How do I update vintage (1960) living room furniture ?
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I recently inherited the living room furnishings purchased in the early 1960’s. It was expensive furniture and was very chic in its time. However not so much now. I hate to throw it all away but there is no market for it near me. Suggestions on how to upgrade it would be very appreciated. There are 2 lamps, a sofa, a large mirror, wall sconces and marble topped coffee and side tables.
Little closer look at the angels on the lamp
It looks like they are in great shape. If you were to list them on Craig’s List someone might be willing to drive a ways to get them.
The sofa is stylish again, as long as it's in the right setting! I can't tell from the photo how worn the fabric is, but if it's in nice shape, I would focus on surrounding it with other cool mid century glam furnishings. If you need to reupholster it, a jewel-tone velvet would look amazing!
the sofa is beautiful and I would use (if you keep it) as is. It might not be valuable right now but it won't be long. You could use other decorative elements to make it all fit together nicely. I had a Victorian sofa we used for almost 50 years and everybody loved it.
I would keep it if's comfortable. Use as is. I can see some long hair faux fur pillows scattered on this or one of those sheep hide type rugs in front of it. All in white of course
The couch has a classic shape, and except for the outmoded fabric, does not really show that it is 1960's vintage.
To have it reupholstered could cost you as much as a new one. However, if it is in like-new condition, especially the cushion inside stuffing, it might require only recovering, which would not be as expensive.
It the piece was a quality brand make of furniture when it was manufactured, it may be worth the investment.
Personally I think the color and pattern would work in a allot of settings. You be amazed at how updated it might look if you removed the skirting and show the legs.
You can paint the sofa
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Paint the brass on the mirror a light color and highlight the scrolls with dark Rub and Buff. Do the same with the lamps. Paint the lampshades a bright color. If the marble top is light colored paint the base black or oil rubbed bronze. If the marble is dark paint the base a light color.
You can do an Anthropologie take on it. If this is not about money ie counting on reselling it and if the fabric is worn or stained and if reupholstering or covering is too costly or time consuming you can paint the entire sofa using chalk paint or fabric paint on the seating. It creates a modern take on a old piece. I just did that to a piece I have that is like vintage or antique but it really didn't go with my super modern loft. But once I painted it it fit in.
It took me 2 yrs.to find a sofa like that ! They are coming back my dear!!! I wouldnt paint the mirror or the lamps if you do they wont be worth 0 if you wanted to sell them ,I paid 200.for my small mirror yours is Gorgeous just the way it is ,Dont fix unless it's broken, there are slip covers you can get if you cant afford to have it covered,I used to deal in antiques so I know about the paint !!!Good Luck
If you hate the couch fabric you might check if you would be able to dye the fabric. The design may still show but not as much. The mirror beautiful and no other treat meant is I would change the color lamps. Paint all of it one color
Tha sofa is atractive may need a recover if good make check on underside for makers name it's a nice shape a plain matteral for cover would be good less expence and would sell as good shape looks as if a party type seatting peoplw think like how many can we seat if we have guests all good take time to decide if you plan on selling
I love that furniture. You could also list it on local garage sale sites if you have them on your facebook account.
I am not a fan of mid century, but it is really popular right now. Don’t know where you are located but suspect some individual, a designer, or a thrift shop would be interested. Good luck
I really like the sofa and would keep it. The lamps, take the crystals off and prime them with Rustoleum primer, then paint Oil Rubbed Bronze. You can paint the mirror frame as well.