The Vintage Shopping Guide

We believe that interior decorating and styling is all about telling a story.

Each corner, vignette, and piece in a space speaks to the narrative of who is living there, creating an interesting conversation that echos throughout the walls to make a house a home. Vintage pieces have a way of creating layered, lived-in spaces wherever they are placed. They tell a story of history, of collection, of intentional curation, and we use them in nearly every room because of it. If you’ve ever wondered about how to successfully shop for vintage, read below for our best tips and tricks while answering the most common vintage questions we’ve received.

What do you love about vintage pieces and how they add to a room or home?

I love that vintage pieces add soul to a home. The nicks, dings, and grime tell a story that no other piece can tell. When we incorporate vintage pieces, their rarity makes it hard to replicate, giving the home a personality of its own. I use the word texture a lot, but I’m not just referring to textiles -- I think the patina of vintage pieces adds layer and texture to a space.

Do you ever buy vintage pieces online? If so, what are your favorite sources, and how do you ensure that they are good quality without seeing them in person?

Yes! I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, so I genuinely enjoy digging through Etsy, eBay, and 1st Dibs, Cherish and even Facebook Marketplace for hours to find the perfect piece. You win much of the time, but I’ve had a few losers. If you’re unsure about something, ask the vendor to send additional pictures before purchasing.

I think the gateway pieces into vintage buying are rugs, decor, and small furniture. Buying the larger pieces is a bigger investment, and they often need a bit of repair (wobbly legs, rewiring light fixtures, etc.). I love the look of reupholstering vintage furniture, but I do it a lot less often than using accent pieces.

A lot of vintage pieces have some wear and tear even if they are great quality- does this turn you away or does it add to the character of the piece?

I think it depends on the amount of wear and tear. I love a little bit of chipping paint and the look of a timeworn piece, but large gauges or broken legs are more than I have time for and don’t elevate a space!

How important are the bones of vintage furniture, and what materials should you look for when shopping?

Bones are everything when shopping for vintage pieces. They can always be refinished if needed, but you can’t change the shape.

What is your favorite vintage piece you have in your home, and what is the story behind it?

It’s too hard to choose! I love them all, and most have a funny or interesting story attached to them. I’ve had scores of great furniture finds over the years, but I have a deep love for vases and vessels, and have amassed a collection of vintage and unique finds from my years of sourcing. Some were steals and other were splurges, but no matter, they make me so happy to have in my home. My collection is vast: from Spanish oil jars to French clay pots, and amphora vases to mijiu jars, and also rare stoneware, metal-hammered and ceramic vessels. The more, the merrier!

Has there ever been a vintage piece that you loved, but let go that you regret?

I wanted a ten foot antique console table that I found on Facebook Marketplace a few years ago and didn’t have a place for it at the time. I should have purchased it because I still can’t get it out of my head (especially now while I’m on a dedicated search for that exact type of piece) and have a great spot for it!

Do you go vintage shopping with a clear idea of what you want to find, or do you typically pick up random pieces that speak to you?

Both! When styling a space, I often think, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a vintage (fill in the blank) here?” And then we leave an empty spot for it, get the measurements needed, and start hunting. Usually, while I’m on the hunt for something specific, I get distracted by other things and buy them too!

To learn more about the AGH Market, with antiques, vintage finds and secondhand furnishings and housewares from contemporary high-end brands, visit www.agoodhomect.com/market and follow @agoodhomemarket.

The Vintage Shopping Guide