THE FARMHOUSE

I’m a big fan of vintage. Every room needs at least one (but preferably more) vintage pieces to feel lived-in and welcoming IMO. It doesn’t matter if it’s furniture, art, textiles, or decor - vintage brings soul to a room that just can’t be replicated with new items alone. Plus it benefits the environment. I’ve gotten lots of questions about where I like to shop for my reused treasures, so today I’m sharing my go-to sources for the best vintage finds!

*This post is sponsored by Caring Transitions & CTBIDS.com (more on them in a minute…)

I can count 8 different vintage items in this corner of our living room and each is from a different source. Some were found online. Some in person. Some bargained for online and then picked up in person. Not going to lie, vintage shopping is my very favorite kind of shopping and I could do it every day (and often do, even if it’s just a peek ;). Here’s where I look…

My favorite sources for vintage decor

psst: room sources can be found here

1 // Family and Friends

I love getting vintage furniture and decor from family and friends. The pieces usually come with fun stories attached and they’re inexpensive or free. My dad inherited a lot of furniture pieces from his parents and grandparents and I’ve been lucky enough to get some for our house. The round table in the corner with clawfeet is from my great grandmother and I love that connection to her. The coffee table is from Garrett’s parents. tip: it can be hard to know which family heirlooms to keep and which to re-home, but I focus on solid, well-made pieces that are in good condition.

2 // CTBIDS.com

There are a few great online auction sites but CTBIDS.com is my new favorite. And they have a fantastic mission— assist senior transitions from homes to assisted living, including auctioning off what they chose not to take with them. They’re involved in the process every step of the way and when you buy from this auction site, you’re directly helping a senior citizen and their family navigate this new chapter of life. CTBIDS.com auctions are all over the country (you can find locations here) and filled with everything you can imagine - kitchen items, jewels, furniture, cars, etc. They offer both shippable and local pickup only items and I’ve opted for both options. I’ve bought a TON from this auction site lately including tables, brass book ends, a kid’s tea set I set aside for Daphne’s birthday and the stacked drawings and lamp in our living room. tip: much of the bidding happens in the last 30 minutes of auction so make sure you’re available then if you want to win an item!

A quick aside about our living room lamp…

This is what it looked like when I found it on CTBIDS.com.

I won the bid for the pair of lamps for just $2! I liked the shape of them but not the decal nor the shades. Spray paint, a yard of Liberty fabric, and a whole lot of sewing later these lamps are ready for action! Pretty pleased with how my $1 lamp turned out ;)

3 // Estate sales

Estate sales are a great place to find well-loved treasures. I had a lot of luck at a sale nearby our home, scoring a denim jacket for $5 and a small collection of garden and interior design books for $0.50/each. Garage sales and yard sales are also a good source, but I’ve found that estate sales generally are really where the good stuff is. tip: get there early, lots of professionals (antique dealers, etc) are on the estate sale circuit.

4 // eBay

A lot of my art has come from eBay, including the large portrait hanging in the corner. It’s a great source for books, knick knacks, and smaller items that don’t cost a fortune to ship. There’s lots of people curating large shops on eBay with plenty to get lost in. tip: if you like an item, click on the seller to see what else they have!

5 // Etsy

Etsy is another great online spot for one-of-a-kind treasures and one of my favorite sources for vintage rugs. There’s no bidding or “make an offer” tab so if you’re not a fan of that process, Etsy items are just priced as marked. tip: the filters are super handy and I often filter for stores within the US

6 // Antique Stores

Antique stores are where I turn for special decor items. I’m talking about baskets, bookends, and vintage pitchers (like the white one holding my lilacs). I like to go whenever I am working on a space with or without a specific goal in mind. Because so often the magic strikes when you’re not looking for it. ;) tip: I like to shop on Thursdays when the sellers have often already refreshed their inventory but before the weekend crowds.

7 // Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace

You guys already know that I’m a Craigslist and FBMP fanatic. There’s SO much great stuff and deals to be had! I tend to look for larger items like furniture, appliances, bath tubs, etc on these sites and opt for local pickup. My favorite recent find was a Pottery Barn leather couch, club chair, and ottoman for $55 (!!!). tip: check often, every day if you can! The good stuff goes quick!

For Auction Right Now…

I wanted to leave you with a few of my favorite auction items available right now on CTBIDS.com. I’ve listed current prices, general locations, and whether they are pickup only or shippable. Make sure you register for an account on CTBIDS.com (it’s free) at least a day before an auction closes so you can make bids!