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Prize Finds: How To Shop Smart for Antique and Vintage Pieces

Hello Fabulistas! I love placing antique and vintage pieces in my clients' homes. (I also love having them in my home!) The unique pieces make a statement and add character. It can be a little intimidating to shop for antiques if you've never tried it before. Here are a few tips that will help you get started. Learn the terms The hardest part about shopping for antiques and vintage pieces is learning the terminology. If you're not familiar with design styles but know the look you want, do some research before shopping. It will be easier to find the right piece if you know which styles interest you. Remember, antiques are things over 100 years old, near antique pieces are 75-99 years old and vintage items are typically 25-74 years old. robin1

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Find the sales There are antique sales happening in lots of places at any given time. I like to search estatesales.net and Craigslist for estate sales. Flea markets are also fantastic because you never know what you're going to find! robin2

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Bring references Even if you've done your homework before antique shopping, you may still have questions. Don't be afraid to pull out a book, or go online from your phone to confirm facts. If you're unsure of what you're looking at, ASK! I love to talk to people, and find that by talking I get the most information, and the best deals! robin3

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Check out the condition When you find a piece you like, look at the condition. Typically, antique and vintage pieces will need a little love to bring them back to life. Find out if it's been repaired, painted, scratched, or broken. All of these will affect the price and help you get a better deal. robin4

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Make an informed decision As I said, many antique and vintage pieces will need to be repaired. Make sure you know what you're in for before buying. If you're not very handy and don't want to pay to fix it up, it may not be the piece for you. However, if you're unsure, I say buy! You can always sell it if it's too much trouble for you. Better to be safe than sorry, but you always have to be informed! robin5

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Above all else, follow your heart. These pieces will be in your home, and you'll see them every day. You should love them, and want to have them around you. Go with your gut, and you won't be wrong!

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