Vintage Furniture Buying Guide
San Francisco Showroom
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 our Richmond District 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.
Bring a tape measure to the showroom if you are comparing several options. Photos of your room, including nearby windows and existing furniture, help dealers suggest scale and pairings.
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. If a finish has been refreshed, ask what products were used so you know how to care for it at home.
Questions worth asking
- Who made the item, and when was it produced?
- Has it been restored, and with what materials?
- Are the listed dimensions accurate for delivery planning?
- Can the dealer share additional photos of marks, wear, or construction?
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 showroom to see additional inventory on the floor.
New arrivals are added regularly across seating, tables, storage, and lighting categories. Many one-of-a-kind items never appear online.
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. Elevator access, parking, and narrow hallways should be confirmed before delivery day.
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.
Ready to Start Browsing?
Explore the online inventory or call the showroom with questions about a specific piece, condition report, or appointment.
Visit the Showroom
Past Perfect
6101 Geary Blvd. at 25th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94121
Open Monday, Thursday, and Friday 11am–6pm. Saturday and Sunday 11am–5pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Get directions