While no one wants to take on expensive or time-consuming upgrades after bringing home a piece of secondhand furniture, there are some vintage items that are worth scooping up in less-than-perfect condition.
Often, they can be easily (and dramatically) revamped with a bit of DIY or the help of a pro. And in many instances, these treasures can actually look better with a bit of visible wear and tear.
Ahead, experts highlight four different categories of vintage items you should consider scooping up, even if they’re not perfectly pristine.
Upholstered furniture
Multiple vintage experts agree that well-made upholstered furniture is worth purchasing even if it’s begging for a bit of TLC. “The frame is the hard part to find, and if the bones are good, reupholstering can completely transform a piece,” says Virginia Chamlee, author of Big Thrift Energy and the Substack What’s Left.
“People tend to pass on these because of dated fabric or wear, which is exactly why you can often get them for a fraction of their value.”
Top tip: If you can cope with a little wear and tear, Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse, offers advice on how to extend the life of vintage upholstery further: “Vacuuming or lightly brushing upholstery once a week helps remove dust and dirt that gradually settle into the fabric and can dull colours over time. It is also worth rotating reversible seat and back cushions regularly so wear is evenly distributed. Something as simple as always sitting in the same spot can cause dips or uneven settling."
Lighting
Be sure to give lighting a look even if you know you’ll need to do a bit of repair. Virginia is all for giving “anything made from high-quality materials like marble, brass, or ceramic” a closer inspection.
“I’ll always buy a lamp with a bad shade or even one that needs rewiring - both are relatively simple fixes, and the base is where the real value is,” she says. “A great lamp base in a beautiful material will always feel expensive, even if it needs a little work up front.”
Top tip: It’s also the perfect opportunity to add a more personal touch. Replacing an old cable with a coordinating fabric cord can completely transform the look of a vintage lamp, making it look more considered and high end. Look to Lola's Leads for a wide variety of colours.
Wood furniture
Don’t fret if a piece of wood furniture shows signs of wear and tear. In Laurie Jones’s view, “wood furniture is always better old, in my opinion.”
The founder of House 15 recently purchased a wooden desk with “the most perfect patina leather top” and doesn’t mind its distressed look at all. Maegan Durand, the founder of Maetiques, agrees with this take, noting that a bit of surface wear on a piece is fine as long as its structure is solid.
Top tip: Lia Briamonte, founder of Anemone Interiors, advises some caution, though: “I'm always slightly fearful of woodworm in older wooden pieces. Make sure you check for little holes in any vintage wooden pieces you buy.”
Gilt mirrors or frames
Maegan is also partial to buying gilt mirrors or frames even if they show a bit of fading or age. After all, she says: “Light wear, small repairs, or age-related markings are often exactly what give a piece its depth and authenticity.”
Don’t be put off by “foxing” – the speckled, misty ageing that develops on vintage mirrors. As long as the glass is still usable, it’s the kind of imperfection that adds character.
Top tip: Do avoid mirrors with cracks, however small. Changes in temperature can cause them to spread over time, making the damage far worse and rarely worth the risk
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
