The best things to buy vintage
Antique and vintage shopping is one of those things that you either love or hate. If you love it, good for you! If you aren’t so enthusiastic about it, maybe this article will change your mind. Everyone who collects vintage and antique items has their own specific specialty of what they collect. Some people collect vintage clothing or artwork. Others collect antique furniture or primitives. Whatever you have an interest in, chances are you can find it in an antique shop. You can find it at Antique Allure in Southampton!
Whether you are going to an antique store, vintage shop or estate sale, here’s what you should look out for if you aren’t sure what you should be collecting or just looking for something new to collect.
Furniture
In this genre, we are talking about antique wood furniture. Believe it or not, furniture was completely made of wood back in the day and they certainly don’t make furniture like they use to. If you see a piece you love, jump on it. If it isn’t exactly perfect, restore it. Treasure it either way because you aren’t going to find another like it.
Dishware
Dishware and barware are hot commodities to collect for two reasons. First, everything from fine china to sturdy Pyrex can be found often for less than what you would pay for it new. This means you can buy pieces you love and actually use them. Second, patterns and specific types of dishware (think old Fiesta ware and specific china patterns that aren’t produced any longer) aren’t being made anymore. You aren’t going to find these items brand new and therefore, they become valuable to collectors.
Linens
Tablecloths, placemats and other linens are not made with the intricacy and care that they once were. That lace tablecloth that grandma had isn’t produced anymore. If you were lucky enough to inherit it and in good condition, hold onto it for dear life because those items are very rare.
Artwork
Vintage and antique artwork is one of the best things to collect. Even collecting from an unknown artist holds value if the piece is old. You can go to any home décor store today and buy a piece of reproduced artwork but most of these pieces are mass-produced and lack character. Many people painted and took photos (and developed those photos the old-fashioned way: in a dark room with actual photo paper). You can’t find items like this today.
Flatware
You might have to hunt for a whole set but it is worth it. A set of genuine silverware (or designer flatware) from an antique store is much cheaper than buying retail today. Plus, they were designed with such flair and passion way back when they will instantly be a conversation starter.
There is such a huge vintage collecting world out there. Find what sparks your passion and start visiting antique stores and estate sales to find what it is your heart desires. You won’t find items made today that are quite like anything you will find in the vintage collecting world.
