The one where it almost feels like time slows down as you are walking through a flea market and you spot something just ahead.
Your palms start to get a little sweaty. Your heart starts to pound and your pace picks up just a bit because in the corner of that booth just ahead, you spy a treasure you have been searching for.
You may gently push past a couple folks in your frantic walk to get there and claim it before anyone else- it happens. And hey- I hear you. I have been there. I smile as I squeeze behind someone to not so shyly reach out and grab that treasure as quickly as I can without looking like a crazy woman.
As you probably already know… I am a huge fan of vintage. From flea markets and tag sales, to thrift stores to classified ads and craigslist to our favorite spot recently- FB Marketplace. And while the thrill of the hunt and the unknown treasure you might stumble upon at a flea market is an amazing day- sometimes you are looking for something specific that you haven’t bumped into yet-or you don’t have a flea market on the calendar anytime soon.
Though when I first shared this post about tips- some of my most favorite big time LOVE finds-back in the day were on Craigslist. Like this incredible, absolutely perfect for my style antique French daybed…
Shopping & Scoring Vintage Thrifted Treasures
Or what do you search?
Do you go pick them up on your own?
How do you know it is a good deal?
Tips for Shopping Vintage Treasures
#2. Search Vintage, Antique, Old, etc.
I tend to use ‘Vintage’ rather than antique. Most people thing of antiques as older than 1920’s-40’s ish and so use Vintage when describing something instead. To note- people brand something as ‘Vintage’ far more often – even things from the 90’s though so you have to be careful. I mean, I guess technically, something from 1990 might be considered Vintage to some- but that isn’t what most of us are looking for. And I like to search ‘Vintage’ ‘Antique’ ‘old ‘ etc. with the item attached. (settee, cupboard, chest of drawers, etc.)
#3. Try alternate spellings
I have found some amazing treasures- based on the wrong spelling. For example- An antique fireplace mantel. I think at least 2 out of the 5 antique mantels that I have found were spelled as ‘Mantle’. So search other spellings too- you can find some treasures.
#4. Ask for details when inquiring
When I contact someone about an ad- I always ask for more details unless they are super explained in the post which is not generally the case. Because, of course you can just email and say ‘SOLD!’ but you may not want to do that until you have a better picture of the item and condition. Many times I have arrived to look at something that was not accurately described (on purpose or not on purpose) a lot of sellers think if they can just get someone there, that person will buy it. But I am a big believer in asking for more info so I can decide if I want to go take a look. Unless, I literally am emailing saying ‘WHEN CAN I PICK IT UP- I will take it!’
Here are some of the things I want to know:
Are there any issues?
Broken seats, legs, missing parts, etc. All things to know before going to see something.
Age and history?
I personally like to know the age and history of a piece. Was it a family piece? Or where did it come from? How old is it? Etc.
Smoke Free environment?
I can get over a lot of issues with a piece- but if it has been in a smoking environment for years- probably not going to be able to get over that. If it is upholstered- a definite no go.
If it is wood furniture- possibly. I give it a much closer look than I ever did before because of one piece. That the big French beautiful armoire in the hall- gorgeous. I fell hard for it right away. And when I got it home and started cleaning- I discovered that odd smell was from smoke- and there actually a bit of old tobacco gunk in the grooves. I didn’t notice it right away until I found the sponge wasn’t working for cleaning it and ended up scraping the details and grooves to clean it up. Thick sludge- it was enough to make me queasy.
Is the price Flexible?
but sometimes, the price is so more than fair.
A good friend of mine who is an antique dealer is a believer in respecting the seller and the price they are asking- and if it is reasonable- she pays it rather than make an offer
because she doesn’t want to offend anyone.
Of course she does negotiate and you can get some great deals by negotiating- especially if something has been listed for over a week.
Any Issues are Negotiating Points
Don’t dismiss a piece because it needs a little tinkering.
If you have the ability to tinker with it and fix it or know someone who can- use that to your advantage. Just remember to negotiate with respect and not tell the seller their piece is crappy haha.
Respond by Leaving a door open
But the price… can’t get around it.
And the seller wants more than I am willing to come up to and feel good about.
If you don’t hear from them after a week or two-
email them again and let them know you are still interested.
Know when to Walk Away
I know, quoting country music here- but sometimes those pieces are too damaged, too much work to bring into usability or a new piece that you could probably find less on sale somewhere.
Surprisingly- craigslist isn’t just vintage haha. 😉 Of course – it isn’t- you can find allllll kinds of stuff there.
And sometimes- it is a new piece. I have seen Restoration Hardware, Anthro etc on there- and sometimes those pieces are a steal- and sometimes- not so much. You might see something you know you could get at the store for less.
So just move along and keep looking.
Know Your Antiques
There are some AMAZING reproductions out there- and those are great to bring home too.
But if you are looking for a legitimate antique and someone is charging a legitimate antique price for something made 15 years ago- you need to know what you are looking at.
Do your research and learn what to look for- and what to recognize as newer.
Safety First- Always
(until my dad decided to go into real estate/building) and with my family in the ‘family’-
Safety always came up.
When I am looking at thing – I generally go with my husband
Have Fun
The thrill of the hunt and then finding that piece that makes you swoon and knock 5 people over to claim as yours- well there is nothing like that when you are a junker at heart.
So have fun-peruse your search words often- or set up a search alert- yes- they will email you.
And consider shopping online for those treasures kind of like shopping a flea market.
Just in your jammies and fuzzy slippers on the sofa.
Thank you so much for your advice! I will definitely give your suggestions a try! I so enjoy your website and book! Might I be presumptuous by asking about the french daybed? Is the fabric original? It is so lovely. Kindest regards!
This was GREAT advice….I have always been leery about Craig’s List but what you have offered is a sensible approach to looking for what I want even, knowing, what “language” to use when searching for an item.!
Love your style….love your blog and have so enjoyed your book.! I am “over the moon” jealous of the items you have found.!
Lol…now it’s my turn.! ��
Great and generous advice. Thank you.
I am a fan of vintage, Tim calls it old our of date stuff that we don't need, the man doesn't get it, that said this was awesome
The china hutch I’m in the middle painting is a vintage unit I found on Craigslist. I paid full asking price because, A) it was for me, not resale and B) it was the absolute perfect size and style. Not too big, not too small, just right! If I decide to name her, maybe she’ll be Goldilocks!
Nice Courtney. I am in the process of shopping for my new apartment and your advice will help re: craigslist.
You are a smart and wonderful shopper.
Thanks for everything
Monique-Marie
Thank you Monique-Marie
I just found TWO!,two, must HAVEs locally , one at a moving sale and the other on marketplace. I have reached that point where I fall in love and have to decide what I love less so I can make room for the new love! I adore the hunt be it craigslist, estate sale, moving sale, yard sale of off the curb in a pile of castoffs!
Love all your thrifted finds! Good thing I don’t live nearby…. I would scoop your treasures up! Great advice.
Your blog is awesome. Thanks, Beth