We asked designers how to figure out if vintage furniture is worth the price

You're strolling through the maze of a thrift store when you spot it – the perfect vintage piece. At least that's what you think. How do you know if vintage furniture is worth investing in? It may look nice at first glance (aside from a little dust), but how do you determine if it's worth bringing home?

Luckily, we spoke to three vintage furniture and design experts who gave us their best advice to help you decide whether you should buy the item or leave it behind.

When should you invest in vintage furniture?

When shopping for vintage furniture, there is a rule of thumb that vintage expert Sallie-ann Salter always sticks to.

“You should invest in vintage furniture if the piece offers something new furniture often cannot: high-quality materials, craftsmanship, character and history,” she says.

Read on to learn more about the reasons behind this principle that make a vintage piece worth the price and effort to bring home.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter to get the latest decorating ideas, designer tips, and more!

It is excellent quality

“Pieces with solid wood construction, hand-cut joinery and original features (hardware, workmanship, etc.) are far more likely to retain their value, both financially and aesthetically,” says Salter.

What things should you pay attention to? A structurally strong piece with no serious damage, deformation or loose connections. Salter also recommends checking to see if the piece still has its original components, from the handles to the finish. If it looks good, you love it and everything is intact, it's often worth it.

“If a piece has already survived 50 or 100 years of use, there is a good chance it will last another 100 years,” says vintage expert Vanessa Murray.

It is timeless but has character

Timelessness is a great quality to look for in any furniture you buy – whether vintage, retro or other styles. This will ensure it has a place in your home for many years to come.

However, timeless features are quite subjective. Usually it is an item that is not overly trendy or flashy. Vintage furniture often strikes a good balance between interesting features and details that are no longer contemporary.

“You should invest in vintage when a piece has both character and craftsmanship that you just can't find in mass-market furniture today,” says interior design expert Elizabeth Vergara. “A well-made vintage item can anchor a room, tell a story, and often increase in value over time.”

You have discovered a manufacturer's mark

Vintage furniture easily adds personality to your living space, but sometimes these pieces are also a good long-term investment. Items with original features and a history that you can trace or authenticate are always good signs.

“If you can trace the maker or era (even a label or stamp in a drawer), that adds authenticity,” says Salter.

When should you avoid vintage furniture?

While there are many reasons to choose a great piece of vintage furniture, it's good to know the signs that a piece isn't worth it. Here's what experts say you should consider:

The recovery is not worth the cost or time

“Pass if the cost or complexity of the restoration exceeds its value—especially if you don’t have the skills (or time) to handle it yourself,” says Murray.

You risk adding another project to the pile that won't get completed. No matter how promising a piece may look, if you have a good idea of ​​restaining the wood or reupholstering a seat, it's not ideal if the restoration is extensive or expensive.

“Wait for a piece that is ready to wear or just needs a light polish; you will be happier and avoid losing money,” she adds.

There is too much damage

There is something that is repairable and then there is something that is beyond repair. Serious damage could get a discount, but that doesn't mean it can be fully restored.

“Avoid purchasing a vintage piece if the cost of restoration exceeds the potential and if the piece has structural damage that cannot be repaired,” says Vergara.

According to Salter, missing parts are another warning sign. This includes missing connectors, cables or important structural components. Sourcing vintage products isn't always easy, so it's probably not worth the effort.

Your design style changes often

Vergara points out that if you often change your mind about furniture or your decor tastes change frequently, it might be worth forgoing a vintage piece.

These pieces are often an investment, and if you invest time, money, and energy into restoring and styling them only to stop liking them a few months later, it's better to skip them.

Try to refer to the pieces in your home that have withstood the test of time the longest. Then find out what you love about them. Then you can try to find these properties in other furniture when shopping.

The proportions are not right

To create a well-designed and spacious space, proper proportions and scale are essential. If these are wrong, it can throw the whole room out of balance, even if the potential is there.

“Something that looks pretty in a photo can dominate the room or uncomfortably overwhelm it,” says Salter.

If you like the look of a vintage piece, be sure to take measurements and consider the current room layout in which you plan to place it.

How to style vintage furniture in your home

You found a great vintage piece and decided it was worth it. Congratulations! Now is the time to incorporate these older pieces into your modern home. It may seem a little daunting at first, but these expert tips will make the process easier.

All three experts agree that vintage furniture harmonizes very well with more modern pieces. Murray also points out that your personal taste should dictate how you design a space, not trends or what should “look good.”

“Mix eras and styles you naturally gravitate towards to create a space that feels authentic and timeless,” she says. “And always add something unexpected – design doesn't have to be serious; it can (and should) be fun.”

Once you have chosen the room and the right location, you can start restoring and designing. You will pay careful attention to maintaining the original appearance while repairing any damage or defects.

Salter has two recommendations: First, give your vintage pieces “room to breathe” rather than tucking them into a corner. Second, don't use accent lighting just as a way to brighten your room.

“Let the piece have its moment—spotlights or directional lighting can highlight its details,” she says.