RESTORE OR REPLACE?
How to know what to keep and what to toss, identifying which items might have a second life.
Whether they are gathering dust in your attic or awaiting adoption at a flea market or garage sale, there are a lot of great furniture pieces out there waiting to be rescued. Not only could this save you money but restoring one-of-a-kind vintage items is a far more sustainable option to injecting characterful personality into your space.
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This process may require you to think a little outside of the box, but the possibilities are endless in the world of up-cycling. We've made a list of 3 ways to approach reusing and restoring pre-loved furniture and how to identify which pieces are worth saving, and which need to move on.
1. How well has the item been constructed?
This is one of the first and most important elements to consider in a restoration project. Apply the same principles as someone considering renovation or demolishing a house. How good are the bones? Is the item structurally strong and made from materials that will maintain their shape and stability?
2. Does the item have a specialist finish?
Whilst this could be a deterrent, it's not a total red flag. Some specialist finishes are easier to replicate than others, and some are nearly impossible. For example, a gloss lacquer would be far harder to match than a specialist wood stain. Of course, the option is there to totally strip the item back to its original pre-finished state but you may lose the character of the piece in the process.
3. Will the refurbished item maintain its value?
When considering whether to up-cycle your vintage furniture, it's never a bad idea to get the item valued in it's current state. You may find your great-grandmother's hideous dining table is actually worth the price of that new one you've been eyeing, and some. Vintage collectors value items in their original state, so be sure to check you know what you're working on before you begin.
