Have you ever spent an afternoon in a vintage shop? For those who are into vintage home decor, there are a myriad of unique and extraordinary pieces to be found. This is the type of style that is so enviable, as generally most items will be one of a kind – unable to be simply bought en mass. This is the biggest benefit of buying vintage – not to mention the positive effect it has on the environment in terms of recycling. We should all try and do a little bit more for our mother earth.
Before items began being mass produced out of China, manufacturers tended to spend a lot more time on quality over quantity. This is why you will find vintage furnishings and furniture pieces that just seem to last forever, because that is how they were made – to last. Over time they may become a little faded or worn around the edges, but that is now a look in itself – shabby chic.
Many people are now catching onto the trend of using bits and pieces from the previous era to create an eclectic feel for their space. It really can make it feel like a more luxurious space if you simply added in a vintage chandelier, and some period goblets on an antique tea tray. These sorts of items can be picked up for often bargain prices if you know where to look. Often it can be worth a trip to a semi rural area to go ‘bargain hunting’.
Remember the old adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” – you can find some totally magnificent pieces for an absolute steal, if you keep on looking. A vintage chandelier could be picked up for as little as $50 at estate sales or at a furniture auction. You really just need to be inventive as to where you might search for these individual effects. It is worthwhile scouring the local newspapers and classifieds for garage sales, as these are a great source for discovering some real little gems.
Once you have picked up your main pieces, you will want to make certain that you do not overuse the period feel in your selected room. Don’t go with more than half a dozen vintage items per room if you are trying to avoid the space looking ‘dated.’ There is a fine line between ‘vintage looking’ and ‘old looking’, and you want to make sure yours fall into the former. So keep your other items in the room simple and with clean easy lines, to guarantee the focus will be kept upon your special finds.
You may not find those vintage items that you’re looking for straight away, but it’s important not to lose hope. It will take time to locate the ones that really speak to you, and will go well with your current furniture. It honestly may become a consuming passion for you, although it is certainly an enjoyable one. Often people will realize a brand new hobby out of the exploration of everything that is vintage in their world.
| Sylvia |
06/27/2010 14:51:52
hi i just wanted to say i found you guys through facebook and love all your work! |
| Cindy Cummins |
08/15/2010 11:54:30
Do you sell furniture? I am looking for a specific vintage piece to match a family heirloom. Please call me at {information removed} to discuss. Thanks. |
