Vintage furniture is valuable because it is both practical and artistic. It can be referred to as decorative art belonging to a certain period. Buying classic furniture, like a glass domain, can be a smart move if you buy good quality furniture at reasonable prices.
Whether you buy vintage furniture (translated to Dutch: vintage meubels) online or in person through the experts at Whoppah.com, here are 4 tips to make sure you get the best pieces at the best price.
1. Research before you take the plunge
Do your research before you commit to buying and you will be rewarded with a better understanding of the state of the market, the pricing of certain pieces and be prepared to make a deal when you see it.
- Beware of imitations, as vintage furniture sellers often stock replicas along with authentic pieces.
- If you want to learn more about vintage furniture, Google Image Search will come in handy, especially if you have no idea what you want or where to start.
- It’s a good idea to join Facebook groups devoted solely to buying thrifty vintage pieces. Here you can get the opinion of seasoned buyers before making your own purchases. Facebook friends can help you find the best places to shop to find authentic vintage pieces.
- You should research vintage furniture brands in the era of your interest before bidding at auctions or shopping.
2. Check the quality
Please check the quality of the piece before buying. An authentic piece will undoubtedly have some scratches and loose parts. Consider purchasing those items that can be restored with just a few repairs and minimal cost.
Sellers may try to hide flaws in some way, such as painting or polishing them. Defects in chairs are often hidden by dark spots, and in vintage cabinets by sloppy glued veneers.
You can use such cases to your advantage as a bargaining chip to lower the price. And if you’re buying a flawed or flawed piece for a low price, consider having it refurbished by a professional to give your home an authentic look.
3. Learn about the background
Not all second-hand furniture is considered vintage. Train yourself to look for original pieces and pieces with historical value. One way to check the authenticity of an item is to look underneath.
See if the construction is consistent and look for signs of wear that should be present. Genuine pieces are labeled with a serial number or the logo of the company that produced them.
When it comes to auctions or real estate sales, get all the information you can by looking at the photos and descriptions posted online.
4. Check the cost
Many buyers like to negotiate the price, so many sellers overprice their items to compensate. If you know what the piece should cost and include any repair costs, you can calculate what price you want to bid.
Do not rush into negotiations or try to force the sale. Usually, when you start to walk away after you’ve made your offer, the seller will make another offer. You may get a bargain.
