- There's no shortage of places to find great vintage finds, so it's worth knowing the best brands to keep on your radar.
- Interior designers reveal the top vintage brands they always keep an eye out for on any shopping adventure.
One of the easiest ways to fill your home with character and personality is with a unique vintage find, whether you discovered it at an online antiques shop or at a small flea market. But since figuring out what’s really worth buying can be daunting, it helps to know exactly what to look for.
To help you out, we’ve spoken to several designers to find out the best vintage brands to shop and what sets them apart from the rest. Keep reading for designer-approved vintage brands to consider for your next shopping trip, whether you’re browsing the shelves at your local charity shop or scrolling through Facebook Marketplace.
Baker Furniture
Baker Furniture is well known for its high-quality craftsmanship, from their woodworking techniques to premium upholstery. "I can never pass up a great Baker piece, especially from their mid-century collections. The lines are clean and sculptural, and the finishes are often so unique. They add just the right contrast and 'extra punch' to more traditional interiors, which I love to layer," says Collins.
Tiffany & Co.
According to Heather French, principal designer of French & French Interiors, vintage Tiffany silver is too good to pass up, especially if you enjoy entertaining. "I’m endlessly inspired by vintage Tiffany silver because it brings a sense of history, ritual, and personality into everyday living," says French, noting that she recently added a set of Tiffany ladles to her collection. "Right now, as people are returning to entertaining at home in a more meaningful way, these pieces feel especially relevant because they make even simple gatherings feel elevated and memorable."
Bordallo Pinheiro
Since 1884, Bordallo Pinheiro has been creating quirky pieces with personality, featuring collections focusing on fruits and vegetables like lemons, pumpkins, tomatoes, strawberries, and most notably, cabbage. "Vintage cabbageware is just plain fun, and Bordallo’s pieces have such charm and humor. A big leafy platter or quirky green bowl adds that playful 'why not?' moment that keeps a space from feeling too serious. Every house needs a touch of kitsch," says French.
Cassina
Cassina, the Italian furniture company, is renowned for its collaborations with designers such as Gio Ponti and Charlotte Perriand. “The craftsmanship in a vintage Cassina piece tells a story the moment you walk into a room,” says designer Marie Cloud, founder of Indigo Pruitt, a North Carolina-based interior design studio. “Their partnerships with some of the most thoughtful architects and designers of the 20th century produced work that still feels vibrant and relevant today.” It’s the ideal brand to shop if you want your home to feel “collected and carefully curated”, Cloud adds.
Knoll
When it comes to mid-century modern design, Cloud always looks out for Knoll when vintage shopping. From Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Table to the Womb Chair, there's so much to love about the company's iconic creations. "The precision in their furniture, especially the seating, is unmatched," says Cloud. "A single piece can anchor an entire room and still feel completely current decades later. The design integrity is just that strong."
Stilnovo
For vintage statement lighting, look no further than Stilnovo, which was founded in 1946. "Italian lighting from this brand is a full sensory experience. The sculptural forms, the way light moves through the materials, and the colour choices all combine to function as both art and atmosphere," Cloud explains.
Mottahedeh
Specialising in luxury ceramic antique reproductions, Mottahedeh has made a name for themselves in the world of vintage-inspired finds. They've even been commissioned by the White House, the U.S. State Department and the Diplomatic Corps to produce collections used in official state capacity, according to their site. "Their porcelain is beautiful, especially the Tobacco Leaf and Blue Canton patterns. It’s timeless, detailed and always elevates a table or shelf," says Collins.
Russel Wright
Russel Wright was an industrial designer born in the early 20th century who later became celebrated for his best-selling ceramic dinnerware. With its gently curved silhouettes and rounded edges, his colourful designs bring warmth and character to any table. “His tableware is beautifully understated. The organic shapes and soft glazes create a subtle sense of movement across the table, and the thinking behind his work reflects the kind of emotional connection I always try to bring into a home,” says Cloud.
Drexel Heritage
Rooted in Southern craftsmanship, Drexel Heritage has earned a reputation for blending European influences with American style. "Drexel Heritage is one I’ve definitely seen pop up during vintage hunts. The craftsmanship, especially in some of the older wood pieces, stands out—and their French Provincial styles or campaign collections seem to have lasting appeal," says Cloud.
Blenko Glass
Family owned and operated since 1983, Blenko Glass specialises in the art of hand-blown glass. Their site even has a list of vintage glass catalogs throughout the years. "Hand-blown, vibrant and expressive. These pieces add instant character and light to a room, whether styled on shelving or used functionally. I love how their bold silhouettes feel artistic without being overwhelming," says Cloud.
Lenox
Over 130 years old, Lenox has certainly solidified its reputation as a timeless brand with a history of high-quality craftsmanship. When it comes to shopping Lenox pieces, Cloud says the brand is a bit "more collector-driven, especially for tabletop and decorative accents." Secondhand shoppers can hunt for pieces from decades ago or explore their more recent collections, all at a pretty affordable price.
Georges Briard
Known for his vintage glassware, plates, trays and decorative pieces, artist and designer Georges Briard became recognised for his colourful designs and intricate patterns. After studying art and serving in the Second World War, Briard began by hand-painting metal serving trays before expanding into glass, ceramics, metalwork and wood. “His glassware is playful, polished and full of character. I love mixing his barware into a more traditional setting for a subtle nod to mid-century style,” says Collins.
Lane Furniture
Lane Furniture, which was founded by John Lane in 1912, specialises in woodworking and design. Its furniture collections span a range of design styles. Cloud particularly admires Lane's Acclaim Series. "I’m always on the lookout for Lane’s mid-century pieces. The craftsmanship and rhythm in their woodwork, especially the dovetail detailing, make them easy to blend into modern homes while still telling a rich story," says Cloud.
Svenskt Tenn
Austrian architect Josef Frank designed housing complexes in the 1920s before starting an interior design firm that caught the attention of Svenskt Tenn’s founder, Estrid Ericson. This led to their creative collaboration in all things design. "Josef Frank’s prints are a design dream. I’m constantly hunting for vintage trays, pillows or even fabric scraps. The riot of colour and whimsical botanical patterns bring instant personality to any space. I once found a fabulous magazine stand and a mirrored tray, which I just adore," says French.
Maison Baguès
Founded in 1840 by Nicolas Baguès, Maison Baguès originally specialised in liturgical bronzes before expanding into bronze lighting and chandeliers, according to the company. Now, Maison Baguès offers furniture and light fixtures. "The craftsmanship in their gilt and glass pieces is incredible. A vintage side table or pair of sconces instantly adds an elegant, collected feel to a room," says Collins.
Wedgwood
Over 260 years later, Wedgwood is still crafting products out of jasper, queen's ware and black basalt, all materials original founder Josiah Wedgwood I used in 1759. "I can’t resist the Wild Strawberry pattern, it’s like an English garden on a teacup. It's so delicate and romantic, with tiny vines and berries dancing across the china. I love layering it into spring tables or open shelves for a soft, collected look," says French.
Alexander Girard
Architect and designer Alexander Girard is widely known for his work for Herman Miller in the 1950s and 60s. Now, his designs stand the test of time, often sought out by designers everywhere. "Girard’s textiles and folk-inspired designs feel joyful and bold, and I’ll happily take anything I can get my hands on, original fabrics, wooden dolls or decorative accessories. He had such a strong point of view that still feels fresh and fun decades later," says French.
