Nate Berkus shares his tips on how to spot a steal when antique shopping
Expertly crafted and unique in style, I’ve long relied on antiques when designing my home. However, antique shopping has been a learning curve, and while I like to think that after years of trial and error, I can spot a gem, I’d never turn down advice from an expert – particularly when it comes from a designer who has 30 years of antiquing experience, Nate Berkus.
Known for decorating with antiques and effortlessly blending the old and new, Nate Berkus is one of the first names I think of when it comes to transitional design. His home is the perfect example, artfully balancing the contemporary with the traditional. I’ve spotted an enviable array of antiques in Nate’s New York townhouse, so when he took to Instagram to share his designer secrets on distinguishing treasure from trash, I was quick to jot down his tips.
Nate spills all the tricks of the trade, sharing where he shops for his one-of-a-kind gems and how he finds the best prices, making the hunt for the perfect vintage piece a far less overwhelming task.
Where does Nate Berkus shop online for vintage pieces?
Nate shares in his post that he heads to three online sites when shopping for antiques. His first ‘go-to’ is Live Auctioneers, where you can bid for pieces from auction houses from the convenience of your couch.
Nate also names Chairish and 1st Dibs as his other two favorite sites for antique shopping, where you can search for exactly what piece you’re after and compare styles and prices. Both these sites are very user-friendly, and I often use their curated pages to work out what I am looking for too. They make shopping for antiques online a breeze.
What’s Nate’s top tip for checking a piece is going to work?
Nate advises, ‘I usually ask for more photos of something before I buy it, and I always ask the seller to confirm the dimensions. I have spent the last 30 years buying things I love, often without knowing where they would go, but things that you love always seem to find a home.’
While there’s undoubtedly always antique and vintage decor to avoid, it can be much easier to sift through hoards of decor when you know what to look for. There are plenty of antiques you should be collecting, but shopping for these pieces online can be tricky, as their condition isn’t always obvious. Ensure you’re happy with your piece by being meticulous before you purchase.
How do you know you’re getting a good deal?
Nate says, ‘I’ve spent so much time buying, selling, and sourcing my whole life. Oftentimes, there are keywords for something. Even standing in a store, I will Google “Italian Sterling Silver Candlestick 19th Century for sale”, and other things that look like it will pop up, and I’ll have a sense right away if it’s overpriced or if I’m getting a great deal.’
It’s much easier to meet your budget when shopping for antiques, as many sellers consider an offer and meet you with a counterbid if it’s too low. However, the price of pieces is at the owner’s discretion, so knowing if you’re paying a fair fee isn’t always clear.
If you want to start an antiques collection or simply want to incorporate a few more vintage pieces in your home, always check online for similar versions of an item that’s caught your eye to avoid being ripped off. The beauty of the internet is that you can look at various price points and styles before you agree to a price in person.
Where’s the best city to shop vintage?
Nate says, ‘Honestly, everywhere I travel, when I am on the plane to where I am going, I Google flea markets, antique fairs, designer resale, estate jewelry, and I make myself a list and map it out. Then I can pretend at breakfast with Jeremiah that I just discovered this amazing antique mall that’s only 5 minutes away from our hotel.’
Always looking for collectibles when antique shopping, Nate sees every city as a new opportunity to hunt for characterful pieces. No matter where you live, you can always find an antique store, flea market, or thrift store, proving that sourcing pre-loved treasures is always possible when you’re armed with the right advice.
Mid 20th Century Sterling Silver Wallace Monogramed Single Candlesticks – Set of 2
Nate uses antique silver candlesticks as an example of past pieces he’s searched for online. While there are plenty to choose from, I love the smooth curve of this pair and their ornate monogram right at the center.
French vintage bobbin wood stool mid century / rustic farmhouse primitiv kitchen decor
Nate incorporates antique stools throughout his projects, often quirky in shape and style. This vintage French variety will give any room character and patina, whether positioned at the end of a bed or beside a sofa in the living room.
Vintage Danish Ceramic Table Lamp
Midcentury lighting is all the rage, initiated by trailblazers like Nate. This one-of-a-kind design is distinct and bold with its contemporary base and delicate pleated shade – it’s an example of lasting yet interesting design.
The key takeaway I am getting from Nate’s advice is be prepared – measure up and do your research. It’s always a good idea to have a piece in mind or at least be aware of styles you like, whether taking inspiration from this year’s vintage trends or seeking something more specific.
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