Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray has written a letter to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner and administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal, seeking answers from him over the Rs 263 crore worth “possible scam” in buying street furniture.
In his letter written on April 26, which Thackeray tweeted on Sunday, he sought access to the report of the three-member fact-finding committee formed after the allegations were made and also to the reports of quality tests of all the bidders conducted by the Veer Jijamata Technological University.
He also alleged that the “entire process seems to be rigged in favour of a particular contractor friend of the BMC”.
“In the past few months, many irregularities in processes and financial transactions have come to light from the BMC…I would like to seek further clarity on the street furniture mess that the BMC has created in my city, more so the hard-earned money of my city, to benefit one contractor friend of the BMC and those in government,” the Worli MLA said targeting the Eknath Shinde-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dispensation.
“…One contractor has bagged the Rs 263 crore tender for street furniture. Many questions asked by me as a Mumbaikar have remained unanswered by the BMC,” he said.
Last month, Thackeray alleged a Rs 263 crore worth of “scam” in the Mumbai civic body’s plan to buy street furniture, including benches.
The civic body is set to buy thousands of street benches (almost 40,000) and planters (containers in which plants are grown) as part of the project, said Thackeray and asked where will the BMC install all these items.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said these products should be purchased on need basis by civic wards and not centrally through one tender.
“I have written about another possible scam in the making to the @mybmc administrator, seeking clarity on it. His conspicuous silence and inability to answer any of these questions posed by a Mumbaikar only increases the confirmation that this too, like roads, is a scam,” Thackeray said in his tweet posted on Sunday.
“A similar letter was written by a ruling party MLA also, but I believe he hasn’t got any response to it. Wonder why the state BJP supports the corrupt mindhe regime,” he added.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) refers the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena as “Mindhe group” to mock it.
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If you’re new to the idea of rummaging around for preowned possessions it can be difficult to know where to start. Professional hunter Natalia Rawley sells exclusively on Instagram, where a loyal following of buyers – including well-known interior designers – scroll her feed for reasonably priced, pre-loved pieces.
Rawley specialises in house clearances but suggests a local auction house is less intimidating for beginners. “You can pick up amazing bargains” she says. “I’m talking £60 for a wonderful chest of drawers or £50 for a quality sofa. You just need to register yourself, go to the viewing and be there to bid on the day, either in person or online.”
Big antique markets are also Rawley’s idea of fun: “Go with a friend, turn up at 6am with a tape measure and an empty car.” Ardingly and Shepton Mallet (iacf.co.uk), and Kempton and Sandown (sunburyantiques.com), are where you see all the big dealers (“or their minions”). Rawley also recommends tracking down a copy of The Antiques Guide – a little-known listings guide that is published every three months and can be picked up from most vintage shops. “It lists antique markets, village fetes and car boot sales by county,” she says. “It’s £1.50 and it’s absolutely brilliant.”
For Rawley, “physically rooting around like a truffle pig, finding gems among the rubble” is a huge part of the appeal of upcycling. But for those shopping online, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are good places to start, as is the-saleroom.com – a curated auction site representing over 700 auction houses.
“I cannot stand brand new, insipid, bland furniture,” declares Rawley. “It simply doesn’t have the same character or charm as a second-hand piece. Think about the lovely patina of a piece of brown wooden furniture,” she says. “It’s got so much soul and energy – it’s got a story.”
Brown furniture is the first thing Rawley suggests upcyclers look out for. Made from solid dark wood, such as walnut, mahogany, rosewood or teak, “it can be picked up for absolutely nothing”. Pine is more porous – and therefore more susceptible to stains – but is similarly inexpensive.
If you’re looking to rehome an upholstered chair or sofa, always check for signs of moth damage: “You absolutely do not want moths in your life,” says Rawley. “And avoid anything with modern legs,” she suggests. “Look for a solid, heavy frame and lovely turned wooden legs, or squat, bun feet.” And don’t be put off by the fabric – “as long as you’re prepared to spend a minimum of £300 to get it reupholstered”.
Avoid anything broken. “If there’s a leg missing, or drawers that don’t run smoothly, don’t buy it because it will annoy you forever,” cautions Rawley. “But I definitely wouldn’t say if it’s too cheap, it’s too good to be true. I’ve picked up things for four quid that have given me endless joy. That’s where real happiness lies: in picking up inexpensive pieces you love.”
Once I’ve bought it, how do I make it look better?
If you’ve unearthed a bargain that needs sprucing up, there are some basic remedies you can try at home that don’t involve sanding or stripping. Ellie Pyke and Rhys Morgan specialise in sourcing and selling vintage furniture via their online shop, @pkyeandcovintage. “The pieces that we source always have warmth and character,” explains Pyke. “There’s no point attempting to make it look brand new.”
Their approach to upcycling is simple yet effective: “It’s surprising how far a good clean goes,” says Pyke. “Start with a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment to remove dust, cobwebs and debris from all surfaces inside and out. Then, using warm, soapy water and a well wrung-out, soft cloth, remove any grime from the exterior surfaces. Wipe down with a soft, dry cloth afterwards. (If you’re faced with any particularly stubborn greasy marks, you can wipe the existing finish down with a soft, clean rag and some white spirit.) Then, using warm, soapy water, thoroughly clean the inside, underneath and rear of the piece. Your cloth can be a bit wetter here – just make sure you rinse out regularly as it will become very dusty and dirty. Repeat if necessary and watch out for splinters when handling the backs of drawers and the rear of furniture.”
If your piece smells musty, Pyke recommends spraying white vinegar on the inside surfaces and leaving it to air dry. “The vinegar will neutralise most smells. If not, try leaving a small bowl of soda crystals or bicarbonate of soda inside the drawers for a few days to absorb any odours.” Avoid purchasing anything which smells like cigarettes, advises Pyke. “It really lingers and can transfer to any items you might want to store inside the piece.”
Once your piece has been freshened up, a coat of wax buffed to your preferred level of shine will provide extra protection. “Apply sparingly in the direction of grain using ultra fine wire wool 0000, a wax brush or a soft, lint-free cloth,” says Pyke. “Leave for 20 minutes or so (check the instructions) and buff off with a clean, lint-free cloth. Wax and buff small areas at a time and apply the wax sparingly: a little goes a long way.”
Even with these simple home remedies, the following safety rules apply: “Give yourself space and time to work,” says Pyke. “Wear protective gear (a mask, gloves and goggles) and protect the surfaces surrounding your project with newspaper or a dust sheet. Ensure you’re working in an area with good ventilation and make sure you dispose of any rags containing white spirit and wax as these will be flammable.”
If you’re keen to find out more about furniture restoration, Pyke recommends enrolling on a course, rather than experimenting with potentially dangerous chemicals at home: “We attended an excellent refinishing course at OP Woodcraft. You can take your own piece of furniture with you and refinish it, which is fantastic and so satisfying.”
A rapid painting project
“The thing is, people think they’re not artistic, or they can’t paint,” says Annie Sloan, an authority on colour who has experimented with paint for over 50 years. “They probably had some awful disaster years ago with a tin of gloss paint and have been put off for life.”
Beginners should start with a small item of furniture, suggests Sloan: “Look for something affordable and solid, such as a pine sidetable. By painting it, you’ll transform it from something invisible to something that really stands out in its environment.” Sloan suggests beginners opt for a mid-colour such as blue: “You can’t go wrong with blue: it goes with anything and everything. If you’re already fairly confident with colour,” she continues, “then why not go for a deep, gorgeous green. If you hate it – just paint over it. That’s the beauty of working with paint.”
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An upcycle workshop at the Africa Centre, Southwark, London. Photograph: Jeff Gilbert/Alamy
Make sure the piece you’re painting is clean and cobweb free, then simply start applying the paint. To make life easier for upcyclers, Sloan has developed a range of “disaster-proof” Chalk Paint that can be applied to just about any surface without the need for sanding or priming. “It’s made for people with no experience and it gives really good results very, very easily.” To get even coverage, Sloan recommends “painting all over, every which way – don’t worry about painting up and down in neat lines. You want the paint to spread out evenly without brush marks.” Once you’ve given it a first coat, wait half an hour, then apply a second. Then allow it to dry thoroughly for a couple of hours. Finally, Sloan recommends applying a top coat of clear wax using a brush or lint-free cloth to give the paint a protective layer. Wipe away the excess and allow it to dry thoroughly before use.
“The other thing to mention about upcycling is that it’s incredibly therapeutic,” adds Sloan. “You have to concentrate on the task at hand, which takes your mind away from everything. You get in the zone without it becoming stressful, which is just a lovely feeling. And, at the end of it, you feel good about the piece you’ve created.”
Upholstery for beginners
According to the sustainable designer and upholsterer, Micaela Sharp, it’s possible for beginners to get to grips with an upcycling project that involves upholstery. “I always recommend starting with a headboard,” she says. “It sounds like a really big task, but it’s no more complicated than recovering a drop-in dining seat. Both are flat, rectangular shapes with four corners that follow exactly the same method, but with a headboard you only have to do it once instead of four, or even six, times! Plus a headboard will have a much bigger impact on a room …”
Headboards can be picked up from charity shops or online auction sites for very little. Look for something with a weighty frame and a simple shape. In terms of tools, you’ll need to invest in a staple gun, a tack remover, a mallet, a sharp pair of scissors and pinchers to remove the existing tacks. “All of these can be found in DIY stores for less than £10 an item,” says Sharp.
“As your headboard won’t be subject to the same wear and tear as an armchair or sofa, you can be quite adventurous with your choice of fabric,” explains Sharp. “You could use a vintage throw or pair of curtains – just make sure you add a fire retardant interliner between the fabric and the foam.” Alternatively, Sharp suggests searching outlet stores selling end-of-roll fabrics direct from suppliers, such as Fabric Outlet. “They sell designer fabrics for a fraction of the price,” explains Sharp. “They usually only have a few metres in each design, but a headboard will only require two to three metres of fabric anyway.” (Sharp also recommends Camira for sustainable fabrics and Linwood for UK-made, stain-resistant and fire-retardant fabrics.)
Begin by carefully detaching the old fabric using your tack remover and pinchers. “The most important thing to remember when upcycling a piece of upholstered furniture, is to keep hold of the old fabric,” Sharp explains. “Don’t be tempted to cut or rip into it because you’ll need to use it as a template for your new fabric.”
Micaela Sharp: ‘For a headboard, you can be quite adventurous with your choice of fabric.’ Photograph: Deborah Panes/Deborah Grace Photography
“Depending on the size and width of your headboard, you may need to sew your fabric together or you can run the fabric lengthways – it just depends on the pattern that you’re going to use,” says Sharp. “You also need to make sure the foam is in good condition. If you need to, you can add a new layer of Dacron or polyester wrap. Both can be boughtsays online and attached with glue spray.”
Once you have cut out your design, you’re ready to tack on your new fabric. “Start by putting temporary staples into the wood,” explains Sharp. “These are done at an angle, so they are easily removed if your fabric isn’t straight or the pattern is running the wrong way. Start with opposite edges at the top and bottom so you can keep the pattern straight. Lastly, tack on the sides. Once you’re happy with the position of your fabric, you can adjust the tension of the fabric. You want to really pull your fabric as tight as possible,” says Sharp. “Any wrinkles or creases will make the headboard look amateur.
“Keep the tension even all the way along and really take your time when you get to the corners,” advises Sharp. “Use your scissors to cut away as much of the excess fabric as possible between the pleats. Any bulky corners will prevent the headboard from sitting flush against the wall.
Lastly, Sharp urges upcyclers to make their project as bespoke as possible. “You don’t want people to mistake your handiwork for something that’s been mass-produced or bought on the high street – you want it to stand out as something totally unique. Go for an unusual pattern or bright colours. Be bold: that’s the most fun part of upcycling.”
Annie Sloan’s Furniture Painting Masterclass and Micaela Sharp’s A Complete Guide to Modern Upholstery are both available now from createacademy.com
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( With inputs from : www.theguardian.com )
SRINAGAR: In a region where conformity is the norm, two engineering cousins stood out with their unconventional thinking and unwavering determination. Their remarkable creativity and innovation resulted in the birth of Epoxy Resin Art furniture in Kashmir, turning heads and sparking interest in the design world.
Epoxy is a type of synthetic resin used in a variety of applications such as adhesives, coatings, and paints. It is made by mixing two components, a resin and a hardener, which react to form a strong, durable and often waterproof material. Epoxy can bond materials together, fill gaps or cracks, and create a protective layer over a surface. It is commonly used in construction, woodworking, automotive repair, and marine applications.
During Covid, Kashif began researching and making use of internet resources. He believes that the internet can be resourceful if used to surf the right things. After a lot of brainstorming and hard work, the business venture officially started in 2021. As Covid led to job losses on a large scale, an idea like this seemed like a good option for employment generation. Moreover, Kashmir is known for its wood, and Kashmiris share a common love for wood in general, as seen from the popular Kashmiri wood-carved furniture found in many Kashmiri households.
The catch is that Divine Epoxy Furniture uses scrap wood to create unique and durable pieces of furniture that showcase the natural beauty of the wood. Scrap wood can be repurposed and incorporated into epoxy furniture as a sustainable and eco-friendly option, adding a rustic touch to the design while reducing waste and contributing to a more environmentally conscious approach to furniture making. Scrap wood can create a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that tells a story and adds sentimental value to the item, making it more meaningful and valuable to the owner. Moreover, epoxy resin art gives a unique new look to the furniture, and since epoxy is waterproof, it also increases the lifespan of the furniture.
The harmonious marriage of wood and epoxy resin in furniture making creates a captivating and luxurious aesthetic that effortlessly blends organic warmth with modern elegance, resulting in exquisite pieces that are as visually striking as they are durable and functional. “Initially, people were surprised that something like this was made in Kashmir itself,” said Tanzeel Khan, a Research Scholar from SKUAST Shalimar who has been working with the duo and is part of the team.
Divine Epoxy Furniture mainly deals with Epoxy Coffee tables, Epoxy Wall clocks, Fractal burn kitchen cabinets, Customized Epoxy doors, and much more. Customers have given high praise to the craftsmanship and quality of their work. One customer shared, “I had a custom epoxy river table made for my living room, and it is absolutely stunning. The combination of wood and resin is breathtaking, and it is a real conversation starter.” Another customer stated, “I purchased an epoxy desk for my home office, and it has been a game-changer. It is so much more stylish than a regular desk, and it makes working from home feel like a luxury. The fact that it is so durable and easy to clean is just a bonus.”
They have recently started Fractal burning art as well, which involves using high voltage electrical currents to burn branch-like patterns into the wood. It gives an artistic look to the furniture and adds character to it.
Tanzeel Khan expressed his vision for the future by saying, “Our aim is to create a Hybrid industry.” While their journey has been filled with obstacles and challenges, they have persevered and learned valuable lessons along the way. They faced the challenge of entering the market and establishing their own unique niche. However, they view their journey as a great learning experience. The power of imagination is evident in their success, as they have brought their ideas to life through hard work and determination. Tanzeel Khan believes that exploring our potential can lead to limitless possibilities, and he encourages others to do the same.
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SRINAGAR: In a significant development, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) is readying to equip around 845 Kindergarten Classes in government schools with child friendly furniture across Kashmir.
The Directorate has accorded post-facto sanction for procurement of furniture for around 845 Kindergarten schools worth Rs 1267 lakhs under UT Capex budget 2022-23.
“Post-facto administrative approval is accorded for establishment of 845 KG classes and procurement of child friendly furniture worth Rs 1267 lakhs under UT Capex Budget through CEOs of Kashmir,” reads the DSEK order.
As per the order, the DSEK has stated that the procurement of the furniture should be made strictly as per the guidelines, provisions and specifications approved by UT Level Purchase Committee and “no deviation shall be made in it.”
“The detailed estimate of the work should be technically sanctioned by the competent authority and the cost of instant work be restricted to the extent of administrative approval accorded as such,” the order reads.
The DSEK order further states that the Heads of the Institutions (HOIs) will produce a certification that there is no further requirement left after the said school is strengthened or upgraded.
“As it will not be proposed for any requirement during the next five year,” it reads.
The DSEK has further ordered that the expenditure shall be restricted to the sanctioned provision of funds for the current financial year while the works shall be executed within 45 days from the accord of Administrative Approval (AA).
“The liability whatsoever shall not be created on account of delay in the execution of work to the next financial year,” it reads.
The order reads that a separate account shall be maintained by the executing agency and similarly separate inventory of assets created under the programme shall also be maintained as well.
“It shall be ensured that the work has not been executed earlier under any other scheme by any department so far and there is no overlapping in execution of the work in any other programme by any department,” the DSEK order reads. (KNO)
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There are few downsides to secondhand furniture and homeware, especially in a cost of living crisis. They keep things in use and out of landfill, while reducing the need for cheap and trend-led fast furniture, which doesn’t tend to last as long, devours precious resources and is often hard to recycle. In the UK, we discard 22m furniture items a year, according to a 2019 report by the North London Waste Authority, while demand for new furniture has risen. The home improvements rush at the start of the pandemic in 2020 saw the household goods market leap by 42%.
Well-chosen secondhand stuff looks better, too. “Adding vintage pieces can bring depth, history and a unique touch to any interior that cannot be replicated with mass-produced items,” says Siobhan Murphy, an interior designer who is a fan of maximalism. “They can also provide a contrast to modern elements, creating an eclectic and layered look.” As well as supporting small businesses, the local economy and charity shops, buying used furnishings can save you money, and even make you a profit when you sell them on. “These items have been around for decades, and with a bit of love and polish, they can go on for another 100 years,” says Estelle Bilson, a 70s enthusiast, vintage dealer, TV presenter and author of the forthcoming book 70s House: A bold homage to the most daring decade in design. As an added bonus, no self-assembly is required – not that there isn’t a place for Ikea, of which Bilson is a fan. “Vintage Ikea is very sought-after and ‘spendy’ right now, so it’s come full circle,” she says.
There can be no bigger thrill than finding something beautiful and unique for a good price, so here’s the experts’ guide to furnishing your home with vintage treasures.
What to buy
Vintage sideboards are a top recommendation – they are functional and stylish. Photograph: captainsecret/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Among Murphy’s favourite vintage finds are “sideboards, bar carts and unusually shaped chairs”, she says. She likes sculptural vases and interesting art: “Don’t worry about the frame as these can be replaced.” Kate Watson Smyth, an interiors writer and podcaster, and the author of the forthcoming book Home: The Way We Live Now, is a fan of vintage sofas and chairs, “because they’re well made. Vintage armchairs are often really comfortable; the angle of the back is really nice.” Old furniture is often smaller, too, “so the scale works for the smaller homes many of us live in now – our new builds are the smallest in Europe.”
Anything with a dual purpose really works, says Bilson: “A sideboard is one of the best investments you can make. Not only is it decorative, but you can store stuff in it and put stuff on it. That’s a win for me.” Keeley Rosendale, a vintage dealer and the author of Style Me Vintage: Home, would go for a sideboard too, followed by art that “ties rooms together” if the colours match other elements in the room. She likes hunting for vintage glass – “it looks nice on windowsills and brightens up the room” – and textiles, “which can be reused for cushions and covering chairs”.
Hone your online search skills
If you are pushed for time when shopping on sites such as eBay, Watson-Smyth recommends using precise search terms. But if you want a bargain, says Bilson, loose terms are better. “Rather than saying ‘Danish sideboard’, I might just put ‘sideboard’.” It will turn up “some absolutely rotten stuff”, but if you trawl through for long enough you may find your dream item at a much lower price.
Shop local to save money
Trawling round junk shops, salvage yards and car boot sales – or even online – takes time and often requires a car to get there or to transport purchases home. By contrast, buying new furniture from a big store, with low delivery costs (and the possibility of spreading the payments) might seem the only way to afford bigger items. But there are ways to get secondhand furniture more cheaply. Charity shops such as Sue Ryder, Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation have furniture stores, and can often arrange delivery. Some local charities and projects sell furniture at a discount to those on low incomes, or give it away. You can find a local one through the Reuse Network or through the organisation End Furniture Poverty.
Look beyond eBay
A trip to an auction house or flea market can unearth bargains – and be a lot of fun. Photograph: taikrixel/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Ebay is still good, but Facebook Marketplace is where you will usually find things cheaper and closer (though you can also search further afield). This is Bilson’s favourite place to buy: “You could kit out a flat for a couple of hundred pounds.” Other sites such as Gumtree and PreLoved are worth a look. The more intrepid could bid online at auctions and salerooms around the country. Follow secondhand dealers on Instagram, where many list pieces. There are lots of fashionable vintage interiors sites such as Vinterior and Merchant & Found, but they can be pricey. Watson-Smyth likes the app Narchie, which “brings together smaller sellers. It’s more manageable than eBay.”
Turn the hunt into a fun day trip
Rosendale likes to shop in person. “With vintage, I want to feel it, touch it, open the doors of a cupboard, sit in a chair. It’s hard to buy things online because you never really know what you’re getting until it arrives.” Trips to markets, car boot sales or good areas for charity shops can be fun outings. Going to an antiques fair, says Watson-Smyth, “is a lovely day out, although the people there know what they’re selling” and you are unlikely to stumble on a bargain. Overlooked places include salvage yards and local auction houses. Don’t be intimidated by the auction room – they will talk you through the process, and you may be able to buy ahead of the auction. One of Watson-Smyth’s favourite purchases was the chaise longue she got from her local auction house for about £250. Keep an eye out for shops closing and selling off items. “I recently picked up a couple of marble plinths from a department store that was closing down and getting rid of all their visual merchandise and display pieces,” says Murphy. “I paid £70 for the pair, and they’ll look perfect with tropical palms on top.”
Get furniture for free
Freecycle is the place to go to look through listings of stuff people are giving away, or you can post requests for items there, but Facebook is also helpful for this – you might have a local group where people give away furniture and furnishings. Also keep an eye out for people giving away things on the street outside their homes. A skip outside someone’s house can be a treasure trove, but make sure you knock on the owner’s door for permission before taking anything, otherwise you would be, technically, stealing. Local tips – or rather, recycling centres – often sell things very cheaply.
Don’t be scared to mix eras
Mixing styles and eras can produce interesting contrasts. Photograph: keladawy/Getty Images/iStockphoto
It’s your home, so you can do what you like. You may dream of living in a shrine to 60s style, or you may prefer a more eclectic look. “I find it’s easier to choose by colour palettes, then you can go: ‘That vase will go with everything,’” says Rosendale, who adds that not sticking to a particular era will also save you time. Watson-Smyth also likes a mix: “I’ve got a modern table with vintage chairs. I like that contrast of old and new.”
Get to know your own style
If you love something, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or how much it might be worth in future, says Bilson. “If you start buying things that are on trend, or because somebody else has them, you’ll tire of stuff very quickly. Your own style makes an interior so much more interesting. Rather than having matched furniture, everything’s got a story and memories attached.”
Keep your home’s measurements to hand
Make a list on your phone of key dimensions – the width of an alcove, for instance. “I’ve got my TV on a unit, but it could only fit into a certain gap,” says Rosendale. Consider carrying a tape measure around for unexpected shopping opportunities.
Time your finds
Murphy says that the end of a season, or around holiday periods, “can be a good time to find treasure in charity shops, as many people tend to have a clear-out and donate during these times”. Car-booters know that you need to get to events early. Online, Bilson thinks it’s less about looking at specific times, but looking regularly and putting the hours in.
Delivery doesn’t have to be difficult
You can restore or revive old furniture yourself. Photograph: paolomartinezphotography/Getty Images
It might not be as simple as filling in your shipping address on an online order, but getting a table halfway across the country is easier than ever. There are sites such as Shiply or AnyVan where delivery companies will quote for jobs, often planning routes according to pick-ups and drop-offs along the way, so as long as you can be fairly flexible, your eBay bargain can share a van with other people’s items. This means that costs can be kept low, and it’s better in terms of emissions. However, the closer an item is to you, the more sustainable it will be – ask around for recommended local companies, or offer a Facebook seller some money to deliver. “Bear in mind that if things are really heavy you might need two people,” says Rosendale, “or if you’re living in a flat, the item has got to get in a lift or up some stairs. Think about who’s going to bring it and how they’re going to get it in.”
Cosmetic repairs can be easy
“I like to get things as cheap as possible, so I don’t mind doing a bit of work to something if it’s in bad condition,” says Bilson. At antique and vintage fairs, often the work has been done already so the prices are higher, but there will probably be a YouTube tutorial for just about anything you want to repair or recover, and what you’ll lack in terms of a professional finish, you’ll make up for in a sense of achievement. “If I bought a table or a sideboard that had coffee rings on it, that’s easy to strip back with a varnish stripper, sand it down slightly by hand, and finish with some Danish oil. That is a really simple fix. If something’s too far gone, there’s nothing wrong with painting it.” See if there’s a repair cafe in your area where you can find expert help, often for the price of a small donation.
Secondhand sofas can be re-covered to give them new life. Photograph: John Keeble/Getty Images
Sometimes you do need the professionals, such as a reasonably priced local upholsterer, an electrician (for rewiring old lamps), a carpenter or a plumber who will help you turn that chest of drawers into a washstand. This will often cost more than the piece itself, but you will be supporting a local business, and it still may end up far less expensive than buying new. For upholstery, for instance, prices vary across the country, and you may just need something re-covered, which is cheaper than having springs and padding replaced. “It can be a really good way to have a piece of original furniture, knowing that you are saving it from landfill. And you get to choose a material you want that’s completely bespoke,” says Watson-Smyth. She recently got a carpenter to turn a large wooden handrail she picked up in a salvage yard into a coffee table and has a sofa that her great-grandmother bought new, and which has been reupholstered several times.
Watch out for pests – and wobbly bits
Avoid woodworm in wooden furniture and moths in textiles such as rugs and curtains. “If you see any signs of woodworm – little holes in the wood and dust – I would automatically treat it,” says Bilson. “Storage needs to be solid,” says Rosendale. “I always rock the frame of a chair to make sure that it’s sturdy, because quite often older chairs can be a bit wobbly.”
Bear in mind the resale value
Buying things you love can feel more important than their financial worth, but it’s certainly useful – particularly if you move around a lot, a peril of renting – if you can sell pieces on. Vintage furniture tends to hold its value in a way new furniture doesn’t. Mid-century style, for instance, is still sought-after and may be worth more than you paid. “It’s sleek, contemporary in its look, it fits into any kind of house and it’s practical and still solid and usable,” says Rosendale.
If you do have half an eye on investment potential, think about where trends are heading – it can’t be mid-century for ever. “Many vintage pieces, such as beautiful walnut furniture from the 1930s, were built with high-quality materials that are becoming scarce,” says Murphy, while more recent decades are gaining traction. “I think 80s style is coming back,” says Bilson. However, there isn’t that much 80s stuff around – a lot of it was cheaply made and hasn’t lasted. So-called brown furniture – the darker-wood Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian stuff – has been out of fashion so long, says Bilson, “that it’s due a resurgence. If Victorian mahogany side tables are your thing, and you can get it cheap enough, buy it.”
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( With inputs from : www.theguardian.com )
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