In recent years, vintage home decor has made a remarkable comeback, with several popular design trends embracing quirky retro looks for a bit of nostalgic allure. However, navigating the market for authentic vintage items at fair prices can be tricky, particularly with the prevalence of resellers inflating costs. In this guide, we’ll look into several different avenues for sourcing vintage home decor, including thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales, and auctions, both online and offline. By uncovering the best places to shop and savvy strategies to employ, you’ll be equipped to adorn your home with one-of-a-kind treasures that speak to your individual taste and style.
Purchasing Vintage Decor From Resellers: Is It Worth It?
Purchasing vintage home decor online from sites like Etsy and eBay is tempting with it’s at-home convenience and endless selection, but purchasing from resellers online or antique stores in person often means paying a premium for the privilege. After all, resellers are looking to make a profit—and while they’re often educated on authenticity, dating and appraisal, they’re more likely to inflate the value of a piece than give you a great deal. While it’s a great option for finding specific pieces for your collection, if you’re browsing for home decor without an exact item in mind you can save serious money by sourcing your trinkets where the resellers do.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are by far the most popular avenue for sourcing vintage and antique decor for the average shopper or enthusiast. They’re accessible, easy to find, and they’re a great way to spend an afternoon. These stores often receive donations from individuals looking to declutter their homes, resulting in a diverse selection of items spanning different eras and styles. One of the primary advantages of shopping at thrift stores is the opportunity to find unique vintage treasures at a fraction of the cost compared to specialty shops or online retailers.
Unfortunately, the recent surge in thrifting popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed by both for-profit and charity shops, and thrift store pricing has seen some absurd inflation as a result. To avoid overpaying, it’s helpful to do a quick on-site appraisal with your smartphone. Check for a makers mark on the underside or inside of a piece, and google the maker and characteristics of what you’ve found. Once you’ve identified what it is, do a quick check for reseller prices and be sure that the thrift store is charging the same amount or less. Keep an eye out for quality craftsmanship and distinctive design elements that resonate with your personal style. Don’t be afraid to select for items that aren’t “valuable” on the reseller market—if it appeals to you and works with your space at home, that’s valuable.
Estate Sales
Estate sales offer a unique opportunity to find vintage and antique home decor items in a more curated setting. These sales typically occur when the contents of a deceased person’s home are sold off, often including a wide range of furniture, artwork, and collectibles. Estate sales can be particularly fruitful for vintage enthusiasts, as they often feature items that have been well-preserved and cared for over the years.
One of the benefits of attending estate sales is the chance to explore a home’s interior and discover vintage pieces within their original context. This can provide valuable insight into the history and provenance of the items, enhancing their appeal to collectors. Additionally, estate sales may offer items at more competitive prices compared to specialty shops or online retailers, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
To find estate sales in your area, consider checking local classified ads, estate sale listing websites, or social media groups dedicated to estate sale enthusiasts. Arrive early to have the best selection of items, and be prepared to negotiate with sellers for better deals. Keep in mind that estate sales can be competitive, so it’s essential to come prepared with a list of items you’re interested in and a budget in mind. For multi-day sales, try checking back in the final few hours for any desirable items still left, and the broker may be more willing to negotiate a good price.
Garage or Yard Sales
Although they require a bit of travel and effort, garage or yard sales present another avenue for uncovering vintage home decor treasures at bargain prices. These sales offer a more informal and intimate shopping experience compared to thrift stores or estate sales. Garage sales can be an excellent opportunity to find unique pieces that homeowners are looking to part with, ranging from furniture and artwork to decorative accessories. One of the advantages of garage sales is the potential for discovering hidden gems that have been tucked away in attics, basements, or storage spaces. Homeowners often use garage sales as an opportunity to declutter these spaces, making it possible to find vintage items that have been fairly well-preserved. Additionally, garage sale prices are typically negotiable.
In the northern hemisphere, garage sales are typically seasonal, running in residential neighborhoods from late spring to early fall. To find sales in your area, keep an eye out for signs posted in the neighborhood. You can also search online classifieds or community social media pages for listings. Alternatively, you can use my favorite approach—take a nice leisurely drive around pleasant neighborhoods on sunny Saturday mornings all summer, keeping an eye out for lots of cars parked on typically quiet streets. When attending garage sales, arrive early for the best selection of items and be prepared to haggle.
Auctions: In Person and Online
The absolute best option for sourcing genuine vintage and antique decor at amazing prices is going to be buying direct at auction. Resellers make a killing buying at auctions and selling at a markup, and they’re able to achieve incredible profit margins for one simple reason: in-person auctions are intimidating to the average buyer. They can be competitive, and a little overwhelming if you’ve never attended one before. You’ll likely be bidding against resellers and professional antique dealers, but this shouldn’t deter you. The most beautiful vintage decor and stunning antiques are available for incredible prices, you just have to be brave enough to show up!
For buyers without a local auction house (or if you’re simply too intimidated), online auctions allow you to participate from the comfort of your own home. Online auctions may offer a broader selection of items from around the world, but may also attract a large amount of interested bidders driving the prices higher. Other online auctions are catering toward local buyers and require in-person pickup should you have the winning bid, resulting in far fewer bidders and less competition. Browse worldwide and local auctions on sites like Hibid and see what catches your eye.
Build Relationships with Local Sellers
Vintage home decor enthusiasts have a variety of options for acquiring unique pieces at affordable prices. From thrift stores and estate sales to garage sales and auctions, there are numerous avenues to explore beyond Etsy, eBay and antique shops. Building relationships with local sellers and collectors, a natural consequence of hanging around at estate sales and auctions, can also help you access authentic vintage pieces at fair rates. By being discerning and informed, you can avoid overpaying for vintage home decor and instead invest in pieces that truly reflect your style and taste.
