I’ve heard the conventional wisdom that mixing in antiques and vintage pieces into your home is key to achieving an eclectic, curated look. If you only have one era represented, your house will look like a museum. “Nuh uh! Not when I’m only buying the newest, fanciest stuff I see online!” Actually, yuh huh. Do that and in 15 years, your house will look like a tribute to 2026. Carry on if that’s your goal, but if you’re aiming for timeless, mixing in some old stuff is essential.
As is the case with most things at Pheasant House, I’m just starting to learn about antique and vintage shopping. But I’ve already picked up enough to share here with you so you can get there a little faster than I did.
What’s the Difference Between Antique and Vintage?
Before we start, a quick vocabulary lesson because while both lovely, they are, in fact, different. “Antique” typically refers to items at least 100 years old. “Vintage” typically means items that are 20 to 99 years old. And yes, that sadly means something from 2006 is now “vintage”. Vintage is also used a bit more loosely, so beware of “vintage” items that are actually just discards from last year.
Where Beginners Can Actually Find Vintage and Antique Pieces (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
There are more places to shop than most beginners realize, and some of them are genuinely accessible and affordable. Here’s where I’ve been looking.
Estate Sales
I would almost guarantee no matter where you live, on any given weekend, there are multiple estate sales happening within a short driving distance of your home. Noticing handwritten yard signs as you drive around town is one way to stay informed, but not the one I’d recommend. There are multiple websites that curate lists of local estate sales, and you can follow specific estate sale companies you like to stay in the know about their events. In cases, photos are posted online before the sale, so you can browse before committing to the trip.
I found the most gorgeous gilded mirror and lovely Christmas decorations at an estate sale in my neighborhood last summer and got it all for $35. I genuinely get a little thrill every time I walk by the mirror because it’s cute, cheap, and has a story! I love stuff with a story.
Antique Malls
Most of us are familiar with antique or secondhand stores, but antique malls are a different animal. These are large spaces where multiple vendors sell the inventory they curate. This is a unique opportunity to get exposure to many styles and sellers with little effort, and potentially develop relationships with those whose inventory resonates with you.
I got the loveliest pair of solid wood side tables from my local antique mall, one with a flawless marble top and the other with gorgeous hand-carved ornamentation all over. I paid $300 for the pair, which would have easily gone for 3x that somewhere else. Score!
Online Auctions
These seem to be increasing in popularity, and for good reason. Items are listed ahead of time, so you can browse at your leisure. At the designated time, you log in and participate in a live auction. These tend to surface more unique and curated finds compared to the average estate sale. There’s an element of competition and urgency too, which can be fun if you like that sort of thing.
I won a framed Superbowl poster for my husband from when his team won in the 90’s (the only voluntarily 90’s thing in this house, btw) that he loves. There’s a lot more to say about online auctions, so I’ll write a follow up post soon.
How to Shop Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Budget)
Seriously, Start With a List.
If you’re anything like me, these events can get overwhelming. “I kinda like a lot of things!” “This is so cheap, I’m sure I can find a place for it!” “I need a coffee table and this is a coffee table. I should get it!” Giving in to the overwhelm usually leads to buyer’s remorse BUT analysis paralysis can lead to passing on something you really loved and think about for years to come. I’ll never forgot you, Peugeot Frères coffee grinder that someone else got for $50 😞
The best antidote to each of these outcomes is having clear goals at the onset. Bring a list! Note the items you actually need in your home, along with a dimension range that will fit the space. This helps you focus on what you actually need vs. what is simply hard to pass up. Also, be willing to deviate from the list if you see something truly special. Just ask yourself a few more critical questions before you do.
That “I’ll Never See This Again” Feeling Is Usually a Lie
Something about antique/vintage shopping creates this feeling of urgency. You start questioning if you’ll ever have a chance to buy something again if you pass it up now. In many cases, I promise you will. Some items I’ve seen again and again: gilded French mirrors, china cabinets, china sets, anything Chinoiserie, anything Queen Ann, framed paintings of flowers, all the wood furniture, and ceramic vases. Dear lord, the ceramic vases!
This is not to say don’t buy these things. I have personally bought most of these things. I’m just saying there’s no need to settle for good enough here. You can be super discerning and hold out for the version that makes your heart soar, or to hunt patiently for something that fits your specific space and vision.. You will get plenty of bites at these apples.
How to Know If Something Is Worth the Price When You’re Not an Expert
Your Phone Is Your Best Shopping Partner
Prices for antique pieces can range from a few dollars at an estate sale to tens of thousands at auction, and I genuinely couldn’t tell you the difference by looks alone. This is the case for most of us, unless you did an internship at Antiques Roadshow.
A quick Google search can give you enough info to make a more informed decision instantly. During my last trip to the antique mall, I found two framed vintage tiles with painted flowers for $14 each. That price didn’t quite track for me, so I flipped one over, took a picture, and did a Google image search on the spot. Sure enough, it was indeed a vintage hand-painted tile from 1970’s England. Also, $14 was close to the going price for these online because they’re not all that rare. With this info, I decided to move on…and I kinda regret it. They were really cute and would have looked so darling hanging in a little corner or my closet.
The Only Pricing Rule You Actually Need
In business school (I promise to try not to say anything that boring again) I learned about the concept of “willingness to pay”, and think of it often when antique/vintage shopping. The idea is simple: Any one thing is worth exactly what you are willing to pay for it. Full Stop.
If something seems too expensive to you, it is. If something seems like a steal, it is. Your perception of an item’s price is personal and completely valid. Don’t let the rarity of something talk you out of your gut instinct about what it should cost.
You may not be a tenured vintage shopper, but you’ve been shopping all your life, and have seen at least 500 episodes of The Price is Right. You know what to do.
Have you tried antique or vintage shopping for your home? Drop your best find in the comments — I want to hear about it. 🏡