To say that we live in unprecedented times is an understatement. For example, the average American rarely encountered the term “supply chain” — until last year. Now, we’re all too aware that some of the things we need are on giant container ships backed up outside major West Coast ports. Fortunately, you can eliminate supply chain concerns anytime you recycle rather than buy new. Investing in vintage furniture is also an eco-friendly alternative that is growing in popularity.
Some of the furniture Americans dispose of ends up in landfills. Anna Brockway, co-CEO of online vintage furniture marketplace Chairish, estimates the total at more than 12 million tons. When you “go vintage,” you keep more furniture in circulation. What is vintage furniture, exactly? It is usually furniture that’s 30-40 years old or more. Anything more than a century old qualifies as an antique.
In fact, going “vintage” may become one of the top decor trends for 2022 and beyond. It blends perfectly with today’s quest for a more sustainable lifestyle. Read on to learn about the vintage furniture trend and how you can score fantastic vintage furniture pieces that add character to your apartment.
Vintage Furniture is Trending
House Beautiful cites “More Vintage Than Ever” as a top design trend for 2022. Why? The reasons are self-evident. It is more sustainable and it adds personality to your living space. Forbes notes that more than six in 10 millennials say that unique online inventory increased their interest in vintage furnishings. Vintage furniture also adds a sense of gravitas and history to your living space. As one vintage furniture lover put it, “an old dresser holds more than clothes — it’s a keeper of secret histories.” And, in addition to being trendy, solidly crafted furniture from yesteryear is often made better than modern items.
Vintage Furniture Shopping Tips
In-person shopping allows you to examine the condition and texture of the piece. Look for pieces with “good bones” — that is, the framework or skeletal structure of the piece. It’s possible to refinish or even re-upholster old wood. Dealing with structural problems is another matter. Rescuing a piece with broken joints or warping is generally not worth it. Is upholstery frayed? Are springs broken? Is vinyl cracked? Furniture has a way of looking smaller in a showroom than it does in your home. Take careful measurements so you know exactly what size furniture your living space can accommodate. Pay attention to width, length, and height.
When shopping online for vintage items to add to your living space, consider the importance of condition. The presence of good, clear photos builds confidence in your purchase. So do positive reviews of the seller or vendor. Don’t hesitate to ask specific questions about the condition of a piece. At the same time, accept the wear and tear that makes it a vintage piece.
When searching online, keep in mind that items often go by multiple names. Therefore, it’s best to search for “china cabinet” and “antique buffet,” for example.
Places to Find Vintage Furniture
Once you embark on a quest for that perfect vintage hutch, you’ll find a new sense of purpose when attending estate sales and flea markets. Check out resale shops like Goodwill. Others are sponsored by religious organizations like St. Vincent de Paul. Many such stores get donations of vintage and even antique furniture.
During the pandemic, many vintage sellers abandoned their flea market booths for sites like Poshmark. Etsy is an online retailer known for its handcrafted items. However, it also has a section devoted to vintage furniture.
Chairish is an online marketplace offering vintage furnishings from thousands of contributors. About 85% of its inventory is vintage. You’ll find furniture priced from less than $100 to more than $5,000. Everything But the House (ETBH) is set up like an estate sale, except online. Bidding on every item, including vintage furniture, starts at one dollar. If you like the excitement of an auction, this site might be for you.
1stDibs is an eCommerce site selling upscale art, designer jewelry, and unique furniture. Its inventory includes rare vintage items sourced from around the world. 1stDibs estimates that 60% of orders from Millennials are for vintage furniture. Specifically, this includes orders for coffee tables, lounge chairs, and wall mirrors.
eBay and Craigslist are sprawling sites that also offer vintage furniture. Since these sites are so big, it is best if you refine your search to hone in on the items you’re looking for. Use terms like “vintage,” “mid-century” or “antique” along with the specific type of furniture you’re looking for. Whatever the source, arrange to pick up your purchase in a safe, public place.
Blending vintage furniture with your interior decor takes some effort. But that’s part of the appeal. Watch for opportunities to creatively re-purpose vintage items. Convert a small table into a nightstand. Turn an old trunk into a coffee table. Finally, add vintage rugs, lighting, and art to complement your vintage furniture selections. Invest in a richly hued vintage Moroccan rug or a piece of period art, for example.
About Draper and Kramer
Draper and Kramer is a family-owned and operated real estate services firm founded in 1893. The high ceilings in many Draper and Kramer luxury apartments accommodate those bigger, taller pieces of furniture from yesteryear.
Wrigleyville Lofts offers nine-foot, four-inch ceilings and exposed structural elements. Both help you show off your prized vintage and antique furniture. The apartments at Hubbard221 feature nine-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that elevate an open floor plan. In San Antonio, TX, Sonterra Blue offers spacious luxury apartments with nine- and 10-foot ceilings.
Visit Draper and Kramer to browse the complete selection of luxury apartments.
