What to buy vintage and what to buy new

What to buy vintage and what to buy new

Every room should have something old, but certain things are better when they’re freshly acquired

Kate Watson-Smyth

Oct 07, 2026

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I often write about the need to include vintage pieces in your rooms, and it’s a philosophy I firmly stand by. Adding old stuff is a simple way to bring depth and character to a new home. It’s your shortcut to making a room feel lived-in and authentic - and a space without anything old will always feel slightly hollow.

BUT…

There

are

times when you need new stuff. It might be for size or the need to change materials. It might be because you can’t afford the antique version, or it might be because you just love the new one more. No one wants a second-hand mattress - and I once knew a woman who wouldn’t buy old portraits because she didn’t want dead people staring at her, so, you know, each to their own.

an antique chaise longue and a vintage coffee table with new lamps and a modern vase

Here then is a short guide to what you can always buy vintage and what you can - or should, probably - keep new.

And remember: a mix of both is always best.

1. Buy a vintage desk but a new, ergonomic, chair (you can always reupholster it)

I bought my desk (a Georgian writing table) on eBay and got the Eames office chair new.

2. Buy a new bed (old ones are often too small for modern tastes) and mattresses - new, obvs. And vintage bedside tables.

We bought new bed frames and new mattresses and created headboards from parts of two deconstructed vintage single beds.

3. Buy new crockery (so it can go in the dishwasher) but add vintage serving platters and jugs.

We always look out for old plates at vintage markets. We hang the small ones on the wall and use the large ones on the table.

Photo by

T

on

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The rest of this post is for paid subscribers. This is where you really learn how to make the most of your own space so that it inspires, supports and nourishes your soul. And all homes should do that. Come and join us - and in addition to an extra weekly post - you also have a standing invitation to my monthly Drop-in Design Clinic on Zoom, where you can bring me your decorating dilemmas and we will chat them through.

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