You found it, the perfect vintage vase, brass lamp, or teak side table. Now you’re wondering: How do I clean it? What if I damage it? Caring for vintage homeware can feel intimidating if you’re used to wiping down new items. Done right, it is less work and more rewarding than you might think. Here’s a gentle, practical guide to making sure your vintage treasures thrive.

Wondering if that vintage lamp or sideboard is a smart buy? Learn how to evaluate second-hand homeware so you spot quality, value and character with confidence.

If you've ever sat down for a cuppa at your nana’s house, odds are your drink was lovingly placed on a Jason coaster. You probably didn’t think much of it at the time—but those little rectangles of acrylic-covered art are more than just table savers. They're Kiwi icons. Let’s peel back the coaster (not literally) and take a trip into the nostalgic world of Jason Products, one of New Zealand’s most beloved homeware brands.

Let’s be honest: modern homeware can feel like it came straight out of a copy-paste machine. Sure, it’s shiny—maybe even minimal—but often lacks what we like to call soul. Vintage, on the other hand, is homeware with a backstory. That chip on the teacup? A tale of countless afternoon teas and long-forgotten gossip. That floral motif? A design statement from someone who actually cared about the curve of a saucer and the angle of a handle.

In an age of fast interiors, vintage is a quiet rebellion. It’s intentional. It’s sustainable. And it’s charmingly imperfect. Whether it’s a set of Kiwi-made Jason coasters or a milk jug that’s seen more than its fair share of Sunday roasts, vintage homeware tells a story—and lets you write the next chapter. Because when it comes to decorating a home, old really is the new new.