Junking for Vintage Textiles, Ceramics and Art

Smart Tips for Junkers to Avoid Wasteful Spending

Nov 16, 2009 Lorraine Syratt

Learn what to look for and what to avoid when junking. When it's cheap, it's sometimes hard to resist, but if it's not on a list, it's probably not something you wanted.

For junkers who love vintage linens, pottery and art, an abundant collection can fill their homes over two junking weekends. It can also cause regret if those purchases were made quickly. Love the tablecloth, vase, bowl or oil painting. Don't just like it. Smart junkers pass on the flawed items unless sure of there potential for immediate use.

Antique and Vintage Textiles and Linens

Antique and vintage textiles and linens are easily found at yard sales and other thrifty venues, but there is still a tendancy for sellers to overprice some pieces. Expect to pay no more than 25 cents for a simple doily. When it comes to collecting antique and vintage textiles and linens, keep a list of wants to avoid overspending and unnecessary purchases. Junkers can easily overdo it because of the sheer quantity available.

It's not always easy to get the stains out of linens. Funky 50s novelty tablecloths are quite popular right now, but the ones found cheaply very often have faint stains. Always ask to take the item out into the daylight for closer inspection, no matter if it's $1.00 or $100. Look for holes, pulls and wear, and consider how it will be used in the home. Can it be cut down? Can it be re-invented to hide a whole. Just how special is it? Invest wisely.

Antique and Collectible Ceramics and Vintage Pottery

When buying antique and collectible ceramics, as well as vintage pottery, buy only the best. Avoid pieces with chips, heavy crazing, and hairline cracks. Very few pieces have any further value, should the junker decide to resell the items. It's best to keep a list of your wants for china and pottery and for most antiques and collectibles in general.

Vintage and Antique Art

When it comes to buying vintage and antique art, don't consider the colors. Art has a place in every room, a statement usually made by art dealers, but most decorators agree. It doesn't have to match the couch or the colors in the room. It simply has to be loved, enjoyed and appreciated. Junkers and decorators should only buy art they love rather than art that's trendy.

To ensure the price is fair for vintage oil paintings, study the piece for flaws. Does it have holes or wear in the canvas? It the frame original to the piece? Are the colors still rich or do they show signs of fading? Is the paint showing cracks? Is it signed? All these things can greatly affect the price.

When buying vintage and antique prints, as well as original watercolors and pastels, look for fading, stains, water marks, holes, damage and flaws of any kind. These flaws can greatly affect the price and value.

Readers may also be interested in Junk Style Decorating and Intelligent Junking.

The copyright of the article Junking for Vintage Textiles, Ceramics and Art in Antiques & Collectibles is owned by Lorraine Syratt. Permission to republish Junking for Vintage Textiles, Ceramics and Art in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.