Have you ever wondered how to find the best vintage pieces, from furniture to lighting, for your interior design projects? Learn the fundamentals of scoring one-of-a-kind and authentic vintage furniture online and in shops from rare items experts.

Best Practice 1: Condition is Everything

If you're shopping in person, check for every detail to ensure the piece is in good condition. If you are sourcing authentic vintage furniture online, always get as much information from the seller as possible. Ask about the pieces' conditions and for any imperfections. If necessary, ask for extra pictures. 

Best Practice 2: Follow furniture dealers and marketplaces

It’s easier than never to source vintage furniture. There are plenty of platforms for vintage resellers and shops to buy rare items. The challenge is to identify the best deals and platforms.

The portefólio of pieces/listings, styling, and wealth of knowledge are essential for sourcing authentic vintage furniture for your interior design projects. It is also important to go to the source to find excellent-quality pieces. Also, furniture dealers and marketplaces frequently have expert support to help fact-check the authenticity of a vintage item.

Magazines like Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration, World of Interiors, and House & Garden are great sources of inspiration, knowledge, and bargains. Consider luxury art book publishers like Taschen, Rizzoli Publications, or Phaidon. The secret is to look everywhere. Gems are often in the most unexpected places. 

Best Practice 3: Avoid vintage pieces heavily copied

Unless it’s your client’s request, don’t source pieces heavily copied or in an overhyped period. You will pay more for these trendy vintage pieces (even in the resale market). Also, buying authentic vintage pieces is frequently considered an investment. However, if the piece has thousands of reproductions, the piece value might decrease. 

Best Practice 4: Negotiate

Don’t hesitate to negotiate or enter online auctions for good deals. Furniture auctions offer bargain shopping opportunities. They are good places to find valuable yet surprisingly competitive pricing for vintage items. Auction catalogues often provide rich details about each piece for sale, helping buyers make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Sourcing authentic vintage furniture for interior design projects is a thrilling experience. It involves understanding your client's needs, the space's mood, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Knowing where and how to find the best vintage designs can significantly enhance your projects and client satisfaction. If you have more effective tips and practices for sourcing furniture, share them with us.

Sources
Architectural Digest: 5 Tried-and-True Tips for Sourcing Authentic Vintage Pieces
Country Living: How to buy vintage and antique furniture: Treasure-hunting tips from the experts