While nothing beats the excitement of in-person thrifting, I've recently become captivated by the hunt for vintage and antique finds online. I was inspired by designer Nate Berkus, who shared on Instagram how he often explores auction house websites for hidden gems. Over the holidays, I joined in on this trend.
I strive to acquire only timeless pieces for my home. By 'timeless,' I mean items that resonate with me personally, transcending fleeting design trends.
Shopping for vintage online eliminates the hassle of traveling and heavy lifting. With the right search terms and knowledge of where to look, online thrifting can be surprisingly simple.
So, where should you shop for vintage furniture online? I consulted experts to find out their favorite sites and what they prioritize when decorating with vintage finds.
Best Online Stores for Vintage Furniture
Your choices for vintage decor depend on your preferences and shopping style. Some websites offer intuitive search options, while others require a bit more exploration and patience.
The secret to online antique shopping is knowing what you want or at least understanding the styles that appeal to you. Many sites allow filtering by era or design style. Each store has its pros and cons, but they all provide outstanding selections, recommended by designers.
1. 1stDibs
1stDibs is a favorite of mine, not just for shopping but also for design inspiration. The site is packed with useful information to assist you in finding your desired interior style. Though it may not be the place for bargains, it offers a seamless shopping experience and a vast inventory.
"We often source vintage and antique items to add personality to interiors that new pieces can't replicate. 1stDibs is essential for us," shares Jennifer Walters, founder of Folding Chair Design. "Their navigation and filtering options make it easy to find specific period pieces!"
Designer Bethany Adams agrees, noting, "I frequently shop 1stdibs.com, Chairish.com, LiveAuctioneers.com, and EBTH.com for vintage and antique finds. The key to success is checking these sites regularly and setting alerts for specific items or designers I'm interested in. I've found treasures that auction houses overlooked!"
Bethany Adams is a certified interior designer and member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). She holds a B.F.A. in interior design from Harrington College of Design and a B.A. from Georgetown University.
2. Chairish
Chairish offers a user-friendly experience, similar to 1stDibs. You can shop by style, item type, or brand, and the site features valuable content to guide your shopping and styling choices. Their designer collaborations provide easy inspiration for decorating with antiques.
Designer Jennifer Davis emphasizes, "Facebook Marketplace connects me with local sellers, but for authenticated vintage items, I often check 1stDibs and Chairish. 1stDibs features high-end, negotiable pieces, while Chairish caters to a variety of budgets."
With over 25 years in the industry, Jennifer Davis has a knack for detail and creating timeless designs, ensuring a delightful experience for her clients.
3. Etsy
"As an interior designer, I often turn to various online platforms for unique vintage and antique decor," Jennifer shares. "Etsy is a top choice due to its global vendor base. The site is highly user-friendly and provides excellent suggestions for similar products, making it my go-to for antique accessories like French confit jars or African mud pots."
Etsy is a fantastic place for vintage decor shopping, often offering great deals. Be prepared to know what you want, as searches can be broad, but once you use the right terms, you'll find plenty to explore.
4. LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable
"Interior designers often discover antique treasures at auctions and estate sales, where unique pieces with history can be found. While 1stDibs and Chairish are popular, their fees can drive prices up," explains Kati Curtis.
"Online auctions like LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable are excellent resources where you can set alerts for specific items. Local antique shops and fairs are also great spots for unique finds."
"For budget-friendly options, platforms like eBay, Etsy, and specialized antique sites offer extensive selections. Designers also explore salvage yards and estate sales for beautiful objects that tell a story. Each piece is chosen for its potential to enrich a design concept," she adds.
Kati Curtis founded Kati Curtis Design in New York City, specializing in classic design infused with global influences.
5. Vinterior
"We love to combine vintage and modern decor in our projects. Vintage items have a depth that new pieces lack, and choosing vintage aligns with sustainable design," says Alessio Nardi, Founder of A-nrd Studio.
"We source a lot of Murano and Art Deco lighting from Vinterior. It's a fantastic platform for discovering unique pieces globally."
Vinterior offers a seamless shopping experience without the need to dig through listings, much like any other online homeware store. You can shop by various categories, including type, style, room, creator, or period, and while based in the UK, many sellers ship internationally.
All these platforms are perfect for sourcing vintage items online. Additionally, consider Facebook Marketplace. While it can be hit or miss, I've found some fantastic pieces and built relationships with sellers who use it to move stock between antique fairs. If you're looking for something specific or making a significant investment, always arrange to see the piece before purchasing.
