Vinterior is the UK’s biggest second-hand furniture platform and sponsor of this year’s House & Garden Responsible Design Award, which we were thrilled to have won.
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Here, we talk to their Brand Director, Lucy Ward, about how the online vintage marketplace has captured an avid audience of sustainable, savvy shoppers looking to invest in pre-loved pieces for their homes. We discuss decorating with second-hand, adding character to your home and, of course, sustainable tips and tricks.
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What led to Vinterior sponsoring the House & Garden Responsible Design Award?
Responsible design and sustainability within interiors are central to everything we do at Vinterior. We strongly believe there is a better alternative to brand new, and we’re proud to work with House & Garden on such an important award, which champions the work brands such as Haines are doing in the industry.
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How can buying secondhand through Vinterior help the planet?
By buying pre-owned and pre-loved pieces, you are using furniture already in circulation, and saving (some) of the 22 million pieces of furniture that end up in landfill every year. Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s also a great way to add character to your home via one-off furniture and homeware pieces, so it really is a win-win.
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What are your top three sustainable decorating tips?
- Look for quality. There are so many beautiful woods in vintage furniture that are no longer available. Teak is a great place to start.
- If you are unsure about how to begin, look for named designers like Ercol and G Plan. They are reasonably priced, and you know you're buying something that will hold its value, is extremely functional, and of course, looks great!
- Embrace patina. Aged materials can add so much character to your home, so don’t shy away from something that shows its age. This is particularly relevant when looking at lighting: there’s nothing better than real aged brass instead of anything too shiny.
- If you are feeling more adventurous, don’t be put off by imperfections. You can often get a piece at a good price if it isn’t perfect (try making an offer). What’s important is that the piece has good bones, and the fabric can easily be replaced or the paint reapplied if needed.
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A little ‘Hainespiration’
Sourcing and re-upholstering vintage or second-hand furniture is a really savvy way to avoid buying new and letting good things go to waste. It also gives you the opportunity to put your own stamp on something and make it unique to you.
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But before you start looking, consider how much time and money you’re prepared to commit to a project. There are endless pre-loved treasures to be found online - some just need a little love, while others need some serious TLC. The key is spotting an item that’s ripe for reupholstering.
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Top Tip: Try using contrasting piping or trim on your upholstery projects - they can add a pop of colour and texture and are a great way to mix up traditional and contemporary styles.
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We took 5 to browse Vinterior's brilliant selection of vintage furniture in search of the perfect pipe-dream project. This gorgeous 2-seater Antique French Napolean sofa has great bones and is crying out for a bold print such as this pretty Susan Deliss cotton fabric from our collection.
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Shop the look:
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