It might be because you are ready to launch a new business, or it may be because you have a home project that you want to add some uniqueness and originality too. Whatever the reason, finding true vintage pieces takes time and skill. And vintage doesn’t just extend to furniture; it extends across fashion, homewares, and other collectibles too. There are many designers that are a dab hand at sourcing the finest vintage items, and their wealth of experience means that those tips and tricks can be shared. Vintage items can add a touch of history and style that replication items don’t always achieve. It can add layers to a project, but it can add cost too. The design elements, style, and even the creation methods can be very different from what we are used to seeing nowadays. But what should you be thinking about as you head into the search for vintage products?
Condition
While you are probably going to be looking for a piece that is almost perfect, you might be hard-pressed to get something that is so perfect. The more immaculate an item is, the more likely it is that it is going to be a big hitter on your budget. You are going to have to learn how to haggle a bargain in order to get what you want for the right price. You can inspect most things with ease. Look for the stitching on clothing, and when it comes to beaded items, they can have real issues. If it is furniture, you will need to take a very systematic approach. Look for areas that are likely to get chipped, worn down or chipped. Usually the corners on tables, and the feet on some chairs. If it is a chair, for example, you should try to take a seat on it. Even if it isn’t something you are buying for it to be used, knowing that if someone sits on it, they won’t break it and end up hurt is important. And you have to know when the damage is too much, and when you can’t simply make some small fixes.
Cost
The first cost will be purchasing the item, and the second cost will be refurbishing. Some minor flaws and damage aren’t going to be too much of an issue. You’ll need to decide if you are going to repair it yourself, or if you are going to take the piece to a specialist. When it comes to clothing, you might want to be in keeping with the period the piece is from, and that might pose a range of problems in terms of technique and the materials used. Before you decide that the piece is completely worth it, try to decide how you would feel if once the work is done, you can tell it has been fixed. Sometimes the cost of having something repaired is not worth it.
Instinct
It is important to remember that trends come and go, so if you are decorating in a specific style that everyone is using right now, it might not be right for you in a matter of months. And if you have spent a considerable amount on some pieces from that period, could you then sell them on? You can often trust your gut on a piece because it could be a piece of handmade glass, but something about it feels like there is a story. And then it won’t matter if it is $900 or $9. That piece should be going home with you. Another thing to remember is when it comes to vintage pieces, you might never see something similar or the same piece again. Once they are gone, that is usually for good. And sometimes you have to take the gamble. If however, you want something but have a moment of hesitation, if you aren’t in an auction, ask if the piece can be held for you to have another look.
Research
Before you jump into buying anything vintage, you should spend some time researching what it is you want. For example, if you love a certain time period, then think about the features that you like and get to work. Try to find the popular designers and the design features at the time. And find what makes a piece worth money or rare. There are a lot of replica companies, and they are often sold on as the real deal. You’ll need to become familiar with the real deal and the fakes.
