For someone arriving in Glasgow today or even someone needing to refresh furniture cost-effectively, the choice between new and restored furniture might reveal a unique dilemma. So many options are available that identifying the best one might really be difficult.
To help get ideas clearer, this article delves into the merits of contemporary pieces versus the timeless charm of restored items, each offering distinct benefits for furnishing your space.
Ready?
Let’s dive in.
New furniture items
When it comes to furnishing a home, new furniture offers distinct advantages. It can bring the latest in design trends, the assurance of quality with warranties, and the opportunity to precisely match your current décor.
From sleek, contemporary designs to more traditional styles, new furniture can be the cornerstone of creating a specific aesthetic in your Glaswegian home.
Custom-made and boutique selections
In Glasgow, bespoke furniture artisans craft pieces that are more than just functional; they are works of art. Carpenters like 'The Baldy’ exemplify this, where each item is a unique expression of personal style and elegance.
Mainstream and mid-range options
For those seeking a balance of style, quality, and sustainability, mainstream stores like 'John Lewis & Partners' offer diverse choices. These pieces are designed to fit modern lifestyles, combining comfort with eco-friendly designs.
Budget-friendly and practical solutions
‘Ikea' caters to those on a tighter budget. Stores like this provide affordable, stylish, and functional furniture, perfect for transient living situations.
Restored furniture items
From a different perspective, restored furniture in Glasgow presents a unique opportunity to blend history, character, and style into your home.
These pieces not only offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option but also provide exceptional value for money.
Restored furniture often comes with its own story, a piece of Glasgow’s rich history. Whether it's an Art-Deco-era item or a Mid-century modern chair, each item carries a legacy that new furniture simply cannot match.
Besides that, restoration brings out the best in furniture, highlighting the craftsmanship of present and gone by eras. The quality of materials and attention to detail in these older pieces is often superior to that found in mass-produced modern furniture.
This quality ensures longevity, often times making restored items a wise financial investment.
For the eco-conscious individuals, restoration choice aligns perfectly with their values. As a matter of fact, choosing restored furniture also represents a nod to environmental sustainability. It reduces waste and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new items.
Advantages of restored furniture
Restored furniture in Glasgow is not only a testament to quality and history but also a reflection of a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice.
durability: the longevity of restored furniture means it stays out of landfills for longer. Its robust construction and quality materials ensure a lifespan that surpasses many modern alternatives, leading to significant long-term savings.
sustainability: it lowers carbon footprint and landfill impact. Choosing restored furniture significantly lowers the environmental impact associated with furnishing a home. By reusing and repurposing existing pieces, the carbon footprint generated by producing new furniture is avoided. Each restored piece that finds a new home is one less item contributing to landfill waste, reinforcing a cycle of sustainability.
adaptability to modern lifestyles: restored furniture offers the flexibility to be adapted or updated to current design trends and functionalities, providing a cost-effective way to stay stylish without the need for new resources, further preventing unnecessary waste.
investment potential: beyond its aesthetic and practical appeal, restored furniture can be a sound investment. Well-chosen pieces can maintain or increase in value, unlike many new items that depreciate and contribute to consumerism and waste.
unique style at an affordable cost: opting for restored furniture allows for a unique home aesthetic without the high costs often associated with new bespoke items.
It's a choice that offers character, quality, and sustainability, all within a reasonable budget.
Examples of cost-effective restored furniture
Now that we have seen some of the differences between new and restored furniture, let’s have a look at some examples, particularly in their differences.
The first example is about a sideboard. Let’s compare two similar sideboards, one an item available at Forrest Furnishing and the other at Battlefield Restoration shop:
Both sideboards have similar sizes, while the beautiful new piece has two drawers and doors, the restored one has two doors and internal light, just rewired.
While the signs of use in the 1960s one can sound charmingly vintage to some, others might feel more comfortable with the new sideboard. The restored sideboard has a clear advantage on the price tag and carbon footprint involved, since it is a save from landfill plus avoiding the production of another one.
Estimated carbon footprint reduction | Price | |
New sideboard | £1,349.99 | |
Restored sideboard | 25 kgCO2e | £240.00 |
The next example is a wooden coffee table. The new one, available at Ikea, has an oval shape with a shelf for objects, measuring 180x59cm. Made in walnut veneer, it has a super warm looking presence:
The coffee table on the right is available at Battlefield Restoration, measures 101x48cm in a typical Mid-century style. It was entirely restored, and also brings warmth to any room.
While both are stylish on their own, one more modern-minimalist, other 1950s with some curves and smaller in size, they have significant price differences and, of course, carbon emissions:
Estimated carbon footprint reduction | Price | |
Ikea's coffee table |
| £250.00 |
Mid-century restored coffee table | 35 kgCO2e | £115.00 |
The third example is a true piece of design: a Martela Kilta armchair, from 1950s, created by Ollie Mannermaa. The first one is an olive green armchair that for years was displayed at MoMA in New York. It shows some signs of ageing, but in excellent condition, available at Pamono.
The second one is a restored yellow Martela Kilta, that had its fabric stitched manually onto chair, plus seat pad replaced.
While both are essentially the same Martela Kilta armchair, Pamono offers 100% of carbon neutral delivery. The restored one is available at Glasgow shop in Battlefield, to be collected by its new happy owner. We could say both are equally environmentally friendly.
The biggest difference stays in the price tag:
Estimated carbon footprint reduction | Price | |
New armchair | 43 kgCO2e | £849.00 |
Restored armchair | 43 kgCO2e | £290.00 |
The true cost of furnishing: balancing finances and values
The journey of furnishing a Glaswegian home is marked by a choice between new and restored furniture, each offering its unique blend of style, functionality, and environmental impact.
New furniture brings the latest trends, and a pristine aesthetic straight from the showroom. However, it's essential to consider the environmental footprint and longevity of these pieces. Besides that, an average higher price.
Restored furniture, contrastingly, tells a different story. It’s not just about furnishing a space; it’s about bringing in a piece of Glasgow’s history and culture. They offer a sustainable choice, reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions, while also providing a cost-effective solution for stylish, quality furniture.
As we've seen through various examples, the decision between new and restored is more than just a financial one. It's about considering the environmental impact, the charm and character of each piece, and how it aligns with your own personal values.
To explore more about your furniture choices or for personalised guidance, feel free to contact us.