Five Items Regarded as Unwise Purchases from Thrift Shops by Antiques Experts:
Thrifting furniture and home goods can give you an exhilarating rush, finding that perfect piece to add character to your home. From nabbing a missing chair to snatching up a French porcelain treasure for pennies, it's an exciting way to decorate. But tread with caution, as it's easy to get caught up in the emotion, taking home damaged or useless items.
Practice makes perfect when it comes to navigating the thrift store realm, but to avoid common pitfalls, we consulted experts in the field. Their guided wisdom is here to keep you focused on the treasure, not the trash.
1. Avoid Broken Items
Experts suggest staying away from anything broken. A missing leg on a chair or a dresser with no knobs isn't a project – it's a never-ending to-do list item. Such items are often broken beyond repair, leaving you with nothing but a failed DIY project. Stick to quality items that can outlast time, or else, you might end up with more junk than treasures.
What to Look For Instead
Focus on finding materiality that withstands the test of time. Materials like marble, brass, and glass (when not chipped) are classics that don't look overly trendy. Anything marble is a safe bet, as it's expensive in its raw state, making it quite the steal at a thrift store.
2. Steer Clear of Silver-Plated Cutlery Sets
While a clean, sparkling silver teapot or fork can look elegant at the dinner table, silver-plated antiques require constant maintenance to stay that way. If you’re not committed to polishing these pieces, they will lose their luster and tarnish.
What to Look For Instead
Focus on statement pieces, like cake servers, candelabras, soup ladles, or platters. When it comes to everyday dinnerware, opt for easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe items.
Alternatively, host a Polishing Party with friends to enjoy each other’s company while getting your silver looking its best.
3. Skip Leather Furniture With Cracked Upholstery
Old leather sofas might look visually appealing, but cracks, dry, or heavily worn upholstery is common in thrift stores and markets. Restoring cracked or worn leather is a highly skilled craft, costly, and often beyond the capabilities of amateur restorers.
What to Look For Instead
Seek out leather furniture with minimal markings or that has already been professionally restored. These pieces will retain character and patina while still being viable options for your space.
4. Say No to Copper Cookware
Copper pots and pans evoke a certain rustic, Provence-inspired charm. However, most vintage copper cookware has a tin lining, which wears away over time, making it toxic if used for cooking.
Unless you have access to a specialist who can re-tin the copper, it's best to save these pieces for decorative purposes.
What to Look For Instead
Think of copper as sculpture and use it as decorative accents. Consider grouping them on a console or using them as stylish desk organizers for an attractive Provence-style glow.
5. Steer Clear of New Reproductions
Contemporary reproductions of antique furniture often lack the craftsmanship and authenticity of true antiques. While they might seem like a quick, affordable solution, they don't have the longevity or depth that genuine antiques offer.
What to Look For Instead
Instead of reproductions, opt for 19th-century pieces that embody the elegance and charm of French Rococo and Neoclassical styles while being more affordable, durable, and adaptable for modern living.
Now that you know what not to look for, you're well on your way to discovering the perfect pieces for your home. Happy hunting!
- When scouring thrift stores, it's advisable to steer clear of items that are broken, as they may turn into an undesirable DIY project.
- Instead of focusing on silver-plated cutlery sets, consider looking for statement pieces like cake servers, candelabras, or platters that require less maintenance.
- Old, cracked, or heavily worn leather furniture is often best avoided due to the high cost and skilled craftmanship required for restoration.
- Copper cookware with tin linings are not suitable for cooking due to the risk of toxicity, but can serve as decorative accents around the home.
- Reproductions of antique furniture offer a quick and affordable solution, but lack the craftsmanship, longevity, and depth of true antiques.
- To truly enhance the style of your home, focus on finding materiality that withstands the test of time, such as marble, brass, and glass, and opt for 19th-century pieces that embody French Rococo and Neoclassical styles. These classic items will add character and elegance to your home, whether it be your kitchen, living room, or any other room in your house.
