The Do’s and Don’ts of Buying Antique + Vintage Furniture

This may seem like a given, but when a piece is a bargain or the right size for a room, it can be easy to forgive major flaws that will inevitably result in regret. Take the time to make sure everything functions properly, and the piece is usable. You will be glad you did.

Unless you can identify what's wrong and know how to fix it, don’t buy a piece that is rickety or about ready to fall apart. That is usually an indication that the piece has been exposed to water and/or extreme temperatures. These conditions cause wood to swell and shrink as well as loosening glue in joints and destroying paints and finishes. These pieces will not be functional again without a lot of repair.

When shopping for vintage furniture, it’s easy to get distracted by beautiful pieces that are not what you’re looking for. Don’t be swayed into buying a huge bookcase, for instance, just because you love it. Make sure you have the perfect spot before bringing it home. Prepare before shopping by making a list and taking measurements (height, width and depth) of the space you’re hoping to fill.

It’s very easy to buy a piece of furniture that needs a lot of love with every intention of giving it a dramatic makeover. Be realistic when it comes to having the time and inclination to make that intention a reality. Set a limit for the amount of project pieces allowed in the garage so the to-do stash doesn’t get overwhelming.