Aurelia Butler

It’s officially sweater weather, but I still find myself procrastinating a seasonal closet swap. I always dread having to pull out my bulky items from storage and sort through every item. Somehow, the results is always clothes scattered around my bedroom. Before I tackled the project this year, I decided to ask professional organizers for their help—and, the process didn’t feel as chaotic or overwhelming. As someone who lives in a small, one-bedroom apartment, I have to be super intentional about every inch of space. “I won’t lie or pretend there is a way to complete a closet swap in a short period of time, but there are ways we can make it less intimidating,” says Shaniece Jones, professional organizer. From mental preparation to following Jones’ step-by-step instructions, I was able to tackle this seasonal project without nearly as much stress.Before You Begin:Don’t stress about doing it all in one sitting. I sighed the biggest relief when I heard this from organizers: It doesn’t have to get done in one day. Break the projects into sections to avoid getting overwhelmed. Pro organizer Laura Cattano says to work category by category—shoes first, then clothes and accessories. “Taking your time gives you the mental space to evaluate what you have and arrange clothes in a way that makes getting dressed easier—which is the whole point.”You can also break down the process by tasks: “One day might just be rearranging; another might be folding and storing,” says Jones. I decided to start with hanging clothes—one day dedicated to pulling out spring and summer clothes for storage, then another for bringing in fall and winter items. Start when you’re feeling energized.Start your swap at a time of day when your energy is highest—for me, that was a Saturday morning after walking my dog and drinking a coffee. “Set yourself up for success with a good playlist and light a candle,” says Jones. “If you get overstimulated by sound, skip lyrical music and opt for binaural beats to stay calm and focused.” Alyssa GautieriI already transferred my fall items to hangers. Have a plan. I typically dread the process, because of how fast it can turn chaotic. Before I started pulling items from hangers and creating piles all over, I made a plan. “Map out your closet first,” Jones says. “Ask yourself, where will bulkier coats and knits live? Where will scarves and gloves go? Having a visual plan prevents burnout halfway through. Keep your go-to everyday or core winter pieces in the most accessible place. Keep less frequent or formal items in spaces you don’t need easy access to.” How to Switch Your WardrobeAfter I made a plan and set myself up for a positive mindset, I felt ready to tackle this seasonal project. Keep in mind: I dedicated a separate day a few days prior to pulling out spring and summer clothes from the closet. Jones’ step-by-step approach helped keep me on track. Set a timer for 1-2 hours. Give yourself a clear goal and dedicate uninterrupted time to achieving it. I took quick breaks for water (and coffee) to keep my mind clear. Pull out your fall and winter pieces from storage. Brings bags or boxes into the bedroom and take stock of what you have. I set aside scarfs, gloves, boots, and winter jackets to tackle another day. I pulled all clothing out of boxes and bins, and laid them on my bed. Edit as you go. This is the time-consuming portion—but it’s worth it. Try on every article of clothing before it earns a place in your closet. Anything that doesn’t fit you or your current style should go into a donate pile. “The best advice is to have a well-edited wardrobe,” agrees Cattano. “When you have pieces you love and are excited to wear, it makes the switch a fun activity rather than a harrowing chore.”Transfer clothing to matching hangers or fold neatly. I organized my donation items into tote bags, and brought the bag out of the bedroom. From there, I was left with everything I wanted to keep. Hint: I swear by velvet hangers. Re-arrange as needed. Fall and winter items are bulky, so I can’t fit as many items in my small closet as I’d hope. Adjust your closet as needed, tucking items you don’t wear often toward the back and adding folded items to shelf to maximize vertical space.Alyssa GautieriMy organized closet after following expert advice.How to Store Off-Season ClothingStore your off-season items (shorts, sandals, linen tops, sundresses) into empty bins and baskets. Make sure everything is clean—”check the pockets and clean launder everything before putting it away” to keep away moths and pests, says Cattano. Breathable canvas boxes or zippered hanging bags are ideal to avoid mold. Fold everything neatly and label bins to avoid trouble during the next closet swap. More on Closet OrganizationAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

If you need inspiration for your home makeover, head to grandma’s house! With retro design trends coming back, decorators say it’s time to lean into things like bold wallpaper choices and vintage glassware. These trends from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and even the 90s will make your home feel cozy and personal, just like your grandparents’ house did. Designers recommend looking at antique shops and thrift stores to find vintage-inspired pieces for your home. Of course, if you can go through Grandma’s attic and borrow some of her vintage linens and old-school artwork, even better! Here are retro design trends that designers say are making a comeback. Wood Tones Eric Lucero PhotographyOak dining tables, stained bookcases and even rustic wooden picture frames are becoming more and more popular — and the trend isn’t difficult to implement, thanks to the rise of antique shopping.”With its inherent warmth and texture, wood adds depth and character to any space,” says Cullen. “We are seeing wood incorporated in distinctly ‘retro’ ways, such as reeded finishes, like this fireplace front.” Patterned Wallpaper Jacqueline MarqueWhile there was certainly a period of time where all-white-everything had completely taken over, we’re happy to officially announce that patterned wallpaper is back. “Clients are requesting wallpaper in more rooms than ever before, in brighter and bolder patterns,” says Debbie Mathews, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “It has become almost commonplace now to wallpaper ceilings, which is something I was not doing 10 years ago!” Vintage Linens and GlasswareGrandma always seems to have the loveliest linens and most beautiful glassware. Each piece comes with a story — and that’s what people seem to be after these days. “I always love sifting through vintage dishes, china, linens and glassware as they can create the most interesting tablescapes,” says Mathews. “Coupe glasses are now back in vogue and are perfect for serving cocktails or dessert.”Whether placed on a bar cart for decoration or on the dining table for hosting, vintage linens and glassware enhance a home’s personality. Plus, there are tons of unique finds in thrift stores or even on Facebook Marketplace. Decorative MoldingErin KestenbaumHomeowners are becoming more and more interested in living spaces that are architecturally exciting. The solution? Wainscoting. According to Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors, decorative molding is on the rise due to its “ability to add structure and sophistication” to a home. While it may seem like a structural change that requires professional work, adding wainscoting or decorative molding can actually be a fun DIY project with the right materials. Gallery Walls With Old-School ArtEric Lucero PhotographyIt takes patience, but building a gallery wall with art that matches your own interior design style and carries a history is a trend worth trying out. “Gallery walls featuring vintage or ‘old-school’ art are an easy way to mix the past with the present,” says Clendenon. “We are seeing a lot of this but done with a modern and unexpected twist, like color-dipped portraits for example.”Bold Colors Gone are the days of all-white kitchens and minimal wall decor. Grandma’s house has much more character than that, right? Vibrant wallpaper, colorful curtains and bold appliances are making a comeback in today’s home design, according to Cullen. Recently, designers have even been noticing surprising color-specific interior design trends, including an increase in pink retro kitchens and purple living spaces.Antique MirrorsMedina Interiors / Sarah Baker PhotographyJust because there are a few retro trends that have been revived recently doesn’t mean the whole house needs to be full of them — adding an antique mirror is one way to infuse a bit of the past into an otherwise modern home for added visual interest. As an antique dealer and designer, Mathews loves when her clients request ornate, vintage mirrors.”In my mind, successful design is all about contrast and the mixing of old and new,” says Mathews. “Retro styles resurface because we draw inspiration from previous eras, reimagining them to suit contemporary tastes and needs, bridging the past with the future,” says Mathews. Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

1Palace Pearl by Benjamin MooreBenjamin Moore”This beautiful blue-gray stands the test of time, because it strikes the perfect balance between warmth and sophistication. It’s subtle undertone reflects light beautifully, creating a luminous backdrop that complements traditional, contemporary, and transitional interiors with ease.” — Lauren Hurlbrink, interior designerGET THE COLOR2Slipper Satin by Farrow & BallFarrow & Ball”This is my favorite neutral off-white color. It has a creamy undertone without being yellow and is the perfect backdrop for your common areas. I recently painted my interior design studio this color (including the walls and ceiling) and it feels like a warm hug.” — Erin Tripodi, interior designerGET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Pine Crush by GliddenGlidden”Pine Crush offers warmth with a natural sense of reflection and renewal. It feels most at home in spaces intended for connection or restoration like clubrooms, kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms, where the gentle green tone bridges the relationship between interior and landscape. This color reinforces a biophilic sensibility.” — Alanna Call, designer at CID Design GroupGET THE COLOR4Chantilly Lace by Benjamin MooreBenjamin Moore”One of my favorite colors has been and continues to be Chantilly Lace. A versatile classic that looks new and fresh every time. I have used this color for clients in both New Jersey and California, so whether it is Eastern sunrises or Western sunsets, it works everywhere. It reads bright, yet warm, spacious, yet inviting.” — Nureed Saeed, founder of Nu InteriorsGET THE LOOK Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Tricorn Black by HGTV Home By Sherwin-WilliamsHGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams”In addition to working beautifully for creating a strong moodiness inside, this color is also incredible when used on home’s exteriors. What works best about it is the fact that it reads as a true black without taking on any undertones, which happen a lot based on how much direct sunlight interior spaces or exteriors get.” — Brian Patrick Flynn, designer for HGTV Dream HomeGET THE COLOR 6Swiss Coffee by Benjamin MooreBenjamin Moore”Our forever favorite whites at Moonstone are Chantilly Lace, White Dove, and Swiss Coffee (all Benjamin Moore). We love them because they are clean and timeless, but not too cold or too warm. Swiss Coffee has just a hint of depth—it keeps spaces from feeling flat while feeling cozy and classic.” — Lidia Valdivia, founder of Moonstone Design & BuildAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Baby Fawn by Benjamin MooreBenjamin Moore8Hague Blue by Farrow & BallFarrow & Ball”Hague Blue proves that color can be both bold and timeless at once. It has depth, mood, and polish. It’s beautiful on kitchen cabinetry, dining rooms, and entryways where you want a strong foundation without sacrificing sophistication.” — ​​Lauren Saab, founder of Saab StudiosGET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Eider White by Sherwin-Williams”Eider White by Sherwin-Williams, is our go-to paint color for many of our projects—clean, with a hint of gray that then allows us to go wild with colors and textures via artwork, fabrics, etc. — Nicole White of Nicole White DesignsGET THE COLOR10Soleil by GliddenGlidden”If you want a yellow, choose this soft, warm piece of sunshine. Yellow expands on the wall, so I’d recommend going lighter than you’d think. It’s ideal for a throwback kitchen color or nursery. It’s soft enough for a bedroom, giving it a sunny look without it being jarring or too much energy.” — Dee Schlotter, biophilic design consultantGET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Krypton by HGTV Home By Sherwin-WilliamsHGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams”Hands down, this is my most used paint color of all time. It’s a perfect 50/50 blend of gray and blue, so much that it acts as a calming new neutral. Spaces meant to feel subdued and relaxed are basically meant for this color; but it’s also got just enough hue in it to add some personality.” — Brian Patrick Flynn, designer for HGTV Dream HomeGET THE COLOR12Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams”Iron Ore is my go-to black. It’s warm, grounded, and never harsh. For the most refined finish, I recommend flat paint on the ceilings and satin on the walls.” — Leah Huisken, Interior Designer, Forge & Bow GET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13White Dove by Benjamin MooreBenjamin Moore”White Dove has an ease that never feels forced because its balanced, and it adapts easily to any environment. In a well-lit room, it feels clean and architectural, but in dim lighting, it takes on an even warmer, more welcoming tone. This is the ultimate neutral white paint color for a range of interiors, from traditional to modern.” — Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios GET THE COLOR14Versatile Gray by Sherwin-Williams”We love Sherwin Williams’ Versatile Grey for its balance as it’s the perfect greige, and depending on the light, you’ll catch a soft blush undertone that gives every space a warm, luminous feel.” — Kate Duffy, co-founder of Duffy Scott InteriorsGET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Water’s Edge by Benjamin MooreBenjamin Moore”This mid-tone blue is timeless and complements a variety of aesthetics. It offers traditional charm when paired with warm wood tones, evokes a coastal feel, and also adds a subtle dose of color to a modern space.” — Allison Hardeman of ODE DesignGET THE COLOR16White Duck by Sherwin-Williams”This is a beautifully balanced soft white that bridges the gap between warm and cool tones, making it endlessly versatile. What I love most about White Duck is how gracefully it adapts to different settings and lighting conditions. In shaded, north-facing rooms it feels creamy and cozy, while in brighter, sunlit spaces it maintains a clean, fresh character.” — Cathleen Gruver of Gruver CooleyGET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below17Dock Blue by Little Greene”Navy blue is a classic and timeless paint color that we employ in media rooms, kids’ rooms, and even kitchen islands. We love using Little Greene’s Dock Blue because it is the perfect companion to crisp whites as well as rich jewel tones in any space.” — Denise McGaha, interior designerGET THE COLOR18Moth Gray by GliddenGlidden”Moth Gray reflects the industry’s broader movement toward warmer neutrals and away from cool grays. Its gentle taupe influence makes it highly versatile across cabinetry, wall paneling, and architectural millwork. It brings a cocooning quality that evokes comfort and calm.” — Alanna Call, designer at CID Design GroupGET THE COLORAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below19Retreat by Sherwin-Williams”Retreat has been one of my go-to paint colors for over a decade. This color feels just like its name—a comforting retreat. It’s a rich, earthy sage green that works beautifully as an accent wall or drenched throughout an entire room. It’s also stunning on cabinetry!” — Reanna Channer, founder of Design to Elevate GET THE COLOR20Simply White by Benjamin MooreBenjamin Moore”Simply White has been my go-to white for years because it’s so universal! It works in any lighting situation and has warmer undertones, so it brightens without feeling stark.” — Patti Woods, principal designer of Patti Woods InteriorsGET THE COLORAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

If your social media algorithms are anything like ours, you’re probably seeing tons of trendy design choices and thinking about incorporating them into your home. Unfortunately, some of them might be choices you’ll regret in a few years. We asked designers about the home trends that won’t last. They gave us some honest insights about why TikTok or Instagram trends like bold cabinets or hardcore minimalism might not be the most timeless choices for every home. At the end of the day, your home should feel personal. While social media can be a great way to find inspiration for your space, don’t hop on a popular trend just because it looks good online. Here are the home trends that won’t last, according to interior designers. Bold Cabinet ColorsWith the resurgence of ’70s vintage vibes, we’re seeing more yellow, green and even pink kitchens — but this trend may not be here for long. “A design trend working its way into 2025 with a vengeance — one that I believe will be working its way right back out — are bold and vibrant colored kitchen cabinets,” says designer and content creator Galey Alix. “Kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive investments in your home’s design and can be difficult to change out in a few years when it’s not the trend anymore,” says Alix. “Instead, try going bold with the backsplash or lighting choices — those are far easier and less expensive to change out.”Color DrenchingAs a lover of color, this one hurts me to admit: Drenching an entire room with one hue may look trendy now, but you may not love it in a few years. “Done right, the vibe is cool, but it can quickly feel impractical and borderline garish,” says Rebecca Bobroff, an interior designer. izusek//Getty ImagesColor drenching involves painting the walls, ceiling and molding in a single hue, and often furniture and textures of the same color. Themed SpacesWe’ve seen cultural moments influence design trends, like the popularity of “Brat Green” following the buzz around Charli XCX’s Brat album. But, these trends are often short-lived and “can be a little too much,” says Cheryl Clendenon, creative chief of In Detail Interiors. “Overly themed spaces (like all-in on Barbiecore or a maximalist jungle) might feel fun now, but could date your home quickly,” she adds. “Instead, we say pick moments of these trends — like a pop of vibrant pink or tropical wallpaper in small doses or curated vignettes.” Open ShelvingOpen shelving in the kitchen is a surprisingly controversial topic. It looks beautiful when properly executed, but can quickly become cluttered and disorganized. “Whenever a client wants open shelving in their home, we always ask them to honestly answer this question: ‘Am I truly neat enough for this?'” says E. Norton of Norton Interiors. Minimalist DecorDesigners have been saying it for months: Minimalism is out. People are sick of their interiors feeling stark and cold. “Ultra-minimalist decor with zero personality is on its way out,” says Clendenon. “Homes should feel warm, lived-in and uniquely you. Skip the trend of styling for Instagram alone — design for your life instead. A thoughtful blend of classic pieces with subtle nods to current styles will always shine.”Westend61//Getty ImagesDesigners agree minimalist interiors — popular for clean lines and neutral colors — are on their way out.Mob Wife Aesthetic As minimalism fades, some are embracing what’s being dubbed the “mob wife aesthetic” — a bold, maximalist style characterized by animal prints, faux furs and vibrant colors like red.”As with most tenants of good design, the heavy, over-the-top maximalism that is a hallmark of this trend only works if the client is a Soprano — or at least mob-adjacent,” says Sarah Henley, founder of Henley Design. “Authenticity should always drive the narrative thread of a project, so if the client, the home or the location doesn’t relate to the trend you are considering, we think you should steer clear!”Faux MoldingYou can install trim molding, wall panels or picture-frame molding to fake architectural details — but some designers don’t love the look. “Skip it — especially if your home isn’t from that era,” says Thea Bloch-Neal, founder of Curated by Thea. “Instead, focus on embracing the original details that give your space its unique character. Or, invest in a truly stunning piece of artwork — something timeless that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.”EricVega//Getty ImagesFaux molding can look tacky if it’s overdone or it doesn’t appear natural to the home. Fast FurnitureInvesting in quality furniture can be costly, but some mass-produced pieces are made with non-durable materials that lack longevity. “While these items might seem like a quick fix, they can prematurely age a space and end up being more expensive in the long run when replacements are needed,” says Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors.”Instead, I suggest investing in higher-quality items that offer both style and longevity. These pieces become the anchors of your home, evolving gracefully over time and providing a much richer, more intentional design experience.”Limewash WallsIn recent years, more people have experimented with limewash as a way to add texture to their space — but it doesn’t always turn out as planned. “Skip the limewash, especially if you’re planning a DIY. It’s tricky to get right, and you’ll likely regret it halfway through,” says Bloch-Neal.Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Out of all the common design blunders people tend to make in their homes, experts say there’s one area that usually tops the list: lighting. It makes sense, since it’s so tricky to get right. There’s no shortage of lighting choices out there, whether you’re partial to sleek, minimal designs or sculptural looks, and every room calls for something a bit different. Don’t stress, though. I checked in with four design experts to find out the biggest home lighting mistakes to avoid at all costs. Consider their practical pointers to ensure every space in your home is stylish and beautifully lit.❌ Failing to layer lightingWhen it comes to lighting, design pros say a layered effect is best. The last thing you want to do is only settle for overhead lighting, which “looks like a runway in our ceilings,” says designer Joy Williams of Joyful Designs Studio. “It flattens a space. Without layering, you lose dimensionality, and surfaces look dull or washed out,” Williams explains. Here are three types of lighting for a well-designed setup: Ambient: ceiling fixtures for overall illumination rather than focusing on a specific area in a roomTask: direct light fixtures for activities such as cooking, reading, writing, or sewingAccent: directional light to highlight a home’s architectural details or unique art❌ Disregarding proportionsScale is key in a room, and it’s one of the most overlooked design principles. “Proportion is about visual harmony. The fixture should feel intentional within the ceiling height, table size, or room scale. A tiny chandelier over a nine-foot dining table feels like an afterthought, while an oversized pendant in an eight-foot hallway can feel oppressive,” Williams explains. Williams’s tip for picking dining room chandeliers:room length + room width in feet = fixture width in inchesexample: 12’ × 14’ room → 12 + 14 = 26” chandelier diameter in inches ❌ Skipping bedside lightingGreat lighting can easily upgrade your bedroom. Create a calming atmosphere with soft, filtered light. “Bedside lamps help signal to your body that it’s time to slow down, creating a gentle evening rhythm that makes the whole space feel more restful,” says Cathryn Erickson of Cathryn Lindsey Design. “They’re also one of the few opportunities to bring a real design moment to a bedroom. There aren’t many pieces in the room, so the lamps carry a lot of visual weight. Lamps that feel sculptural but are softened by a fabric shade add just the right mix of function and personality to a bedroom.”xizeng lu//Getty Images❌ Picking the wrong color temperature for bulbsDon’t make the mistake of purchasing light bulbs that create a cold and sterile atmosphere. Keita Turner of Keita Turner Design aims for bulbs between 2,700 and 3,000 Kelvin. “Factors such as function, access to natural light, color, and material selections used in a space play a role in choosing the most appropriate light temperature,” Turner explains. She warns against mixing temperatures, too. As an example, she went with 2,700K for a recent home project with East-facing windows and a combination of cooler blue and violet colors. ❌ Using outdated can lightsFor designer Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Design, can lights just don’t cut it these days. There are so many other affordable lighting styles to shop both online and in-store, so it doesn’t have to be a go-to. “Upgrading to LED fixtures is a relatively inexpensive change that dramatically refines a space. The ceiling reads more seamless, the lighting more intentional—and with adjustable LEDs, you can fine-tune the color temperature to suit the mood and time of day,” says Jay. zoranm//Getty Images❌ Overlooking light switch placement”Developing a lighting and electrical plan upfront helps put this crucial design element at the forefront, rather than it becoming an afterthought,” says Turner. It’s important to consider where light switches are placed in a room and connected to fixtures in your home. “There is nothing worse than having switch plates butted up to trim or being placed outside of a room due to improper planning,” she says. ❌ Viewing lighting as purely functionalErickson believes lighting is “the jewelry of the room,” so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t show off your style freely. “Sculptural sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps add shape, dimension, and personality. I always tell clients to choose lighting that looks just as good turned off as it does on. A beautiful lamp or sconce brings texture and warmth to a space, even in daylight, turning function into an integral design moment,” Erickson says. Related StoriesMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

Antiquing might be an excellent way to add a high-quality, one-of-a-kind flair to your space—but it’s also having a moment. According to OfferUp’s 2025 Recommerce Report, a whopping 93 percent of participants have purchased at least one secondhand item in the past year. The time-honored tradition is trending, but it’s important to make those haute hand-me-downs last. Clothes and accessories can exhibit wear and tear, but they can be sewn, cobbled, or patched to look like new. But furniture? Well, that’s another story. One false move—or a string of negligence—can take your pieces from dapper to dilapidated. The good news, however, is that it doesn’t have to be that way. To help, two antique insiders are sharing their top tips and tricks to extend the lifespan of your precious vintage furniture. More Antique Shopping TipsWhile it’s important to take care of your vintage finds, pros say antiquing shouldn’t be anxiety-inducing. “They have been around since before central heat and air were invented and many have survived being shipped from other countries,” explains Debbie Mathews LeRoy, owner and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. “So they are often sturdier than pieces made today!” However, thanks to these pointers, you can enjoy these precious pieces for many more years to come. Mind MoistureJuan Maria Coy Vergara//Getty ImagesWater might be the ultimate ingredient to clean most things, Mathews LeRoy says to use it sparingly on your antique furniture. “It’s extremely harmful to wood and can cause it to warp or change the finish,” Mathews LeRoy explains. “Even a glass of water can leave a discolored ring.” If you must wipe up a dirt or debris, do so with a slightly damp rag. Choose Cleaners CarefullyAndreas von Einsiedel//Getty ImagesConventional cleaning sprays and wipes might be suitable for your newer pieces, but when it comes to your antiques? Not so fast. “It’s always best to stay away from chemicals or products that you would pick up at the grocery store,” says Will Hunt Lewis, owner of Hunt & Bloom. “To maintain the shine of a piece, simply waxing it a couple of times a year with a natural, high-quality wax will do wonders for finish and shine.” Lewis polishes his pieces with Paste Wax by Christopher Pourny, while Mathews Le Roy reaches for The Original Bee’s Wax Polish.Stay Away from the SunshineJohn keeble//Getty ImagesWe love a sun-drenched room as much as the next design lover, but the same can’t be said about your antiques. “You want to be careful about placing antiques in a window where there is lots of direct sunlight, as this can lead to discoloration or fading, and also dries out the piece,” Mathews LeRoy explains. “I often find that an antique chest that is cracked on one side has usually lived near a window.”Same goes for heat and humidity. “Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause irreversible effects on wood, including mold and mildew,” Lewis says. Instead, store your time-honored wares in a climate-controlled space that’s cool and dry. “I know it’s tempting to just throw the pieces in the garage, but if it’s not climate-controlled, don’t do it,” he notes..Take the Utmost Care of Upholstery Horst P. Horst//Getty ImagesAccording to Lewis, upholstery is far trickier to care for than wood. “Many fabrics used generations ago do not have the composition or new technologies modern fabrics do, which cause them to last much longer,” he explains. “Often, pieces are recovered since the original upholstery becomes torn, worn, or just too tattered.” If you do happen to find older upholstery in good shape, tender, loving care is a non-negotiable. “”It is incredibly important that you take great care to make sure any sort of compromising event that could damage the fabric is avoided,” Lewis explains. “This includes eating and drinking, smoking, or reading something with transferable ink such as a newspaper.” Keep an Eye Out for Insectsimaginima//Getty ImagesVintage furniture can hold up for decades—even centuries!—so how do you know if a piece is past its prime? “One of the biggest red flags is when you see what looks like piles of fine sawdust near a wooden antique piece,” Mathews LeRoy says. “This is a telltale sign that your piece is infested with powderpost beetles.” In fact, she says that seeing bugs in the vicinity of your wares should be alarming. The solution? “You must immediately remove this piece from your home to prevent these flying insects from feeding on another piece of wooden furniture,” Mathews LeRoy recommends. “Additionally, call a professional exterminator to get rid of the beetles and prevent them from spreading.” Reach for Rustic WaresPhotoAlto/Sigrid Olsson//Getty ImagesStarting your vintage collection from scratch? When in doubt, opt for a patinated piece. “Start out with a rustic piece of furniture where the finish is not perfect and the scratches and blemishes only add to the character,” Mathews LeRoy explains. “Certain types of wood, like oak and mahogany, are heartier and more dense, making them sturdier.” Bonus points: If your purchase already has scratches and discoloration, there’ll be less pressure to keep it in tip-top shape. “Perfectly imperfect,” she adds.Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

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