Antiques are a joy to have around the house. There’s a good reason why interior designers love to incorporate them into their work, even in a modern setting. The visual appeal they introduce to any space is easy to appreciate.

High-end antiques aren’t all that difficult to come by nowadays. Specialist antique dealers such as Westland London can supply you with all sorts of lovely items at reasonable prices. As a matter of fact, figuring out what to look for can sometimes be more difficult than finding a good vendor. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re thinking about going out and getting some antiques.

Broaden Your Scope

Figuring out what you’re looking to incorporate into your design is the first step on the path to making good antique purchases. Take a good look at the spot you’re looking to fill before going out with the intent to buy. Consider what you think would be the best style of decor in that particular instance – then double your scope.

People out to make a tasteful arrangement often have a very specific vision of what they are looking for. This can create a tunnel vision effect that causes antique buyers to miss out on truly marvelous and unique pieces.

Oftentimes, your original vision can be limited to something subdued and stylish in its simplicity. Still, don’t rule out more quirky and eclectic pieces. The tasteful visual diversity they have can add a lot of unexpected appeal to your design. As cliche as that may seem, keeping an open mind and considering the unusual is the best way to shop for antiques.

Prioritize Quality Over Trends

Trends come and trends go but high-quality antiques will always be in fashion. There is something very precious about a well-made, well-maintained antique. The visual interest it can introduce into your design is timeless and tasteful.

Sure, you may have to introduce more elements that complement it into the mix, to make sure it doesn’t look out of place. However, doing so can be surprisingly easy, and finding the right combinations is always a satisfying experience.

It doesn’t matter if you’re after a more modernistic, classic, or rustic style. Using high-quality pieces in your design ensures it will always maintain its classy appearance and appeal.

Make Sure The Goods Are Genuine

Buying antique furniture is not exactly rocket science. Still, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for if you want to ensure that what you’re getting is genuine and valuable.

There are a couple of things you should be on the lookout for, but the main one is the presence of obvious anachronisms in its construction. If a piece purporting to be really old is made with modern materials, it is probably an imitation.

Remember – MDF, plywood, screws, and even rounded nails are relatively new inventions. “Antiques” that have any of those can’t be more than 100 to 120 years old. Alternatively, pieces that have such elements may have been repaired using modern materials.

Ask your dealer about any details they may give you on the matter. If they’re worth their salt, they should be able to give you some valuable information on the item in question.

Buy From Reliable Dealers

This can’t be stressed enough – buying from a reputable antique seller makes buying antiques a lot quicker and easier. Sifting through unsorted treasures looking for hidden gems can be a fun and satisfying experience. However, to get results that way, you need to be persistent and diligent in your searches. If that doesn’t sound appealing, then going to the right place, such as a vetted fair, may be the best option for you.

All good dealers should be able to tell you a wealth of interesting and reliable information about their wares. True, if you sink enough time and energy into researching antiques you will be able to figure your way around without their help. Still, going to a reliable dealer allows you to have more freedom and fun with your searches and still achieve a good result.