In the world of interior design, there is a growing trend to incorporate vintage furniture and accessories. In fact, this trend is so popular that many modern stores have started creating vintage reproduction pieces. In most cases, however, it is far better to buy the real thing. Most reproductions lack the quality and attention to detail that is found in true vintage pieces.
At the same time, however, not all types of vintage furniture and accessories are worth buying. For instance, fabric-covered items like throw pillows or upholstered furniture from a bygone era can harbor mold, pet dander, bedbugs, and other unsavory contaminants.
Before you head out to local thrift stores or antique malls in search of vintage furniture and accessories, it is worth learning a little bit more about which pieces are worth buying and which ones should be avoided. Here are three types of vintage home decor that are a good investment for your home:
Furniture Without Upholstery
Today’s mass-produced furniture pieces usually lack the quality of furniture from the past. If you are shopping for furniture for your home, vintage pieces are almost always a great investment.
Just be sure to look for pieces that don’t have upholstery. The fabric and stuffing used on vintage furniture often harbor unwanted elements such as mold or insects. Pieces that are made from solid wood, metal, plastic, or other hard materials, however, are generally fine. If you are up for the task, you can also purchase vintage upholstered furniture and reupholster it yourself.
Mirrors
Mirrors can help visually expand your space while at the same time providing a beautiful decorative accessory. Vintage mirrors, in particular, tend to have a lot of charm and character. Some feature intricately carved gilded frames. Others from the 1950s and 1960s tend to have a much more sleek, modern profile. Whatever style of decor you have in your home, you should be able to find beautiful vintage mirrors to match.
Light Fixtures
One way to add character to your home is by swapping out your light fixtures for unique vintage fixtures instead. From elaborate chandeliers to beautiful slag glass fixtures, there are many different styles to choose from.
Just keep in mind that you may need to rewire the fixtures before they are safe to use in your home. Since vintage light fixtures tend to be cheaper than light fixtures that you can find at a typical home improvement store, however, you should have plenty of extra money in your budget to cover the cost of replacing the wiring.
Not all types of vintage home decor are worth purchasing. Knowing which items to buy and which ones to avoid can make shopping for vintage pieces for your home a lot easier. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid furniture and accessories that incorporate fabric, stuffing, or other soft, porous materials. Instead, look for pieces that are made from hard, nonporous materials that can easily be cleaned and restored.
