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Antique and Thrift Market Tips for the Amateur

July 24, 2013

interior design

Posted 09/12

antiquing

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I have had some requests to do more interior space photos/ DIY’s so I thought it would be fun to incorporate some posts that show my finds through antiquing and thrifting and what I do with the pieces:)
Over the weekend my sister, cousin, and I went to a local antique market to hunt for treasure. I found some great pieces this time around but its not always so successful.

Here are a few tips I have learned along the way when it comes to shopping at an antique market:

  • You have to be willing to try a few places and wait for just the right price. If you don’t have a general idea of how much things should cost going in, you may easily get ripped off.
  • Go towards the end of the weekend if its a pop up sale. For instance, on Sunday evenings of this once a month show, vendors want to sell as much items as they can before they pack up and leave so they are willing to barter prices with you. This does not apply in permanent antique shops of course.
  • Walk the whole market before deciding what to buy. You will see similar and even the same items from different vendors and their prices will vary among each. You will have the upper hand by knowing what each are going for.
  • Ask questions. It doesn’t hurt to ask where it is from, how old the item is, what the materials are made of,etc. Last weekend I purchased a giant map and frame which I found out was not an antique – just a print from pottery barn. However, I knew those prints usually go for over $100 for the print alone and the vendor sold it to me for $35!

I came out this weekend with two end tables, the map and frame print, vintage children’s books, and the “coats”  hook. I will share what I do with these pieces soon!
If you have antiquing tips, leave them in the comment section below!

Happy mid week friends!

 

 

 

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  1. Great tips! I have such a hard time asking questions because if I don’t buy it, I feel bad haha. But this is a great reminder to ask anyway–it’s better to be well informed regardless!

  2. Sherri Lynn says:

    These are great tips! I love the “coat” hooks – so cute! I love your style so I am all for more DIY and decor posts 🙂

  3. Kate Harvey says:

    Looking forward to seeing the treasures you found! One another tip when thrifting is to carefully inspect the piece/clothes/whatever it may be. That may seem obvious but in the past, I’ve fallen in love with something, brought it home, and only then realized it had a fatal chip/stain/etc. I’ve learned this the hard way 🙂

  4. Rebekah Rose says:

    So great! I feel like I never come across such great finds!

    Xo,
    Rebekah

    rebekahrgilmore.blogspot.com

  5. Megan says:

    this post came at the perfect time for me. We are needing to get pieces and ive never really been a thrifter but want/need (money wise) to do some thrifting to get what I want without paying a small fortune. So thanks Anna!

  6. Kate says:

    Your tip about walking the whole market before purchasing is a good one. I’m glad I learned that eventually…. =]

  7. Those end tables have such great potential! I wish we had more thrift/antique markets here!

    xoxo,
    Chic ‘n Cheap Living

  8. Great post! Thrifting/antiquing is my favorite way to fill my house with pieces that I love.

  9. Anna, these are all great tips and so true! When I first started antique shopping I made the mistake of not scoping the whole area out and would come across the exact same item I had just bought for a way better price! Patience is key!

  10. Rinsha says:

    Nice..
    Your tip about the whole market before purchasing is a good.

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