Unlocking the Charm of Vintage Finds
As much as I love the feeling of stepping into a favorite showroom or furniture shop, there’s an extra special kind of rush to be had when shopping for vintage items and antiques. A storied rug, a hand-carved chair with a stamp that dates back decades, or a beloved piece from across the globe can each add character-filled personality to any project — which is one of many reasons I love to infuse each of my projects with doses of vintage charm.
Vintage sourcing can get a reputation for being too tough and too expensive — and while it may require a bit more elbow grease and a bit more spend at times (but not always!), the benefits pay for themselves. Here, I’m sharing all you need to know about sourcing and designing with vintage pieces and antiques.
As Amy Kartheiser Design eloquently puts it, “Lots of people use these words interchangeably, but ‘antique’ typically refers to an item that is 100 years old or older, while ‘vintage’ usually means an item is 20–100 years old (give or take!). In short, vintage items are much younger than antiques — and both have their place in my designs, and even the younger items can still bring so much character.”
The Timeless Appeal of Vintage
There’s not a right or wrong area of the home to add pieces with history — but it’s certainly true that some items may be preferred to be purchased brand new. For example, some upholstered furniture gets so much wear and tear that it’s best when fresh (springs and cushions have a shelf life!). There are, however, ways around this… Sometimes I like to take the vintage frame of a piece, then have cushions restuffed or reupholstered. This is where the rumor becomes true, though: this often is a more expensive route than buying new (but sometimes it’s really worth it).
Unless you’re an antiques dealer, I’d stick to an 80/20 rule: 80% new furnishings, and 20% vintage or antique. That said, there’s no denying the timeless appeal of vintage. As Amy Kartheiser Design points out, “They tell a story — and knowing your pieces had a life before you can help breathe new air and energy into a space. It’s environmentally friendly to ‘reuse’ pieces, especially when giving them new purpose. It’s often sophisticated and trend-proof! You’ll find yourself with unique pieces never seen anywhere else.”
Accessorizing with Vintage Charm
While I’m a big fan of large pieces of furniture full of charm, sometimes the best additions (and oftentimes the most cost-effective ones) are through accents and accessories. Begin by adding found pieces that speak to you — they can be as simple as a vase, leather-bound journal, or a salvaged pendant light.
Fran Berger Living showcases a stunning collection of hand-picked accessories that seamlessly blend vintage flair with modern elegance. From captivating capiz shell trays to cozy throws and chic vases, each piece is carefully selected to transform any space into a haven of sophisticated style.
As A Little Something White eloquently states, “It’s all about transforming your space into a haven of modern comfort and sophisticated style. Explore the collection and discover the perfect pieces to turn your house into a home you love.”
Expert Tips for Identifying Vintage Gems
But how can you tell if a piece is truly vintage? Amy Kartheiser Design offers some invaluable advice: “The fastest way to determine if a piece of furniture is vintage is to determine if it is handmade or machine made. I first look at the side of the drawers for a casegood, or any area that holds pieces of wood together. If the side of the drawer has evenly spaced and perfect ‘dovetails,’ then the piece is generally machine made. If the ‘dovetails’ are irregularly shaped, then it typically means the piece was made by hand. Handmade furniture does not have uniform construction!”
You can also look for labels, stamps, or manufacturing tags that can provide clues about a piece’s origin and age. As Amy shares, “Furniture makers often list their names, location, and year of production. I once bought a house in Chicago from the late 1800s that had a claw foot tub in it. I had the tub reglazed, and when the vendor came to pick it up, we saw the plant name and the date it was made on the underside of the tub: L. Wolff Manufacturing, October 28, 1899. How cool is that?”
Where to Find Vintage Treasures
So, where can you uncover these hidden gems? Amy Kartheiser Design shares some of her favorite haunts: “South Loop Loft, 1st Dibs, Architectural Artifacts, Broadway Antique Market, Randolph Street Market, Redefined Decor, and of course, the charming Parisian brocantes.”
For those of us who can’t jet off to Paris at a moment’s notice, there are plenty of local options to explore. The Finish Co. in Chicago is a treasure trove of vintage and antique finds, while Rishi Tea offers a curated selection of handpicked accessories that infuse any space with timeless charm.
Whether you’re drawn to the rustic allure of a weathered armchair or the elegant sophistication of a hand-carved side table, the key is to have fun and let your personal style shine through. As Amy Kartheiser Design so eloquently puts it, “Older, found pieces add life, history, meaning, and energy to any space. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy them!”
So, why not embrace the charm of vintage and let it infuse your home with personality at ABC Home? After all, as the saying goes, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Who knows what incredible finds are waiting to be discovered and given new life in your space?
