Caroline Levenson Design / Caroline Trotte
The saying “They just don’t make them like they used to!” holds particularly true in the realm of home decor and furnishings. The transition from the sturdy solid wood furniture of the past to the mass-produced MDF pieces of today leaves a noticeable gap in quality. For those seeking unique decor and styling pieces to infuse character into their homes, the most distinctive discoveries are often found adorning antique shop shelves.
The thriving secondhand market has led some designers to advocate for eschewing new items when decorating a home, especially for certain pieces. Wondering why they prefer vintage over big-name retailers? Here are nine items that designers never opt to purchase new anymore.
1. China Cabinet
China cabinets are abundant on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, with individuals parting ways with their grandmothers’ antiques regularly. For those with more refined tastes, exquisite mahogany china cabinets with intricate details can always be found at antique stores (although they might not come cheap). Regardless of your preference, one thing remains certain – purchasing a brand-new china cabinet should be avoided at all costs.
Eric Ross, the founder of Eric Ross Interiors in Nashville, Tennessee, shares this sentiment, stating, “I would never buy a new china cabinet or hutch. They lack the charm and gravitas of an old piece.”
2. Display Plates
While you could opt for new china or decorative plates to hang on your walls, why not explore the plethora of unique secondhand plates available? The allure lies in the eclectic collection, making it hard to replicate the authenticity gained over time. Ross affirms, “I rarely buy new china to display on a wall or in a china cabinet. The hand-painted quality of old porcelain or ceramics lends itself to being showcased as art that seamlessly integrates into collectors’ homes.”
3. Charming Seating
While purchasing new seating and upholstery may be advisable at times, especially when searching for a specific-sized sofa or a chair in pristine condition, vintage seating exudes a distinct quality and style. With the help of a skilled reupholsterer, finding seating with an eye-catching silhouette and a well-crafted frame can be a rewarding experience. Caroline Levenson, the principal designer and founder of Caroline Levenson Interiors in Knoxville, Tennessee, expresses her fondness for reupholstering vintage seating, citing, “I love the charm of reupholstering vintage seating—older frames are usually sturdier, and a fresh fabric can completely transform them.”
4. Casegoods
Opting for secondhand casegoods guarantees superior quality, often crafted from solid wood rather than MDF, a prevalent material in today’s mainstream retailers. Additionally, choosing vintage pieces aligns with sustainability efforts by reusing existing items. Moreover, they are often more budget-friendly. Levenson remarks, “As a designer, I rarely buy casegoods like secretaries, dressers, and chests new.
Meet the talented principal designer of The Intentional Design Studio based in Athens, Georgia. Her passion lies in creating unique pieces, from woven bowls to intricate sculptures, that infuse warmth, texture, and personality into any space. She recommends incorporating natural texture trays or brass and stone objects to enhance the visual appeal of a vignette, noting that such items can often be found secondhand at more affordable prices.
When it comes to ceramic and pottery, she advises seeking out handmade pieces with captivating forms and glazes, as they often exude more character than mass-produced options found in mainstream stores. For bookshelf styling, she suggests opting for vintage books with beautiful spines to add visual interest and height.
When selecting framed art, she recommends exploring vintage shops and antique stores for original pieces that tell a story, as opposed to common prints found in big box stores. In the realm of rugs, she highlights the durability and timeless appeal of vintage wool rugs, emphasizing their sustainability and longevity compared to new alternatives.
According to Jen Baxter, founder of Baxter Hill Interior in Savannah, Georgia, investing in a well-crafted vintage rug can be a wise decision, as these rugs can withstand the test of time and add a touch of sophistication to a space.
