You may remember this guest post from the Spring, and today I thought I’d bring it to my home page for a little more love. (Be sure to scroll to the end for more updates!)
People tend to clean out in the spring and summer, and that means that the antique, thrift, and second hand shops are booming with new items! When it comes to shopping for antique or thrifted items, I’ve learned some lessons that I’d like to pass on to you. Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way, with a few of my favorite finds lately.
1. Have a list. It always helps to know what you’re looking for. It’s easy to walk into a shop (especially antique “malls” with tons of vendors) and get overwhelmed. Having a list will help keep you on track. On my list right now? A round table for our foyer and two upholstered dining chairs.
2. Do your homework. Just because a piece is beautiful doesn’t mean it’s “worth it.” Early on, I made the mistake of buying a settee that had great bones, but needed some work. I bought it without doing any research, and have found that having it reupholstered will make it unreasonably expensive. Also, if you are buying pieces to sell, browse a few other online shops to see what you could reasonably expect someone to pay for the item.
3. Always look up, and down! Some of my favorite finds have been ceiling lights and rugs. Don’t just look at the items in front of you.
4. Everything is negotiable. My dad taught me this and it is so true. Whether you are shopping at an antique or thrift shop or an estate or yard sale, there is always room for negotiating. When I’m in an antique shop, I always ask if I can get a discount on items. Most of the time, they’ll say yes. Just like Oprah said, “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” The same goes for shopping. Don’t be afraid to play a little hard ball.
5. Be practical. How much will it cost to repair, paint, upgrade, or reupholster the item? Do you have a way to transport it? I fell in love with a pink vintage sofa at an estate sale and it was an absolute steal, but figuring out a way to get it home was no picnic. (Let’s just say the hubs was less than pleased!) These are all things to think about.
6. Never buy new dishes. Why would you buy new dishes when you can get tons of gorgeous, vintage sets at a fraction of the cost?! Plus, they always make a great conversation starter at parties! And on that note, the same goes for jewelry.
If you live in NC, here are a few places I would suggest you try:
1. B&S Auction Gallery – Goldsboro
2. The Trove – Morehead City
3. Emily & Co. – Raleigh
4. Goldsboro Antique Mall – Goldsboro
5. Appalachian Antique Mall – Boone
I also troll Craigslist constantly, and check in weekly with the local Habitat ReStore, Salvation Army, and Goodwill. So there you have it. This spring, get out and test your negotiating skills and support your local economy. You’ll have some fun, and you might even score a few great pieces for your home!
Update: I’ve done a lot more shopping since this post, and have discovered a few more local favorites…
6. Ocean Isle Beach Habitat ReStore – think rich people remodeling beach houses…they get rid of a lot!
7. Sanford Antique Mall – I grew up in this small town and never knew what great finds were right under my nose.
8. Reid’s Country Sampler – located in Selma, NC. With a name like that, need I say more?
And though I’ve never visited, these are a few shops that have some seriously yummy Instagram accounts!
- Chances Are ATL {home}
- South Loop Loft {home}
- The Vintage Laundry {home}
- Vintage Fine Objects {home}
- Decades Antiques & Vintage {home}
- Again Dallas {home}
Where is your favorite place to shop for antiques and vintage?
