Mixing vintage + antique pieces into home decor is something I strongly suggest. And I’m not talking “inspired” pieces but actual antique or vintage furniture + accessories. Preferably it would be something extremely meaningful like a mirror passed down through generations that has some beautiful patina on it but if this type of thing isn’t in your possession you can always find great pieces at antique stores.
Antique stores are almost a dim a dozen in the Cape May area but they can often turn into dumping grounds of non-quality vintage finds. Occasionally, however, you can score a great piece but be prepared to pay. I also love to venture to antique stores when we travel to places like the Poconos or New England. There are some really great hidden gems!
If you don’t live near a good selection of antique dealers there are still some awesome online resources to use. But buyer beware because you probably won’t be able to return items. Also, these sites can be incredibly overwhelming with the volume of items they have. My biggest suggestion for these places is to have a pretty good idea of what it is you’re looking for + keep your price point in mind…and stick to it! Unless of course you come across that perfect piece!
ETBH
Everything But The House is probably one of my favorites because it’s a bidding site like Ebay so you can get some things dirt cheap. They have such a wide selection of items + the site is clean looking + easily navigable.
If you have any of your own vintage or antique items to offload, you can also sign up to become a seller + make a little side cash. Just make sure you know if you’re getting fair dollar for your pieces.
ONE KINGS LANE
One would be hard pressed to find anything relatively inexpensive on this site but along with all their regular home decor goodies, One Kings Lane has a phenomenal selection of vintage finds. You can search for items by category, dealer or style, like French Countryside, Cape Cod Cottage or Italian Influence.
I’m loving this French scale with weights. It would make such an interesting pieces of decor to display. And this French grape harvesting bucket {perhaps to be used as an umbrella holder??}
1st DIBS
Like EBTH, 1st Dibs is an auction site + is categorized pretty well to help you find what you’re looking for. Other than European-style antiques, 1st Dibs also has a great selection of modern + contemporary art, furniture + decor items. There is A LOT on this site so unless you have a ton of time to waste, I high recommend going in with a plan. You can browse by style, home type, room…the list goes on.
ETSY
Again…so. many. things. Etsy has numerous vintage + antique items on their site + you can probably find almost anything because it is such a well known site. Do your research before committing to a purchase though. There can be some real scammers out there!
Etsy is great for finding some vintage prints like this swimming/diving one which I think would be so cute to hang in the bathroom. Or these vintage herb prints for the kitchen. They’re from the 80’s…and so am I! Umm, scusi? When did I become vintage?
RUBY LANE
With Ruby Lane you can shop + sell like on ETBH. Ruby Lane has a lot of wonderful antique + vintage furniture, lighting + decor that is well organized to help you find that perfect piece you are looking for.
Where are some places you have found great vintage or antique places {online or brick + mortar}. I’m always on the hunt for new sources!
Related Links: In With the Old + the New: How to Blend Home Decor // Making Your House a Home
