Secrets of Junk Shop Finds

We all know someone who has a beautiful home, filled with eclectic pieces from around the world, who, when asked, says that they find all their great stuff at markets and junk shops. The truth is there are plenty of great items to be found in junk shops that with a little TLC would not look out of place in a fancy antique shop. There is also plenty of junk. When you look for pieces in junk shops or at markets, the first things to look for are large areas of damage. Minor repairs to a piece of furniture are usually no hassle, but trying to replace a whole, carved leg or another large component is well nigh impossible. Then, look at the structure of the item as a whole. Rusted metal or wood that shows signs of rot or insects will probably not be suitable for refurbishment, and should be left alone. If the item is structu rally sound however, even if there are handles missing and other minor issues, and if the price is right, but the piece, strip it, and restore it.