4 min readWhile antique stores and flea markets are naturally treasure troves for all things old and storied, there’s another way to shop for antiques—discovering them within the homes where they’ve been loved. And, since they haven’t hit the “market” yet, they don’t carry dealers’ and resellers’ (often higher) price points.
Estate sales are goldmines for antiques, and interior designers know this. That’s why they’re often found shopping these sales, looking for pieces to use in their designs and to bring into their own homes. Krystal Reinhard, founder and principal designer of Old Soul Design Studio, loves shopping estate sales because she gets to see collections in context, “which makes it easier to spot quality, scale, and patina.”
Paige Loperfido, founder and principal designer of Decor & More Design Studio, prefers estate sales over flea markets, since they tend to mix in reproductions of “vintage-style items.” At an estate sale, there’s a greater chance that you’re scoring the real deal.
For Valerie Helgeson, founder and lead designer at Design Directions, it’s all about the urgency and hustle of an estate sale. “There’s an immediacy to them that I like. You have to make a decision and trust your instincts,” she shares.
No matter the reason, there are so many motivations to shop estate sales for some of the best antiques that can be found. Below, we’re sharing 10 items that these interior designers never pass up—you should add them to your wishlist, too.
Vintage Glassware
Loperfido is always game to grab hand-painted porcelain, midcentury ceramics, and antique glassware, like ice buckets and goblets. “These collectibles bring color, pattern, and personality to kitchens and dining rooms,” she says. “Beyond their practical use, they easily transition into art, with vintage plates mounted on walls for a dynamic display, or grouped on open shelves. In dining spaces, glassware and tableware act as statement pieces, highlighting one-of-a-kind treasures that feel timeless, sophisticated, and thoughtfully curated, adding both charm and character to special gatherings.”
Candlesticks
Reinhard calls antique candlesticks “an instant layer,” with their warmth, height, and “a little romance with a surprisingly big impact for a small spend.” She adds that she often styles them as matched pairs on mantels and consoles, or as loose trios at varying heights on dining tables and coffee tables.
Copper Kitchenware
Going into estate sales with an open mind, Helgeson typically finds herself buying something she “could have never imagined looking for.” But frequently, one item tops her wishlist, and that’s copper kitchenware. She displays these antique pieces in kitchens alongside other estate sale-found items, such as turned wood bowls, old cutting boards, and bread bowls.
Pottery
Pottery is a designer darling, since these pieces add texture and even imperfection (in a good way) to spaces, as Reinhard puts it. She tracks down pottery at estate sales, then showcases it on open shelving, sideboards, and tablescapes. She prefers to pair pottery with “something refined,” like brass, stone, or glass, to keep the mix elevated.
Culturally Rich Treasures
Loperfido’s favorite estate sale gems are what she calls “culturally rich pieces” that have been collected by homeowners from around the world. Think: Chinese antiques like foo dogs and ginger jars, and vintage ceramics such as Majolica fish candlesticks, figurative pieces, or midcentury glazed pottery.
Oftentimes, she says that these particular pieces “showcase incredible craftsmanship and character,” adding that they’re perfect to layer on surfaces throughout the house, from bookshelves to nightstands to end tables.
Distinctive Furniture
At estate sales, Helgeson is scanning the spaces for “furniture with a strong silhouette.” Acting as anchors in rooms, Helgeson believes in accessorizing the rest of these spaces with vintage finds, which she says makes even new pieces appear like collected treasures.
Vintage Rugs
“Vintage rugs bring color, pattern, and age instantly,” Reinhard remarks. She decorates with them “everywhere”: in powder rooms, mudrooms, and under seating areas to anchor the furniture and add depth.
Artwork
“Original art can feel inaccessible at gallery pricing, but estate sales are one of the best places to find something truly special for a fraction of the cost,” Reinhard points out. She goes for single statement pieces, small collected clusters, or creates a full gallery wall that combines vintage art with modern pieces and personal photos.
Old Books
Continually on the lookout for leather-bound collections and cocktail books, Reinhard snaps up antique books at estate sales.
“They’re one of the easiest ways to add personality and story—especially art, history, and travel titles that feel timeless and intentional,” she says. “I use them everywhere—stacked on coffee tables, tucked onto consoles, layered into shelves, or used as risers for objects to create height and visual rhythm.”
Intaglios
Loperfido says that these “finely detailed etched artworks” are often overlooked at estate sales, but they can instantly add sophistication and historical texture to any space.
“Small but rich in visual storytelling, they work beautifully against neutral or patterned backgrounds,” she notes.
