Vintage Furniture Buying Guide
What to Know Before You Buy
Shopping for vintage and mid-century furniture is different from buying new. Pieces may show age, carry maker marks, and arrive with stories that affect value and fit. This guide covers what to check before you buy, whether you are browsing online or visiting a showroom in person.
Define Your Space First
Measure doorways, stairwells, and the room where the piece will live. Note ceiling height and how much floor space you can spare. Vintage seating and case goods often have proportions that differ from current production, so a quick floor plan saves return trips.
Inspect Condition and Materials
Look at joints, veneer, upholstery, and hardware. Minor wear is normal on older furniture. Ask about repairs, refinishing, and whether drawers, doors, or mechanisms work smoothly. Solid wood, quality upholstery, and original labels or maker stamps usually signal a piece worth keeping.
Questions worth asking
Who made the item, and when was it produced? Has it been restored, and with what materials? Are the dimensions listed accurate for delivery planning? Dealers who know their inventory can answer these clearly.
Compare Online and In-Store Options
Photos show style and scale, but texture, color, and comfort are easier to judge in person. Browse the Past Perfect store to shortlist pieces, then visit the Richmond District showroom to see additional inventory on the floor. New arrivals are added regularly across seating, tables, storage, and lighting categories.
Plan Pickup or Delivery Early
Vintage furniture can be heavy or fragile. Confirm whether local delivery is available, what access the team will need, and how pieces should be protected during transport. If you are visiting from outside San Francisco, ask about hold policies while you arrange logistics.
Shop With Experienced Dealers
Past Perfect is a collective of specialists in mid-century modern, Scandinavian design, and Asian antiques. Staff can discuss provenance, period details, and pairing options for your project. For specific pieces or appointment requests, use the contact page or call 415 929 2288.
Ready to start browsing? Return to the Past Perfect homepage for featured categories and the latest showroom arrivals.