How To Buy Vintage

Passion for quality

At the heart of Danish mid-century & modern design lies an unwavering passion for quality. Renowned designers of the era collaborated with master carpenters who shared their commitment to fine craftsmanship. This dedication to excellence became the cornerstone of Danish design’s global success.

The passion for quality also extends to the selection of material that was used to create the furniture. In particular the choice of wood, leather and wool, and the way it is being processed, are important for how long the furniture lasts and how well it ages.

Not sure how to buy vintage furniture? We will explain how it works

Manufactures

With a passion for high-quality and fine craftsmanship it is no surprise that the manufacturer becomes important when choosing your vintage design furniture. Some designs have been patented, and patents might change hands from one manufacturer to another. Authentic pieces often have labels or stamps from the original manufacturer. Pay attention to these details, as they can provide valuable information about the furniture’s origin.

There are cases where design patents have moved overseas to unknown manufacturers where classic fine craftsmanship is not guaranteed. The reason is obvious; industrialise the production to reduce the cost. The result cannot compare with carpentry-made furniture though, even if the furniture looks the same. Furniture made by carpenters is of higher quality and will last for decades.

One of the most influential mid-century designers, Hans J Wegner, carefully selected several manufacturers as he saw best fit for the job: Carl Hansen & Søn would manufacture most of his chairs, Andreas Tuck his tables, Getama his beds and later also lounge chairs. Fritz Hansen also played a significant role in the success of Wegner and Danish mid-century modern design.

Patina and rare pieces

Vintage furniture retains their high value for several reasons. Some are produced in a small number and become rare. Others are early versions or limited editions. The right patina is also crucial. Patina is a sign of high-quality leather that has been well cared for. Mid-century design furniture with the right patina can be hard to find and because of its rarity these pieces are priced accordingly.
Aniline leather, for example, ages beautifully and is a good indicator of authenticity.

Materials

The materials used in authentic mid-century furniture are typically of high quality. For example, solid wood, genuine leather, and natural wool are common in authentic pieces. Be wary of furniture made from cheaper materials, as this can be a sign of a reproduction How the wood has been treated (soap, oil, lacquer) also influences the price.

If we take a look at the famous Wishbone chair designed by Hans J. Wegner, the material of the chair seat and frame will affect the price. Chairs made from premium materials like solid wood and natural cord seats tend to be more expensive than those made from cheaper materials. The price difference of a new authentic wishbone chair can be over 100%. This obviously effect the price of vintage items as well.

How we categorise our products

At distinkt, we ensure that the furniture we sell is original and made from highly respected manufacturers. We categorise the furniture based on how well it is looked after. Excellent condition means the product is a good as new. Good vintage condition means the product has aged well with no faults or broken parts. We will highlight any scratches or dents, and you are always welcome to contact us via email (contact@distinkt.net.au) or phone (03 9576 8550) if you would like more photos of the product before you purchase.