If you’ve recently moved into a new home, or you intend to do so in the near future, then you might seek to improve the interior with the help of a few choice items of second-hand furniture. These can often be extremely affordable, and a fantastic means of adding character to an otherwise spare and sterile interior. In new-build homes they’re especially worthwhile.
The Solid Wood Dining Table
The kitchen will be an important social hub in most new homes. If you can introduce a little bit of character to the dining areas, then you’ll help it to feel inviting and loved. Solid-wood items have the advantage of being easily modified and re-finished to suit the space, and your personal taste. Often, pre-loved dining tables have a distinctive patina that tells a story about their history. Flat-pack furniture can’t replicate that. Look through local auction houses and marketplaces: oak, pine and walnut are often much more affordable than you’d think.
Ornate Statement Mirrors
A large mirror is a great way to add brightness, especially in hallways. If the mirror you pick out comes with an ornate, intricate frame, then you’ll often be able to lend depth to the space, and create the sense of grandeur and expansiveness that can really elevate the property as a whole.
‘Foxed’ glass frames, which have developed discoloured spots and cloudy patches, tend to be ideal if you’re looking to lean into the antique aesthetic.
Antique Rugs and Textiles
If you have an overly neutral-looking living space, then the complex patterns of the average Persian rug might be exactly what’s required to lend a little bit of charm. While you might be tempted by many of the synthetic options, the fact is that a quality wool rug will tend to be much more durable. Just make sure that you’ve picked the best one for the space, and that the rug sits beneath the front legs of your furniture.
Reclaimed Lighting Fixtures
The lighting fixtures in your home might sometimes be overly functional, especially if you’re stuck with standard pendants and downlighters. Replace those with a vintage-style chandelier, or a rugged, industrial alternative, and you might lend character to the space in an entirely different way. A good electrician might be able to rewire those truly vintage items, such that they match modern standards when it comes to safety.
Occasional Armchairs
If you like to occasionally sit back in the company of a good book, then a good reading chair might be a worthwhile investment. Aged leather chairs, complete with wings around the back, can provide you with a sheltered position, from where you can truly immerse yourself in a narrative.