Olga

Many people like to buy vintage or antique furniture from thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales.

While the price may be right, other factors may be wrong.

Here are some tips to ensure that you get the most for your money:

- Furniture that is going out of style or is already way out of style typically will be available on the cheap. For instance, resale midcentury modern furniture — pieces from the late 1950s to the 1970s — has been expensive for quite some time. It is a popular style, and most people realize that these are not the pieces to throw or give away.

Pieces in this modern style found at yard sales or thrift stores are probably not the best of the best by now, and what's left is probably pretty pricey, too. What is headed directly for the trash heap these days, like circa -1940s wooden or brown furniture, is durable yet not so fashionable.

While this furniture is not as sought-after as midcentury modern pieces by Bertoia, Eames or Saarinen, mahogany furniture is still quite durable, useful and functional. And, what many people don't realize is that while your 40-something children don't want it, your 20-something grandchildren do. They are buying it up at flea markets and repurposing it into great statement pieces for their first homes and apartments. Know what you are after — good looks or longevity - and shop for that type of vintage furniture. Don't be reeled in by what's all the rage now.

- Make sure you decide if you are going to use a piece of vintage furniture as-is, or if you are interested in restoring, repairing or repurposing it. If you are buying a piece of old furniture and it has some damage, get an idea of its true value before you restore or repurpose. I have seen many surprises, like ultravaluable pieces that have been overlooked, in thrift stores or ruined in terms of value by a creative crafter.

- Once you know the value of your flea market find, use online videos - YouTube is a great, searchable source - to teach you how to repair small areas of damage or safely remove the age-old gunk on the seat cushion.

- Know the measurements of your existing furniture. That will help you decide what will fit and how well it will fit. Take a measurement of your doorway and access points so you are sure you can get the new piece through the doorway. Better yet, just take a tape measure with you as you shop.