How to Spot Quality Vintage Furniture: A Beginner’s Guide
Hunting for vintage furniture is one of life’s little joys. There’s nothing quite like discovering a unique piece that oozes character and has a story to tell. But let’s face it—vintage shopping can be a mixed bag. One moment you’re thrilled with your new find, and the next, you’re at home realising that table leg wobbles like a three-legged stool. Here's a guide to spotting quality vintage furniture like a pro to save you the heartbreak (and a few trips to the repair shop).
- Look for Sturdy Craftsmanship
When you find something you love, buying it immediately is tempting, but take a moment to inspect how it’s assembled.
Check the Joints: Furniture crafted with proper joinery—like dovetails or mortise and tenon joints—will last longer than something slapped together with nails or staples. If the piece feels rickety or wobbly, it’s likely not worth the effort.
Weight Test: Give it a lift. Solid wood furniture should feel substantial. If it’s as light as a beach chair, it’s probably made from cheaper materials like particleboard, and it won’t age as gracefully as a solid piece.
Pro tip: Wiggle the legs and open the drawers. A well-made piece should feel stable, not like it will fall apart when you load it with books.
- Check the Materials
The materials are a dead giveaway of quality—and age.
Solid Wood vs. Veneer: Solid wood will have grain patterns that continue around the edges, while veneers often have repeating patterns or feel too smooth. Veneers aren’t always bad, but cheap ones can peel or chip easily.
Hardware: Vintage furniture features brass, iron, or copper handles and hinges. If the hardware looks like plastic or flimsy metal, it might not be authentic.
Upholstery: Check the fabric of chairs and sofas. Durable natural fibres like leather, wool, or cotton tend to age better than synthetic materials. If the fabric smells musty or feels brittle, it may be too far gone.
- Examine the Finish
The finish of a vintage piece tells a lot about its history.
Natural Wear: A few scratches or scuffs on the edges are signs of a piece that’s lived a full life—and that’s a good thing! But if the finish is peeling or uneven, it might have been poorly refinished or just poorly cared for.
Shiny but Shifty? Some pieces are refinished to make them look older or more valuable than they are. If it looks too perfect or evenly “distressed,” you might be looking at a reproduction.
- Look for Maker’s Marks
There is something exciting about flipping over a chair, pulling out a drawer, and spotting a maker’s mark on it.
Labels and Stamps: These can tell you who made the piece, where it was crafted, and sometimes even the year. Check discreet spots like under tabletops, inside drawers, or on the back of cabinets.
No Mark, No Problem: The piece could still be great even if you don’t find a mark. Just make sure it ticks the other quality boxes.
- Inspect for Damage (The Kind You Can Live With)
We’ve all been there: you fall in love with a piece, take it home, and then notice the broken hinge, the wobbly leg, or—worst of all—signs of pests.
Structural Soundness: Deep cracks, splits, or warped wood are often deal-breakers unless you’re ready to pay for repairs.
Pest Problems: Look for tiny holes or sawdust-like residue, which could indicate woodworms or termites. If you see these, walk away.
Fixable Flaws: Minor scratches or loose handles are manageable and might even get you a discount. But if the damage compromises the piece’s function, it may not be worth the hassle.
- Trust Your Gut and Your Budget
At the end of the day, vintage shopping is as much about instinct as it is about inspection. If a piece feels meant to come home with you, go for it—but only if it’s within your budget. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of any repairs or refinishing.
Why Quality Matters
Buying vintage isn’t just about finding something pretty. It’s about finding something that’s stood the test of time and will keep doing so. When you invest in quality, you get a piece that looks good and lasts for decades (or even centuries).
Where to Start Your Search
Melbourne is a treasure trove of vintage gems. From local markets like Camberwell to boutique stores like Vintage Upcycle, there’s no shortage of places to find one-of-a-kind pieces. Start small, practice your inspection skills, and soon, you’ll have a home filled with timeless treasures that spark joy and envy in equal measure.
Would you like to explore specific types of vintage furniture, such as mid-century or industrial pieces? Let me know!