Vintage typewriter – Just one of the many finds waiting for you!
For some people, the idea of buying vintage has a negative connotation.
Maybe it brings to mind thoughts of shopping at thrift stores in college, when it was the only affordable way to decorate their dorm or apartment. Perhaps they feel that it’s an indication of a lower status or lack of success; that it is beneath them to buy secondhand when they can afford the shiny and new.
To those on the other end of the spectrum, those who enjoy shopping for pre-loved goods and artifacts, it’s like being in on a wonderful secret. Flipping through channels today, you’ll see no shortage of antique/vintage/picker/storage auction shows.
Why is it great to shop vintage? Let me count the ways…
The price – The most obvious starting point. For most items, it’s cheaper to buy them used than new, unless you’re getting into the realm of antiques and collectibles. Especially in recessionary times of tight budgets, vintage answers the call of decorating yourself and your home on a dime. There has been no shortage of before-and-after pics of what people are able to do to transform their home goods and their wardrobes.
The eco-factor – Buying secondhand is wonderful for the environment. It saves on the construction of a new piece, which requires energy and raw materials, uses chemicals, and produces waste. Think of all the people there are in the developed world and how many beds, couches, tables, clothes, etc. they might purchase in a lifetime… and then throw away. It adds up exponentially. Secondhand is just smarter for Mama Earth.
The unique factor – Picture in your mind’s eye the rooms that you have seen that have really caught your eye. A truly great room reflects the owner, not the store it came from. You shouldn’t be able to walk into someone’s house and immediately know that they buy everything from Rack & Canister. The speedbump people hit when decorating a room or filling up their wardrobe is that they often feel that it needs to be complete NOW. Many of the best rooms I’ve seen are ones that have been curated over time, travel, and experience. Those rooms tell a story. They tell me a little more about who lives in them. They are one of a kind.
The better design – Just as with furniture, the accessories, antiques, and collectibles from years gone by often are just better designed. In part, they’re simply cooler to look at. The other kicker is that in some cases, a lot of vintage items are better made than they are today. You’ll find more handcrafted, artisan pieces that are sturdier and pass the test of time. Why else do you still see them around, fetching some high-dollah prices?
The nostalgia – I mentioned earlier that these pieces, and the rooms they inhabit or the person they adorn, tell a story. In one way, that story is yours, as they define who you are and what you are interested in. They also tell the story of their past life or the person who owned them before: A vintage counter that sat in a soda fountain shop run by one family for over 100 years. The gown designed by that woman who was a pioneer in her industry. The advertisement for a time when life was simpler.
The thrill of the hunt – Probably one of the least-mentioned aspects of shopping for vintage is the rush. Because many of the things you see for sale in vintage shops and at yard or estate sales are more rare, there is definitely a good buzz to be had when you find something you KNOW no one else will have. AND you got it for a steal? It’s a total natural high. No two are alike so it’s always like scoring a lost treasure when you get the goods. Yes, it can be addictive.
Wooden objects, perfect for storage and decor
Here are some outlets that can help you make the most of your thrifting:
- Yard Sale Queen – The website from a woman who takes her curbside shopping very seriously. Learn from her tips!
- Estate sale mailing lists – If you’d like to get into estate sale shopping, the best thing to do is get on multiple mailing lists of estate sale companies. You’ll get advanced shopping times, as well as previews of merchandise before anyone else.
- Smart phone apps – For my thrifting, I rely heavily on apps like CraigsPro+, a speedy way to sift through Craigslist ads, Yard Sale Mapper, Garage Sale Rover, and Antique Week to help me find potential treasures.
- Kovel’s – Kovel’s is a fantastic resource to research and learn more about antiques and collectibles. Sign up for their weekly newsletter to get some great tips and insights into the world of vintage.
- Antiques Roadshow – Sure, we all know it as the long-running PBS series, but did you know they have lots of tips and information on their site to educate you? Check out the Resources section.
Tina Jett is an artist, writer, photographer, and world-explorer. Her husband describes her with the phrase, “It’s like she lives in a coloring book.” See how that vision influences the work on her 
I love vintage furniture but I am lost when it comes to finding it in my area. I will be checking out those links for help. Thanks!
They help so much! You’d be surprised how many hidden spots there are around you. Sometimes the best come from just driving around looking for yard sales on the weekends, too. Most of those sellers only have a day or two to purge, so you can often get even better steals than at a store.
I recently moved and we’ve been decorating our new home with some thrift store/flea market finds. I found a large framed photo that looks exactly like the streets in Antigua, Guatemala, where my parents lived for the past 6 years. I am already enamored with all things rustic and have many photos of windows and doors from there, so it fit perfectly in my collection.
I also found an old schoolhouse light fixture for my new studio (for less than $10!!) I love that feeling when you find the perfect piece nestled amidst all the other previously loved items.
One man’s trash… Agreed – That’s part of the joy; knowing that while something may not mean squat to most people, it can be the most perfect treasure for you. And that’s what makes your home unique.
A couple months ago, I swung through the nearby (not near enough!) Goodwill. I found this old wooden framed chair with a seat that had been recovered with this kind of nubby BRIGHT GREEN fabric. It was for sale for $25. Or $15. Can’t quite remember. Anyway, I walked around it a couple times, and said “Yeah” thinking I would get my MIL to help me re-cover it.
When I got home and put it in the twins bedroom, I realized that the green fabric was PERFECT for the room … it complements the dark red and pinks and bring out the greens in their quilts. The only thing the chair needed was a dusting and a little tightening of the screws. It is vintage… def circa 1960s. And I didn’t realize how much more pleasant being in their room is when I have a place to sit!
Glad to hear the color worked out! It’s always a nice, extra bonus when one of your finds requires little to nothing to get it in prime, loveable condition.
Yes to all of the above reasons for thrift shopping! I love used furniture, clothing and home decor. They’re like community heirlooms.
“community heirlooms” <– LOVE LOVE LOVE. I think I might have to steal that one from you.
@Tina…excellent article and great insight. I’ve been treasure hunting for 40 years and your well written article checked all the boxes as to why !!
Brava.
Fortunately my wife is a minimalist, and she gives you the thumbs up
for your perspective to make some naysayers more cognizant that all who collect are not just hoarding.
Well done !
Thank you! I think that enlightening more people to the historical aspect of it could change a lot of minds. Here’s hoping!
Just this past weekend we trolled an antique/’junque’ shop and i found a box full of the little glass PO Box doors with the combination locks and the glass windows. Not sure why, I just NEEDED to have one. 90% of our home is vintage finds from thrift/resale/charity/antique shops and garage sales. Love this article!
Those little doors are great! I love going into old post offices and staring at huge walls of them. Good score!
This is a great posting! In the past I thrifted out of financial nessecity; now I thrift because of all the reasons you just listed! To each their own – some people prefer to have brand new everything, while others prefer the eclectic feel of gently used items.
The only unfortunate thing is that I live in the NW, where most of the very well made vintage items are taken to antique stores, and sold for about the same amount of money as brand new furtinuture – but that doesn’t keep me from continuing the hunt.