Buy vintage armchairs online: The 10 most important tips to distinguish originals from replicas
Introduction to the world of genuine vintage design classics
If you want to buy vintage armchairs online , you face a challenge that many of our customers know all too well: You find beautiful pictures, tempting prices and big promises – but countless replicas, reproductions and furniture are circulating on the market that are described as “vintage” even though they are only a few years old.
As the ChairClassics team , we have been professionally involved with genuine vintage design classics and handcrafted mid-century pieces from Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, and around the world for many years. We know from daily experience:
➡️ The biggest uncertainty when buying online is the fear of a counterfeit.
➡️ And at the same time the wish: “Please a genuine, high-quality original piece, not a cheap replica.”
To ensure you have absolute peace of mind when buying vintage armchairs online , this comprehensive guide provides you with the 10 most important expert tips to reliably distinguish genuine originals from replicas.
This knowledge comes directly from our workshop, our restoration team, and over 10 years of experience in the international trade of rare designer furniture.
1. Manufacturer's markings – the most important proof of a genuine original
Genuine vintage armchairs almost always bear clear traces of their origin. Key characteristics include:
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Embossed brand stamp
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Paper labels under the seat
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Metal plates with product number
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Serial numbers
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Production period or design year
If you want to buy vintage armchairs online , such markings should be clearly visible in the product description and photos. They are almost always missing on replicas – or poorly copied.
At ChairClassics, we document all existing manufacturer features, photograph them in high resolution, and list them transparently in the description. This is precisely what creates trust and security.
2. Material quality – Originals feel high-quality, heavy, and authentic.
Genuine vintage furniture was originally made with materials that are now rarely found in this quality:
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Solid teak wood
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Rosewood
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solid oak
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spring core cushion
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Thick, hand-shaped leather
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High-quality wool fabrics
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Metals in high material thickness
Replicas, on the other hand, often consist of:
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Veneer instead of solid wood
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faux leather
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Foam without spring core
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Thin-walled metal frames
Authentic vintage armchairs have a noticeable weight. If an armchair seems "too light" or "too plasticky," caution is advised.
Our shop exclusively offers pieces with original or professionally renewed upholstery made from high-quality materials. Everything is cleaned, cared for, and, where necessary, professionally restored – without destroying the piece's history.
3. Craftsmanship details – genuine handwork is always visible
Design classics from the 1950s to the 1980s were genuinely handcrafted. That's why you'll find:
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Precisely crafted seams
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Perfectly flush wood joints
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Smooth curves
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Cleanly sanded edges
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Heavily welded metal frames
Replicas often have:
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Irregular or crooked seams
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Unclean glue joints
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Cheap-looking paintwork
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Surfaces that are too glossy
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Thin material
At ChairClassics, we check every piece for these details before it goes into the shop.
4. Beware of extremely low prices – quality has its value.
If you want to buy vintage armchairs online and come across an offer that sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.
Cheap replicas are often advertised as "originals", but are:
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inferior workmanship
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short-lived
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contaminated with pollutants
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poorly padded
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not sustainable
A genuine vintage armchair is a designer piece of furniture with value. A replica loses value immediately after purchase – an original, on the other hand, often becomes more valuable.
Our product range consists exclusively of authentic designer pieces, whose price is justified by their origin, rarity, and quality.
5. Reviews and reputation – a reliable security factor
Trustworthy retailers have:
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verifiable customer reviews
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real customer photos
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Presence on renowned platforms
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transparent communication
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visible history
We ourselves are on international design platforms such as:
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Pamono
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1st Dibs
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Selency
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Whoppah
With hundreds of positive reviews, our products demonstrate that anyone wanting to buy vintage armchairs online from us can rely on verified quality.
6. Measurements and proportions – replicas are often inaccurate
A frequently underestimated distinguishing feature: The dimensions differ.
Replicas are often:
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too small
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too big
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incorrectly proportioned
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shaped differently
Originals have clearly defined dimensions that can be precisely reproduced.
We use historical catalogues, design archives and museum comparisons to correctly classify each piece – and provide all dimensions in the shop with millimeter precision.
7. Origin story – reputable providers provide information
A genuine vintage armchair has a story. A good dealer can tell you:
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Which country does the piece originate from?
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Whether it comes from a household or a collection
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Which restorations were carried out
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How old the furniture actually is
Those who don't provide such information usually have something to hide.
At ChairClassics, we provide a transparent description of the origin of every armchair – a crucial advantage when buying vintage armchairs online .
8. Natural signs of aging – genuine patina cannot be copied.
Authentic vintage pieces have a patina that develops over decades:
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fine leather folds
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subtle color changes
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subtle scratches
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slightly worn armrests
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a warm wood finish
Replies, on the other hand:
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They look artificially aged
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have unusually regular scratches
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appear too “perfect” or too “new”
Our restoration removes dirt and damage – but preserves the natural historical beauty.
9. Request detailed photos – a must when buying online.
If you want to buy a vintage armchair online, you should always look at detailed photos:
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bottom
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upholstery
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seams
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Wood texture
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Label
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Connections
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backrest and armrests
Many of these photos are already included as standard in our shop – and if you need more, we'll gladly send them to you.
10. Get expert advice – make sound decisions
Many of our customers tell us:
"I don't know if the armchair really matches my decor."
or
"I'm afraid I'll buy a replica."
Therefore, we offer:
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personal consultation
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Interior design tips
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Color and material recommendations
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Video calls for live views
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Authenticity analysis
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non-binding expert advice
You shouldn't just buy – you should feel confident and make the perfect choice.
Why ChairClassics is the best place for genuine vintage armchairs
If you want to buy vintage armchairs online , we offer you:
✔ Genuine originals, not replicas
✔ Professional restoration
✔ Verified authenticity
✔ Transparent descriptions
✔ Secure delivery via freight carrier
✔ Fair prices
✔ 100% customer satisfaction
Our mission:
Making authentic design history accessible for your home – sustainable, high-quality and with attention to detail.
Conclusion: Buying vintage armchairs online – safely, stylishly and without risk
If you follow these tips, you'll be well-prepared to recognize genuine design pieces and avoid replicas. And if you choose our online shop, you're not just getting a piece of furniture – you're getting a piece of design history that's carefully inspected, lovingly restored, and delivered safely.
We look forward to helping you find your perfect vintage armchair.
👉 Discover our curated selection of genuine vintage armchairs now and find a piece of design history!
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