Expert Tips on How to Shop for Antiques

Do Your Research

Houston-based designer and owner of Moxie Interiors Dennis Brackeen says he is constantly shopping for antiques, and even though it requires more effort, he likes to do so in person, so he knows exactly what he’s getting.

“I do purchase some pieces online for projects, but I will often travel to see them in person before finalizing the purchase, especially on high-ticket items,” Brackeen says. “If you must purchase from an online platform, ask the seller to send you additional images of the piece that may not be available on the original listing.”

Brackeen says often times finding a single piece of art or furniture has ended up inspiring or redirecting the entire aesthetic of a room he’s designing. When he does shop for that statement piece online, he often turns to 1stDibs and Incollect.

“At the end of the day, it’s not where you source your furnishings, lighting, etcetera,” says Brackeen. “It’s about your point of view and where you use them. My philosophy is: Purchase what you love, and it will work!”

“If you love it buy it,” Ariene Bethea, the founder and curator of Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio, says. “The chances of that piece being available when you come back is slim to none. You will always find a place for the things you love—trust me!”

Art Deco Alabaster Pendant Chandelier

Shop Often

Jan Showers, the Dallas-based designer and author of Glamorous Living: Inside America’s Most Luxurious Homes, says she shops for antiques on a daily basis, both for her clients and showroom. She loves to shop the Dallas Design District and also has dealers in London, Paris, and across the U.S. who are always sharing images of items they think she’ll love.

“What I look for are pieces that will set a room apart, because antiques and vintage do just that in any room,” Showers says. “A room without antiques has no soul, no character.”

Bethea agrees. She says, “While she says a huntress never reveals her sources, aspiring antique pros should ever overlook Chairish or Etsy for a one-of-a-kind wonder. She adds, “Shop often: Inventory can change daily and/or weekly. If you are looking for something specific, ask the owner, because what you’re looking for may very well be in storage.”

Be on the Lookout for ‘Wow’ Pieces

One of Showers’ favorite pieces to collect for adding that wow factor to a room: coffee tables. She says they are truly the heart of any space. The designer also has a penchant for lamps.

“They are the jewelry of any room,” she says. “Without great lamps, one may have bought the best antiques, but nothing matters without spectacular lamps. I love to mix periods and styles and always think about that when purchasing for a client’s room, as well as my showroom. There is always a mix—that makes for a truly interesting and very ‘wow’ room.”

Hand-Carved Antique Farmhouse Coffee Table

Try Auction Houses

Manhattan-based designer Ariel Okin recommends those who know exactly what they are looking for to go straight to the source: the auction house.

“If you can be discerning and cut through the junk, you can find the best deals that way, because you are eliminating the middlemen of antiques dealers and online marketplaces, who both get a cut,” she says.

Okin also loves perusing estate sales, both in-person and online. Some of her favorite options for finding estate sales or shopping them online include Estatesales.net, LiveAuctioneers, and Invaluable.

For those who are in the process of training their eye or aren’t sure what they need to complete a room, Okin advises opting for a more curated selection of items, such as Chairish or 1stDibs.

“[They] are absolutely fantastic, and we shop at both frequently for our clients,” Okin says. “They do such a wonderful job of curating fabulous pieces into shoppable experiences that really tell a story.”

Look for Quality

Houston-based designer Marie Flanigan says the first thing she looks for when antique shopping is quality craftsmanship. She advises against buying even the most seemingly perfect piece without careful scrutiny.

“Regardless of how beautiful a piece may be, if it’s poorly constructed, it won’t stand the test of time,” she says. “Be sure to inspect the hinges, bolts, and other joints to be sure they’re secure, check the quality and weight of the materials used, and ask questions about when and where the piece was made.”

Bethea agrees, and advises to look for quality in everything. She says it’s important to seek out pieces that are structurally sound and made of solid materials like wood, brass, or stone. She also advises looking for artwork that was actually signed by the artists. Coming equipped with photos of the room you’re looking to finish and the flexibility to be open to different ways of styling a piece or a staff member’s advice are also important for your shopping experience.

Know How to Spot Fakes

Flanigan says careful inspection is also critical when shopping for an authentic antique or vintage rug.

“To spot a true handmade rug crafted from wool, silk, jute, and other natural materials, inspect the back of the rug,” she advises. “If the weaving and knots appear to be slightly uneven and not perfectly uniform, you’ve likely found a true antique. Rugs made by machine will have backing that appears perfectly uniform and even and will generally cost less than ones that are handcrafted.”

Some of Flanigan’s favorite spots for sourcing fabulous antiques include Mecox, Joyce Horn Antiques, Found, 1stDibs, and the antique-centric town of Round Top, Texas.

Antique Persian Bidjar Rug

Bring a Camera and Measuring Tape

“Antique shopping is our most favorite part of interior design,” says Alexandra Pappas of Pappas Miron. “We scour our favorite spots weekly and always prefer, if possible, to see things in person.”

Some of her top spots include Antique & Artisan Gallery and Avery & Dash in Stamford, Connecticut, the shops on Warren Street in Hudson, New York, and “every tag sale and small-town auction house we can find.”

Pappas says she and her team typically photograph anything that catches their eye and then reviews how an item might work for various clients. However, she prefers to walk into a shop or auction house armed and ready with a shopping list that comes with preferred dimensions.

“No matter the method, the end result is the same: Furniture and accessories with patina, character, and uniqueness are what make each interior special,” she says.

Craftsman 25-Ft Tape Measure

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor who covers all things lifestyle and luxury, with an emphasis on interior design and travel. Lauren began her career in lifestyle journalism as a Dotdash Meredith digital editorial fellow with Cooking Light, then worked as a digital editor for EatingWell and VERANDA before venturing out on her own in 2022. She has been writing for nationally renowned lifestyle publications for six years and has also written for several U.K.-based travel and interior design brands. Lauren lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband and son and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family in her free time.