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10 questions before buying vintage furniture – that will really help you
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Vintage furniture isn't a home accessory. It's a matter of choice: style with substance, heritage over superficiality, character over compromise. But that's precisely why it's worth taking a closer look – before you fall in love.
Here are 10 honest questions you should ask yourself before buying – so that in the end you don't just have a beautiful piece, but the right one .
1. Does the piece really fit your style - or just your Instagram feed?
A vintage chair with a mid-century look looks great in photos. But does it reflect your style? Or just an aesthetic that's currently on trend?
Tip: Think in terms of spaces, not individual parts. Only keep what's meant to stay .
2. Is it functional for your everyday life – or just beautiful?
Design thrives on functionality. Are you sitting comfortably? Does the mechanism work? Is the storage space practical?
Vintage doesn't mean making compromises. It means building better – even back then.
3. Which signs of wear do you want – and which do you not?
Scratches, patina, wear and tear – with genuine pieces, this is not a defect, but history.
But be honest: What do you find charming and what bothers you permanently?
Therefore: A vintage table can live – but not wobble.
4. Is it really vintage – or just retro?
Many pieces look old – but are newly produced.
Real vintage is at least 20 years old and often better crafted.
Check: Materials, labels, construction. Or: Our checklist →
5. Do you have space – even long-term?
It's easy to buy when you're in love. But will the sideboard still fit in six months when you move?
Therefore, you should: Measure. Sketch. Think. Then: decide.
6. Can you combine it sensibly – or will it be a clash of styles?
A vintage piece can enhance your home – or seem like a foreign object.
Ask yourself: Should it blend in? Or should it deliberately stand out?
Both can be powerful – as long as you do it consciously.
7. Is the price justified – or just well-staged?
Vintage is not a free pass for high prices.
What you should pay attention to:
- Condition
- Designer / Brand
- rarity
- Year of construction & materials
Comparison helps – but trust in the provider even more so.
8. Do you want to use it immediately – or do you need patience?
Some pieces are ready to move in. Others need care, repair, or new upholstery.
What fits your time budget – and your craftsmanship?
9. Do you know the origin – or at least the dealer?
Don't buy without thinking.
Good dealers will give you origins, information, pictures – and above all: no empty promises.
At 2nd home, all sellers are verified and all items are checked.
10. Is it a one-off piece – or do you want to make more out of it?
Sometimes it starts with a chair and becomes a spatial concept.
Consider: Is there matching furniture from the same era, series or style?
Vintage is often more modular than you think.
Conclusion: He who asks, buys better
Vintage furniture isn't a quick purchase. And that's precisely what makes it special.
If you think ahead, you won't be disappointed afterwards.
These questions will help you – and we will help you find the right pieces:
curated, verified, available immediately.
