If you’ve never bought furniture from the past you may be thinking why it’s a good idea to begin now when you could simply go into a furniture store that is modern and walk out with a new item.
Although the buying process for antiques might be different, thanks to the possibility to purchase through auctions or dealers as well as private collectors There are many reasons to consider buying antiques instead of new furniture.
Here are five reasons you should look into buying antique furniture instead of buying new furniture.
Reduces Landfill Waste
A lot of the new furniture doesn’t last for more than a few years, which is the reason it’s sold at such a low cost. Furniture made of solid wood is worthless when it is removed from the showroom This could mean it’s not worth the hassle for the owner to trade the furniture after it’s no longer in use.
These two scenarios suggest that the majority of modern furniture is to be discarded when it’s no longer used or is damaged.
As a contrast, furniture that is antique tends to last or increase in value over several years, which means there’s always a market for it. Furniture from the past was made with seasoned wood using methods which means that any damage is usually minimal and it is less necessary to replace the pieces.
Antique furniture is able to be used for centuries, and it passing through family members or sold off to those who will cherish it. When compared to the 15-year average duration of contemporary furniture, it is a significant difference in the amount of waste.
Lower carbon emissions
Although many furniture manufacturers are adopting greener ways of doing business to boost the sustainability of their operations and cut emissions, furniture made in mass production is bound to have a bigger carbon footprint. With the massive harvesting of wood in the process of making furniture, and the transport of furniture, often overseas modern furniture can result in a higher level of carbon emissions than furniture from the past.
This is due to the fact that antique pieces would have been constructed by hand, with materials that were picked up with no large machines. The most waste could have been utilized to create furniture or different purposes.
The Carbon Clear study in 2010 found significant differences in carbon emissions when you buy antique furniture instead of brand new. The study concluded that the carbon emissions of purchasing a brand modern chest of drawers can be up to 16 times greater than buying old drawers.
Keeps History
Antique furniture can reveal many things about the time when it was constructed. It’s often made with techniques that aren’t in use today, making it crucial in knowing our past.
Each piece of furniture has an interesting story to tell, and that’s true both when it comes to the person who designed it as well as who owned it. If it’s a piece of furniture that was passed down through various generations within the family, and thus has a story of its own to it, or was owned by numerous disconnected people throughout the years and the history of the piece is vital.
By choosing antique furniture, you are able to become part of the time and are able to preserve the past that future generations can learn from.
Supports small and Local Small and Local
The purchase of antique furniture usually signifies that you’re supporting small-scale or local businesses. When you purchase furniture at an antique store or go to an auction, the majority of sellers aren’t big chains. This means that you help to sustain them and help them stay in business, and benefiting from gorgeous furniture.
This can also help reduce carbon emissions as you can buy antiques located in your neighborhood which will reduce the cost of travel.
Extra Character
There’s no doubt that antique furniture is distinctive and character, something modern furniture does not have. The design features have been carefully and skillfully crafted to ensure the furniture you purchase is distinct. Any minor damage that has occurred over the years adds to the appeal of furniture from the past and tells an interesting story.
Just one piece of furniture from the past can add a touch of humour to an area and create an interesting conversation point which is why it’s worth the money.
