Shopping Vintage? 5 Fail-Safe Pieces Designers Always Recommend
Your cheat sheet to navigating your antique store.
Don’t get us wrong, we love to browse big-box retailers as much as the next homebody. However, if you’re looking to bring a storied style to your space, you simply can’t go wrong with something old. “Vintage brings so much soul to a home,” says Heather Peterson, an interior designer in Minneapolis. “These are pieces that have literally lived other lives and carry stories.”
But where to begin? Everyone has a different approach to navigating their nearby antique store: Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox loves to zero in on a vibe, while Natasia Smith of RE-FIND in Boulder likes to ask dealers about the provenance of certain items. “Not only can this help you better understand what you’re buying, but it also gives the piece a story you can continue to pass along,” she says.
However, if you’re a complete vintage novice who is starting from square one, simply finding a worthwhile piece or two in a sea of stuff can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, help is on the way. Below, designers share the fail-safe antiques that will work in virtually any home.
Studio Pottery
If you want to give your space a collected, expertly-curated edge, Scott says pottery always delivers.
“I love to incorporate one-of-a-kind elements into a home,” he shares. “Adding unique studio pottery is such an easy way to bring in that handmade, collected-over-time feeling.”
Scott typically looks for vases and vessels signed by the artists, which is usually called studio pottery.
Mirrors
Peterson says mirrors are “low-risk, low-cost, and readily available in many styles.”
When it comes to choosing a marvelous mirror, Peterson prioritizes the quality of your reflection. “A little old-glass cloudiness can be fine over a dresser or in a hall, but for a bathroom, you'll want to see yourself clearly,” she explains.
Style is an important factor to consider, but Peterson isn’t too concerned about scale. “Somehow an old mirror has so much character, you can get away with something smaller than typical,” she explains.
Hand-Knotted Rug
If you ask Kasey Smith, the best vintage find is hiding underfoot. The North Carolina-based interior designer says a hand-knotted wool rug “can give a space soul” and its beauty will undoubtedly withstand the test of time.
Best of all? A great vintage rug doesn’t have to be expensive. “I have lots of good results buying vintage or antique rugs from merchants on Etsy with five-star ratings,” adds Boston designer Mally Skok. “Very reliable and well-priced!’
Smith’s a big fan of rugs with a little patina and says color variation or fading can give this layer its character. However, she implores you to flip the rug over to see how its held up over the years.
“The back tells you so much about how it was made,” she explains. “With a hand-knotted rug, you’ll be able to see the individual knots and slight irregularities in the weave, rather than the uniform backing you often find on machine-made rugs.”
RELATED: Here's What You Should ALWAYS Do Before Buying a Rug
Lamps
Lindsey Jamison of Rumor Designs says a vintage light fixture the bright idea your home needs.
“Old lamps have shapes, materials, and scale that you don't always see anymore,” the Colorado-based designer explains. “The weirder the base, the better!”
Though Peterson plugged into lamps, she admits they require some upkeep. “We recommend having them rewired, but most local lamp shops can do the task for about $50,” she explains.
Once you have the wiring fixed, focus on the lamp shade. “New ones can be expensive and very difficult to size independently,” Peterson notes. “Look for lamps that come with a shade you like and plan to keep.”
Wooden Tables
Since you won’t have to deal with upholstery, wooden furniture is always a safe bet.
Designer Kate Hartman recommends an antique chest because they’re easy to find and incredibly versatile.
However, if you’re buying vintage furniture for the very first time, Peterson recommends opting for something simple. For example, trade in the complicated, multi-drawer dresser for a side table.
“Be sure to wiggle the piece to see if legs are secure, and examine the finish for scratches and watermarks,” she recommends.
Meanwhile, Sandy Baisley of RE-FIND begs you to flip a table...really. “Looking at the nail heads, markings, joinery, and overall construction can tell you a lot about the quality and age of a piece,” she says. “Keep an eye out for faux distressing or markings intended to make something appear older than it actually is.”
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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