The Only Furniture In Stock
I found this antique demi lune for a client and I still KINDA wish I had kept it myself :) Photo by Michael J. Lee
If you have tried to buy any kind of furniture or home decor recently you are aware of the insane lead times right now. Very little is actually “in stock” and even retail vendors like C&B and Pottery Barn are running 26-32 weeks for upholstered goods (I ordered a PB sleeper sofa first week of October and it’s been delayed until April 1 now). Trade vendors seems to be even worse- we have companies that are predicting 10 months to get a sofa. Plus transit time and you’re probably looking at almost a year for anything ordered today to come in.
The only options that are truly in stock? Antiques or second-hand furniture. I’ve always loved using antiques in all my work, but now it almost is out of necessity not aesthetics. And the secondhand market is on fire as well- new-ish pieces people may have tossed int he past can get them some decent money now (and is greener for the planet too). Facebook Marketplace has been a goldmine for really well priced pieces, but 1stDibs, Chairish and Etsy all have a huge selection- from super high end to quite affordable. here is a fun round up of antiques I found this morning to inspire you and help with sourcing! Keep in mind, dealers KNOW they are a hot commodity right now so prices may be a little higher than normal. And also expect all antique shows this year to be PACKED (Brimfield, I’m coming for you).
What’s your favorite go-to for antiques? Comment below and share the wealth! :)
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By chance, does anyone know the wallpaper in this picture with the demi-lune table? Thank you.
I’ve bought several great antique pieces for my new (old) home from Lolo French Antiques in Birmingham, AL. And am filling in with upholstered pieces bought off the floor from local shops over there. I’m not in AL and white glove shipping (from a shipper supposedly experienced with antiques) was admittedly expensive and not at all white glove as the delivery truck broke down and they couldn’t fit all my pieces on the replacement truck, and the second truck — a week later— only had one driver and my husband had to help haul the furniture in!!! I didn’t even tell my designer because I’m sure she would be horrified!
Bravo Erin for bringing up this topic, cannot agree more!
Being an interior designer and a shop owner, I have always supported the antique business and this sets me apart. always seeking stools, chairs, sofa’s with great lines and reupholstering in contemporary fabric. Case goods can be updated with a new finish or just new hardware…..I could go on. And like you said, great for the environment.
Debra
SG Geneva
Anyone in the Washing, DC region should visit Community Forklift in Edmonston, MD. We have found SO MANY incredible pieces there, including salvage tile. They also do some online sales and ship some items.
Great post. I first learned about searching for treasures like this from my parents and I have never forgotten it. I love the thrill of the hunt as I search for antique/second hand furniture, art, and decor. One of the best parts is it results in a truly unique and timeless home when mixed with more modern items.
Auction Ninja!!!
Chairish and 1stdibs, not to mention local stores, seem much more expensive these days, so I have become addicted to online auctions. I feel like this industry was very in-person pre-pandemic, but now everyone is online. Some don’t even allow for in person previews. I feel like there’s some risk here, but the prices can be so much better than retail, that I think it’s worth it. Over time I’m learning which houses are more reliable, but their pieces usually go for more, so it’s a trade off.
For the people asking about shipping… just check with the shippers most of the sites the people recommend on their websites. If there are no recs, try uShip. As an example, I had my heart set on some Napoleon III chairs for a small lounge area in my kitchen. I searched everywhere. There are TONS at a store in upstate New York and even more at a well known antique store on Chairish based in Great Barrington, MA. But they were listed for $4,000 or more and needed reupholstering.
I found a pair at an auction house in Houston. I bought them for $600 total. And a shipper delivered them to my upholsterer in New York for $350. Two chairs, cross country, $350. Mind blown. Obviously this was not a cheap project, but I felt like I won the lottery.
Ramble Market in Waltham, MA has fun retro furniture and accessories (and rugs!). I also love going to auctions. Many of them have online or phone bid options so you don’t have to attend it in person. With auctions it’s always a good idea to preview any pricey items since there’s no return policy!
Does anyone know how to arrange shipping when these pieces are not local?
Whoever you’re purchasing from should be able to help arrange shipping
Yes! Would love advice for shipping from places that don’t offer it!
I sell on Etsy and Chairish and have used UShip a lot. And Greyhound bus is inexpensive but must fit the size requirements. It also requires work on the seller’s end to package and deliver to the bus station. Plycon offers white glove shipping. Shipping is expensive and a lot of work for a small business or an individual, so be patient with your seller! For me, it’s been the trickiest part of the business to figure out.
I have always encouraged clients to mix in antique pieces (theirs or someone else’s) with their new pieces. I have had push-back now and then, but when they see the interest and warmth that those older pieces give their new space, they are always thrilled that I suggested using them.
If you want a demi-lune table even nicer than the one in your photo, call Grandview Mercantile in Columbus Ohio. I saw one there yesterday as well as many other nice pieces among the not as nice.
I love the Mercantile! I found a fabulous mirrored cocktail table. Always worth driving from Cincinnati to Columbus. And fortunately have Ballard’s and Frontgate outlets in Cincinnati.
Gone Girl Home! In DC and Richmond, VA. https://www.gonegirlhome.com/
Second the rec for Gone Girl- great stuff. And they are a pleasure to work with!
New England is chock full of pretty churches with attached thrift stores—they are usually tiny gold mines!
If you’re willing to put in a little work (both hunting for and refurbishing pieces), Habitat for Humanity Re-Store is a great option – even for lighting.
Agreed!
Agreed. The chandelier in my dining room came from the reStore: $15! It’s gorgeous. I’ve never paid retail for anything, and here in North Carolina deals on market samples and antiques from traditional homes abound. Recently, I was thinking of donating two beautiful upholstered comfy chairs, but after reading this post, I may wait and see if I can sell them somewhere. Cheers.
I’ve always loved Waterhouse Antiques in Hingham. Gorgeous furniture, incredible silver, pretty decorative items, and original art. Highly recommend!
Ashley & Sloan!!! I love this hidden gem about 40 minutes north of Chicago in Libertyville. https://www.ashleyandsloane.com/
I’ve been mixing in vintage/antique pieces where I can and using Facebook Marketplace. However, I ordered a bed from Pottery Barn this last weekend. But it won’t be in till July. Le sigh.