Buying antique and vintage furniture online is one of the best ways to find pieces with real presence, especially cupboards, cabinets and storage that bring warmth and character to a home. Unlike new furniture, older items aren’t expected to be “perfect.” The goal is to understand what’s normal, what adds value, and what could turn into an expensive restoration project. This checklist helps you buy confidently, even when you can’t see the piece in person.
What does “patina” mean?
Patina is the honest, natural ageing that develops over time: softly worn edges, gentle variations in colour, small surface marks, and a mellow sheen that comes from years of use. Patina is character, not damage. On a vintage cupboard, patina might show as light wear around handles, a softened finish on corners, or subtle tonal changes in the wood. It should look consistent with the age and materials of the piece, and it’s often what makes vintage storage feel so much richer than “flat” factory-new finishes.
Vintage condition checklist (what to look for online)
When browsing a listing, zoom into photos and read the description carefully. If details are missing, ask for extra images (a good seller will always help).
For cupboards & cabinets
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Doors & alignment: Do the doors sit straight and close properly? Are hinges secure? Any obvious warping that prevents a clean close?
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Shelves & bases: Look for sagging shelves, split panels, or base damage (especially near the floor where knocks and damp can happen).
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Back panels: Ask for a photo of the back, it can reveal repairs, wood movement, or signs of damp exposure.
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Handles & hardware: Original or replaced? Replacement is fine if done well, but it affects value and should be disclosed.
For all antique/vintage furniture
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Structure & stability: The piece should feel solid. Cosmetic marks are normal; looseness and wobble suggest repair work.
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Cracks, splits & veneer: Small age lines can be normal. Watch for large splits, lifting veneer, or panels that have started to separate.
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Woodworm: Old exit holes can be historic. What you don’t want is fresh dust/powder, soft crumbling areas, or active signs.
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Smells & stains: Smoke, damp, or pet odours are difficult to remove - worth asking about if not mentioned.
For tables
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Check the top surface for deep stains, heavy warping, or repairs. Minor marks and patina are expected.
For chairs
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Ask about tightness of joints (no wobble), and for upholstered chairs, the condition of foam/webbing/springs.
The best questions to ask before you buy
A trustworthy seller should be happy to provide a short condition report on their product page and close-up photos. Ask:
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“Is it solid wood or veneer?”
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“Are there any loose joints, sticking doors/drawers, or repairs?”
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“Any signs of damp or woodworm (active or historic)?”
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“Has it been refurbished or restored, and what was done?”
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“Are there any notable marks not shown in the photos?”
A simple way to judge value
If a piece is structurally sound and the “imperfections” are mainly cosmetic, that’s often the sweet spot: you get the charm of patina without the cost of major restoration. The best vintage cupboards and cabinets are the ones that are solid, functional, and full of character - the kind of pieces that make a room feel layered and lived-in from day one.