6 min readWhile I embrace secondhand shopping for my closet, I’m far more wary when it comes to home goods. I know the appeal of stumbling upon a beautiful antique at a flea market or estate sale. But I’m always afraid pests might be hiding inside or that a piece’s tiny flaws signal a big problem. My fear is holding me back from some really incredible finds, so I decided to consult the experts on what to look for before bringing an antique piece home.
“While antiques are usually imperfect, there is nothing quite like them to infuse a space with charm, layered history, and warmth,” says Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “As long as you are aware of the potential pitfalls and shop wisely, there is no reason to be afraid of incorporating these treasured pieces into your home.”
Those who love old things tend not to mind the smaller quirks and flaws: For instance, if a chest of drawers looks a little sun-bleached on one side, it was likely placed near a window. A round, darker ring on top of a side table likely means a lamp sat there for years. The key is knowing which features indicate damage, and not just general wear and long-term use. Inspecting the furniture closely can reveal its story and any hidden damage at the same time.
Below, experts share the warning signs that separate a soul-filled score from a costly mistake.
Additional copy by Jessica Cherner.
Holes That Signal an Insect Infestation
Even if you don’t get grossed out easily, no one wants to bring hitchhiking pests into their home. The signs to watch for can be super tiny, so make sure to look closely. Wood-boring insects leave behind one-inch or smaller pinholes after their damage, so while these are annoying cosmetically, they’re more harmless.
However, fresh “sawdust” or small piles of fine powder indicate an active infestation, which is a major red flag. Taking a few minutes to check for this is much cheaper than paying for an exterminator later on. Make sure to look under and inside the furniture, rather than just a quick scan of the exterior. If you suspect pests are inside your latest purchase, the smartest thing to do is isolate it ASAP, so it doesn’t spread to the rest of your collection.
If you find an antique you love and can't live without, though, you don't need to accept that you'll never be together in the same room. “I recommend working with a professional company that uses preservation-safe methods, like freeze-drying or an anoxic chamber, to ensure the piece is treated without harming its condition,” says Lindsey Owen, former operations director of Chicago's The Conservation Center.
Wobbly Frames
Did you find a darling set of Louis XIV chairs? Check how well they stand before you claim them. Wobbly, unstable frames mean the furniture won’t last long and could even break in transit.
Any furniture with feet or legs is worth an extra look, according to Mathews LeRoy. Make sure none of the chair legs are loose at the joints beyond your ability to repair. You’ll want to make sure the legs are all at the right height, too. Sometimes they’ve been cut down due to previous water damage. And don’t skip the sit test.
“If you are inspecting chairs, you absolutely must sit in them to assess comfort and stability,” Mathews LeRoy says. “If it is a set of chairs, ensure that they are all matching—literally sit in each one to check for stability.”
Rotting Wood
Though you need to be careful with any kind of antique, you have to be extra careful with wooden furniture. It’s a material that’s harder to save once rot has set in. Soft and crumbling wood will kill the longevity of your newest find. Make sure to look for water stains, splitting wood, and warped wood before you bring it home.
Richie David, president of Totally Home Furniture, recommends checking on the underside, legs, corners, and joints for any irregularities. Softness or crumbling edges may indicate wood rot, which is highly contagious, and it can spread to anything it touches. So it’s not the kind of thing you bring home and treat. If you spot it at the market, leave it behind.
Missing Hardware
This is the easiest thing to check that saves you a lot of money later. Make sure that your piece functions well, especially if it contains storage. Test that desk drawers glide properly, and that cabinet doors open correctly. And speaking of drawers, remember that some antique pieces require a key to open, so make sure you get and test it at purchase. You don’t want to schlep that armoire all the way home just to realize you forgot to ask about the key.
Occasionally, you may run into a beautiful piece that’s missing a specific bracket or hinge. If that part is not in production anymore, make sure you’re ready to pay a little extra. The potential restoration cost can go up if you need to get it fabricated from scratch.
Mold, Mildew, and Water Damage
Any prolonged exposure to moisture can spell disaster for your new antique finds. If something sat in a damp storage unit or was rescued from a flooded home, that water can stain and damage the furniture over time. It also creates a breeding ground for mold, so Owen insists on having moldy furniture professionally treated before bringing it into your home.
“In some cases, a piece of antique furniture sat for years against a damp exterior wall, and the mold wasn't visible until it was moved,” Owen adds. “Mold happens fast, and I've worked on several water damage insurance claims where the mold appeared within a day. It's just not worth the risk, especially if you're prone to respiratory issues.”
When it comes to upholstered pieces, take designer Philip Thomas Vanderford’s advice: when your eyes fail you, smell it. If you catch a whiff of mildew or smoke, that suggests past water damage and poor storage conditions. “That sounds incredibly basic, but smoke, mildew, and years of storage can be much harder to remedy than people realize,” Vanderford says. “If I’m at all suspicious of an upholstered piece, it doesn’t come directly into the house.”
Chipping Paint That Could Contain Lead
Until it was banned in 1978, lead was the leading material in most paints in both the U.S. and abroad. Today, it's common knowledge that lead exposure is dangerous. According to the World Health Organization, “Exposure to lead can affect multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children and women of childbearing age.”
Unfortunately, many older objects may still contain traces of lead, so you'll want to be cautious of any painted pieces of furniture that you find at the vintage market.
"I steer clients away from chipping paint that a child could pick off and eat," says Ali Mahon, a Connecticut-based antiques dealer. "I recommend having a professional test a painted surface—especially if it's going to be a dining table."
Exposed Wires and Outdated Plugs
Unlike the dangers of lead, the risks associated with old electrical wiring—including the wiring in vintage lamps—aren't as widely understood. Wiring that's several decades old can deteriorate significantly over time, creating hazards that aren't always visible, such as frayed or damaged cords. Aging wiring can increase the risk of electrical shock and may even contribute to a house fire.
“Many old lamps, especially European ones, do not have the proper prong plug, so it is safer and easier to bring these electrical items to a local lighting expert who can update the wiring to be safe and secure and up to code with the proper wattage and voltage,” Mahon adds. “It is worth the peace of mind to have old wiring replaced and have an old lamp like new.”
