my top 10 sites for vintage and curated decor
Yes, I know. I have been harping on about editing and curating your space (See THE 3 BIGGEST HOME DECORATING MISTAKES and HOW TO USE NEGATIVE SPACE IN INTERIOR DESIGN) but now clients and readers are asking the inevitable question, "what do I do with all this edited stuff?"
If you have removed a boatload of items that were cluttering your space that didn't really speak to your soul but feel they might to others, several of the following sites will let you sign up and list your items to a targeted audience. Usually for just a smidgeon of your proceeds.
If you are patiently waiting to acquire items that DO speak to you and aren't big box, carbon copy decor, ALL of these sites are ready for you to scour on and discover your treasured finds. So, with no further adieu, here are...
my top ten sites for vintage and curated decor
10. craigslist
Craiglist is the tried but true perennial favorite for finding all kinds of junk locally with the occasional priceless treasure. I have found some very nice, antique furnishings with some patience and creative searches. It's number 10 on the list because you do have to be careful about who you are purchasing from. Tales of miscreants and ne'er-do-wells abound. Meet up in a public place or better yet, the nearest Popo station.
9. eBay
eBay might seem like a cop out, but I would be remiss to leave it out. Where else could I have found this sweet business card holder?
Also, buy and sell to your heart's content here, again for a fee, but eBay has become an immense site and it takes some searching and patience to hit gold.
8. Offer Up
Offer up is similar to Craigslist in that the sellers are local but their support system and app are waaaaaaaay better than Craigslist. It hasn't been around as long so the offerings may be more limited but it is quickly growing in users and sales. The limitation is, again, you have to meet with actual carbon-based life forms and possible stranger-danger! Proceed cautiously.
7. Rejuvenation
This is a relatively new site for vintage and decor finds. You can't sell here but you sure can find some unique and unusual items. These are the real deal and while they aren't cheap, you're likely to be the only one on your block with this vintage donkey amusement park mask. But hey, some people are into that.
6. One King's Lane
One King's Lane has been around for awhile as a source for home decor but now they have a vintage section. Again, like most of these things, it's hit or miss and some of the stuff is insanely pricey. I found this cool Cleo Hartwig ram sculpture for $269.00. Buying only. No selling.
5. ETSY
I love Etsy. I have sourced lots of unique, artisanal lighting and furnishings from this site. Etsy ONLY lets you sell antiques, vintage or handmade goods but sometimes what is considered vintage or collectible is a stretch. If you find an artist that builds and designs their own products, read the reviews thoroughly. Some of the vendors here are talented craftsmen. Others are talented crapsmen.
4. EBTH (Everything but the house)
This is also a newer site. Their concept is online estate sales as well as individual and retail consignment sales They don't restrict items to antiques or vintage, but because they started as an online estate sale site they have a pretty decent selection of higher end collectibles that might float your boat.
3. 1st Dibs
Another site I adore is 1st Dibs. 1st Dibs vets their sellers so if you have the odd 1980's Kitchen Witch lying around to sell, you won't pass their muster. If you are, however, looking for higher end pieces to round out your curated sanctuary, this is an ideal spot to start. Items can get pricey but the value is there. How pricey? Let's just say, you can buy this Picasso for 125K. I'll take two.
2. CROWDYHOUSE
If Ikea and Etsy had a lovechild, then it would be Crowdyhouse. This Netherlands born gem was based on the foundation of supporting design and designers alike. From the website:
"Life is too short not to create, not to love, and not to lend a helping hand to our designing brothers and sisters."
Think elevated and simple, Scandinavian and minimal. There are definitely quirky and unique finds to be had here. Curated for sure.
Plus, two words. Moss. Clock. Bam!
1. Chairish
Chairish has come a long way in one year. What originally started as a somewhat clunky website has become a beautifully polished wonderland of all things curated and vintage. They have everything and it is all very well vetted. Every piece is accurately described and they don't allow junk to be sold on their site. That doesn't always mean everything is pristine perfection but Chairish is 100% transparent. If that chaise needs reupholstering, you will know it and buy it accordingly. You can also make an offer on items if you are so inclined to do so. Sometimes the seller will accept. Sometimes they counter. Either way, it's loads of fun and the prize is always something you will cherish (get it?)
Chairish also deals with the shipping details. There's no back and forth with the seller. Easy peasy. For the professional, they also offer a To TheTrade program. Very handy for designers who like to procure original pieces for their clients. I recently picked up this end table for my personal home from Chairish.
So there you have it. My top ten sites to personalize your space with special pieces or to help find new homes for those pieces that just didn't make your heart sing but are sure to make others happy.
Peruse and shop at your leisure. Score a unique find from one of these sites? Share it below or tag me on Instagram! Like what you just read? Just look to your right, sign up and subscribe. See you next week!
