30-07-2025
How to source vibrant vintage furniture for your home
The shine certainly hasn't gone off buying new furniture, as who doesn't love something fresh and smelling of newness?
But it's the homes with a mix of new and old which stand the test of time, the combination working in every type of property regardless of age and size.
Killian McNulty, design dealer at The Vintage Hub, an online retailer which also has shops in Dublin's Francis Street and Lusk, Co Dublin, sets out the periods involved: 'Vintage spans the 1950s to the 1970s. Pre-war pieces from the 1920s–1940s fall into art deco, while post-war up through the late 70s is what I'd call mid-century or vintage. The 1980s to early 2000s; I'm not sure if that era has its own label yet. Maybe it'll just blend into the broader vintage category over time.'
Once you have your terminology straight, the next step is to assess the condition of what you're buying. 'Some have been well-loved and just fit,' says Killian. 'Their wear adds charm. Others have had a tougher life and may look a little tired. Restoration can be expensive, but it also ensures functionality and longevity. Always check the condition and ask yourself if the piece really suits you and your home.
"Do the drawers slide smoothly? Does it bother you if they don't? Run your hand over the surface; does it feel dry and smooth, or is there a lingering stickiness or grime?'
Vintage retail has come a long way since the days of the local junk shop, with a level of styling and merchandising on a par with general furniture stores to inspire shoppers. Check out this set-up from The Vintage Hub.
If you're happy to embrace the wilder side of vintage, markets, auctions, and charity shops might be your best playground. Someone who frequently goes out to play at car boot sales is David O'Brien, interior designer, project manager and design director of RJ O'Brien Building Contractors. 'I absolutely love a good rummage around a Sunday car boot sale, there's nothing quite like the buzz of uncovering a vintage treasure among the bric-a-brac,' he says.
'One of my all-time favourite finds was an unusual vintage floor lamp that once stood in a bank on the South Mall [Cork]. It's full of character and sparks conversation every time someone sees it. Car boots are also great spots for picking up some very reasonably priced original art.
Vintage lighting has a contemporary classic look, with lamps in particular being versatile in both modern and period properties. The Sinatra floor lamp is from DelightFULL.
"I picked up a lovely vintage oil landscape for just €20. Another special piece I found is a beautiful mid-century West German vase I picked up for just €15.'
As a finalist in RTÉ'sHome of the Year in 2021, we saw David's vintage finds blending with modern pieces in his contemporary black corrugated iron-clad home, which goes to show you don't need a period property for vintage pieces to find their forever home. 'Check out a brilliant resource listing locations and dates of car boot sales across Ireland,' says David. 'If it's raining, many sellers won't show up, so it can be very slim pickings. Bring cash; smaller notes are best, and don't be shy about bartering. It's expected, but do keep it friendly and respectful.'
The classic 1950s Eames lounge chair is a defining mid-century furniture piece and has remained timeless and popular, HKLiving.
When it comes to integrating pieces into a modern home, a little can go a long way, so your space isn't like an episode of Mad Men. David considers balance to be key: 'Use vintage and antique pieces as accents rather than the foundation of a room. A vintage mirror, lamp, side table, or piece of art can bring depth and personality to a modern space. It's about layering, mixing the old with the new in a thoughtful way. That contrast creates a curated look rather than something that feels mismatched or dated.'
Interior architect and lecturer Ger Cooney is another vintage enthusiast who prefers to visit shops but also has success online. 'Trawling through Adverts and Facebook Marketplace can also be a rich source, but timing is important," says Ger. "I often find myself checking these sites very early in the day and late in the evening.
"As items are added constantly, you can find some great buys. The advantage also is that if you make a connection with a seller, you often get offered pieces that they think you may like based on past purchases, and there is also room to negotiate on price.
Blend the trend for warm, neutral décor with the vintage-inspired Hepburn wooden cabinet, the Virginia armchair and Coltrane floor lamp from Covet House.
"That is also true when calling into vintage shops, and especially if you are looking for larger pieces such as furniture. It's always great to hear the background to a piece as well. It adds a sense of allure and is a great talking point.'
