Antiques never fail to inject a dose of old-school charm and character into a room. Whether it’s an oil painting above the mantel or a stylish console in an entryway, these secondhand furniture pieces have a way of taking any room from basic to unique. Antique shopping is more popular than ever as retro designs come back into style and consumers increasingly reject disposable home decor. With a heightened focus on sustainable living, more people are choosing to invest in quality pieces that are built to last a lifetime.
But if you’re new to the world of antique shopping, you may have lots of questions: What should I look for in an antique? Can I negotiate the price? What should I never buy at a flea market? To help you find one-of-a-kind treasures and score great deals, we spoke to Patrick Dragonette, an antiques dealer and founder of Dragonette Ltd. “Knowledge is your best friend,” he says (and we couldn’t agree more).
From conducting thorough research before venturing out to learning what to look for and how to negotiate the price, this beginner’s guide will tell you what you need to know.
How to Shop for Antiques
✔️ Create a Shopping List
The first step is to stay focused on exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re on the hunt for a piece of living room furniture or artwork for a specific spot in your home, take careful measurements and snap pictures of the space to reference when shopping. Browse inspiration online and take notice of various design styles, eras and color palettes that you’re drawn to. Sure, you may come across unexpected treasures while antiquing, but knowing your personal style and narrowing down your search is key.
✔️ Do Your Homework
You’ll have better luck antiquing if you have a bit of background knowledge. For example, if you’re on the hunt for an Art Deco console table, educate yourself on the style, research popular furniture makers of the time and study distinguishing details that are characteristic to this specific piece of furniture.
“In many cases, objects can have identifying marks, as can artworks, and if you understand the marks, that can make all the difference,” says Dragonette, who adds that these markings can help you expect what to pay.
✔️ Shop Around
There’s no shortage of places to find great antiques. If the piece you’re shopping for involves a significant financial investment, purchasing from a reliable and reputable dealer is essential. Here are some places to check out:
✔️ Carefully Inspect the Piece
Pay attention to details, carefully eyeing pieces from every angle — and don’t rush a purchase. For example, if you’re checking out a bedroom dresser, look at every area including the back and the bottom — even if you have to kneel down and get a little dirty! Open cabinet doors and drawers, check hardware and look for potential damage, such as chips and cracks, as well as a signature, maker’s label and the year it was made. Careful inspection provides clues to whether the piece is an original or an imitation, reveals its condition and helps you make a more informed offer.
As for finding labels, Dragonette says, “Sometimes it’s very direct and other times ciphers or coded marks can be used.” He explains that furniture can be a little trickier, since in many cases, it will not be marked. That’s where another piece of advice comes in handy — don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions.
✔️ Make an Offer
Unlike buying clothes or groceries, shopping for antiques typically allows room for negotiating the price — a valuable skill that takes practice! While it’s not uncommon to offer a lower amount than the listing price, Dragonette says, “If there’s a big gap in the asking price and offer, it might be better to say something like, “I really like this but I’m afraid it’s out of my price range. What would you be willing to accept? I can pay cash.”
If the seller accepts your offer, Dragonette advises against backtracking and saying you want to think about it. “My advice regarding negotiations is never make an offer if you are not ready to stand behind it.”
Before making an offer, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the price on par with similar pieces you’ve seen?
- What is the highest amount you are willing to pay?
- Is the item in good condition or will it require repairs that will cost additional money?
Antiques You Should Never to Buy
🛑 Items That Potentially Contain Lead
Because regulations regarding lead weren’t put in place until 1971, there’s a chance it may be present in antique items such as ornately painted dishes, crystal glassware or a dresser with chipping paint. This can pose a potential health risk, especially if the items are cracked, chipped and used on a regular basis.
🛑 Upholstery
Unless you are planning on reupholstering the piece or it’s been refurbished, stay away from upholstered furniture like sofas, armchairs or upholstered headboards. Along with antique textiles such as decorative pillows or rugs, upholstery may contain bed bugs, mold and mildew.
🛑 Baby Furniture
Never buy an antique crib or cradle, unless its purpose is decorative only. Mandatory crib safety standards went into effect in 2011, and antique cribs are likely to pose a safety risk for babies. In fact, be wary of all secondhand baby items, especially anything that’s over 10 years old.
🛑 Anything With a Suspicious Price Tag
“If the deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is,” Dragonette warns. Just as a surprisingly low price tag is suspicious, so is an excessively high one. “Remember, just because you see something on the internet at a high price, doesn’t mean it will sell for that amount,” Dragonette adds. In addition to helping you recognize makers and avoid imitations, being armed with knowledge is key to gauging an item’s value.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
