In order to find the perfect piece, browsing through the depths of internet can be extremely time consuming. Don’t worry, Mearto has your back. We have listed 15 things you need to keep in mind when you buy antique or vintage furniture in mind.

Glass top talbe. 1980. Smoke disc, column foot in the form of bronze alloy. Diameter 73, height 54 cm. Bukowskis
Glass top table. 1980. Smoke disc, column foot in the form of bronze alloy. Diameter 73, height 54 cm. Bukowskis

Whether you are/want to be a dedicated collector or you just want one or two pieces to create uniqueness in your home, antique and vintage furniture is considered valuable from both a practical and artistic standpoint. However,  spending days going around local antique shops and flea markets is exhausting and very limiting. So broaden your horizon by buying at online auctions and read our guideline before you start.

Before the Auction;

1. Decide what you are looking for

by reading inspiring articles and browsing through objects online. You can search through the collections from many prominent auction houses on mearto.com and get inspiration on our blog.

2. Subscribe for our search alert

so that you get notified when an object of your interest comes up in an auction.

3. Learn the market price for your desired piece.

You can get a good idea of the international market on Mearto since we combine many auction houses from many countries and you can see both upcoming and past auctions for free.

4. Decide on your budget.

Knowing how much you are willing to spend is essential, especially when it is possible to get caught up in bidding. It will also help you to browse among your price range.

5. Do a tutorial auction.

If you have never been to an auction, it would be useful for you to join one, online or in person, to get a feeling for how things work. Keep in mind that usually each auction house has its own rules.

Previewing the Auction Inventory

6. Preview auction catalogues.

It is easy and free to view the inventory of an auction online. Keep an eye on upcoming auctions and links to their inventories on our blog.

Chair, 1920s, carved decoration, perforated back, seat and back in cane, loose seat in the textile, its height about 45 cm. Price est.: SEK 2000 Stockholms Auktionsverk
Chair, 1920s, carved decoration, perforated back, seat and back in cane, loose seat in the textile, its height about 45 cm. Price est.: SEK 2000 Stockholms Auktionsverk

7. Read the inventory descriptions carefully. 

Note the condition of the objects.

8. Learn about the provenance of the object and how it affects its price. 

Provenance is proof of where a particular piece came from. Proof could include purchase receipts, documents from auction houses, professional appraisals, photographs and historic records. Usually, provenance is provided only for higher-value or rare antiques. Having this documentation is important if you ever plan to resell the item and can also be helpful for insuring it.

9. Think before you decide to buy a worn piece and do an extreme makeover.

You can of course get a piece restored and repaired, but remember that a high quality piece might lose its value if you replace original parts and fabrics. With that in mind, if it is for your own use, it can be rewarding to upcycle a vintage/antique piece with beautiful upholstery or other means.

10. Don’t hesitate from asking for additional information. 

Auction houses are more than willing to answer your questions.

ARCHIMEDE SEGUSO. table lamps, pair. Italy, c. 1955 glass, brass, silk. 46 x 29 x 86 cm. Price est.: $5,000–7,000 Wright 20
ARCHIMEDE SEGUSO. table lamps, pair. Italy, c. 1955
glass, brass, silk. 46 x 29 x 86 cm. Price est.: $5,000–7,000 Wright 20

Tips for Bidding

11. Become familiar with the rules, regulations, terms and conditions

of the auction you are attending. Find out your payment options, and sales tax etc. before bidding takes place.

12. Abide by what you know, what you want to buy and your price limits.

Auctions can be exciting and many people make impulse buys or raise stubbornly. Keep your cool to avoid regrets.

13. Learn how you can bid.

There are two types of online auctions. One has a deadline for the sale of an object, which means you can perform in a bid until the deadline is up. The other holds auctions on a specific day and time -you can issue an absentee bid until then-. So make sure you know when and how you can bid.

After your purchase,

14. Get in touch with an insurance expert

if your new piece is valuable over regular insurance cover.

If you don’t get what you want,

15. Always inquire about the return policy beforehand. 

GAME BOARD. England 1700s. Decor against black lacquer in the form of flowers, the game plan with chessboard bowl solutions for game pieces. 81x39,5 alt 79, height 77.5 cm. Price est.: SEK 18,000 Bukowskis
GAME BOARD. England 1700s. Decor against black lacquer in the form of flowers, the game plan with chessboard bowl solutions for game pieces. 81×39,5 alt 79, height 77.5 cm. Price est.: SEK 18,000 Bukowskis