Buying Vintage Furniture From Top Makers
Key Takeaways
- Vintage furniture is anything that is 20 years old or more. An antique is a furniture piece that is more than 100 years old.
- Certain brands and makers have developed devoted followers due to their unique design and extraordinary craftsmanship.
- Buying a piece of used furniture from one of these makers is an investment that may increase value over time.
- You need to closely scrutinize the piece of furniture since many pieces are replicated. Be aware of market pricing, and if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- Check the dovetailing and joinery; older pieces will be irregular, while newer machine-made pieces will be symmetrical. Also, look for wear-and-tear; it should look natural, not purposefully made to look old.
Introduction
Vintage furniture has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s a great way to add character and charm to your home while also being environmentally friendly. However, buying vintage furniture can be tricky, especially if you’re looking for pieces from top makers.
In this article, we’ll explore how to buy vintage furniture from top makers.
Before You Buy
Before you start shopping for vintage furniture, there are a few things you should consider. First, it’s important to understand the difference between vintage and antique furniture. Vintage furniture is anything that is 20 years old or more. An antique is a furniture piece that is more than 100 years old.
Next, you should research the top makers of vintage furniture. Certain brands and makers have developed devoted followers due to their unique design and extraordinary craftsmanship. Buying a piece of used furniture from one of these makers is an investment that may increase value over time.
Top Makers
| Maker | Description |
|---|---|
| Herman Miller | Known for their iconic mid-century modern designs |
| Knoll | Known for their modernist designs |
| Eames | Known for their innovative use of materials |
Other Top Makers
- Heywood-Wakefield
- Stickley
- Baker Furniture
- Drexel Heritage
- Henredon
- Thomasville Furniture
- Ethan Allen
How to Choose
When choosing vintage furniture from top makers, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to closely scrutinize the piece of furniture since many pieces are replicated. Be aware of market pricing, and if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Check the dovetailing and joinery; older pieces will be irregular, while newer machine-made pieces will be symmetrical. Also, look for wear-and-tear; it should look natural, not purposefully made to look old.
Where to Shop
There are many places where you can shop for vintage furniture from top makers. Auction houses and vintage dealers usually have paperwork on previously authenticated items, so ask to see the paper trail. Flea markets are notorious for selling look-alike items worth far less than the real thing.
- Antique stores
- Vintage dealers
- Auction houses
- Flea markets
- Estate sales
- Online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy
Considerations
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Space | The age of a piece of furniture should not matter if the piece of furniture you want to buy for your home does not fit your space |
| Material | It’s unlikely that vintage furniture is made with the same type of wood throughout |
| Size | If you plan on using the furniture for your home, pick a size that fits your needs |
| Features | Look for unique features that make the piece stand out |
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying vintage furniture from top makers can be a great investment if done correctly. By following these tips and doing your research, you can find unique pieces that will add character and charm to your home.
