Sustainable, affordable, and unique – what’s not to love about gently used consignment furniture? As more and more people shop secondhand for their homes, the question of how to add their unique finds to existing decor looms large. As consignment furniture can come from any era and fit within any design style, there are no blanket rules on how to decorate with it. However, when you’re mixing up the cocktail of old and new in your home, it can be helpful to remember a few guidelines.
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Understanding Vintage Vs. Antique
When navigating the world of gently used consignment furniture, whether online or in-person, it helps to know the difference between vintage and antique pieces. Antiques are items over 100 years old that embody historical significance. On the other hand, vintage typically refers to items dating from the 1920s to the 2000s, showcasing the styles of each decade.
Furniture on consignment, however, often dates to even more recent years. You can easily find a piece on consignment that is only a few years old and sometimes, brand new. When you are shopping secondhand, keep in mind that pieces that are either newer or a lot older – and therefore historically important – will command the highest prices. Any item from a renowned designer will also likely have a higher price tag.
Where to Shop for Gently Used Consignment Furniture?
There are several options to explore when sourcing unique, gently used consignment furniture. Local consignment stores, estate sales, and flea markets are great places to snag unexpected treasures. You can also find gently used furniture online on platforms like Kaiyo. With a curated selection of pre-owned pieces, Kaiyo checks to ensure that every item meets high craftsmanship, style, and condition standards. In addition to providing accurate descriptions and images, Kaiyo arranges white-glove delivery and furniture setup. This eliminates the hassle you’ll experience from shopping in person!
Tips for Mixing Consignment and New Furniture
Start with the 80/20 Rule
When adding a new style of furniture from any era other than the present, a good rule of thumb is to stick to the 80/20 rule. 80% of your furniture and decor should stay the same, with 20% new coming in at a time. Keeping to this ratio will prevent creating a clash of styles.
Choose Focal Point Consignment Furniture
Don’t worry about a piece of consignment furniture not fitting in. Instead, make that piece the room’s focus and rearrange your existing decor to accommodate it. Whether it’s an intricately carved coffee table or a brightly patterned armchair, strategically placing these distinctive pieces will add character to your space. Remember, you can always reupholster or refinish your consignment pieces to help them blend in more easily.
Perfect Your Layout
Regarding consignment pieces, particularly antique and vintage ones, balancing different styles can be challenging. You might have a bulky mid-century coffee table and a light, minimalist Wishbone chair. To achieve harmony between these two items, pay attention to the proportions and scale within the rest of the room. Think of each section of the room separately and try to balance that area with the same number of slim and bulky objects. Even if the items are different, you can still create a sense of cohesion by balancing your overall layout.
Coordinate Color Schemes
When in doubt, explore color and pattern combinations to unify your pieces. You don’t have to have perfectly matching shades, but it helps to coordinate. For example, you can play with shades of blue and white for a serene colorscape. Or, experiment with contrasting hues like pink and green to create a more maximalist look.
Add Your Personality
There’s less pressure with gently used consignment furniture to keep the item in its original state, which means you can end up with more personalized results. Many easy DIY projects can turn an old dresser or table into a modern treasure. Explore some fun DIY projects for your consignment furniture here.
Embrace the Beauty of Gently Used Consignment Furniture
Shopping secondhand is not only better for the environment, but it’s also fun! You can find great deals, whether online on platforms like Kaiyo or in a consignment store, and some truly special pieces you wouldn’t be able to source otherwise. Wouldn’t you like to have pieces that no one else has? From vintage lamps to contemporary pieces, explore Kaiyo’s entire inventory today. You never know what you might find!
