Vintage chairs can give an unusual and sometimes eclectic flair to any . Whether they are purchased as a matching set or one chair at a time for a mix-and-match look, older a sense of history to what could otherwise be a boring, cookie-cutter room. But it's important to know that what you are buying is actually vintage.
Instructions
1. Know the difference between antique and vintage. These terms tend to be used interchangeably, but antique furniture and vintage furniture are two different things. If something is a true antique it should be more than 100 years old. The word vintage is properly defined as something of high quality that demonstrates styles of the past. For example, furniture of the 1950s is in demand now and is considered vintage. Another way to think of it is, what goes around, comes around.
2. Decide what style chair you want. Is your dining room perfect for a set of colonial reproduction chairs made in the '50s? Perhaps your have more modern tastes and are set on finding chairs in the Danish modern school of decor. For a more formal space a set of Chippendale-style chairs will fill the bill.
3. Educate yourself: Once you have determined what type of vintage dining chair you are looking for, learn as much about it as you can. Numerous books and websites can help. One well-known reference is "Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles." It can be found online and in print.
4. Inspect the chairs. Take your time and look the chairs over thoroughly. Brush off any dust that might be hiding imperfections. Turn the chair over and look for identifying marks such as the manufacturer's name. Check to determine if the chair is sturdy and well made. If the seat is caned is it intact or will it need to be redone? Ask yourself the same question about an upholstered seat.
5. Work with a reputable dealer. Your most valuable resource in your quest for the perfect vintage dining room chair is an expert. The problem is there are countless furniture dealers just out to make a fast buck. But there are ways to search out an honest expert. Ask around. As you troll flea markets, thrift shops and antique/vintage shops, strike up conversations with other shoppers. They will likely be happy to share their experiences both good and bad.
Tags: dining room, antique vintage, chairs give, vintage dining