If you’ve never bought furniture from the past you may be wondering 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.
The process of purchasing antiques might be different, thanks to the possibility to purchase through auctions or dealers as well as private collectors There are many reasons to purchase antique furniture instead of brand new pieces.
Here are five reasons you should look into buying antique furniture, rather than purchasing new furniture.
Reduces Landfill Waste
A lot of the new furniture isn’t designed to last for more than a few years, and that’s why it’s offered at a bargain. Furniture made from solid wood will lose half its value once it’s removed from the showroom This could mean it’s not worth the effort for the owner to trade it off after it’s no longer in use.
Both of these scenarios mean that a lot of the latest furniture is to be discarded when it’s no longer required or breaks.
As a contrast, furniture that is antique tends to remain or appreciate in value for several years, which means there’s always a market for it. Furniture from the past was made by seasoned lumber using techniques which means that any damages are usually minor which means there is no need to replace the pieces.
Furniture from the past can endure for centuries, with it passing through family members or sold off to those who will cherish it. In comparison to the typical 15-year duration of contemporary furniture, it’s a big difference in the amount of waste.
Lower carbon emissions
While furniture makers are turning to more sustainable ways of doing business to boost environmental sustainability and lower carbon emissions, the production of furniture in mass quantities is bound to create a greater carbon footprint. The harvesting of timber in mass as well as the process of manufacturing and the transport of furniture, often overseas modern furniture can result in a higher level of emissions than traditional furniture.
This is because the antique pieces would have been constructed by hand, with materials that were picked up without the use of large machinery. A lot of the waste could also have been used to create furniture or other reasons.
The Carbon Clear study in 2010 found significant differences in the amount of carbon emissions when purchasing antique furniture instead of brand new. The study suggested that the carbon footprint of purchasing a brand modern chest of drawers can be up to 16 times greater than purchasing antique drawers.
Historic Preservation
Antique furniture can reveal much about the time when it was constructed. It’s also often constructed with techniques that aren’t used today, which makes it crucial in understanding the history of our time.
Every piece of antique furniture has an interesting story to tell, and that’s true both when it comes to the person who designed it and the person who owned it. It doesn’t matter if it was passed down through various generations within the family, and thus has a story of its own to it, or has been owned by a variety of individuals who were not connected over time and the history of the piece is vital.
The choice of antique furniture allows you to become part of the past and can preserve the history that future generations will benefit from.
Supports small and Local Small and Local
The purchase of antique furniture usually signifies that you’re supporting local or small-scale businesses. When you purchase furniture at an antique store or visit an auction, the majority of sellers aren’t big chains. This means that you help to help them stay in business, while enjoying beautiful furniture.
This can also help reduce carbon emissions, since you can find antiques within your area and reduce travel expenses.
Extra Character
There’s no doubt the fact that antique furniture has character and character, something contemporary furniture lacks. Designs have been meticulously and meticulously crafted by hand to ensure every piece of furniture is distinctive. Small scratches and dents from the years contributes to the charm of furniture from the past and tells the story.
Just one piece of furniture from the past can bring life to an area and create an opportunity for conversation that is worth the cost.
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