1. DOES IT HAVE A SOLID FOUNDATION?
When first browsing for a vintage couch, it's best to take a look at the piece's foundation – is it sturdy enough to last for the long term in your home? Ignore the smaller details such as fabric wear and tear and color palette for now, and make sure the piece is of good quality.
2. WILL IT REQUIRE MUCH MAINTENANCE?
When you're sure the foundation will hold out, it's time to look at any opportunities for reupholstering or refurbishing the piece. As Caroline notes, identifying signs of damage at the beginning of the process can prevent unexpected costs down the line: 'Of course, you can expect some wear and tear, and you should inspect for structural damage, stains, and odors that may be difficult to remove.
3. CAN YOU MAKE THE PIECE YOUR OWN?
When asked whether she'd buy a vintage sofa, Jennie Bishop – co-founder and principal of Studio Gild – answered '1,000% yes.' She suggests going for a vintage couch if you're interested in a personalized, tailored piece that's completely one-of-a-kind.
4. WILL IT ADD CHARACTER TO YOUR SPACE?
One of the most notable benefits of introducing vintage furniture into your home relates to style – what character and charm will the piece you have your eyes on add to your space? This furniture provides a fast track to timeless, transitional design, and allows you to express your personality through design in a way that's not always achievable with modern-day, mass-market goods.
5. IS IT SENTIMENTAL OR UNIQUE?
'A big selling point of vintage pieces is the intricacy, detail, or unique shapes of the item. Vintage sofas may look unlike anything on the market today and can be a very worthwhile thing to snag when you see it. However, if the look of the sofa seems standard to what’s currently being sold in stores present day, chances are the investment of the vintage snag may not be worth it,' says Alexandra.
6. IS IT A SUSTAINABLE CHOICE?
Aside from design considerations, you may want to invest in a vintage couch for the planet's sake. Often, bringing a vintage piece home is a smarter decision for the environment, preventing unneeded production and making sure a high-quality item doesn't end up in the landfill.
7. IS IT ERGONOMIC?
An often overlooked yet nevertheless important question to keep in mind is whether the vintage couch is comfortable – just as you would ask when shopping for a new couch.
8. WILL IT BE A SMART INVESTMENT?
All of these questions boil down to the last one: Will a vintage couch be a smart investment? Take into account all the information you've gathered, along with your style preferences, and decide whether the vintage route is best for you. When all costs are combined, it's possible that a vintage couch isn't the right fit financially.