Recently we installed a vintage library table in our primary bathroom as a double vanity and I could not be more thrilled by how it turned out. I love to incorporate vintage pieces into custom design, and below are my tips if you want to too!
Develop parameters for the vintage piece you are looking for.
At a bare minimum, measure the space you plan to incorporate the vintage piece into. Nothing is worse than doing all the leg work to purchase + transport a piece home to find out it doesn’t fit in your space. In addition, it helps to determine what type, style and finish you envision adding into your space. Keep in mind that your final vintage piece may be slightly different from the vision.
Source your piece!
This the fun — unpredicted and always surprising — part! When I am looking to incorporate vintage pieces into custom design, I scroll Marketplace constantly. TBH, I scroll Marketplace constantly whether I am looking for something specific or not. I also walk estate sales, garage sales, and antique or thrift stores in my search. There’s no telling where you will stumble upon your perfect piece. And always carry your tape measure!
Really inspect the piece before purchasing.
Not all vintage pieces have aged equally. Some are in pristine condition, some are falling apart, and some have that perfect balance of rustic and functionality. For our vanity, we needed a piece that was solid, level, and could withstand the weight of two sinks and daily use. The library table we purchased was made of solid oak and is as sturdy as they come. Hey, it had to withstand the decades of students sitting around it, so it had to be strong!
Don’t be afraid to modify your piece.
In our case, the library table itself wasn’t tall enough for use as a vanity. Originally, the table was 30″ tall and we needed it to be 34″-36″ tall. So, I began strategizing ways to make the vanity taller. The best solution I came up with was to add height to each of the legs. My initial plan was to add vintage casters to each of the legs, but once we brought the piece into the space the casters felt clunky. So, I went back to the drawing board (Illustrator) and I mocked up these custom feet to add to the vanity. Then I partnered with Rivers Metal Products to bring the feet to life. The feet were built perfectly to spec and add the perfect modern touch to the vintage piece.
In addition to the feet, I also refinished the table and added two coats of matte polyurethane to the top to prevent water damage.
Overall, keep an open mind and don’t give up.
It is sometimes difficult to plan to find a vintage piece and often it is more challenging to incorporate vintage pieces into custom design. As long as your remodel/project timeline allows (this is your sign to get started looking before your reno project begins), keep searching for your piece, and don’t settle for something you’re not totally in love with. The challenge to incorporate vintage pieces into custom design is well worth it in the end — especially if you are totally in love with your piece.
One of my favorite parts of our custom piece is all of the scribblings from yesteryear’s students that sat around this table! Oh, that and the word “FART” that was etched in the back — that’s really how I knew it was meant for our bathroom…lol.
And last by not least, if you need help — hire me!
I am happy to source pieces for your project and would love to share some creative energy with you. Just get in touch, or give me a call!