The Vintage Chairs You Shouldn't Overlook If You Happen To See Them At The Thrift Store

There's no thrill like a great thrift store score — spotting that dusty item that everyone else has abandoned, and knowing it's about to make your life better. If you're chasing that thrill while shopping for vintage furniture, keep your eyes peeled for Eastlake chairs.

There's a high potential that other thrifters have overlooked them. Eastlake chairs are statuesque, Victorian-era dining or parlor chairs that were popular in the late 1800s. They're not quite as ornate or fussy as other furniture from that era, but they're definitely not the more sleek, Scandinavian-style chairs that many people favor today. Plus, they're upholstered, meaning they might be stained, yellowed, or feature fabric that feels dated.

But don't dismiss an Eastlake chair if you spy one at your local secondhand shop. Given the lack of demand, it might be a steal. You might find that with a little love, the chair will add some serious character to a forgotten corner of your room. Or, you can check out the chair's resale value — some Eastlake chairs sell for several hundred dollars, potentially turning your thrift shop find into the ultimate score.

There are a few ways to know if you spotted an Eastlake chair next time you're poking around your local thrift shop. The first thing to remember is that they may look more decorative than today's modern chairs, but the style is actually much cleaner and simpler than other Victorian furnishings.

They're named after Charles Eastlake, an architect who wanted to create expertly crafted furniture with clean lines. You may find decorative elements like engraved edgings, geometric details, or nature-inspired carvings, but they'll stand apart from other Victorian-era furniture because of the lack of overly ornate, dramatic designs.

Eastlake chairs are often made of cherry, oak, rosewood, or walnut hardwood, and Eastlake emphasized finishing methods that showed off the material's natural, gorgeous grains. They were almost always upholstered with leather or fabric. Above all, Eastlake wanted people to take pride in the chairs' craftsmanship, so there's a good chance that a surviving piece will still be in great condition.

There's a chance that you snag an Eastlake chair for a great deal, take it home, and realize that it fits perfectly into your Victorian-inspired home without any modifications. If the fabric is damaged, however, you might have to reupholster your vintage furniture piece. This will, admittedly, take a bit of work, but it will give you the opportunity to create a chair that's custom-fit to your style.

Of course, you may also decide that you want to check out the resale value of your thrift store find. On some sites like eBay and 1stDibs, authentic Eastlake chairs in great condition sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. They're even more coveted when there's a matching pair, so keep an eye out for a set when you're thrifting. Even if these chairs don't align with your taste, this approach will allow you to pocket some earnings from a thrift store find and pass along an Eastlake chair to someone who's going to appreciate its craftsmanship and beauty for years to come.