discovering items you may not have otherwise come across.” She says the algorithm also creates a ‘ForYou’ section in the app that recommends pieces you may like.
What to look out for
It’s all about the bones… When you’re looking at a piece of furniture like a vintage sofa, it’s very easy to cast aside something that doesn’t look too pretty based on the fabric pattern or colour alone, notes Dawson. “But the key here is to make sure you’re looking at the structure – or the bones – of the piece to focus on what the frame is like, and whether it has potential to be re-invigorated with a new fabric or a lick of paint. “While I was looking for a new sofa for my own home I found a design with a very grubby looking fabric,” reveals Dawson. “But the bamboo framework itself was absolutely beautiful.” So she purchased the sofa “at a very good price as obviously a lot of customers were put off by the fabric,” and then invested her money on having the cushions reupholstered in a fabric that ties in with the rest of her interiors scheme.”
Top tips
“I’m always searching for vintage furniture on eBay due to the sheer volume of products available,” says Dawson.
“A top tip for me when you’re searching for a term – such as ‘vintage sofa’ for example – is once you’ve searched, you click on ‘filter’ and make sure to select the ‘auction’ category. “You don’t want to be on ‘all listings’ as this includes items that definitely aren’t vintage!” advises Dawson. “You’ll see this filter then refines your search and only includes purely vintage designs.”You can then save this search for the future and if new sellers start adding additional vintage pieces, you’ll be alerted immediately, notes Dawson. “It’s a great service that can unearth some real hidden gems!”
Do your research
Think outside the box
If you’re new to shopping second hand online, Pringle says it’s worth making a list of the specific homeware or furniture items you need. “This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.” From a practical standpoint, she says it’s worth researching and getting familiar with styles, materials, brands and design names you love, e.g. Ercol or Pieff.You can then set alerts and discover good deals more easily. And don’t be afraid to negotiate the price, adds Pringle. Most sites have a feature which allows users to negotiate prices and find amazing deals on high-quality second-hand items. “Know when to be impulsive and when to be realistic,” says Pringle. “For bigger furniture pieces it’s worth waiting and making sure it’s exactly what you want, as they are often an investment.”
Pringle says to be open minded and don’t be put off by minor imperfections – focus on the overall construction and craftsmanship of an item… “Any small blemishes, scuff marks or chipped paint can easily be fixed… keep in mind that sometimes all a piece needs is a little love,” says Pringle. “A fresh lick of paint, a re-varnish, new drawer handles or even dying material can completely transform an item. The great thing about upcycling is you create a piece that perfectly matches your style.” Lisa Dawson’s online course with Create Academy – An Introduction to Resourceful Interior Styling – is available now,£49 for lifetime access in which she explains more about vintage shopping and styling at home.Visit Createacademy.
Photo: Harriet Pringle
Photo: Lisa Dawson,
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