Whether it’s a love of history, a desire to live more sustainably and/or hoping to stay in budget (or avoid tariff impacts), shopping vintage is a great way to furnish or add style to your home. With a recent trip to the markets of Paris and my biannual Lucketts pilgrimage, I’ve been in many more conversations with clients and friends about buying previously owned pieces…and special considerations you may or may not have thought of. So, here are a few key tips as you go hunting at estate sales, flea markets and online:
Make a list. As with going to the grocery store or any shopping trip (in person or online), create a list and specs for what you need after auditing your home. Perhaps you are looking for more storage in your dining room that also serves as a serving surface or interesting objects to finish off a shelf or console table. Regardless, you’ll want to note ideals (size, look), limitations (measure doors, hallways and your car, if you’re hauling it ) and your budget. Make sure to have this info handy with you (along with a measuring tape), too.
Do your research. If there’s a certain designer or style in your sights, read up and check out what things are selling for on the open market with an Internet search before you shop. And, when you’re shopping, pull out your phone or open a new tab on that browser to check if the asking price is in range. You also can leave your info with the seller and circle back if you aren’t worried about it going to someone else…and negotiation is always on the table!
Vintage vs. contemporary means trade offs. One of the biggest mistakes I see in homes are improperly scaled pieces so make sure any furniture pieces will look correct relative to your space (including ceiling heights) and other furniture. Also recognize that while there are some timeless and functional design features (i.e., drop leafs.) other pieces may lack some modern bells and whistles you are used to — from easy gliding, soft close drawers to cut outs for cord management.
Condition matters. Are you looking for something ready to use or that needs love or repurposing? If the latter, make sure you have the capability and/or budget to do that (and take that into account in your price and timeline). If you need help, like an upholsterer, get a sense of the cost before you offer/buy. And inspect any pieces thoroughly for damage…it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the hunt and missing flaws you wish you had seen before buying.
Vintage or vintage-inspired? Much like fashion, what’s old often comes back around. It’s not uncommon to see contemporary pieces made to look older mixed among the antiques. Vintage-inspired furniture and decorative accessories can be great additions to your home…just make sure to know what you’re buying and pay accordingly.
Mix and match. Some of the most interesting rooms blend vintage or antique pieces with more transitional styles. The key to successful execution is ensuring a common thread (like metal accent tone) and accessorizing each vignette mixing new and old thoughtfully.
Start small. An accent table, set of brass bookends or a quirky piece of art are all great ways to tip toe into vintage and antiques when space and budgets are limited.
Do you actively shop vintage or plan to more often? Comment below or tag me in your finds on Instagram at @AtHomeDC!
Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC, an interior decorator and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia.