I often get asked where do you find all your vintage pieces. So i thought today I would share all my tips and tricks with you! My home is decorated with probably 80 percent vintage and 20 percent newer pieces. I have been collecting for several years and have always loved the history and stories vintage pieces tell. Over those several years I have learned a few ways to score vintage pieces that won’t break the bank. Let’s get started!!!
Tips on how to shop for Vintage items
- I usually start with an idea of what types of pieces I will be looking for. I also have certain items I always look for when shopping and that will be a blog post for another day so be on the lookout for that. This list will help you stay on track when you start your vintage adventure and help keep you on budget. Once I have an idea I try my local antique shops. If you aren’t sure if you have any nearby google antique malls near me to see what pops up. I have found some wonderful places I didn’t know existed by doing this.
- My next stop honestly are usually my thrift shops. You would be surprised at some of the fun vintage small pieces I have found. Ironstone seems to be the popular item at these which makes me happy because I collect it. The key to thrift shops is to look often and not get discouraged when you don’t find anything because a lot of times that will be the case. Thrift stores are the BEST budget savers for decorating your home. That will also be a blog post for another day…are you tired of hearing me say that?
- Flea markets are also a great source to find vintage treasures at very reasonable prices. You can also search these out online to find ones that are close to you. There were several I never knew existed until I began searching. Take notes of what days and times they are open because not all are just on weekends. A flea market is where I found my one and a half gallon crock for fifteen dollars!!! It had a big chip in it but that didn’t bother me at all because I love things perfectly imperfect. You will also typically find better prices on items that may have a chip or crack. I tend to gravitate towards those items anyway as long as they aren’t in too bad of shape.
- Estate sales are new to me but I went to my first one not that long ago and now I am hooked! These are similar to thrift shops in some days may be great and some may not. I search these out online too. Try looking at the beginning of the week to see what might be coming up the following weekend. If you want better selection go on the first day but if you want better prices than try the last day of the sale. This is a great way to find unique pieces that you may not see at your local shops.
- Facebook Marketplace to me is like an online antique shop with a side of flea market if that makes sense. There are so many different things you can find it is amazing. My advice here is to search the items you are looking for specifically first then search the categories. I always search the furniture section to see if there may be any primitive pieces and then I look through the antiques and collectibles category. I lucked into my vintage cobbler bench on Marketplace! The key here is to search daily sometimes multiple times a day.
- Last don’t forget yard and garage sales!! Just like an estate sale you never know what vintage pieces someone is tired of or might not even know what it is because it was there mother’s and now it’s just not their taste. This is a great way to also score a piece of furniture for a great price and make it look vintage.
These places are my go to places to find all things vintage. It just so happens that most of these places work great if you are on a tight budget. One last word of advice that will work for all the above mentioned places, if you finally find a great piece pick it up and hold on to it. That is one thing about vintage its usually one of a kind so once it’s gone, it’s gone. If you aren’t completely sure you want the piece still grab it and walk around with it or ask the sales person to hold it at the desk while you look around. I always start a pile and then sift through later. I truly hope these tips help you when you are on your next treasure hunt!! Leave me a comment below on your favorite item you found at one of these places!
