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Best of #ModernMonday: How to Buy and Sell Secondhand Pieces
April 27, 2015
Every Monday, @dwell and @designmilk invite experts and fans to weigh in on trending topics in design. Online consignment market Chairish joined #ModernMonday this week to discuss American buying and selling vintage pieces. Check out a few of our favorite responses, and use the hashtag #ModernMonday to join the conversation next week at 1pm EST / 10am PST.
What types of products are good to buy secondhand, and what things are better purchased new?
@chairishco: We look for vintage furniture w/solid frames, sexy shapes + sharp prices. Lighting and art are a great way to jazz up a space.
@Allie_Weiss: One big statement piece, like a vintage dresser, can transform a room
Photo by
Originally appeared in A Restless Real Estate Developer Builds His Ideal Live-Work Space
What are some tips for working vintage pieces into your existing decor?
@erikaheet: Choose an iconic piece, like the Arco lamp, which fits virtually anywhere
@chairishco: We start w/big pieces, get the scale right, then complement w/smaller pieces
@lights_online: Definitely love @lwsjff's idea for using family heirlooms as a jump-off for adding vintage to a space!
Photo by
Originally appeared in An Architect References Local Architecture to Build a Modern Home
How can we find out if a product we're selling or buying is authentic or original?
@tapdecor: Don't be a slave to designer vintage. Sometimes it's the things without a label or a maker that you'll love forever.
@erikaheet: Only buy from a reputable dealer; knockoffs can be hard to spot.
Photo by
Courtesy of
Andrew Meredith 2007
Originally appeared in An Obsessed Designer Fills Her Home with Vintage Finds
When selling, what are the best tips for finding a dealer or website and getting your item sold?
@designmilk: Word of mouth - ask friends where they've sold or purchased great products in the past.
@AgentPalmer: Find someone you can trust. If possible, use a dealer that you have a relationship with...
Photo by
Originally appeared in A Furniture Collector's Renovated Flat in Paris
When sourcing vintage pieces online, what are some of the best questions to ask? What are the red flags?
@crossvilletile: Red flags: few pictures, fuzzy pictures, no guarantees, no returns, no provenance, etc
@erikaheet: Ask about provenance. Your source should have info on whose hands the piece has passed through, at least most recently.
@chairishco: A picture is worth a thousand words and don't be afraid to ask about provenance and blemishes specifically.
Photo by
Originally appeared in How to Design with White
Where are some of your favorite places to source vintage and secondhand furnishings?
@chairishco: Besides Chairish (obvs), we love hitting flea markets across the US. We have buyers treasure hunting off the beaten path
@dwell: Craigslist and eBay can yield good finds. Just make sure you ask questions!
Photo by
Originally appeared in A Furniture Collector's Renovated Flat in Paris
What types of products are good to buy secondhand, and what things are better purchased new?
@chairishco: We look for vintage furniture w/solid frames, sexy shapes + sharp prices. Lighting and art are a great way to jazz up a space.
@Allie_Weiss: One big statement piece, like a vintage dresser, can transform a room
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