Will it fit? Will you be moving soon and can you take it with you? For expensive items, there may be a resale value that means you aren’t married to the piece. If you don’t know brutalism from Victoriana, don’t panic: Just know your own tastes and see what works for your space. If you are new to buying vintage, you don’t need to do any serious research before heading out. It’s a question of affordability,” Covatta says.

The ‘80s and ‘90′s ‘contemporary’ style…, a lot of that is affordable now, and you see designers utilizing that now. “Generations of designers, artists, filmmakers, they all went with what they can afford. Now that mid-century is at its peak, pricewise, new styles are becoming more popular. It was cheap and you could decorate for next to zero money,” says Chris Covatta, who owns the online shop VintaDelphia. Why is mid-century still so popular? “The popularity began probably in the early 2000s. Mid-century furniture and housewares may be some of the most popular, but there are plenty of other vintage styles available at a deal. Whether you’re looking for a rare conversation piece or trying to find an affordable nightstand that matches an eclectic room, there is something for every taste. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the names of major designers or the prominent styles of certain eras, vintage furniture can add something joy-inspiring to any home.

Retrospect philly