Getting a good vintage look is all about using pieces that you love; not only is the history behind each piece of furniture important- but so is the condition. Often, vintage furniture can fall below our expectations, simply because it's a bit worn out. Be prepared to updo and remake any piece you buy- and always have a pot of paint on hand in case there's some real work to be done! If a piece of furniture is showing severe signs of wear and tear, cracks, a weak ability to hold its weight or missing pieces- don't worry, if it can't be repaired it can always be made into something else. If you're always on the prowl for the vintage stuff, invest in some basic repair supplies so that next time you spot the perfect little cracked stool, you know you don't have to give it up!

Look for the history behind each item, there's no such thing as a vintage item without an interesting story! Each item is one of a kind; and that's something you won't find with any other cheap alternatives. It's important to connect with each vintage piece you find, if it doesn't feel right, or it doesn't fit you- it's probably not going to change in the future! It's also important to understand the history of a piece so that you know if you're getting a good deal or not, don't be the person who buys a cheap knockoff from last year, only to find the label hidden when it's taken home. Make sure to inspect each piece carefully, genuine vintage pieces may have repairs done to them, but they should never have modern features! If unsure, only shop at trusted places or with someone who knows their stuff- there's nothing worse than overpaying and regretting buying something later!