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Why Investing in Vintage Furniture Elevates Your Home Design

My love for vintage craftsmanship took root in my twenties when I purchased my first home. One of my earliest projects was reupholstering a pair of my parents’ mid-century swivel armchairs. That experience ignited a lifelong fascination with recognising the value in beautifully made older pieces—a passion that continues to shape my design philosophy today.



Fast forward to a tiny thrift store in Texas, where I stumbled across a pair of Windsor-style captain chairs that had definitely seen better days—split seats, weathered wood, and years of wear etched into every inch. But the nearly faded Thonet label caught my eye, and my heart skipped a beat. These weren’t just chairs; they were design history waiting to shine again.


WHY THONET MATTERS: A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP


Pronounced “toe-net” (don’t worry, it took me a while too), Thonet chairs are a gold standard in timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship. Founded in the 1830s by Michael Thonet, the company revolutionised furniture with their pioneering bentwood technique—elegant, durable, and truly iconic.


The chairs I found were made in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, by Thonet Brent Wood New York in the early 1940s. With their turned spindles, scroll backs, and carved saddle seats, they were a perfect example of why Thonet furniture has been cherished for nearly 200 years.

A pair of restored Thonet Windsor-style captain chairs

Our Restored Chairs: Blending History with Contemporary Living


Restoring these chairs was a labour of love. From repairing the split seats to refinishing the wood, every step was about honouring their craftsmanship and breathing new life into these treasures. Now, they’re not just functional furniture; they’re works of art that seamlessly blend the elegance of the past with the needs of a modern home.

Thonet chair labels to identify the make

WHY VINTAGE FURNITURE IS WORTH IT


Adding vintage pieces like Thonet chairs to your home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s an investment in quality, character, and sustainability.

1. Unparalleled Craftsmanship: Vintage pieces often surpass modern furniture in durability and detail.

2. Stories to Tell: Each piece brings a unique history, adding depth and personality to your space.

3. Eco-Friendly: Restoring and reusing vintage furniture reduces waste and supports sustainable living.

4. Timeless Style: Iconic designs effortlessly complement modern interiors, making them eternally chic.


A CHAIR FOR EVERY TASTE


If you’re drawn to simpler designs, you’ll love the Thonet No. 14 Chair. Designed in 1859, it’s a marvel of industrial innovation—just six pieces of wood and a handful of screws. With over 50 million sold by 1930, it’s proof that great design truly stands the test of time.

The iconic Thonet No. 14 Bistro Chair
Thonet No. 14 Chair. Designed in 1859

At Lyn Cowie Interiors, I’m all about bringing history into the present. Whether it’s a pair of restored Windsor chairs or a sleek mid-century coffee table, vintage furniture tells stories and adds soul to your home.


So next time you spot a worn-out piece at a thrift shop, don’t dismiss it. Look closer—it might just be a hidden gem waiting to join your story.


CREATE A HOME WITH HISTORY


When you bring vintage or antique furniture into your home, you’re not just decorating—you’re weaving history, craftsmanship, and sustainability into your space.


💡 Feeling inspired? Let’s chat about how Lyn Cowie Interiors can help you find and incorporate meaningful pieces that make your home uniquely yours.


💌 P.S. These beautifully restored Thonet Windsor-style captain chairs are looking for their forever home. Could it be yours?

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Guest
Jan 24

Loved this! There is something very special about experiencing and utilizing vintage pieces, rather than letting them gather dust in some corner somewhere!

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Lyn Cowie
Lyn Cowie
Jan 26
Replying to

Thank you! I completely agree—there’s something truly special about incorporating vintage pieces into our daily lives rather than letting them fade into the background. The key is finding the right balance; pairing well-crafted artisan pieces with vintage treasures allows each to shine in its own right. When thoughtfully integrated, vintage pieces can take pride of place without feeling overdone or redundant.

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issy
Jan 24

I love your way of writing- it’s both informative and fun!

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Lyn Cowie
Lyn Cowie
Jan 26
Replying to

Thank you! I do my best to keep my lovely readers engaged—and coming back for more, of course. After all, sharing my design musings with you is all about making you feel great in your space.😀

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Kooklic
Jan 24

I find this article so interesting, informative and very inspiring.

At present I’m renting a small furnished apartment, which lacks two items that I’m needing - a bookcase and a standing lamp suitable for lighting my painting area. What I’ve seen in the stores and online sites seem so flimsy and now I’m so enthused to start looking in the pre used and antique stores in my area.

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Lyn Cowie
Lyn Cowie
Jan 26
Replying to

Adding some of your own pre-loved investment pieces is such a wonderful way to bring your personality into an already furnished apartment. As an artist, your painting area definitely deserves the best lighting, and you might just find the perfect standing lamp in thrift stores, antique shops, or even on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Enjoy the hunt—there are some real treasures out there! Thank you for sharing.

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Guest
Jan 23

A very interesting read. I have noticed specific wooden chairs and tables from in laws that have seen the test of time. This article has got me thinking. The craftsmanship of these pieces is extraordinary. The detailing and craftsmanship cannot even begin to compare with commercial furniture.

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Lyn Cowie
Lyn Cowie
Jan 26
Replying to

Hearing your appreciation for craftsmanship is incredibly satisfying! It actually reminds me of my late father’s solid oak woodworking table from the ’70s, which later became my brother’s dining table—scrumptious in its beaten-up, perfectly imperfect storytelling. You’re so right; today’s retail offerings often lack that depth and character. That’s why I like lean on artisans to create pieces that can one day be passed down through generations.

Thank you for being here!

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Lyn Cowie

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I create unique, eco-friendly interiors that blend vintage charm with modern design. Inspired by my global experiences and South African roots, I focus on crafting healthy, comfortable spaces tailored to my clients' needs. Whether it's a quick consult or a full interior decor project, I’m here to help make your home truly yours.

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