How to buy vintage fabric

How to clean your “new” old fabrics
Old fabrics can get dusty. To remove dust, place nylons over a vacuum nozzle and gently vacuum the fabric.  If it has a musty smell, Victoria recommends laying it out in the sun for a few hours.

If the material is dirty you may want to try washing it. Some fabrics are fragile, but as Victoria says, “If it can’t stand up to washing it won’t stand up to being used for upholstery. It’s better to lose it during washing than have it be destroyed after you’ve upholstered something in it.” When washing, be cautious of using chemicals. Certain cleaners can cause the dye to run in vintage fabrics, so it’s best to use natural materials. Victoria recommends testing a corner in case the fabric bleeds.

If you’ve invested a lot of money in a piece, consider professional cleaning. Make sure that you find someone with experience in vintage textiles. Ask the proprietor of a vintage or quilt store to recommend someone in your area.
 
Using your vintage finds in home décor projects
The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding a vintage piece to a room, so indulge your creative side. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Mismatched antique linens are perfect for old-fashioned hand towels in a guest bath.
• Reclaim old tablecloths or upholstery and give them new life as pillows—add them to a neutral sofa or chair for a clean look with a sense of history.
• Old curtain panels are great for upholstering ottomans or occasional chairs.
• Bring romance to the bedroom with a whimsical floral headboard.
• Personalize lampshades with an unusual print.
• Line the inside of a bookshelf or armoire for personalized charm.
• When in doubt, frame it. You can preserve fragile and meaningful pieces while still displaying them for all to see.

Read more in Decorating and Decorating 101