Vintage furniture is back in style and more popular than ever. The charm and character of antique and vintage pieces can add a unique touch to any home. While vintage and antique furniture may sometimes require a bit more care and maintenance, it remains a coveted look that transcends trends. If you’re looking to add some vintage flair to your home decor, browsing online vintage furniture stores can help you find beautiful secondhand treasures, often at more affordable prices than buying directly from antique dealers. We’ve rounded up seven of our favorite vintage furniture websites for finding deals on antique and retro home furnishings.
A Brief History of Vintage Furniture Styles
Before diving into the top vintage furniture sites, it helps to understand a few of the most popular vintage styles you’re likely to encounter during your search. Here’s a quick overview of furniture styles throughout the past centuries:
17th Century
Jacobean – Dark ornate wood, geometric patterns, heavy turned legs (1600-1625)
Restoration – Symmetry, scrollwork, floral marquetry. Named for England’s restoration of monarchy (1660-1680)
William & Mary – Elegant palaces inspire delicate curved legs and feet, Oriental motifs (1690-1710)
18th Century
Queen Anne – Cabriole legs, seat cushions, wing chairs. Named for Queen Anne of England (1710-1720)
Chippendale – Intricate carvings, ball-and-claw feet by cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale (1750-1780)
Federal – Neoclassical, delicate lines, inlays inspired by archeological finds in Pompeii (1780-1820)
19th Century
Empire – Ornate, heavily carved and gilded wood in the French style (1810-1840)
Victorian – Mixed styles and revival pieces, heavily upholstered (1840-1900)
Art Nouveau – Flowing asymmetrical lines from Nature (1890-1910)
20th Century
Art Deco – Geometric patterns celebrating machine age (1920-1939)
Mid-Century Modern – Clean lines, organic shapes by noted designers (1940-1969)
Retro – Distinct eras like 50s diners, 60s mod, 70s disco (1950-1980)
This quick guide shows how furniture reflects the popular styles and influences of various eras. When buying vintage, having a sense of these historical styles will help you identify potential periods and choose pieces that blend well. Next, let’s look at seven trusted online stores making it easier to find vintage furniture from all these eras to match your home decor style.
1. Chairish
Chairish is one of the largest online marketplaces for vintage and antique furniture. They thoroughly vet and review each piece before listing it for sale to ensure quality and authenticity. You can find beautiful items from top dealers and private sellers all in one place.
Overview:
- All styles of vintage and antique furniture, lighting, and decor
- From sellers worldwide, ships across the US
- Both dealers and private sellers
- Goods are reviewed to verify listed period/style
- Free returns within 7 days of delivery
Why Shop Here:
Chairish is a reliable source for authentic vintage pieces you may not easily find locally. They thoroughly vet their sellers and furniture listings, which helps take some risk out of buying online. Their large selection includes popular sought-after designers. You can also find great deals shopping from private sellers.
Top Design Styles:
- Art Deco – Intricate mirrors, sculptural tables, and decorative items
- Mid-century Modern – Iconic sofas, lounge chairs, and Danish furniture
- Industrial – Factory carts, lockers and lighting for urban loft living
- Hollywood Regency – Glamorous 50s-60s dramatic silhouettes and luxe fabrics
2. Etsy
While known as a marketplace for art, craft supplies, and handmade goods, Etsy also has a robust vintage furniture category worth perusing.
Overview:
- Global selection of vintage sellers with unique antique and retro finds
- Low cost vintage and upcycled furniture
- More effort may be needed to assess seller reputation and item details
- Greater variety from small shops and independent sellers
Why Shop Here:
Etsy is a treasure trove for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. You can uncover quirky items and bargains from smaller sellers you may not find on mainstream vintage sites. With diligent reviewing of shop profiles and item details, Etsy is a buyers paradise for adding vintage flair on a budget.
Top Styles:
- Cottagecore – Romantic farmhouse items like painted armoires and rustic wood tables
- Bohemian – A mix of rich patterns, textures, and colors for an eclectic look
- Kitschy – Fun retro items like 60s mod swag lamps or atomic starbursts
- Victorian – Ornate chairs, vanities, and antique glassware
3. Ruby Lane
Based in Seattle, Ruby Lane has been a longtime hub for finding and selling antiques, vintage collectibles, and retro decor online since 1998.
Overview:
- Specializes in antiques and vintage from the 17th century to mid 20th century
- Caters to well-known antique dealers with curated inventories
- Search by style, era, materials, price and location
- Items ship from individual seller’s locations
Why Shop Here:
With decades of experience in antiques and vintage merchandise, Ruby Lane is a go-to resource for truly investing in heirloom furniture and valuable collectibles. The detailed listings and reputation of the sellers attract collectors and designers seeking truly special vintage finds.
Top Styles:
- Art Nouveau – Handcrafted chairs, dressers, and decor from the turn of the century
- Edwardian – Elegant chairs, vanities, and lighting from the early 1900s
- French Provincial – Ornately carved dressers, armoires, and dining tables
- Georgian – Formal carved wooded furniture from Colonial America
4. Estate Sales
Estate sales can be a treasure trove for vintage furniture finds. These are sales to liquidate the belongings of a home, usually after the former owner has passed away.
Overview:
- In-person buying at private homes over a short multi-day sale
- All household belongings priced to sell from collectibles to sofas
- Opportunity to uncover great bargains and negotiate
- Can encounter other pickers and competition
Why Shop Here:
Beyond thrift stores, estate sales are a prime source for vintage shoppers willing to hunt for diamonds in the rough. You may land incredible deals on retro furniture that just needs some TLC to restore. It takes time and effort to visit sales and sift through offerings, but rewards patient shoppers.
Top Finds:
- Full dining sets from past eras for a cohesive vintage look
- High value antiques passed down through generations
- Retro bar carts, media cabinets, and storage pieces
- Dated furniture to repair, repurpose or upcycle
Pro Tip: Search sites like EstateSales.net to find upcoming estate sales in your area. Plan to arrive early for the best selection. Bring a truck or vehicle that can handle larger furniture items. Bring cash and be prepared to negotiate deals on the spot.
5. Facebook Marketplace
In the Web 2.0 world, even social media sites like Facebook have become hubs for buying and selling vintage goods.
Overview:
- Buy directly from local sellers in your community
- Search for antiques, retro furniture, and vintage decor items
- Purchase and coordinate pickup from nearby sellers
- Generally competitive pricing with room to negotiate
Why Shop Here:
Facebook Marketplace puts you in touch with sellers in your own community. This allows you to avoid shipping costs for oversized, fragile vintage items. You can also inspect items carefully before purchasing. With patience, you may find great vintage deals from locals looking to clear storage space.
Top Finds:
- Dressers, side tables, chairs from neighborhood garage sales
- Collectibles like vintage Pyrex sets and mid-century ceramics
- Retro barware – glasses, ice buckets, drink carts
- Antique vanities, mirrors, wardrobes from estate clean outs
Pro Tip: Search commonly misspelled phrases like “vintage”, “antique”, “retro”, “china cabinet”, “desk” etc. to uncover more listings from less savvy sellers.
6. Craigslist
Speaking of connecting local buyers and sellers, Craigslist remains a popular classified ads site to search for vintage and antique furniture.
Overview:
- Search for used, vintage items for sale by owner locally
- Includes listings for antiques, mid-century modern furniture, and retro decor
- Provides the town and neighborhood to arrange pickup
- Quality and availability varies by region
Why Shop Here:
Craigslist allows you to easily search furniture listings throughout your own city and surrounding areas. Listings often include good descriptions and photos to assess condition before pursuing a piece further. With flexible pickup and cash payment, Craigslist offers a low hassle option for finding vintage furniture locally.
Top Finds:
- Mid-century credenzas, desks, and dressers
- Dining sets and breakfast nook sets from past eras
- Collectible lamps, bar carts, and hall trees
- Antique chairs, chests, cabinets, and tables
Pro Tip: Search both the antiques and furniture categories, as sellers may list vintage items in either section. Sort by newest listings to catch fresh posts.
7. Thrift Stores
Beyond just donated clothes and housewares, many thrift stores also have furniture sections perfect for vintage treasures.
Overview:
- In-person shopping at secondhand stores supporting various charities
- Low prices with proceeds supporting good causes
- Takes time and effort to comb through mixed offerings
- Options vary by neighborhood and store
Why Shop Here:
For the hands-on hunter, thrift stores allow you to dig through unique vintage items in person. You can inspect condition closely while still supporting charitable causes. Thrifting takes patience, but persistently checking local shops can reveal great vintage scores.
Top Finds:
- Dated tables, chairs, dressers to repurpose or upcycle
- Antique cabinets, buffets, chests, and wardrobes
- Retro TV stands, media consoles, vanities
- Quirky accessories like retro lamps, telephones, and globes
Pro Tip: Get to know each store’s discounting system and weekly deal days for the best prices. Be ready to act quickly on pieces worth restoring.
Key Tips for Buying Vintage Furniture Online
While buying vintage furniture online provides great selection, you also need to take precautions when shopping from online stores or direct sellers. Here are tips for smart vintage shopping online:
- Review seller ratings and shop policies thoroughly
- Ask questions about any details not clearly listed
- Verify age, style, and material claims being made
- Watch for red flags like stock photos or price too good to be true
- Inspect photos closely for damage, repairs, or wear
- Calculate any shipping or delivery costs for large, fragile pieces
For direct sites like Etsy and Facebook, take time to assess each individual seller’s reputation through reviews before purchasing. On marketplace platforms like Chairish and Ruby Lane, you can take more confidence in the vetting process, but should still evaluate each listing carefully.
Restoring Vintage Furniture
The distressed patina of well-loved vintage furniture adds to its charm. But to keep pieces looking their best or bring them back to life, some restoration is often needed. Here are go-to techniques for repairing and refreshing vintage furniture:
- Cleaning – Wipe wood with mild soap and water, re-wax, deodorize upholstery.
- Repairing – Fix loose joints with wood glue, replace broken hardware, re-attach upholstery.
- Polishing – Gentle abrasives to fix scratches, oils and waxes to nourish wood.
- Painting/Staining – Match existing colors or modernize with on-trend colors.
- Reupholstering – Give worn fabric new life with custom or DIY upholstery.
Always use the gentlest methods possible when restoring vintage furniture. Start with less invasive techniques like cleaning and polishing to reveal the original beauty of wood, metal, or upholstery finishes. Make repairs only when absolutely needed to keep the antique look authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to buy vintage furniture online?
Some top online vintage furniture stores include Chairish for verified antique pieces, Etsy for unique handmade and vintage items direct from sellers, Ruby Lane for high-end antiques and collectibles, and Facebook Marketplace for budget finds direct from local sellers.
What should I look out for when buying vintage furniture online?
Carefully inspect all photos for damage and repairs. Review seller ratings and item descriptions thoroughly. Ask questions if details seem unclear. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Calculate any shipping costs for large or fragile items.
How can I ensure vintage furniture quality when shopping online?
Marketplaces like Chairish and Ruby Lane individually vet and authenticate pieces, giving more assurance of quality. For direct sellers, check shop reviews and policies thoroughly. Ask detailed questions and watch for red flags in communication or with sketchy listings. Only buy from highly rated sellers.
What’s the best way to ship vintage and antique furniture?
Work with experienced vintage shippers using professional packing materials and freight trucks. For fragile antiques, consider hiring specialized white glove shippers to provide end-to-end packing and delivery services. Or opt for local pickup when available.
How do I repair and restore vintage furniture pieces?
Start with gentle cleaning using mild soap and water, abrasives, or re-waxing. Make structural repairs like tightening joints or replacing hardware as needed. Refresh finishes with stains, paint, or reupholstery. Take care not to damage vintage finishes and patinas in the process.
Final Thoughts
With the rise of online shopping, finding and buying vintage furniture is easier than ever – you just need to know where to look. Marketplaces like Chairish and Ruby Lane offer well-vetted antiques and mid-century finds. Local sellers on Facebook and Craigslist can yield hidden gems. Or put in time thrifting and hunting estate sales for true bargains.
Review seller profiles, inspect all photos closely, and ask plenty of questions before purchasing to ensure a smooth vintage furniture buying experience online. Then use your eye for design to mix these timeless vintage pieces into your current decor for a look that transcends eras and trends. What will you uncover on your next vintage shopping trip? Happy hunting for future heirlooms!
