Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Rachel
Become a pro at shopping for vintage decor! Discover the best tips for sourcing secondhand items and adding timeless style to your home on a budget.
Attention all vintage lovers! Are you tired of scouring countless thrift stores and antique shops, only to come up empty-handed? Do you dream of finding that perfect piece of decor to complete your home? Or, maybe you want your home to tell a story without the use of mass-produced items. Whatever it is, look no further because today I am sharing my top tips for sourcing vintage decor like a pro. This vintage decor shopping guide is designed to empower you to confidently find, and style, beautiful pre-loved items into your home!
Vintage Decor Home Shopping Guide: Score Jaw-Dropping Pieces for Your Home on a Budget
I’ll cover it all from why to choose vintage, knowing where to shop, smart shopping strategies, and what to seek out. I promise that anyone can master the pastime of vintage decor shopping.
Let’s elevate your vintage shopping game. Buckle up and get ready to learn the art of sourcing vintage decor in this ultimate shopping guide!
Shop Top Vintage Decor Picks from the Comfort of Your Own Home
Why Vintage? The Irresistible Appeal of Pre-Loved Decor
We’re going to kick it all off today with ‘why’? Why shop vintage? Why buy used?
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Sustainable Decor Choice
Buying vintage is the most sustainable decor option that there is! In today’s world, when there is so much at stake for the environment (our lakes, rivers, oceans, and wildlife), choosing to buy used reduces waste and supports a circular economy. When buying items secondhand, whether vintage or not, it helps to promote a sustainable and healthy environment.
Decor found at thrift shops or antique stores are already here and have been in existence for a long time. So, when purchasing those things instead of buying new, you are helping to reduce water use and carbon emissions, which are omitted from new manufacturing.
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Unique Home Accents
Vintage decor finds offer one-of-a-kind home accents and contain character that new items simply cannot replicate. I can’t express the joy that comes with finding a beautiful piece of decor, that no one else has, for just a few dollars!
There’s truly nothing better than decorating a space with hand-picked pieces that help your home to tell a story.
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Affordable Vintage Finds
Thrifting for vintage decor is significantly more affordable than buying new, and, more times than not, is of much higher quality. There are such great deals to be found at thrift stores, antique shops, and other re-sale establishments.
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Adding Character and Story
Vintage pieces bring history and soul to a space, making a home feel authentic and lived-in. To truly emphasize your unique style and showcase beloved collections, I can’t think of any other way to go about doing so than through sourcing vintage.
Vintage Decor Shopping Guide: The Best Tips for Sourcing Like a Pro!
Now, let’s dig deep into my top tips and tricks for shopping vintage! The following sections contain helpful information on things such as where to shop, what to look for, and how to have success finding what you are looking for.
Your Treasure Map: Top Places to Find Vintage Decor
Many of us have our favorite haunts and shops that we re-visit time and time again. And, for good reason! However, there are a handful of places that I suggest trying out, if you haven’t yet. I frequent these establishments due to the fair prices, good selection, and variety of inventory.
These are spots where I’ve had the most luck sourcing amazing home decor such as art, small furniture, and vintage pieces for my collections.
Thrift Stores
Thrift shops are my all-time favorite place to source vintage and other decor for my home. I’ve written tons of blog posts on thrifting so I’m not going to go into a ton of detail here, but if you need more help on this specific subject, visit my thrifting page!
Antique Malls
These shops are my second favorite place to look for vintage. Antique malls are very curated spaces, often with a tad higher prices, but with higher prices comes better quality.
Estate Sales
Estate sales are another wonderful option for sourcing vintage. I don’t have as much experience in this area nor do I go to these sales as often as I would like. However, there is huge potential for finding high-quality, and often complete collections, at estate sales.
Online Vintage Marketplaces
Another amazing place for sourcing quality vintage is online! Popular online platforms include:
- Etsy for curated vintage
- eBay for specific searches
- Facebook Marketplace for local deals
Flea Markets
Lastly, there are flea markets! These types of sales are very diverse, offering a wide range of decor. Anything and everything goes at flea markets…if you are looking for a unique statue, try a flea market. Wanting an antique bath tub? Check the flea market.
Having a Keen Eye: What to Look for When Shopping Vintage
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Assessing Vintage Quality
When shopping for vintage from any source, it’s always a good idea to check for damage, stability, and wear. Scan items for wobbly legs, chips and cracks, or any strong odors.
Hopefully you can catch the difference…and this takes practice. Over time, assessing vintage items will become easier!
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Spotting Authentic Vintage
To be sure you are buying authentic vintage and not a reproduction, it’s crucial that you identify period-specific details such as maker’s marks or stamps.
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Timeless Vintage Pieces
To ensure I’m always getting the most bang for my buck, I focus on purchasing classic designs that will never go out of style AND that can be used all year round. For me, these are pieces like milk glass, ironstone, vintage copper, or antique books.
Other timeless vintage decor items can include baskets, pottery, wooden accents, or art.
Quick Tips for a Successful Vintage Shopping Trip
I truly want you to be successful when vintage shopping and find all the things you are looking for!
Planning Your Vintage Hunt
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- It’s easy to get distracted when vintage shopping! Have a wish list, or a list on your phone of the items you are looking for, so you don’t forget. But, also, it’s totally okay to remain open to unexpected finds.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring a tape measure, specifically if hunting for furniture. Feel free to read this post for a full list and rundown of thrifting essentials.
Negotiating Prices (Where Appropriate)
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- As stated earlier, when shopping at flea markets or estate sales, it’s totally cool to negotiate prices, especially if you are buying more than one item. Many sellers will do a bundle deal on the whole lot. But, please be polite and fair too as these sellers are also trying to make a living!
- Also, keep in mind that, when shopping at thrift stores, negotiating prices is usually not an option. The price on the sticker or tag is the set price for the thing.
Transportation Tips for Small Decor and Large Vintage Furniture
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- When shopping for ‘smalls’ as I like to call them, it’s helpful to always have a re-useable bag in your car. That way, you can ensure that your new finds are contained and won’t get broken in transit.
- For transporting large furniture pieces, be sure to have an appropriately sized vehicle. Bring blankets to cover the item while in transit as well as tie-downs for secure placement. And, be sure to bring a helper or two if it’s a large and/or heavy item!
Some of My Favorite Vintage Decor Shops and Thrift Stores in Minnesota
And, finally, whether you live in the beautiful state of Minnesota or not, I wanted to leave you with some of my very favorite spots that I myself shop at for quality vintage decor.
1. Shop 501& Company
501 N Chestnut St. Chaska, MN
This shop is, hands down, one of the most amazing shops with the most incredible displays. Whoever does their shop decor is uber talented because it gets me coming back again and again!
For vintage items such as ironstone, old books, dishware, crocks, baskets, or kitschy garden decor, this shop is a must.
https://www.facebook.com/shop501company/
2. Attic to Basement
8909 Penn Ave S. Bloomington, MN
This is a used goods shop that buys out estates and then sells that inventory in the store. The little old lady who runs it is so sweet and has the best estate sale prices in town. This is actually one of my go-to shops for buying wedding or birthday gifts because the items here are so high quality!
*Due note that it’s only open Thursdays-Saturdays*
https://attictobasementgoods.com/
3. Pink Elephant
911 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN
For a dose of anything and everything vintage, this is the place! With 3 floors of unique vintage items and ephemera, there is something for everyone. The pricing is extremely fair and, with such a wide selection of collectibles, you are bound to find a treasure or two to take home.
https://www.instagram.com/pink_elephant_hopkins
4. Antiques on Mainstreet LLC
913 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN
Located right next door to the Pink Elephant, this is another one of those vintage shops that makes me giddy every time I walk in the door. There is one booth here in particular that has the most amazing selection of vintage dishes and ironstone as well as a vendor who always has a massive pile of vintage hankies and linens.
https://www.facebook.com/Antiques.on.Mainstreet/
5. Water Street Antiques, Jordan, MN
240 Water St. Jordan, MN
The building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places so you know it’s good!! This shop is small but mighty. With 15 dealers, there is still much to see. I don’t get here too often but, when I do, I always walk out of there with at least one pretty thing. The prices are SO good and I’ve found vintage items there that I’ve NEVER seen before!
https://www.waterstreetantiquesmn.com/
6. ARCS Value Village
10546 France Ave S. Bloomington, MN
Whenever I share my Thrifted Goodies posts here on the blog, most of my finds seen in those have come from this thrift store. I’ve been going to this local thrift for over five years now and it’s just as good as ever. It’s clean and well-stocked!
There are always vintage decor items to be found and the prices are some of the cheapest around.
7. Legacy Thrift
4713 36th Ave N. Crystal, MN
I think it’s safe to say that this thrift shop has THE best prices…it’s basically like shopping at a curated garage sale. With many items costing mere cents, it’s like hitting the vintage jackpot. I’ve found ironstone, milk glass, and linens here for just .50 cents a piece!
The wonderful thing about this store is that it’s all volunteer run, meaning all of the profits made from purchases goes directly to charity and other missions. It’s a win-win for everyone!
8. Able Light Thrift Shop
4749 County Road 101, Minnetonka, MN
Yet another thrift store with garage sale like prices, this spot is a hidden gem. I heard about it through word of mouth and whoever passed along that info wasn’t wrong! This is the thrifty place to come for seasonal decor as well as small furniture like chairs or stools. They also have a TON of vintage dishes, art, and linens.
I’ve walked out of there before with a stunning gold mirror, a vintage wooden stool, and many vintage plates. There’s also a coffee shop and cookie store right nearby if you need a boost 🙂
https://ablelight.org/thrift-stores/minnetonka/
9. New Generations of Harmony Antique Mall
50 Industrial Blvd NE. Harmony, MN
Out of the whole list, this is, hands down, my very favorite shop in the state. With over 10,000 square feet and 130 booths, this shop makes my vintage loving heart soar! Located in the heart of Minnesota Amish country, it’s a lovely two hour drive from my house. So, I don’t get here often, but when I do, I block out at least two hours to make my way through.
One of my favorite vendors has a booth in this mall and I ALWAYS leave the store with at least two of her beautifully curated items. If you live in anywhere around the cities, or northern Iowa, I highly recommend a day trip. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
https://www.newgenerationsofharmony.com/
Closing Tidbits on a Vintage Decor Shopping Guide: The Best Tips for Sourcing Like a Pro!
With that, this wraps it all up! From finding to styling and everything in between, I truly hope that this vintage decor shopping guide has gifted you with the best tips for sourcing like a pro.
Leave me a comment! What are some favorite vintage hunting spots where you live or recent vintage finds?! I love hearing from you!
If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.
Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!
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