction is consistent, and search for signs of wear that should be present. If there aren't any marks, or I formation on the tab, ask the sellers where they purchased it. Provenance is important for both identifying a reproduction and giving you leverage when negotiating. Australian furniture made before 1960 will also have ‘European labour’ stamped on it, to indicate it was not made by Chinese sweat shop labour.
4. Check the quality
An authentic vintage piece is bound to have some scratches an loose parts, but there are a few things to looks for in choosing a quality, well made piece. Consider purchasing those items that can be restored with just a few repairs and with minimum cost. (Check out my earlier post on how to buy quality vintage furniture for more information).
5. Find good sources
Have a list of places local to you that stock good vintage furniture. These may include, Op shops, Goodwill, Salvos, Vinnies, Auction houses, Estate sales, markets, Antique centres and of course your friend,y local vintage shop.
Check regularly at these places. Make friends with the sellers and let them know what you are looking for. They may tip you off when they come across something you would like and are an excellent source of reliable information that will help you in deciding on a purchase. We keep a Wishlist at our shop and send customers a photo and price when a new item comes in that we think may suit.
You can also have a look at council clean up/side of the road finds, eBay, Gumtree, Craigslist, but make sure to factor in delivery when you’re looking online.
6. If you love it buy it, or someone else will
Vintage furniture are usually unique, one off pieces and you have to be ready to snap them up. If you really like something and it's perfect for your home buy it on the spot. Don't kick yourself a few days later because you hesitated. If it's good no doubt someone else will also think so and it will be gone. We see this happen in the shop a lot!
7. Don’t be afraid to negotiate
Most thrift shops don’t negotiate, but most independent vintage and antique shops will, especially if you’re paying cash. I find the easiest way is to ask nicely "what is your best price?" Just don’t be insulting and offer half the list price. Often in the shop we will discount for cash, or offer free delivery, especially if a piece has been on the floor for a few months.
If you’ve done your research you know what the piece should cost and can factor in any repair costs, before you make an offer. If you are buying at Auction remember to factor in the Buyers Commission. In Sydney, this can be up to 25% on top of your bid.
8. Think about Delivery
How will you get your piece home? Factor in delivery costs if you need to and know your car's capacity. I know my car will fit pieces up to 1.2m long and 90 cm high. I carry a screw driver with me to remove mirrors, legs or backing boards if needed. If it’s bigger I have to get my husband and the trailer to help.
I hope these tips help you in finding your perfect piece of vintage furniture. Congratulations for thinking about buying secondhand and helping the planet. We need more people like you, so spread the word that “vintage is the new green.”
Deb 💋