Welcome back, treasure hunters. Last week we began our series, “The Most Valuable Things To Look Out For At Estate Sales”, with tips on finding great artwork and solid wood furniture. If you thought that was fun, you are in for a real treat as we look this week at glassware and vintage rugs. Ready? Let’s go treasure hunting!
https://www.caringtransitionswsc.com/blogEstate sales are the perfect place to get pretty glassware
Estate sales are the perfect place to pick up colorful and sought after Depression glassware. Collecting this iconic glassware from the Depression era has become the craze and seems to be popping up everywhere. This glassware is not only incredibly well-made and beautiful, but it is also a piece of American history.
'Depression glass' refers to American-produced transparent glassware that was synonymous with the Depression era, hence its namesake. The most common colors were green, pink, and amber, but other hues — such as cobalt blue, red, green milk glass, orange, and lavender — were also available during that time, in fewer quantities.
Most companies that produced Depression glass designed their own signature patterns and textures. The most notable players in the Depression Glass market include Anchor Hocking, Jeannette Glass and the Federal Glass Company.
Well-looked-after vintage rugs can offer superb value for money
Estate sales are great for finding all kinds of treasures—but did you know that they’re also a great place to find rugs?
Buying someone else's old carpets might not be your initial idea of a good time, but in terms of decor, is there really anything better than a beautiful vintage rug to bring some serious soul to a room? Vintage Rugs provide your house with a touch of class with their distinctive patterns, superb construction, and enthralling color schemes. They give the room a feeling of coziness, style, and texture.
Not sure how to identify a vintage, handmade carpet? Start by looking at the underside. You shouldn't see any plastic mesh backing, instead, you’ll find wool or cotton fibers. The pattern on the back should also closely resemble the front. Press open the fibers a little and look at the color distribution. It should be even up to the surface. If the weave is tight, this is a sign of quality.
Part of the charm of vintage rugs is their imperfections and signs of age, but there is a limit to how worn you should go. Unless you're buying the rug for next to nothing, avoid ones that have very frayed edges or areas of foundation showing through the top. That said, you can get large rugs cut down, which can remedy worn edges and allow you to get rid of stained areas.
And yes, vintage rugs work outside of living rooms—and can pack the same decorative punch in dining areas, bedrooms, home offices, and even kitchens. Spend less time on the disposable rug wheel, and spend more time enjoying a hand-made piece of art you can walk on.