14 Vintage Brands You Should ALWAYS Buy, According to Designers

• While there are plenty of places to thrift both online and in store, it can be difficult to differentiate what’s worth purchasing.
• Designers share the vintage brands they never pass up on, plus what makes them special.

Whether you love a good flea market or get a thrill from antique shopping online, there’s no shortage of unique vintage pieces just waiting to be discovered. And while that might seem exciting, it can become pretty overwhelming when you don’t know what you’re looking for.

To provide a bit more clarity on the antique shopping process, we spoke to pro designers about the vintage brands they always buy, plus what differentiates them from the rest.

“Each of these brands has a distinct point of view, but they all share a sense of quality and craftsmanship that’s hard to find in new pieces. They mix so well into layered, lived-in spaces — and that’s what I’m always after,” says Honey Collins of Honey Collins Interiors.

Continue on for designer-approved vintage brands to look out for during your next shopping session, whether that’s in the aisle of your local thrift store or the depths of Facebook Marketplace.

Baker Furniture is well known for its high-quality craftsmanship, from their woodworking techniques to premium upholstery. “I can never pass up a great Baker piece, especially from their mid-century collections. The lines are clean and sculptural, and the finishes are often so unique. They add just the right contrast and ‘extra punch’ to more traditional interiors, which I love to layer,” says Collins.

SHOP BAKER FURNITURE

Since 1884, Bordallo Pinheiro has been creating quirky pieces with personality, featuring collections focusing on fruits and vegetables like lemons, pumpkins, tomatoes, strawberries, and most notably, cabbage. “Vintage cabbageware is just plain fun, and Bordallo’s pieces have such charm and humor. A big leafy platter or quirky green bowl adds that playful ‘why not?’ moment that keeps a space from feeling too serious. Every house needs a touch of kitsch,” says Heather French, principal designer of French & French Interiors.

SHOP BORDALLO PINHEIRO

Specializing in luxury ceramic antique reproductions, Mottahedeh has made a name for themselves in the world of vintage-inspired finds. They’ve even been commissioned by the White House, the U.S. State Department and the Diplomatic Corps to produce collections used in official state capacity, according to their site. “Their porcelain is beautiful, especially the Tobacco Leaf and Blue Canton patterns. It’s timeless, detailed and always elevates a table or shelf,” says Collins.

SHOP MOTTAHEDEH

Russel Wright was an industrial engineer born in the early 1900s who later became known for his best-selling ceramic dinnerware. Featuring curvy silhouettes and rounded corners, his colorful designs spruce up any gathering. “His tableware is beautifully understated. The organic shapes and soft glazes add quiet movement to a tablescape, and the design philosophy behind his work aligns with the kind of emotional connection I always seek to create in a home,” says Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio.

SHOP RUSSEL WRIGHT

Rooted in Southern craftsmanship, Drexel Heritage has earned a reputation for blending European influences with American style. “Drexel Heritage is one I’ve definitely seen pop up during vintage hunts. The craftsmanship, especially in some of the older wood pieces, stands out — and their French Provincial styles or campaign collections seem to have lasting appeal,” says Cloud.

SHOP DREXEL HERITAGE

Dansk was created in 1954 with the goal of bringing the simplicity of Scandinavian design to America. Cloud particularly loves their Kobenstyle collection pictured above: “A favorite for its sculptural form and everyday function. The enamel cookware is iconic, and the fact that the lids double as trivets is just smart design. They look just as beautiful on the stove as they do in a styled cabinet.”

SHOP DANSK

Family owned and operated since 1983, Blenko Glass specializes in the art of hand-blown glass. Their site even has a list of vintage glass catalogs throughout the years. “Hand-blown, vibrant and expressive. These pieces add instant character and light to a room, whether styled on shelving or used functionally. I love how their bold silhouettes feel artistic without being overwhelming,” says Cloud.

SHOP BLENKO GLASS

Over 130 years old, Lenox has certainly solidified its reputation as a timeless brand with a history of high-quality craftsmanship. When it comes to shopping Lenox pieces, Cloud says the brand is a bit “more collector-driven, especially for tabletop and decorative accents.” Secondhand shoppers can hunt for pieces from decades ago or explore their more recent collections, all at a pretty affordable price.

SHOP LENOX

Known for vintage glassware, plates, trays and more, artist and designer Georges Briard’s pieces are colorful and intricately patterned. After studying art and serving in World War II, Briard began hand-painting metal serving trays before expanding into all sorts of glass, ceramic, metals and wood. “His glassware is playful, polished and full of personality. I love mixing his barware into a more classic setting for a subtle wink of mid-century style,” says Collins.

SHOP GEORGES BRIARD

Lane Furniture, which was founded by John Lane in 1912, specializes in woodworking and design. Its furniture collections span a range of design styles. Cloud particularly admires Lane’s Acclaim Series. “I’m always on the lookout for Lane’s mid-century pieces. The craftsmanship and rhythm in their woodwork — especially the dovetail detailing — make them easy to blend into modern homes while still telling a rich story,” says Cloud.

SHOP LANE FURNITURE

Austrian architect Josef Frank designed housing complexes in the 1920s before starting an interior design firm that caught the attention of Svenskt Tenn’s founder, Estrid Ericson. This led to their creative collaboration in all things design. “Josef Frank’s prints are a design dream. I’m constantly hunting for vintage trays, pillows or even fabric scraps. The riot of color and whimsical botanical patterns bring instant personality to any space. I once found a fabulous magazine stand and a mirrored tray, which I just adore,” says French.

SHOP SVENSKT TENN

Founded in 1840 by Nicolas Baguès, Maison Baguès originally specialized in liturgical bronzes before expanding into bronze lighting and chandeliers, according to the company. Now, Maison Baguès offers furniture and light fixtures. “The craftsmanship in their gilt and glass pieces is incredible. A vintage side table or pair of sconces instantly adds an elegant, collected feel to a room,” says Collins.

SHOP MAISON BAGUES

Over 260 years later, Wedgwood is still crafting products out of jasper, queen’s ware and black basalt — all materials original founder Josiah Wedgwood I used in 1759. “I can’t resist the Wild Strawberry pattern — it’s like an English garden on a teacup. It’s so delicate and romantic, with tiny vines and berries dancing across the china. I love layering it into spring tables or open shelves for a soft, collected look,” says French.

SHOP WEDGWOOD

Architect and designer Alexander Girard is widely known for his work for Herman Miller in the 1950s and 60s. Now, his designs stand the test of time, often sought out by designers everywhere. “Girard’s textiles and folk-inspired designs feel joyful and bold, and I’ll happily take anything I can get my hands on — original fabrics, wooden dolls or decorative accessories. He had such a strong point of view that still feels fresh and fun decades later,” says French.

SHOP ALEXANDER GIRARD

Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com