9 things designers always look to buy at an estate sale

Estate sales are treasure troves for interior lovers, offering a dazzling array of one-of-a-kind, timeworn items which will make schemes stand out from the crowd. When sourcing pieces for clients, many interior designers will head to estate sales to hunt out unique vintage items to mix into contemporary schemes to achieve that lived-in look. But what are they key pieces they always look out for?

Whether you’re embarking on a new scheme or simply looking for a few quirky finishing touches, if you love decorating with antiques, then estate sales are great to visit, as they offer everything to elevate your scheme, from high-quality wooden furniture to fine dinnerware and small decorative items. However, with so many pieces available spanning a wide array of styles and eras, it can be tricky to know what to pick up.

To provide inspiration and help steer you in the right direction, we asked interior designers who are seasoned in sourcing antiques to share what things they always look to buy at estate sales.

1. Unique pieces with character and texture

Estate sales offer one-of-a-kind items that are rarely in production anymore and, most likely, can only be purchased at that event. So, focus on the items that you haven't seen at other sales and that capture a lost or forgotten quality like a type of joinery or a decorative paint finish,’ explains Molly Kunselman, founder of Molly Kunselman Design.

Interior designer Kristen Thomas of Studio Thomas is a magpie for items with a beautiful patina, which bring texture and character to modern interiors, and make a home feel more unique.

‘A well-loved finish or aged wood adds warmth and contrast in a new build,’ she explains. ‘For this particular home, our client was building a beautiful new space but wanted it to feel warm, comfortable, and inviting for her family. By layering in estate unique sale finds, we softened the feeling of a brand-new build and gave the home a sense of history. These pieces add a soulfulness that can’t be replicated with new furniture alone.'

2. High quality wood furniture

Estate sales are a great place to source handcrafted wooden tables, chairs, closets and bed frames, and they can often be picked up at a fraction of the price of new pieces.

'Look for pieces crafted from solid wood like walnut or mahogany. These timeless items have lasting value and can be restored or reimagined in a modern space. They bring a sense of history and character to any home,' says Sara Swabb, founder of Storie Collective.

However, when hunting for furniture, bear in mind that not everything needs to be the finished article or in tip-top condition. Go with an open mind, and if the shape of something inspire, and the price is right, don't be afraid to buy it and customize it, say interior designers.

Of course, there are antiques to avoid buying at an estate sale, but provided the damage isn’t too extensive, pieces can also be restored.

When hunting for furniture at estate sales, ‘I specifically look for pieces that have wonderful bones and interesting silhouettes and details,’ shares interior designer Phillip Thomas. ‘As long as the pieces have a solid foundation and structure, they can always be updated using beautiful decorative finishes, such as paint or glazes.'

While shopping for a client's country home, he found a dining room table, dining chairs, a sideboard and ‘a fantastic chandelier for the nursery that just needed rewiring.’ All pieces were in great shape, ‘but simply needed a little attention to breathe a whole new life into them for years to come,’ he adds

3. Unusual tables and chairs that can be reimagined

Heading to an estate sale with an idea of what you are looking for is handy and prevents you from getting distracted and buying things you'll never use. However, it is worth keeping your eyes open for fascinating pieces which may have hidden potential to bring real wow-factor. Don't necessarily dismiss something because it is in bad condition, as it could be repaired or transformed into a unique piece.

‘I love finding furniture that can be reimagined – whether by reupholstering, refinishing, or restoring a piece to its former glory, and always envision how each item can seamlessly integrate into my designs,’ says Rae Rockwell, founder of Rae Rockwell Studio.

'The thrill of discovering hidden gems at estate sales is a big part of my creative process, and I love incorporating these one-of-a-kind items into my projects to create spaces that feel personal and curated. I come prepared with a tape measure and a list of specific dimensions to ensure I’m making the most of my time.'

Pictured is a sculptural Argos dining chair from Baumann in France, which Rae Rockwell spotted at an estate sale. 'I love the curved backrest. It adds so much character and complements the curves reflected in the hand-painted tile. I reupholstered it in a deep, muted green bouclé to give it a timeless feel.’

Interior designer Courtnay Tart Elias also loves decorating with unusual estate sale finds within her projects, as demonstrated in this statement dining room.

‘The elephant table base in this dining room was sourced from an estate sale and the chairs are like ones I source from estate sales, but in this case, the owner already had them and I convinced her to let me paint them,’ says Courtnay Tartt Elias, founder of Creative Tonic Design.

4. Ceramics and tableware

Whether you’re looking for one-off pieces for a decorative display or a full dinner service, estate sales are awash with fine china and tableware which can be picked up for great prices. Just be sure to check them over for chips and hairline cracks.

‘Fine china, silverware, and glassware often come at a fraction of the cost of new items, yet hold much more charm and quality,’ explains Sara Swabb. ‘These timeless pieces elevate any gathering and add elegance to your space.’

‘Beautiful tableware, whether it be sterling silver flatware, crystal stemware, or porcelain dinner services, can often be found in like-new condition, and classic designs by Tiffany, Baccarat, and Royal Copenhagen still hold collectors' interest,' says Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director and director of fine art at 1stDibs.

5. Vintage books

If you love decorating with books, estate sales can be a great place to pick up lots of interesting finds, usually for next to nothing.

‘Estate sales are a great place to stock up on old books in a range of colors for styling purposes,’ explains Gaia Guidi Filippi. ‘These are easy to keep in our office and use when needed for styling clients’ homes.’

Beautiful leather-bound books and a styling staple for an interior designer as they look wonderfully decorative on living room shelves, and they can also be piled up to create podiums for displaying small decorative objects. Additionally, books can be a great source of affordable art.‘I look for books I can tear out the pages and frame. Think botanicals or architectural illustrations,’ explains Courtnay Tartt Elias.

6. Side tables, stools and small pieces

Whilst there are beautiful pieces of furniture available at good prices, it can be risky buying larger pieces from estate sales, as should they not quite fit, you can't then return them.

Often, going for the smaller pieces is a safer bet, they’re also much easier to transport. ‘I tend to skip pieces that are too large unless there’s a specific plan, because once you buy them, you’re stuck,’ explains interior designer Tracy Morris. ‘Smaller finds are easier to work into a home and offer a lot of impact without the commitment.’

Kristen Thomas, founder of Studio Thomas, is always on the lookout for ‘stools, side tables, and petite chairs that add charm and function to overlooked spaces.’

7. Bamboo furniture and accessories

Small bamboo pieces are popping up all over right now, with brands bringing out replicas of the original vintage pieces. But if you want to nail this design trend without buying anything new, estate sales are the place to look.

They are lightweight, making them easy to transport, plus they have discreet open frames, which means they add style without infringing too much on the feeling of space.

'I adore vintage and antique bamboo furniture,’ says Courtney Tartt Elias. ‘Every room needs a bit of brown furniture and whimsical bamboo pieces do the trick every time. Often the pieces are unusual, like a plant stand or a magazine rack or even a hall tree. They give a room a vintage feel without it looking stuffy.’

8. Decorative items and vases

Interior designers always have their eyes peeled for interesting cases and decorative ornaments as they make wonderful pieces for styling shelves, sideboards, and coffee tables. They look great displayed in odd numbers at different heights, alternatively, large collections grouped together can make a big impact.

‘I’m always drawn to silver-plated pieces, original artwork, and unique decorative accents like vases, bowls, and trays,’ says Tracy Morris, founder of Tracy Morris Design. ‘These items add a collected, layered feel to a home and often come with a sense of history that you just can’t find in something new. A silver tray or vintage bowl can be both functional and sculptural, while original art instantly elevates a space.’

'I always keep an eye out for items such as artwork and small ornaments such as vases and porcelain, as those are really easy to place in a scheme and instantly add character and history to a scheme,' adds Carina Raymond, founder of Studio Raymond. 'Smaller items of furniture are also worth considering, such as antique side tables, bedside tables, and desks.'

9. Antique and vintage mirrors

Antique and vintage mirrors are always snapped up by interior designers at estate sales. Designs with decorative frames add instant interest to any scheme, plus they help boost the feeling of light and space. Unlike artwork, which may not always be to everyone’s taste, mirrors are less divisive, making them a failsafe choice for wall decor and perfect for guest rooms.

Decorating with mirrors also makes for a good choice where artwork might be jarring, such as rooms with busy wallpaper. Interior designer Kelley Proxmire looks for ‘mirrors of all sizes, paying attention to frame and size.’ Courtnay Elias is also a fan of buying mirrors at estate sales, and hunts for ‘funky and unique designs with interesting shapes’. In this powder room, Courtnay chose sculptural gilt mirrors to add extra decorative flair to this maximalist powder room.

If you're buying a secondhand mirror, feel the weight of it, as the heavier it is, the more likely it is to be an authentic antique.

The key to shopping estate sales successfully is to go in with a plan. Have a list of things you need and always have your measurements with you – even if you aren't sure what will go into a certain space. Of course, let yourself be tempted by pieces you love, but always have the practical questions at the back of your mind too.