The 7 Best Tips for Buying Vintage Décor

Intro

In the late 2010s, vintage décor made a comeback. Some people enjoy decorating with these pieces. It gives rooms a nostalgic look. If you find the right pieces, they can become the room’s focal point. 

According to Anna Wintour from Vogue, pieces produced 20 years ago count as vintage. It’s possible to apply the vintage status to pieces as old as 99 years. When a piece is 100 years or older, it becomes an antique.

Some can argue that vintage décor is more sturdy than the furnishings produced after World War II. For example, the Roaring 20s in the United States were a time of opulence for many. Glassware was thick.

If you found pieces that date back that far, you could find interesting barware, mirrors, and textiles such as cloth napkins and other tableware.

Let’s look at the seven best tips for buying vintage décor.

1. Learn About Vintage

To purchase furnishings that fall into the vintage category, learn about the topic first. If you understand the characteristics, elements, and availability of the pieces, you can focus your search.

Understanding the difference between vintage and antique starts your journey. If you’re simply interested in something old, you can’t go wrong with either option. Some people specifically search for items from the 1970s or 1920s, therefore they do seek something vintage as opposed to antique.

If you’re searching for pieces from the 1920s, 1950s, or 1970s, learn the characteristics of furnishings from those decades. The interior design shifted post-World War I and World War II. Tiny characteristics give it away. 

2. Shop Local

Cosmopolitan cities have a cluster of retail stores that sell vintage décor. The retailers often source them from across the country and world. They also focus on local items.

The American population is aging. Thus, look for local estate sales too. These have turned into great places to find one-of-a-kind pieces.

The adage of one person’s trash is another person’s treasure is true. When Americans re-design their homes, sometimes they must part ways with furniture and furnishings that remain in good condition. 

Instead of dumping them, they place them on the sidewalk. Even though it’s a no-no in many cities, people still do it.

3. Visit Designer Stores

Designer interior stores are another source for spectacular vintage finds, especially rugs.

Rugs are different from other furnishings. Their size, weight, and value allow refurbishing and re-selling. 

Like carpets, the fibers that receive the bulk of traffic become worn. However, the fibers that sit closest to the rug’s base remain in good condition. Shaving a vintage rug’s top layer helps breathe new life into it. In addition, the details, patterns, and intricacies become pronounced again. 

At designer interior furnishings stores, especially those that specialize in rugs, you can find one that suits your home’s interior design style. 

For more information, Lawrence of La Brea offers a guide to understand how to buy antique and vintage rugs.  

4. Search Online

The internet has made searching for specific furnishings easier. Prior, individuals went on trips across the country to find them. They spent their time visiting stores in person, hoping the timing was right.

Now, you can search online. While you search on the internet, ensure that you bookmark reliable sources. Requesting authentication becomes more important. If you can travel to the location of the shop, it’s best to see the piece in person before committing to purchase it.

5. Find a Trusted Source

Individuals who aim to assemble entire sets of vintage tableware, dishware, or living room decorations should find a trusted source. It makes the process easier. 

Sometimes you search for dishware but a trusted source comes across lighting that might interest you too. If you create a win-win relationship with the source, they go the extra mile for you.

6. Be Patient

Finding the perfect vintage piece takes time. During your quest, practice patience. Make a list of the items that you hope to find. Then check in with your favorite retailers and sources regularly. 

If you develop relationships with some sources, they can notify you when a particular piece arrives. 

7. Request Authentication

The older the piece, the more important authentication becomes. Older vintage pieces can command higher prices. Therefore you want to ensure that you pay the right amount. 

If you fall in love with furnishings that look vintage but aren’t authenticated as such, it commands a different price. 

Furnishing manufacturers do a good job producing pieces that look vintage. If you don’t mind purchasing a replica, it’s a budget-friendly alternative.

Conclusion

Buying vintage décor pieces requires patience. You’re going to complete several searches online and visit a few stores in the process. Once you gain enough knowledge, you can confidently spot these pieces. Acquiring them becomes easier if you find a source who obtains new décor regularly.