7 Insider Tips on How to Shop For Vintage Decor Online

"Look for furniture with labels, including the designer’s or manufacturer’s name, as well as stamped or branded dates," advised Mandana. And, if you're interested in an art piece, be sure it's signed. "High-quality glass, timber, ceramic, or art pieces will often have an artist’s signature."

"Some wear and tear is a good sign. It adds character and value and can be a positive sign of age. But make sure you love the imperfections and that the item isn’t too poorly damaged," Mandana warned. "Surface scratches can be fixed, but structural damage is much more of a challenge."

You shouldn't have to wonder where a piece came from. "Higher-value items or rare antiques should include provenance," explained Mandana. She said that proof can include original purchase receipts, documents from reputable auction houses, professional appraisals, or historic records. "Not only will these documents prove the validity of your item, but they could be important if you want to insure or possibly resell in the future."

"Knockoffs can be identified easily if you know what to look for," said Mandana of those telltale red flags. "For example, modern furniture by highly regarded designers will be well made with great attention to detail. Replicas of originals are rarely as well-crafted."

"We can all agree that not every angle is our best angle, and the same can be said about vintage decor. Look for a variety of photos showing the piece from all sides, so there are no surprises when your new item arrives."

While great and necessary, photos aren't enough, as they can't help you correctly gauge the size of an item. "Descriptions should include all dimensions so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Make sure to measure your space before any big purchases to ensure your item will fit in your home," said Mandana, who admitted to having made this costly mistake herself.

"Make sure the item has good bones!" encouraged Mandana. "Vintage furniture is easy to refurbish with a fresh coat of paint or new upholstery, but there is only so much you can do about broken drawers or cracked plastic."