I Asked Interior Designers a Simple Question: "What's the One Thing You'd Never Buy New?"

Living room with wall of cream curtains, large potted tree, two ochre sofas opposite each other, a fireplace, timber coffee table styled with books, and a rattan armchair.

When it comes to furnishing a home, buying new might feel like the most reliable option — but designers would actually argue otherwise. From vintage pieces with built-in character to smart thrifted finds, the items that have already stood the test of time are often the ones worth investing in.

In fact, knowing what not to buy new can be just as important as knowing what you should. As more homeowners grow keen on learning how to source vintage — learning the best search terms, getting acquainted with their local markets, as well as designer signatures — there’s a growing awareness of where new pieces actually add value and where they fall short.