If interior design feels more relevant than ever right now, that’s because it is. And while that encompasses all updates and interiors purchases, nothing feels buzzier at the moment than vintage and antique furniture. Since the dawn of e-commerce, comfort levels with making big, luxury purchases online, from fine jewelry to Gucci, have varied widely—and investing in that 1970s Bellini chair is no different.
Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial and fine art director at 1stDibs, is sharing his vast well of knowledge to help you navigate the Italian and Danish furniture-filled waters of shopping for vintage pieces on the Internet. Get answers to pressing questions on reupholstering and refurbishing, spotting fakes, and what’s trending in furniture now—and shop pieces from go-to sites like 1stDibs, Etsy, and beyond.
Where should you start if you’re new to buying vintage and antique furniture online?
If you already know which piece of furniture you need and what style you like, then great—you’re ahead of the game. But if you’re unfamiliar with the different periods and styles, it’s worth spending some time learning, say, the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco. There are plenty of online resources where you can bone up on your design smarts. On 1stDibs, we have an online magazine, Introspective, and a blog, The Study, with design stories that are equal parts educational and inspirational.
