No matter your style, vintage decor can add personality and flair to any room of your home. “Mixing in character vintage pieces defines a space more than anything you can buy [new] at a retail store,” says Michael Cox, owner of Foley & Cox Interiors. “Adding a layer of unique charm that reflects your personality, vintage pieces are fundamental to bringing a sense of soul into a space.”
To find the best places to buy vintage decor, we considered factors such as the shop’s selection, appraisal process, return policies, shipping options, and customer service. Our top picks for scoring deals include Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. For professionally appraised and curated collections, you may want to shop at Everything but the House, The Real Real, or Sotheby’s.
Read on for the best places to buy vintage decor for your home.
Most people have heard of—and potentially used—Craigslist before. It’s essentially just one big classifieds listing, and it’s broken up by location, with pages for 570 different cities in 70 countries around the world. While Craigslist has sections for jobs, housing, services, and more, many people use the site to list for-sale items, including huge selections of furniture and decor.
There are several perks to shopping on Craigslist, including the ability to find great deals, being able to pick up items locally, and even haggling prices. However, the site has its risks as well. Because you’re dealing with individual sellers, there’s no telling what the quality of the item will be, and there are no returns or dispute resolution available. Plus, Craigslist is also home to the occasional scam, so you’ll want to be extra cautious when communicating with sellers and avoid giving out any personal or financial information.
Return Policy: N/A | Delivery Options: Local pickup | Perks: N/A
Etsy might be best known as a marketplace for artists to sell their creations, but it’s a great spot to source vintage decor, too. If you go to the site’s furniture or home decor listings, you can filter by vintage items, and there are hundreds of thousands of listings from sellers all around the world. Whether you’re searching for retro art to spruce up your walls or an antique statement chair for your living room, chances are you’ll be able to find it on Etsy!
There are several benefits to using Etsy as opposed to a marketplace like Craigslist. For one, all payments are processed through the site, so you know your financial information is safe. While return policies are set by individual sellers, the site will also help to resolve any disputes, allowing you to feel more confident with your purchase. Just be sure to keep an eye on seller locations as you shop—shipping costs can skyrocket if you’re looking at an item that’s located overseas.
Return Policy: Varies by seller | Delivery Options: Varies by seller | Perks: Varies by seller
-
Huge selection
-
Able to make offers on some listings
-
Money Back Guarantee on most transactions
-
Good filters for sorting items
eBay is another popular online marketplace where anyone can sell their belongings, and you’ll find vintage decor listings from both individuals and shops and boutiques. It used to predominantly be an auction site—and there are still select auctions available—but today, people mostly create “buy it now” listings, where you agree to a set price. However, you’ll still find some listings that allow you to make an offer, which the seller can either accept or decline.
Return and shipping policies on eBay vary by seller, and some furniture may be available for local pickup only; be sure to use the site’s detailed filters to your advantage. However, to give you more confidence when shopping, the site does offer a Money Back Guarantee on most transactions—if you never receive the item, the product doesn’t match the description, or the seller doesn’t honor their return policy, you’ll be able to get your money back.
Return Policy: Varies by seller | Delivery Options: Varies by seller | Perks: N/A
For those who use the social media site, Facebook Marketplace is another great location to hunt for vintage decor. It operates very similarly to Craigslist, but the main difference is that users must have a Facebook account to list items for sale. Additionally, while Facebook Marketplace is most commonly used to shop items for sale in your local area, some sellers do offer shipping, as well—typically on smaller items.
Similar to Craigslist, haggling is common on Facebook Marketplace, allowing you to score great deals on vintage items. However, the same downsides apply here, as well. There’s no guarantee the item will be in good condition, the site won’t help resolve any disputes on items sold locally, and there are often scams hidden among legitimate listings. Facebook does offer a comprehensive safety guide on how to use its Marketplace, and it’s worth taking a look before you use it for the first time.
Return Policy: N/A | Delivery Options: Local pickup or shipping | Perks: N/A
Instagram is another social media site that’s become a popular destination for vintage and secondhand shops to advertise their wares. Accounts like Dobbin St Vintage Co-op, Super Marche, and Counter Space are all extremely popular, and they often post regular updates with their latest offerings. One of the major perks to this format is that you can simply follow accounts you like, and their posts will automatically show up in your home feed on the site.
However, shopping for vintage decor through Instagram isn’t always straightforward. Many accounts do things quite differently—some only use the site for advertising, forcing you to buy through their website, while others allow you to comment or message to claim items in their posts. There’s no option to pay directly through Instagram, either, which means you’ll often have to use PayPal or another online payment system to send money to the seller. Similarly, shipping varies wildly between accounts—some are local pickup only, while others may be willing to ship products for an additional fee.
Return Policy: Varies by seller | Delivery Options: Varies by seller | Perks: Varies by seller
-
Hundreds of new items added daily
-
Shop antique dealers from around the country
-
Good filters for sorting items
Chairish is another online marketplace, but it solely sells vintage and contemporary furniture, decor, and art. While other marketplaces have listings from individual people, Chairish is mainly used by antique dealers and other shops around the country, and every listing is screened by the brand’s curators, lending a little more authenticity to your purchase. There are hundreds of thousands of listings on Chairish at any given time, including everything from one-of-a-kind sofas to adorable vintage knick-knacks, and hundreds of new items are added daily.
As you shop on Chairish, you’re able to browse through a wide range of categories, using filters to narrow down your search based on price, product location, shipping options, color, and much more. You can even save searches, and the brand will send you email updates when new items that meet your specifications are listed. There are a variety of shipping options available depending on the item, and while the brand will ensure you get your money back if an item is lost or broken during transit, you only have 48 hours to decide if you want to return an item—after that, sales are final.
Return Policy: 48 hours | Delivery Options: Local pickup, ground shipping, in-home shipping | Perks: $20 off your first order
-
Professional pickup and delivery
-
Money-back guarantee
-
AptDeco will help resolve issues
-
Good filters for sorting items
For those who live in the Northeast (including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) or the San Francisco Bay Area, AptDeco allows you to buy (and sell) furniture and decor locally—without worrying about picking it up. While individuals are able to list their furniture for sale, the brand’s own team of delivery drivers will coordinate the exchange, saving you from having to rent a moving truck or carry a heavy couch up several flights of stairs. You pay for your purchase right through the site, making the transaction a bit more secure.
The prices listed on AptDeco include delivery fees, and the delivery team will inspect the furniture upon pickup to ensure there are no major quality issues. The brand will help resolve disputes between buyers and sellers, and it even has a money-back guarantee if you receive a wrong or missing item. With all of these benefits, the only major downside to AptDeco is that it’s only available in a few locations.
Return Policy: N/A | Delivery Options: White glove delivery | Perks: $10 off your first purchase
-
Professional authentication
-
Bidding always starts at $1
-
Good deals on designer items
If you love a good auction, you’ll definitely want to check out Everything But the House. As its name suggests, this website sells a wide range of furniture and decor, as well as clothing and accessories, electronics, collectibles, and more. The brand guarantees that all items listed are authenticated or validated and presented clearly and accurately, and it uses an auction-style format that lets you bid for items you like.
Arguably one of the best things about Everything But the House is that all auctions start at just $1, which often means you can get amazing deals on big-ticket and designer items (however, bid increments can vary). When bidding on items, keep in mind that there are no returns, and you’ll also want to review your delivery options, including the shipping estimate, which can get quite pricey for large pieces of furniture.
Return Policy: No returns | Delivery Options: Parcel or freight shipping | Perks: N/A
One Kings Lane is a well-known luxury home decor brand, and in addition to its selection of new and made-to-order decor and furniture, it also has an impressive collection of vintage finds. If you’re searching for furniture, rugs, art, or decor, there are thousands of listings to browse through, many of which are available through vintage dealers from all around the world. The brand also does a great job of dating its vintage pieces, noting details of where they originated and the condition of the items.
While regular items from One Kings Lane can be returned within 30 days, most vintage pieces aren’t eligible for returns—so make sure you love them before you buy. Products are typically delivered via white glove service, and the brand offers 20 percent off your first purchase when you sign up for their email list.
Return Policy: 30 days on select items | Delivery Options: Standard or home delivery | Perks: 20% off your first purchase
If you’re looking for rare pieces (and don’t mind paying more to own them), 1stDibs is known for its high-end collection of antique and vintage decor. It has everything from furniture, lighting, and decor to artwork and even NFTs, and new items are added to the site weekly for an ever-changing inventory. While it is a marketplace that has listings from a wide variety of sellers, only pre-vetted sellers who are respected professionals in the field are able to sell items on 1stDibs, and the brand thoroughly evaluates the integrity of their listings.
As you shop on 1stDibs, you’ll notice there are both standard listings as well as product auctions, and the brand offers a promotion for $100 off your first auction purchase. There are a variety of shipping choices available, depending on the size and value of your buy, and the site has a buyer protection policy that’s designed to help resolve any disputes.
Return Policy: Varies by seller | Delivery Options: Parcel, freight, or in-home delivery | Perks: $100 off your first auction purchase
Jayson Home is based in Chicago, but many of its vintage and antique pieces are also listed for sale through the brand’s website. The selection isn’t quite as sizable as other online marketplaces and retailers, but there are still several hundred vintage furniture and decor pieces to browse through, including both large and small items. The brand prides itself on its top-notch customer service and encourages you to call if you have any questions about a product or its services.
If you’re local, you can pick up purchases in-store, but the brand also offers either ground shipping or in-home delivery for those who live farther away. They’ll even accommodate international shipping, though additional fees may apply. Plus, when you buy through the website, there are multiple payment options available, including Shop Pay, Google Pay, and even financing through Affirm.
Return Policy: Varies by item | Delivery Options: Standard or white glove delivery | Perks: 10% off your first order
-
Thousands of auctions
-
Ability to save searches
-
Absentee or live bidding
Live Auctioneers is another option for anyone who likes the thrill of bidding on furniture and decor. There are thousands of auctions going on at any given time, and you can sort through items based on decor style, brand, and more. The auctions are conducted by auction houses from around the country, and if you successfully purchase a product, you’ll arrange for payment and shipping directly with the seller.
To bid in auctions, you’ll need to first create an account on the site, and you also may need to get approval from the auction house to bid on items. Live Auctioneers allows both absentee and live bidding—the former option allows you to submit a maximum bid amount before the live auction begins, and it will automatically keep you in the lead, increasing only when there’s a competing bid. However, keep in mind that there may be a “buyer’s premium” of up to 30 percent that’s charged to the person who wins the auction.
Return Policy: Varies by auction house | Delivery Options: Varies by auction house | Perks: N/A
In addition to a wide range of high-quality homewares, Food52 also has a curated selection of vintage products. True to its name, the brand’s vintage selection is mostly kitchen items—think vintage silverware, glassware, mixing bowls, breadboards, and cake pans. There are only a few dozen items to choose from, but all the products are extremely high-quality and look as good as new.
When you shop from Food52, your items will ship for a flat rate of $9 unless you spend more than $149, in which case shipping is free. You have up to 30 days to return unwanted items, and unlike many other shops, the brand does accept returns on vintage pieces.
Return Policy: 30 days | Delivery Options: Standard shipping | Perks: Free shipping on orders over $149
-
Professional authentication
-
Wide selection of designer items
-
Clear descriptions of product condition
The Real Real is well-known among fashion lovers as it’s a top destination for gently used designer goods. However, the brand also has a sizable collection of brand-name furniture and home decor, including pieces from Maison Balzac, Jonathan Adler, Tiffany & Co., and many more. All items sold through The Real Real have been professionally authenticated, and the brand does a great job of providing details about each product’s condition, with photos and descriptions of any flaws.
Depending on what you order, The Real Real offers ground shipping or white glove delivery, and most items can be returned for a refund within 14 days. The brand often has promotions that allow you to save money on your purchase, and it also has a “First Look” program for $10/month that gives you early access to new items—a worthwhile perk for serious decor hunters.
Return Policy: 14 days | Delivery Options: Standard shipping or white glove delivery | Perks: Changes periodically
If you’re searching for smaller decor items, you’ll definitely want to check out Thrilling, which features items from more than 1,300 boutiques across the country. Not only is Thrilling a Black and woman-owned business, but 95 percent of its boutiques are woman- or BIPOC-owned as well. There are hundreds of vintage houseware items listed on the site, ranging from vintage Pyrex to retro wall hangings, and new items are added daily, ensuring there’s always something fresh for you to discover.
When you buy an item from Thrilling, it will be delivered via standard ground carriers directly from the shop that listed it, and shipping is free if you spend more than $120. There are even international shipping options available for those outside the U.S. The site has a 30-day return policy on its clothing and accessories, but unfortunately for those shopping for decor, all home goods sales are final.
Return Policy: No returns on home goods | Delivery Options: Standard shipping | Perks: Free shipping on orders over $120
-
Rare and unique products
-
Professional authentication
-
Thorough product descriptions
-
International shipping available
Sotheby’s is known as a luxury auction house, and it’s a favorite among collectors thanks to its fine art and rare objects. If you have a large budget for vintage decor, it’s definitely worth browsing through the site’s “Buy Now” listings, where you’ll find thousands of stunning pieces, including furniture, vases, decorative objects, and more. Sotheby’s guarantees the authenticity of all the products listed on its site, so you know you’re getting the real deal, and it also offers extremely thorough product descriptions, including notes about each item’s condition, flaws, time period, country of origin, and more.
Sotheby’s has a dedicated shipping and logistics team that helps coordinate the delivery of items between sellers and buyers, and there is a wide range of shipping options available, including everything from standard ground shipping to armored shipping for expensive items. Purchases can even be shipped internationally if needed. After your item is delivered, you have just two days to initiate a return, and the brand reserves the right to decline any return or deduct it from your refund if the item isn’t in its original condition.
Return Policy: 2 days | Delivery Options: Standard, in-home, or white glove delivery | Perks: N/A
-
Sales available online or via Instagram
-
Multiple payment methods available
-
Rentals available for photo shoots
The next time you’re in NYC, be sure to stop by Home Union, a vintage furniture store located in Brooklyn. While it does have a beautiful storefront that’s worth visiting, the brand also lists its products online, allowing you to browse (and buy) stylish housewares, vintage lighting, and colorful textiles. Or, if you’re planning a photo shoot, you can even rent items from the store for a reduced fee!
You can buy items from Home Union through the website or even their Instagram account—all you have to do is DM them, and they’ll invoice you for the product. All vintage sales are final, and shipping or delivery isn’t included with your purchase. The brand will help to coordinate delivery or shipping as needed, but you have to let them know that you’d like a quote for it.
Return Policy: Vintage sales are final | Delivery Options: Standard or white glove | Perks: N/A
-
Sellers from all around the country
-
Site-wide returns accepted
-
Customer service can help resolve issues
Ruby Lane is another marketplace where antique shops from around the country can list their products for sale. There are thousands of products to choose from across a wide range of categories, and many listings allow you to make an offer lower than the listed price, which the seller can accept or decline. Every product listing has shipping costs clearly listed, ensuring there are no surprises at checkout, and there’s also a panel that outlines the seller’s individual policies, which may include restocking fees, accepted payment types, layaway plans, and more.
One of the best parts about shopping via Ruby Lane is the site has a standardized return policy that all sellers have to agree to. You have up to three days to initiate a return, but keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for return shipping costs and may be subject to a restocking fee. The site may also help to resolve any issues between buyers and sellers.
Return Policy: 3 days | Delivery Options: Varies by seller | Perks: N/A
-
Professionally restored pieces
-
Thorough product descriptions
-
Flat-rate shipping on large items
Rejuvenation is a Williams-Sonoma brand that specializes in lighting and hardware, but it also has an impressive selection of vintage decor. You’ll find everything from vintage furniture to antique light fixtures, and many of the products available on its website have been professionally restored in the brand’s Portland-based facility, giving new life to secondhand items. As you browse through the brand’s online collection of vintage products, you’ll find that every listing includes multiple photos, detailed notes about the product’s condition, and historical information when available.
Many of the vintage items sold through Rejuvenation are ready to ship in just a few days, and many larger pieces qualify for flat-rate shipping. The brand often runs promotions throughout the year, allowing you to save money on your purchase, but keep in mind that no returns are accepted on vintage items. Rejuvenation also has several physical stores around the country, but many may not carry vintage pieces.
Return Policy: No returns on vintage items | Delivery Options: Flat-rate or white glove delivery | Perks: Frequent sales and promotions
You can transform your home into a luxurious French oasis with vintage decor from Elsie Green. Based in northern California, the brand has three in-person showrooms, but you can also shop online and look through their collection of vintage furniture and decor, much of which has been sourced from French flea markets. Much of their collection has a farmhouse-style aesthetic, and the brand also offers some custom furniture made from reclaimed wood.
Large furniture purchased from Elsie Green is shipped via a white glove delivery service, or you can pick up the item in person if you live locally. The brand has a flexible return policy, as they prioritize customer happiness, though there are cancellation fees on custom orders.
Return Policy: Flexible | Delivery Options: Standard or white glove delivery | Perks: Free shipping on orders over $95
-
No returns
-
High shipping costs
Sunbeam Vintage is a Latinx- and woman-owned business based in Los Angeles, and they carry a sizable collection of vintage, modern, and handmade decor. You can easily shop these different categories through the brand’s website, and you’ll find everything from tiny vintage spice bowls to unique oversized furniture. Many of its prices are quite reasonable, especially for smaller items, but the site doesn’t have the best filters, so it can be hard to narrow down your search if you’re looking for something in particular.
Because Sunbeam is a small business, its shipping costs tend to be higher than you might expect. The brand will deliver items within 25 miles for $250 and to other locations for $550. Shipping can take between four to six weeks for larger items, and the brand doesn’t accept returns.
Return Policy: No returns | Delivery Options: Varies by product | Perks: N/A
Final Verdict
If you’re willing to do a bit of searching to get a great deal, marketplaces such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are all treasure troves for well-priced vintage decor, and you can often haggle prices to save even more. For those who love a good auction, check out Everything But the House and Live Auctioneers, or if you want to browse a curated collection, consider shops like One Kings Lane or 1stDibs.
Style
Not all vintage furniture is created equal—some antique lovers are drawn to midcentury modern pieces, while others prefer a shabby chic look. Before shopping, you’ll want to get a sense of the aesthetic that most appeals to you and then focus on stores with items that best align with your personal style.
Price
Vintage finds can range from extremely affordable to investment-worthy pieces. It is important to develop a sense of your own budget as well as the general price range items fall within at each retailer you consider. Of course, websites such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Etsy—which feature finds large and small listed by individual sellers across the country—will have a broader variation in pricing than more niche retailers.
Returns
The return policies of vintage retailers can vary quite significantly—some brands give you up to 30 days to return items, while others provide just 48 hours or less. Additionally, quite a few sellers don’t accept returns at all on vintage items. For this reason, you’ll want to be sure to review a site’s return policy before you buy, especially if you’re not 100 percent sure about the purchase.
Shipping
Note that shipping furniture is not cheap, and if you wish to acquire an item immediately or do not have the budget to account for extra freight fees, you will want to tailor your search accordingly. In such a case, you may wish to focus on websites that offer local pickup or those that run promotions for free shipping over a specific dollar amount.
FAQ
-
The key is mixing and matching both vintage and contemporary pieces so that a space looks well-curated but not too dated. Don’t be afraid to add eclectic touches, either. Additionally, don’t shy away from less-than-perfect furnishings—vintage pieces are known for their quirks and storied past; a bit of patina is seen as a positive.
-
If your space is already decorated with modern furnishings, opt for vintage accents, such as lamps, jars, vases, and the like, to ensure that your setup looks collected and unique. If most of your furniture is older, purchase more contemporary accent pieces instead to prevent a room from looking out of date.
-
Vintage suitcases look wonderful stacked on the floor—a stack of three can function as a unique type of side table if you wish. Take advantage of suitcases’ storage capabilities. They can be excellent for stashing blankets, out-of-season clothing, or magazine issues.
This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. While looking at different sources of vintage decor, she spoke to several interior design experts, including Reed Van Dyck, the owner of Good Chance Goods; Lucy Small, founder and lead designer of State and Season Home Design; and Michael Cox, principal at Foley & Cox. Using their expert suggestions, she evaluated each website and retailer on factors like overall selection, value, authentication, purchasing options, shipping, return policies, and more. She also has firsthand experience shopping at several of the sites included in this list, such as Facebook Marketplace, Rejuvenation, and Food52.
Additional reporting was done by Sarah Lyon, a home, lifestyle, and wellness writer whose work has appeared in Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, The Everygirl, Lonny, MyDomaine, the Wall Street Journal, and more.