Are you getting value for money?

 We know that when it comes to buying and/or restoring furniture, price shock can play a big factor in whether you go ahead with a particular upholsterer or go looking for something, or someone else. Then comes the various choices you need to make on your journey if you do decide to restore something.  How do you know if you’re getting a good deal?

Most of us simply aren’t vintage connoisseurs, so where do we start? With a little bit of research and asking the right questions, you can make sure that you know what you’re buying and that you are getting value for money.

Image: Dida Sundet

So, you find a chair you love but the price is more than you expected. To work out if you’re getting a good deal or not, it’s worth making sure that you investigate similar pieces and what they cost vs what shape they are in.

Keeping in mind that authentic vintage pieces will always cost more than reproductions.

A great place to start is online vintage marketplaces.

One of the world’s leading online marketplaces, that sells new and made to order as well as antique and vintage wares, is 1st dibs. 1st dibs lets you compare prices and gives you the option to look for era or designer specific pieces.

Another good one is Vntg.com. This is a European marketplace, but the pricing is still relevant. The pages are perfect for giving you an indication on price range for the type of furniture you are after. (Keeping in mind that price is also affected by the below points.) Always make sure you read the description as well to see if the price is for restored or as is.

Important things to note and questions to ask:

 ·      Is the price for an already restored item, or if not, what condition is the item in? Condition will impact price.

·      Is it an original or a replica? Replicas will often use cheaper materials and may not last as long as vintage counterparts.

·      If the item is restored, what type of fabric is it covered in?

o   Does it have new interior materials?

o   Have the old layers been stripped off?

·      Does the piece have a history, such as who made it and when, or any interesting stories about its previous ownership? Provenance can add value to a piece.

·      Is the piece rare or unique, or is it a common item? Rarity can greatly impact the value of a vintage piece.

·      What is the current demand for the piece, and what is its current market value? This can give you a good idea of whether you are getting a good deal or not.

 It’s not an exhaustive list, but a place to start. What else would you add to it?

Images: @ Dida Sundet Photography