Before you bring the vintage cabinet home.

The cabinet is gorgeous. The wood is warm, the handles are perfect, and you can already picture the coffee things inside. Before arranging pickup, give it a job and a place. A beautiful bargain still needs to work in the room you have.

1. Name its everyday job.

Write down what it will hold and what current piece, if any, it replaces. Check the internal shelf height against those belongings. A cupboard that fits the wall but not the things inside it creates another storage problem.

2. Mark the full footprint.

Use removable tape to mark its width and depth on the floor. Include room for doors and drawers to open. Walk past it carrying a laundry basket. Keep doorways, heaters, and normal paths clear.

3. Measure the journey in.

Check the entrance, narrowest doorway, hallway turns, and stairs. Ask whether shelves, legs, or doors detach and whether the seller can provide accurate dimensions. Plan who will move it and how before committing.

4. Look beyond the pretty photograph.

Request pictures of the back, underside, drawer interiors, and any damage. Check for wobbling, damp smells, signs of pests, sticking drawers, and repairs. If the finish or condition raises a concern, get suitable advice before using or refinishing it.

5. Add up the whole purchase.

Include transport, cleaning, repair, and any necessary anchoring. Then compare that total with your spending limit. Save the listing and measurements; you can admire a piece without buying it tonight.