Discovering Treasures: Guide to Shopping Vintage Furniture & Home Décor with a Brooklyn Interior Designer
Vintage shopping is quite the journey into history, blending nostalgia, sustainability, and a thrill for the unexpected. As an interior designer in New York with clients from Brooklyn to Hawaii and around the world, I have been using vintage and antique furniture for decades and am thrilled they are trending back. Vintage furniture has unmatched character and adds a layer of narrative to any space, whether it’s a client’s home or my own office. Finding the right piece is like uncovering a hidden gem—it requires a bit of patience, an eye for quality, and sometimes, a willingness to give lesser-known brands their due spotlight.
When it comes to vintage furniture shopping, remember that brands, like people, go through cycles of popularity for various reasons. Some brands and specific pieces experience their moment of glory, only to fade into obscurity, and then rise again as sought-after treasures. Here, I’ll walk you through some favorite finds, each with a backstory and a reason they deserve to be considered for your collection. (Because remember, when I work with clients on their interior design projects, I always want them to include elements that are unique, memorable, and hopefully, mean something to them!)
Understanding Vintage Interior Design
With vintage interior design, each piece discovered can tell a story and add a unique charm to your home. This approach to design is all about blending elements from the past with contemporary pieces to create a space that reflects your personality and taste. Whether you’re incorporating a vintage armchair into a modern living room or restoring an old home to its former glory, vintage interior design allows you to create a truly one-of-a-kind space.
The beauty of vintage interior design lies in its versatility. The key is to strike a balance between old and new, ensuring that your space feels curated rather than cluttered. Have fun with the process, experiment with different combinations, and let your creativity shine.
Popular Vintage Styles
When it comes to vintage interior design, several styles stand out and continue to inspire homeowners and designers alike. One of the most beloved is Mid-century Modern, known for its clean lines, organic shapes, and functional design. This style, which emerged in the mid-20th century, is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and elegance.
Art Deco, another key vintage style, is all about glamour and luxury. With its bold geometric patterns, metallic accents, and rich colors, Deco brings a sense of opulence and sophistication. If you love the idea of living in a space that feels like a scene from The Great Gatsby, Art Deco might be the style for you.
Lane American Mid-Century Modern Furniture (1950s–1970s)
First, Lane’s American furniture from the mid-century to the early 1970s embodies the essence of post mid-century-style. This is an incredible find that’s still underappreciated in the design world and thus, affordable. I particularly love their Cubist and Brutalist-influenced furniture designs. Lane crafted pieces with that clean-lined, understated appeal that defined the Mid-century aesthetic. While the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller command top dollar in the vintage furniture market, Lane’s pieces are often available at a fraction of the price, making them a treasure for the discerning shopper.
It’s possible to score Lane furniture at a thrift store or estate sale for an absolute steal, and these pieces blend beautifully with both modern and traditional décor. In my work, I love sourcing these pieces for clients who want that mid-century flair without the hefty price tag. Keep an eye out for their iconic, solid wood tables and storage pieces, which often feature striking geometric detailing. A little-known secret: Lane’s work is so well-constructed that it often just needs a bit of polish to be as flawless as vintage gets. If you’re patient and willing to hunt, you will be surprised at the quality you can add to your space.
Antique English Wedgwood Dishes
Few things in life feel as timelessly luxurious as Wedgwood dinnerware. Handmade for Her Majesty (multiple Majesties at this point), these pieces offer an air of regal elegance that brings even the simplest meal to life. I have a set of blue and white Wedgwood dishes depicting Mount Vesuvius erupting—perfectly dramatic! I found them at a Brooklyn thrift store, and I’ve loved having my office lunch of vegan chicken nuggets and salad on them.
While it may sound sacrilegious to put something so casual on antique English dishes, I find there’s a real charm in elevating everyday meals with something beautiful. Vintage Wedgwood is surprisingly affordable and, in many cases, less expensive than new sets from High Street retailers or certainly even in line with pricing from Crate & Barrel. You won’t be able to pop them in the dishwasher, but the quality and craftsmanship make each meal feel special. And to be honest, handwashing is a small price to pay for art on your table.
Italian Stainless Steel Sambonet Flatware
If you’ve ever dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you may have enjoyed Sambonet flatware without realizing it. This is a secret vintage flea market that very few people search for or have heard of unless you are in the European high-end restaurant world. This Italian brand has been a staple in upscale dining for decades, providing impeccable design and lasting quality flatware. Unlike premium silversmiths with large marketing departments like Christofle, Sambonet has managed to stay relatively under the radar, which means you can often find it at more affordable prices.
I first came across a set of Sambonet flatware in a flea market in Florence—a true “if you know, you know” find. I didn’t know the brand but knew the quality immediately from the design and heft and finish. Every time I use it, I’m reminded of the elegance and attention to detail that fine Italian craftsmanship brings. Sambonet pieces blend into both contemporary and classic settings, making them a timeless addition to any kitchen. I use their contemporary pieces that I have with my Wedgewood dishes and it’s a great pairing. So, if you’re lucky enough to come across Sambonet at a vintage shop or estate sale, snap it up. There’s no better way to bring a touch of Italian elegance to your table every day.
Verlys Frosted Glass (1925–1955)
For those with a love for Art Deco and early 20th-century design, Verlys glassware is a must. Often mistaken for Lalique, Verlys offers beautifully frosted, neoclassical designs that bring a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank. Their patterns focused on nature with a slight Art Deco flair and their gorgeous glowing opalescent dishes of seashells, fish, and plant life are unmistakable. This French glassmaker created stunning lighting, vases, and tableware, each piece featuring an almost sensual surface texture that adds depth and intrigue to any room.
Verlys glassware is perfect for those who want the elegance of classic French glass design at a fraction of the price. They have a complicated branding history with glass molds moving between the US and France as subsidiaries and companies went bankrupt or were bought out, but those are conversations best saved for the truly otaku amongst glass collectors. While Lalique has name recognition, Verlys pieces provide undeniable craftsmanship (granted a few steps below Lalique, but I’m still perfectly happy) and design with an individual touch. Whether it’s a frosted glass lamp for the living room or a small vase for the dining table, these pieces enhance any space with their sculptural quality. Plus, with Verlys, you’re owning something rare and original, as the brand remains relatively obscure outside collector circles.
Japanese Anything Antique Pieces (Pre-World War II)
As readers of my blogs know, I love using items from around the world. I believe in it on a personal level and in terms of my interior design.
Japan has long been renowned for centuries of art and craftsmanship that rival Italy and France. Vintage Japanese pieces pre-dating World War II are becoming increasingly desirable, particularly with the current strength of the US dollar (at least circa November 2024 😅). From wooden boxes to delicate ceramics, these items bring a unique aesthetic to any collection, often featuring a minimalist elegance with unique textures and patterns that complement contemporary décor schemes.
The beauty of collecting Japanese pieces lies in their subtlety. A small, handcrafted wooden box or a ceramic vase that literally defines the term wabi-sabi can add a quiet sophistication to your space, all while offering something that’s truly one of a kind. No fake Wayfair reproductions, please. This is also one of the most sustainable ways to shop, as you’re giving new life to items that might otherwise be overlooked. Plus, there’s something inherently green about buying vintage home décor—especially when it’s an exquisite Japanese piece that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Shopping for and Decorating with Vintage Furniture
Shopping for vintage furniture and vintage home décor is an adventure that requires a keen eye, patience, and a bit of persistence. The thrill of the hunt is part of the appeal, as you never know what treasures you might uncover at thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales, or online marketplaces. When you find that perfect piece, you are discovering a hidden gem that adds character and history to your home.
When shopping for vintage and antique furniture, inspect each piece carefully. Look for any signs of damage or wear and consider whether the piece can be easily restored or if it requires significant repairs. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price, especially if you notice any imperfections. Remember, part of the charm of vintage furniture is its history, and a few scratches or dents can add to its character.
Consider the style and era of the furniture and how it will fit into your overall design scheme. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek lines of mid-century modern or even going further back to more ornate details found in Victorian pieces, make sure the furniture complements your existing décor.
Decorating with vintage pieces is a wonderful way to infuse your home with personality and charm. Start by selecting a few stand-out vintage pieces that serve as focal points in your room. This could be a vintage chandelier, a statement piece of art, or a beautifully crafted piece of furniture. Use these items as the foundation of your design and build around them with complementary décor and accessories.
Mixing vintage and modern elements can create a dynamic and interesting space. For example, pair a vintage sofa with contemporary throw pillows, or display a collection of vintage wall art alongside modern pieces. The contrast between old and new adds depth and character to your room, making it feel both lived-in and stylish.
Sustainability in Vintage Home Décor, Furniture, and Accessory Shopping
One of the most appealing aspects of vintage shopping is its inherent sustainability. Each vintage item is a testament to durability and craftsmanship—qualities that are becoming rare in today’s throwaway culture. When you buy vintage, you’re choosing to support a circular economy, reduce waste, and minimize the demand for newly manufactured goods. Vintage items are often of higher quality than their contemporary counterparts and designed to last for generations.
In my interior design practice (here I will call it my “vintage interior design”), I encourage clients to embrace vintage not just for its aesthetic appeal but for the positive impact it has on the planet. (And for their rarity and perhaps a bit of nostalgia that new pieces just don’t have) Whether it’s a statement piece of vintage furniture or a small decorative item, each vintage find tells a story, reduces waste, and adds soul to a home.
Final Thoughts…for Now!
Vintage shopping is a rewarding experience, offering more than just aesthetic value. It’s about preserving the past, celebrating quality, and creating a unique environment that’s truly your own. From discovering underappreciated brands like Lane to snagging a set of Sambonet flatware at a flea market, vintage shopping allows you to curate a space that reflects your values and style.
So, the next time you’re on the hunt for something unique, consider vintage interior design. You’ll not only find pieces that add character and charm but also support a more sustainable future.