If you love traditional interior design and want your home to appear as vintage and cosy as possible, then antiques will soon become your favourite thing in the world. But antique-style furnishings aren’t always easy to come by and sometimes it can seem like every retailer only sells homeware in the latest contemporary designs. If you’ve been struggling to find antique mirrors, chairs or end-tables, these tips will help you to find exactly what you’re looking for more easily.
Research antiques online
If you’re new to the world of antiques, you might not know exactly what you’re looking for, which can really slow down your search. What’s more, if you don’t know what makes a good antique or exactly what kind of look you’re going for in your home, you won’t know whether the purchases you’re making are wise decisions. Learn how to assess the condition of antique furniture, at least on a basic level, and do some digging into different time periods to work out which one resonates with your personal vision the best.
Don’t be afraid to travel
Not every town or city has antique shops, so you might have to travel further afield to find what you’re looking for. Before you do, check forums and business listings to make sure you’ve exhausted every option you have in your local area. Create a list of shops and antique centres that might have what you’re looking for and set aside a day at the weekend to peruse their wares.
Seek out individuals
While there are lots of antique shops out there, there will be just as many individuals trying to sell antiques they have in their own homes. Check second-hand websites and online marketplaces to see if anyone is selling a piece that you’ve been looking for. Sometimes these sellers will need you to collect the furniture from their homes, while others will be happy to arrange delivery for a fee. Reach out to these sellers and find out if they have anything else they’re willing to sell – you might be able to get a good deal on more than one piece.
Ask family
You’d be surprised by how many people’s parents and grandparents have antiques stowed away in an attic or basement gathering dust. Rather than have them take up space in storage areas, ask your family members whether you can use this furniture in your home. Most of them will be pleased that you’re taking an interest in your family history and will be more than happy to let you use them. You could even consider compensating your family for their kindness with a small sum of money or gifts.
Decide whether you want real antiques
Real antiques can be costly, which is why many people choose antique-style furniture over the genuine thing. If you’re short on money, you may want to buy a combination of the two for your home, at least until you save up some more cash. Antique-style items will also be much easier to come by, shortening your search considerably.
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