Vintage Home Decor You Should Be Buying

Image Credit - The Spruce

Scouring Pinterest and Instagram for design inspiration usually results in hours of online shopping. It might be tempting to step into the expertly dimmed light of a chain store hawking vintage-inspired wares. But in actuality, you could be doing yourself a disservice by buying items such as mirrors, cocktail glasses, and rugs brand new. Instead, try seeking out their older, original counterparts; they may be worth more than you think. 

When it comes to vintage shopping, there’s nothing like the thrill of the hunt. You might just find the trove of industrial lighting, etched glassware, or perfectly antiqued mirrors you were questing after. Sometimes, the prices can be better too. Quality furniture will always outlive all the trends; if you want your home to be functional, comfortable and unique. Buying vintage tends to satisfy that individuality. More savvy shoppers are turning to online outlets to get their vintage fix. It’s such a great way to stretch your budget and find those one-of-a-kind elements that no one else has. Here are four home accents that expert thrifters say you’ll be better off buying vintage.

WOODEN FURNITURE

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Over the last 25 years, the wood used in furniture making has succumbed to lower standards - gone are the days of dovetailed corners. Instead, frames are glued with epoxy or stapled. Wooden furniture should be functional, well-loved and well-built. Not to mention, the authenticity and construction of these well-loved pieces will keep them in your home for far longer than the reproductions you find in high-street stores. 

When shopping for vintage solid wood furniture, we suggest buying from a local antique store or auction house. Look out for high-quality wood such as maple, oak, walnut, rosewood and mahogany, in addition to hand-forged nails and dovetailed joints. Remember that cracking and warping from shrinkage over time is normal and an indication that you have an original, handcrafted piece. If you find a piece that has great bones but it is missing a knob or two, just replace them. It’s a great way to update a piece and make it unique. 

GLASSWARE

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There is no need to invest in brand-new flutes or crystal rocks glasses bought from the high-street. Barware had such specific styles during various periods, so to imbue a sense of timelessness in your home have a look for these items at your local flea market.

Cocktail glasses, barware and serving ware adorned with such interesting designs and patterns, are much better sourced in a mix-and-matched style. You can curate the best bar this way, as well as being a hit at parties. We love to mix and match which is great because if it breaks, well, c’est la vie.

RUGS

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Let's talk about rugs; it’s all about in with the old and out with the new! Never buy a new rug made to look like an old one, if you can help it. Plus, many modern rugs are woven with low-quality wool that sheds and wears quickly. A vintage or antique Persian rug can set the tone of an entire space and last a lifetime. They tend to increase in value - doubling in price over a decade of use, where modern carpets have no resale value. So, what should you look for when buying a Persian vintage rug? Here are some of our top tips:

• Craftsmanship (avoid machine-made rugs)
• Care (not overly exposed to sunlight, over-vacuumed, washed with harsh chemicals, or carrying smoke and pet odours)
• Avoid Damage - as soon as a rug has significant damage, such as very worn piles, holes, tears and unravelled fringes, it loses its value. Often old rugs can be really well restored, but it isn't a cheap job, so you will end up spending just as much on the repair as you did on the rug, if not more, in order to get it to a good condition. At Lilla Rugs all of our vintage and antique rugs are in good condition and so hold their value.

There are simple ways to clean them; particularly if they’ve been in homes where they weren’t overexposed to sunlight or other elements, you can check our cleaning services out here. We always advise that you purchase your carpet from a knowledgeable and reputable store. Here at Lilla rugs we offer a substantial collection of vintage and antique rugs below are just a few of our favourites. 

Featured Rugs (left to right) - ALEXIA, ARORA, FREJA

MIRRORS

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Mirrors are some of the best items to buy vintage or antique, you can find a wide range of styles in good shape that add a touch of history to a room. It’s another home object that benefits from some age when used decoratively. If you can find a mirror with original silver or gold - even if it may be a little distressed - it’s so much more interesting than anything you can buy new. 

A vintage or antique mirror that has lived a little bit will often be more affordable than one newly framed. To tell the difference, look closely at the glass: Modern glass is free of bubbles, but old glass can have a slight waviness within. These imperfections will look less sterile; the cloudiness that an older mirror has lends some romance to a living room or fireplace. Take some inspiration from the interior images above, and if you are still adamant on buying a new mirror, keep it for the bathroom. 

You can check us out on Pinterest and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest trends and rug inspo.  Don’t forget you can visit our showroom, to view one of the largest collections of Persian Rugs in London. We also offer a ‘Try before you buy’ service.