Vintage and reclaimed furniture brings character that new pieces rarely have, and old shelves, display cabinets and trunks are natural homes for books, games and records. Buying online means you cannot open the drawers or rock the frame yourself, so the listing, the photos and a few questions to the seller do that job.
Measure first: the space, the piece and every doorway and stair on the way in. Then read the description for the materials, the condition and any repairs, and look closely at every photo for wear, woodworm holes and wobbly joints. Finally, check delivery: many large pieces travel by two person courier with a separate charge.
After it arrives, a clean, a check for loose joints and the right wax or oil will keep old wood in good shape.
Measure everything
- The space: width, depth and height, including skirting boards and sockets behind.
- The piece: compare the listed dimensions with your space, leaving room for doors and drawers to open.
- The route: front door, hallways, stairs and turns. Tall cabinets and wardrobe trunks often fail at a tight landing.
- For books: standard paperbacks are around 18 cm tall and hardbacks often 24 cm or more; check shelf height and depth. Deep shelves can hold two rows, but the back row is hard to see.
Reading the listing
| Term | Usually means |
|---|---|
| Vintage | Older, used piece, often mid 20th century |
| Antique | Traditionally 100 years old or more |
| Antique style | New or newer piece made to look old |
| Reclaimed or upcycled | Made from or adapted from older materials |
| Distressed or rustic | Worn finish, sometimes added deliberately |
Look for the materials (solid teak, pine, oak, metal), the condition and any restoration. Photos of the back, inside and underneath tell you more than styled room shots.
Checking condition
- Woodworm: small round exit holes, about 1 to 2 mm, and fine powdery dust underneath can mean active beetle larvae. Old holes without fresh dust may be historic. Ask the seller whether the piece has been treated.
- Stability: ask whether the piece stands level and whether joints are tight. Old glue can fail.
- Drawers and doors: should open and close without forcing; sticking is common in damp homes.
- Smell: old furniture can smell musty; airing and cleaning usually help.
- Metal trunks and cabinets: check for rust, sharp edges and working hinges and catches.
- Paint: old paint may contain lead. Do not sand old painted furniture without precautions; ask the seller if the piece has been repainted.
Safety at home
Tall cabinets and bookshelves can tip forward, especially when loaded at the top or climbed by children. Fix them to the wall with an anti-tip strap or bracket, and put the heaviest books on the lowest shelves. Trunks with heavy lids can trap fingers, so consider lid stays if children use them.
Delivery and returns
- Check whether delivery is kerbside or to a room of your choice.
- Ask whether the courier takes items upstairs.
- Find out the return policy for large items before you order; return collection may cost extra.
- Inspect the piece on arrival and note any damage on the delivery paperwork.
The Scaramanga range lists vintage cabinets, chests, trunks, desks and chairs, many with dimensions in the title or description. The book shelves and book rack categories hold simpler storage.
Caring for old wood and metal
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth.
- Clean gently with a barely damp cloth and dry straight away.
- Wax or oil to suit the finish: wax for waxed finishes, teak oil for oiled teak. Test on a hidden area first.
- Keep away from radiators and direct sun, which dry and crack wood and fade finishes.
- Use coasters on old tables; rings are hard to remove.
- Treat surface rust on metal with a wire brush and a clear protective wax.
A display cabinet or chest also makes a good home for a board game collection; see choosing a board game. For readers, the e-reader guide covers the other way to keep a library. Leather bookmarks and notebooks in the Scaramanga range make small gifts for readers.
Quick checklist
- Space, piece and access route measured.
- Materials, condition and repairs read in the listing.
- Photos of back, inside and underneath checked.
- Woodworm and stability questions asked.
- Tall pieces fixed to the wall.
- Delivery type and returns policy confirmed.
- Wax or oil that suits the finish.
Common questions
What is the difference between vintage and antique?
Antique traditionally means 100 years old or more. Vintage is used more loosely for older pieces, often from the mid 20th century. “Antique style” means a newer piece made to look old.
How do I know if woodworm is active?
Fresh, pale, powdery dust below small round holes suggests active beetles. Old holes with dark edges and no new dust are often historic. If in doubt, ask the seller whether the piece has been treated, or consult a furniture restorer.
How deep should a bookshelf be?
Around 20 to 25 cm suits most paperbacks and hardbacks in a single row. Art books and large reference books need more depth and height, so measure your largest books first.
