What You Need to Know About Antique Shopping
Decorating your home and want a more authentic, classy vibe? The trendy furniture at Ikea just isn’t cutting it anymore. Antiques and vintage home décor can add a new layer of character and history to your home. Or, maybe you’re interested in collecting antiques, but don’t know where to start. Here are the basics to get you started exploring the rustic world of antiques and vintage items!
Research
First plan out the look you’re going for if you’re decorating your home. Also, consider your budget and what you’re willing to spend. Next, start researching and building up your knowledge on different time periods, styles, and the price ranges associated with each. Talk to a local antique dealer about what you’re looking for, so you can be well educated and prepared to start your hunt. That way you don’t end up overpaying for something that is not valuable, and you can recognize a good deal when it crosses your path!
Explore
There are a variety of places you can find great deals on antiques, so check them all out on a regular basis. This includes local antique shops, thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales, antique shows, resale malls, and more. Antique shopping is like going on an epic scavenger hunt, you never know what you might find along the journey! While you’re hunting, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re uncertain about something or want more information before buying.
Inspect
When you finally find the perfect vintage item for your home, make sure to inspect it carefully before purchasing. The smallest amount of damage can drastically decrease the worth of an antique, so make sure to look thoroughly for any scratches, stains, broken handles, or structural issues. Problems like this could mean the value of the item you’re looking at is steeply reduced.
Check Authenticity
If you are looking for one-of-a-kind items, make sure to thoroughly check the authenticity, as there are many fakes on the market. You can do this by asking for a certificate of authenticity, or by checking for artist signatures, labels, hallmarks, etc. Fake items are sometimes hard to spot but watch out for items that are in too good of condition to be believable or furniture that has been made with screws instead of wood joints. These could be signs that the piece is a reproduction. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Carefully research the item you are looking for, so you know it well enough to spot a fake.
Antique shopping for the first time might feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply do your research beforehand, explore different locations, inspect thoroughly before buying, and check the authenticity. With these easy steps you can feel confident in buying authentic vintage items or collecting antiques for the first time. Find a great selection of antiques at Hart City Resale Mall. We have a huge amount of inventory with a wide variety of items and tons of great bargains. Contact us today with any questions!
