Your Ultimate Vintage Style Furniture Shopping List: 6 Pieces to Look Out For
There’s something undeniably magical about vintage style furniture. Each piece tells a story—of craftsmanship, design eras, and lives well-lived. While you’re strolling through a bustling flea market or browsing a quaint consignment shop, the thrill of discovering a hidden gem never gets old. But with so many options, how do you know which pieces are worth the purchase?
To help you curate a home that’s both stylish and steeped in history, we turned to design experts and vintage connoisseurs for their must-have picks. Whether you’re furnishing a house in Austin, TX, an apartment in San Francisco, CA or a rental home in Columbus, OH, consider this your ultimate guide to navigating the world of secondhand treasures. Let’s dive in.
Tips on shopping for vintage style furniture
Before diving into your vintage shopping spree, it’s crucial to keep a few savvy tips in mind. Kandice Moore, owner of the Houston, TX-based furniture and home goods store, Moore Vintage, shares her insider advice for spotting true gems while avoiding potential pitfalls.
“Always start with the sniff test,” she suggests. “Lingering odors like smoke can be nearly impossible to remove. Look for craftsmanship that stands the test of time, like dovetail joints and solid wood construction. And since older pieces often run smaller than today’s furniture, measuring is key before making a purchase.”
Steven Nohren from Retro Modern Furnishings in Raleigh, NC adds another perspective on shopping with intention. “Furniture shopping can feel overwhelming, whether you’re working with a budget or ready to splurge. First, look for timeless elements like quality wood grains, sturdy construction, and versatile colors, as they will always age well compared to fleeting trends. Then ask yourself how this piece will contribute to the room’s visual dialogue—considering architecture, lighting, flooring, and accessories.”
Popular styles to look out for
When it comes to vintage furniture, certain styles remain timeless. Whether you’re drawn to ornate details or sleek sophistication, these iconic eras might be the perfect addition to your home.
Victorian Era
“Some of the hottest upholstered furniture right now is from the Victorian era. They were made of solid hardwood, usually mahogany or walnut, and have lasted the test of time. Reupholstering Victorian furniture in high-end modern fabric is an easy way to get a rich, hip, unique look that juxtaposes different styles,” shares the team at Imperial Decorating, an upholstering and design shop in West Hartford, CT.
Mid Century Italian
If you’re after clean lines and artistic flair, Mid Century Italian pieces are a can’t-miss category. “Mid Century Italian Design items are always a sound investment, especially from the notable Gio Ponti, the late designer whose creations are collected by major museums and collectors throughout the world,” explains Lynn Goode from the online furniture, fine art, and decor marketplace, Lynn Goode Designs. “His dramatic use of curved shapes is his signature design feature consistent with the mid twentieth-century trends of that era, along with exotic woods and lush fabrics.”
Danish Modern
For those who love sleek, functional, and effortlessly cool furniture, Danish Modern is having a major moment. “Danish Modern furniture is very ‘in’ and is something to look for when searching for well-built mid-century furniture,” says Dean Gannon from Gannon’s Antiques & Art in Fort Myers, FL.
This Scandinavian style is celebrated for its minimalist design and impeccable craftsmanship, making it a timeless choice for both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary collectors. “Vintage Danish Modern furniture is highly sought after for its minimalist design, superior craftsmanship, and timeless appeal,” explain Katrin and Lauren, co-owners of the Washington, D.C. vintage and modern home decor shop, Bold Alley.
To identify authentic mid-century modern pieces, they recommend looking for seamless joinery, labels or stamps from the manufacturer or designer, and high-quality veneers such as teak or rosewood, applied over solid wood cores. Signs of wear, patina, or aging can also indicate authenticity.
1. Cabinets
Vintage and antique cabinets, in particular, bring a sense of history and personality to your space, making them an essential on your vintage style furniture shopping list.
When it comes to kitchen charm, nothing beats a classic. “A Hoosier cabinet is a classic vintage kitchen piece that adds both charm and functionality to your space. These freestanding cupboards feature built-in flour sifters and pull-out countertops, making them both practical and stylish,” explains Shelly from the classic food blog, Vintage By The Bite. “Look for rust or corrosion as restoration can be challenging. If the glass panels in the upper doors are intact and original, that’s a bonus.”
Beyond the cabinet itself, also pay attention to the smaller details. “I have a soft spot for vintage and antique cabinet pulls—especially those crafted from brass or bronze, often accented with ceramic handles,” shares Cody Foote, owner of the online store for all things vintage, The Vintage Shopper. “There’s something timeless about the contrast of aged metal and smooth, white-glazed ceramic, striking the perfect balance between old-world charm and modern refinement.”
2. Bookshelves
A vintage bookcase can do so much more than hold books—it’s a versatile piece that blends practicality with personality. From antique classics to mid-century modern masterpieces, the right bookcase can enhance your space while showcasing your personality.
When it comes to timeless functionality, Sarah Chrzastowski from the lifestyle blog This You Need recommends barrister bookcases. “When I’m at an antique store or flea market, I always keep an eye out for solid wood barrister bookcases. Their modular design makes them a great fit for any room, and the glass doors let you highlight books, collectibles, or even dishes without having to keep up with constant dusting.”
For something with bold design appeal, mid-century modern bookshelves are hard to beat. “These bookshelves are bold design statements with their distinctive mix of open and closed shelves, and sometimes, even a fun pop of color,” says hotel designer Sarah Smallwood from interior design blog, Roam and Reside. “The unique geometry adds an architectural element to the room. And the open shelving provides a captivating framework to display your favorite things.”
3. Sofas
A vintage sofa can serve as the centerpiece of your living space, bringing style, comfort, and a story to your home.
“If you’re bold enough, we love shopping for vintage sofas,” shares Linny and Claire from House Friends, a virtual club for interior design lovers. “Older sofas are often way higher quality than anything you can buy new at a moderate price point. Look for sofas with quality fabrics that are in excellent condition. If you find a shape you love, getting a piece reupholstered is a great way to give older furniture a fresh new look.”
When it comes to curating a space that feels effortlessly chic, some pieces truly steal the spotlight. “Keep an eye out for those standout pieces that give a space real character,” suggests the team at ThisBlueBird, an online vintage kimono and women’s clothing store. “A unique mid-century sideboard or an oversized Chesterfield sofa can instantly make a room feel more stylish and intentional.” With its tufted leather and classic silhouette, the Chesterfield is a true icon that works seamlessly in both traditional and modern interiors.
4. Chair Sets
A striking set of vintage chairs can completely transform a room, offering both functionality and a sense of style. From iconic designs to versatile seating, the right chair set can become the perfect conversation starter.
For those seeking an industrial yet elegant vibe, Abby Fitzgerald, principal designer of Fitz Haus Interior Design in Carlisle, PA, highlights the enduring appeal of vintage Emeco chairs. “One of my favorite finds is the vintage Emeco Chair, specifically in the iconic Navy or Hudson design. While many companies have copied these chairs, authentic vintage reproductions from the 1940’s are hard to come by. Emeco still produces them today, but original designs are recognizable by their rounded back and distinct bar spacing. Made from recycled aluminum through a meticulous 77-step process, these chairs are built to last 150 years.”
For living rooms or in front of fireplaces, vintage swivel chairs strike the ideal balance of form and function. “Our clients are always looking for low-profile vintage swivel chairs. We find name-brand vintage ones that are well-constructed and American-made. Once recovered in a more contemporary fabric to fit our clients’ needs, they can last for decades of use,” says the team at the antique shop, Fleur De Lis Antiques and Design in Redding, CT.
5. Tables
When it comes to vintage style furniture, tables are the unsung heroes of versatility and functionality. Interior designer Bonnie Whitfield from Bonnie Kaye Studio in Johnson City, TN recommends small, multipurpose tables. “When I’m out sourcing vintage pieces, I look out for small, multipurpose tables, which are often covered and overlooked. I particularly like solid wood, wrought iron, or nesting tables with interesting surfaces or sculptural legs. These tables are so versatile—think end table, entry table, cocktail/drink table, or plant stand.”
For those on the hunt for console tables, Katy Anderson, founder of Katy Anderson Interiors in Chevy Chase, MD shares a few tips. “I recommend getting to know the shop owner and asking important questions about the piece. I particularly like to shop for console tables, as they are practical and timeless.” she suggests.
“If the design allows, we can place extra seating underneath, adding room for that additional layer in our design schemes. To check the quality, put your hand under the case to feel the undulations in the wood. Reproductions made in China often have perfectly smooth surfaces, unlike the subtle imperfections in authentic antiques. The age-old phrase ‘they don’t make them like they used to’ is still true today.”
6. Chest of drawers
Interior designer, Kathleen Anguera from Urban Interiors in Baltimore, MD shares her go-to piece to look for while shopping for vintage style furniture. “I like to look for a low boy chest of drawers. It can be used in a living room with two lamps and a great piece of art above or act as a media console for a TV or record player. It offers lots of storage too.”
Creating the perfect space using vintage style furniture
Hunting for vintage style furniture isn’t just about decorating—it’s about curating a space with history and personality. From statement-making chair sets to timeless tables and chests that marry form and function, each piece adds a layer of intrigue and flair. So, channel your inner treasure hunter, and start styling your home with vintage decor.
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