Furnishing with used furniture can save money and improve the climate while creating a brilliant vintage interior. Therefore, if you want sustainable and individual home furnishings, do not buy furniture and objects new in the furniture store, but used at the flea market or through classified ads or a Online marketplace for used design and artSecond-hand furniture with a note saying “Free to take away” can also be found on the street – a frequently seen form of disposal. You will soon find out what to consider when making your selection and how you can create a harmonious interior design with a few selected vintage pieces.

Antique, modern, timeless – all this makes up the charm of vintage-style furniture

Popular interior styles such as vintage and shabby chic rely on second-hand furniture
© Dencity LLC_ Photo: AWH Photo & Design

But what actually counts as vintage?

The term vintage furniture generally stands for used furniture from the 1920s to the 1980s – pieces from Art Nouveau to Industrial and Mid Century to Bauhaus. Therefore, the claim that used furniture is cheaper than new goods is only partially true. Because among the second-hand furniture there are really high-quality furniture treasures such as well-maintained design classics, which, compared to mass-produced goods, have a significantly lower and slower loss of value and remain high-priced pieces even when used.

In general, the higher the purchase price and the quality of the material, the lower the loss in value. In addition, individual Furniture classics can even have a good investment because their value can certainly increase. For example, the Eames Chair by Vitra and pieces by Arne Jacobsen, Le Corbusier, Isamu Noguchi, Marcel Breuer or Ettore Sottsass are real classics and therefore very sought after.

 

 

timeless furnishing idea with a design classic like the lounge chair La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames
© Mike Sinclair

Combine vintage pieces and integrate them into the interior

Timeless, modern and antique – all of this makes vintage-style furniture so charming. However, if you have a successful vintage furnishings If you want to create a magical atmosphere with second-hand furniture, you should pay attention to a few things.

  • The most important thing: Don’t just line up old furniture! is simply too much. Do you want to give your home a harmonious A touch of nostalgia without the furnishings looking old-fashioned, then combine used furniture with contemporary furniture. This works well, because used furniture gives the modern furnishings a unique look. In addition, Secondhand treasures are shown to greater effect by the contrast between old and new.

Buying used designer furniture is a smart and sustainable decision

Second hand furniture gives the modern interior a unique look and the contrast between old and new is much better
© Canvas Home
  • With help matching wallpaper or vintage decorations, the break in style does not appear too harsh, as this ensures a smooth transition between old and new.
  • Give large, magnificent pieces enough space so that they can have their full effect. So don’t put everything too close together. A large piece of furniture should definitely not be placed next to a similarly dominant piece of furniture so that the mix of different eras works best. This also applies to vintage furniture with striking colors and patterns.

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Individual second-hand furniture is best displayed as a solitary piece

Great ideas for vintage furnishings_ If you want to live sustainably, buy second-hand
© Holly Marder
  • Armchairs and Chairs used Buying is the perfect way to create unique styles, especially if you combine them. Different pieces of seating need to have something in common. They should either match in color, have the same upholstery or be from the same era.
  • You should also pay attention to the combination of different types of wood: either combine furniture with a similar wood color or deliberately use other materials such as plastic, glass or metal with the vintage piece.

Unique styles are created through the successful combination of used seating furniture and various materials

cozy vintage living room furnishings in Scandinavian style through the combination of different materials and second hand furniture
© Nicole Heininger

Further tips and ideas depending on the use of the room

  • The pivotal point of every Living room furniture is the right seating option. For example, a comfortable wing chair, an elegant chaise longue, a rocking chair or a grained Chesterfield sofa framed by an oriental carpet are all welcome in a vintage interior. Please note that you can combine a maximum of three different wood colors. Decorative elements such as serving trolleys or crystal bottles are other suitable and practical vintage accents that you can use to add an extra portion of chic and charm to your living room!
  • For a Vintage look in the kitchen Open shelves and Display cabinets as well as pans and potholders hanging from copper rods. If you have enough space in the kitchen or dining area, a used buffet cabinet is just the right vintage addition.
  • One Vintage bedroom decor can be quickly created with a metal bed. And by combining it with modern furniture you create a counterbalance. You can also use natural materials and light tones such as white, grey and beige. Linen bed linen, wooden chests of drawers and long-pile or fur rugs would also be suitable for a vintage bedroom.

Give your bedroom a touch of nostalgia with matching used furniture

A stylish and inviting vintage bedroom interior can be quickly created with a metal bed and matching second-hand furniture
© Simons Design Studio_ Photo: Allison Niccum

Advantages of furnishing with second-hand furniture

  • Sustainability: By choosing second-hand furniture, the demand for new furniture is reduced and thus the amount of waste and pollution in the world is reduced. The reuse of furniture leads to less CO2 emissionsbecause less energy is needed to produce new furniture.
  • Quality and durability: Among used furniture, designer furniture is often characterized by a long service life and handcrafting from high-quality materials. Therefore, by purchasing used furniture, you are investing in stylish and durable furniture that will last for a long time.

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Used furniture has a unique appeal and gives the interior a very special character

If you choose used furniture and therefore vintage furnishings, you will give your home something unique and personal
© Jamie Keskin Design
  • Style and individuality: Used furniture often has a unique appeal and gives the interior a very special character. Since classic furniture has a history, it gives your home a feeling of authenticity. And by combining different eras and styles, you can create an individual and inviting living atmosphere that also reflects your personality.
  • Space saving & investment: Second-hand furniture is often one-off pieces that are no longer produced. This makes it ideal for people who want to furnish their interiors with fewer but individual pieces that match their style. This way, you can save space and still have an elegant interior. In addition, some used designer furniture can also be used as Investment because they have a high resale value.

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Last Update: 17 September 2024