From nostalgic, gripping dramas that encapsulate the essence of 70s movies to the grunge vibes of 90s fashion, vintage-inspired culture seems to refuse to fade. Whether through fashion, furniture, cinema, music, or collectibles, vintage allows people to show the world their true colours in ways that modern approaches simply can’t.
While modern furniture is all about sleek and functional layouts that exude tranquility and elegance, vintage is loved for its detailed patterns and exquisite craftsmanship. The number of individuals who prefer vintage over modern is increasing significantly, and many celebrities, such as Jennifer Lawrence and Liv Tyler, are hopping up to this trend. However, we’re not going to refer to their buying antiques experience as it would be a universally valid one, considering their status and wealth differentiate their circumstances from that of ordinary people. Celebrities have the best contacts in the industry, and aspects such as money, transportation, and requirements never weigh on their minds.
Therefore, we’re here to give you the actual context of vintage furniture, showing both the pros and cons of this step while letting you decide if it’s worth it. Let’s see!
Pros of buying vintage furniture
You know the classic question – good news or bad news first? We’ve decided to start with the good news, setting the tone for something exciting ahead.
Unrivalled character
Character, depth, and texture—vintage furniture is unparalleled in terms of expression. The difference between a house and a home lies in its capacity to create a juxtaposed conversation that mirrors every corner of the space, from the gentle glow of a night lamp to the subtle undulations of your much-loved Persian carpet. Each vintage piece has a story to tell, one that’s simply hard to mimic, appearing invaluable in terms of the memories and history it represents.
The intricate carvings of Victorian dressers may remind us of a time when the power of finding beauty in the humblest things made home happy and life lovely, but for example, in the polished glass of a Renaissance mirror, you can feel how an echo of vanity and a whisper of passion suddenly envelope you.
Durable and qualitative craftsmanship
Vintage furniture is usually crafted from high-end materials such as solid wood adorned with exquisite hand-finished surfaces and intricate carving, features that are quite rare in today’s furniture market. As for the construction techniques used back in the day, they were more robust than the tacks and screws used in contemporary industries, displaying conventional joinery methods such as mortise-and-tenon and dovetail joints.
If we talk about the unparalleled quality and craftsmanship required for these creations, we should definitely cheer the skills and commitment of artisans from this bygone era. However, a durable piece is dependent on proper maintenance techniques. That “forever new” appearance is not easy to acquire, and it implies constant restoration in a matter of depth of grain, color, and shine. Wood oil is the best option for many, as it suits all types of wood, serving as protection for wear and tear, cold, heat, wind, and water. The primary reason that wood oil is the best friend of vintage furniture is its ability to enhance the natural aspect while also serving as a protective barrier. While we’re still discussing this topic, you should visit Rubio Monocoat, as here you can find exactly what your furniture needs to hide its “wrinkles.”
Enhanced resale potential
Much like the iconic Birkin bags, which have become synonymous with both style and investment, the resale value of vintage furniture continues to rise. Of course, the value of vintage furniture counts on factors such as condition, age, brand, demand, historical significance, and uniqueness. The most popular styles of vintage furniture are:
- Art-deco
- Mid-Century Modern
- Industrial
- Retro
However, deciding on the values of a piece shouldn’t be influenced solely by its style. You must check the dovetails, labels, dates, matter of original finishes, screws, bolts, and rarity. Take note that if the pieces of wood and hardware match entirely, it could be a sign that the piece of furniture is a recent factory reproduction.
Cons of buying vintage furniture
You didn’t think you’d escape the bad news, did you?
Mold growth and chemical emissions
Unfortunately, wooden furniture is exposed to increased mold growth, as that’s what happens to any organic material that absorbs moisture, especially with those stored in poorly ventilated areas. You should keep in mind that sometimes mold growth happens without triggering your attention, lying passive for ages before it becomes a health issue. Among the symptoms and effects of mold exposure, there are:
- Eye irritation
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Eye & skin irritation
- Headache
Suppose we’re particularly talking about the furniture pieces crafted decades ago. In that case, there’s a high possibility that they are chemical and carcinogens, containing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and vinyl acetate. Constant exposure to volatile organic compounds, which are up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors, can cause headaches, respiratory issues, dizziness, and, worst-case scenario, cancer.
Rigorous maintenance requirements
The intricate details and delicate materials of vintage furniture are undoubtedly charming, but we cannot say the same thing about the rigorous maintenance required to uphold this beauty. Modern furniture polishes, abrasive materials, and bleach-based products are the main enemies of vintage furniture, seriously damaging its quality and durability.
Even dusting, one of the most basic tasks, has particular requirements: You must use a soft, lint-free cloth. If you’re used to cleaning your furniture superficially, using wet wipes, and dream of a house adorned with vintage furniture, something must change. And that something is you.
Immeasurable prices
Moreover, vintage furniture is often perceived as highly collectible, as the number of individuals who are drawn to these treasures significantly increases, consequently paving the way for a sharp escalation in prices. The only scenario in which prices might decrease is if supply outpaces demand, a thing that’s not very likely to happen in a society that passionately fancies the past.
Nostalgia is a current trend, and present-day market prices are shaped by the influence of this trend, which is more than capable of driving prices up without considering the actual quality of a product.
Final Thoughts
After we discussed all these aspects, we hope you gathered enough information to make the best decision, keeping in mind aesthetics, practicality, and market value.