A smart alternative to buying new furniture and accessories for your home is to explore antique markets and shops in search of beautiful, one-of-a-kind finds. The thrill of the chase is part of the fun, as well as the triumphal satisfaction of finding just the right piece to complete a room in your own unique style.
What if I don’t know anything about antiques or antique styles? I don’t know Louis XV from Henry II!
“We believe you should buy what you like, what you fall in love with the moment you see it,” suggest Aimee and Greg Talbot, owners of EuroLux Antiques, the premiere resource for exceptional European antique furniture and accessories on the Internet, located in Newberry, SC. “It should delight your eye and bring joy to you every day. Antique furniture brings so much character into a home and in this way is so much more interesting to live with than new furniture. A gorgeous hand-carved French armoire or a bookcase with old, wavy glass or a beautiful marble-top buffet has a unique presence; it carries a real sense of history.” Being able to explain the difference between an escutcheon and a fauteuil isn’t as important as knowing what you like when you see it!
How do I know if I’m getting a good value for the price?
Antique furniture is a sound financial investment as it appreciates in value with age in comparison to new furniture, which loses its value as soon as it leaves the showroom. Antique and vintage furniture tends to be solid in construction and of a much better quality for the price than new furniture. Shop around both on-line and locally to see what you can get for the price, and you’ll probably be surprised to find that you can buy a much nicer piece of antique or vintage furniture for the same or better price than a similar quality new piece. If you really like the piece and it fits your price range, then it’s a good value to you!
How can I know if something is really old and that I’m not buying a reproduction?
Be sure to shop with reputable antiques dealers that are willing to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable with the transaction. Seeing signs of age on antique furniture comes from direct hands-on experience, so you should seek out the advice of someone you feel you can trust. Any reputable antiques dealer should be able to point out signs of age such as age-appropriate construction methods, significant grooves on the sides of drawers and doors, the condition of the materials, as well as give an explanation of age-appropriate stylistic indicators. Ask to see prior customer testimonials or feedback to get a sense of a dealer’s reputation. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
I’ve never ordered furniture on-line before and am anxious about it. What do I need to know to feel more comfortable?
Doing something in a different way from how you’ve always done it can cause anxiety because you’re not sure what to expect. Asking questions will usually make you feel better and a reputable antiques dealer will take the time to answer your questions.
You’ll want to examine high quality photographs of the piece from as many angles as possible and with close-up photos of the details. Be sure to ask about the specific condition of the piece: do the drawers and doors open and close freely, is it structurally stable or wobbly, do the locks work and is a key available, are the original shelves or leaves missing, is there wood separation due to age, are there any missing or damaged pieces of trim or decoration? A reputable dealer will honestly and accurately describe all of the flaws on a piece as they don’t want you to have any negative surprises when the piece is delivered. Of course, an antique or vintage piece will have the usual minor nicks, dings, and scratches that come with age and give it character, just as we all get wrinkles and laugh lines as we age!
Be sure that you have an understanding of how the shipping process will work with that particular dealer. Will the piece be delivered directly into your home and the packing materials removed or will it simply be dropped off on your curb? Is insurance included in case something happens in transit?
Finally, ask if that dealer has a return policy in case you don’t like the piece when it arrives. You will more than likely have to absorb the cost of shipping and a restocking fee, but it is better to know your options from the beginning.
Shopping for antique and vintage furniture on-line offers a much greater variety of styles and prices than what is available only in your limited local geographic area. It is easy to shop at any time of the day or night (even in your pajamas!), and you don’t have to worry about your small children breaking something in an antiques store!
I’m concerned about my impact on the environment. How does buying antique furniture fit with my desire to be a responsible global citizen?
Buying antique furniture is a great way to be “green” by re-using existing pieces rather than cutting down trees to make new furniture. Most new furniture is produced overseas where air and water environmental standards in the manufacturing process may not be as stringent as that of the United States. You can feel good that by giving an antique or vintage piece of furniture a new home, you are reducing your ecological footprint!