Where to Buy Antiques Online
My love for vintage, one-of-a-kind finds often leads me down the rabbit hole of online antique shopping. While I love to get out in person to stroll down a main street dotted with antique stores or meander a village in Tuscany on a market day, there are many times when that’s just not possible. However, I can still score the perfect piece for a design project by going online.
Through my many experiences shopping for antiques online, I have discovered some fantastic resources for tracking down those unique pieces that can truly elevate a space. So, if you're searching for antiques but can't make it to the physical stores or a flea market, here’s a curated list of several reputable online antique stores worth browsing right from the comfort of your cozy sofa!
Where Are the Best Places to Shop for Antiques Online?
Sometimes, it helps to be spoiled for choice. However, when you want to find just the right statement piece to complete the look and feel of a space, you don’t want to waste your time endlessly scrolling. I’m here to take the guessing game out of which site you should click on. The following list of online antique retailers makes it easy to find top-quality, expertly curated antiques.
1stDibs
As my go-to resource for sourcing extraordinary pieces online,1stDibs offers an impressive curated collection of furniture, home décor, art, fine jewelry, watches, and fashion pieces. This digital marketplace captures the charm and allure of a Paris flea market. Here, you’ll discover an eclectic combination of vintage, antique, and contemporary styles, with thousands of new pieces added weekly. You can interact directly with sellers, whether negotiating a price, inquiring about specific dimensions, or requesting customization options. And, shop confidently, knowing that in-house experts meticulously vet each piece for the quality and authenticity of every item available.
Chairish
Chairish is perfect for finding beautiful home décor and chic items. With over 2,000 expertly curated pieces added daily, it feels like a new adventure each time I browse this site. One of the beautiful things about Chairish is that they describe themselves as “sustainably chic,” and they back up that claim by keeping 85% of their inventory vintage. Plus, I love how Chairish connects design lovers with small businesses, artists, and makers. It makes the whole process feel more intimate and meaningful. Also, I enjoy knowing that every piece has been screened for quality by their expert curators.
Ruby Lane
I click onto Ruby Lane anytime I’m searching for something vintage, such as metalware that adds character to a project or charming postcards. Founded in 1998 by Tom Johnson, who graciously named the site after his mother, Ruby, this online marketplace attracts approximately a million visitors monthly, and it’s easy to see why. Their seamless user experience makes it simple and quick to explore categories from furniture to jewelry to find exactly what you’re looking for. Also, Ruby Lane operates on a set-price system, helping you to avoid the stress of auctions, and each member dealer is pre-screened and given a rating based on reliability and the quality of the past completed sales on the site.
Elsie Green
Elsie Green, a charming online shop based in Northern California, thoughtfully curates a collection of unique items for the home, including vintage pieces steeped in history and well-crafted goods with a story. You’ll discover decor that adds a narrative to your design, from exquisite vintage benches to stunning Turkish wool rugs. With a commitment to sustainability and a dedication to supporting other small businesses and meaningful causes, this family-run business operates with such love and precision. Plus, they go the extra mile to make sure each order arrives beautifully packaged.
One Kings Lane
One Kings Lane combines a curated selection of vintage and antique finds, from furniture to decorative accents, giving you plenty of options to style your space beautifully with added character and charm. I often shop One Kings Lane’s extensive selection of vintage and designer furnishings because each piece feels thoughtfully curated. Plus, their collaboration with Farrow & Ball for eco-friendly paints is a dream for anyone looking to revitalize their space sustainably.
Rejuvenation
Rejuvenation features a collection of antiques, heirloom-quality items, and vintage goods that focus on craftsmanship. I’m particularly partial to how they make starting at-home projects straightforward and enjoyable, combining the charm of antiques with contemporary design. They’re especially renowned for their custom lighting fixtures, each assembled with care by skilled artisans at their factory in Portland, Oregon. Rejuvenation curates and restores everything from a unique vintage find to a thoughtfully crafted new item with a commitment to quality that I absolutely admire.
Sotheby’s
Known for its prestige, Sotheby’s provides an exciting online platform to browse and bid on a stunning array of fine art, rare objects, and luxury items. Founded over three centuries ago, Sotheby’s houses an incredible selection of fine art, rare objects, and luxury items from countries worldwide in multiple categories. They offer both online and live auctions. But if you don’t thrive on the thrill of bidding and prefer a more straightforward shopping experience, you can always snag beautifully curated pieces from a private sale.
Christie’s
Christie’s, another auction house heavyweight with a long-standing history dating back to 1766, offers an attractive platform for browsing and bidding on world-renowned art and luxury collectibles. Their inventory is second to none for Modern, Contemporary, and Impressionist art. Browsing their extensive catalog feels almost as if you’ve entered a digital museum. Similar to Sotheby’s, you can choose between placing an online bid or pursuing a private sale.
Expert Help Makes Online Antiques Shopping So Much Easier
While it may not top spending the day perusing the Arezzo Antiques Fair in Florence, online antiquing can be the next best thing! The piece you’ve been dreaming of, or the possibility of making a thrilling discovery, is only a click away. That is if you know which sites to visit! Hopefully, I’ve helped you create a list of online antique stores worth bookmarking for your next shopping venture.
If you ever need an extra pair of eyes or a creative touch, my e-design services include hands-on assistance sourcing the perfect antique pieces that align with your style and needs. We'll create a cohesive design, blending those gorgeous vintage finds with your existing décor for that ideal balanced look.
Contact JGI today, and let’s chat about how we can make your space uniquely yours.