Let me share a top interior design secret. OK, it’s not really a secret – but it’s something I absolutely swear by: every home needs a little vintage. Every great interior has a mix of the old and the new. Whatever your style. If you’re looking to create a space with more depth, more personality—more je ne sais quoi—then vintage shopping for your interiors is an absolute must.

No one – absolutely no one – wants to live in a carbon copy of someone else’s house. Yes, we can admire someone’s style, feel inspired by the way they pull things together, and occasionally even feel a pang of envy over an amazing piece or two they happen to have. But ultimately, we all want to live in homes that mean something to us.  The kind of spaces that actually make you feel something, the interiors that yes I might just say –  feel worth celebrating. 

And if that sounds like something you want to create in your own home, then that’s exactly why you want to be vintage shopping for your interiors.

It’s All About Balance

As  with all good things, balance is key. I don’t think any of us want to live in a home that looks like a museum or a period drama set. Mixing styles and eras is not only allowed – it’s encouraged. This is your opportunity to dig into your personal taste, to discover what truly resonates.

When you walk into a high street shop or look through a magazine, you’re being fed the latest trends. You’re being told what to like and what to buy. Once you start browsing vintage pieces, you begin to uncover what you’re instinctively drawn to. Certain shapes, materials, colours. For me, it’s brass and aged gold, worn wood, tortoiseshell, amber tones… and probably anything green.

If you’re new to vintage shopping for your interiors – or just fancy a few tips to elevate your hunt – here’s my thoughts on making the very best of your trip.

Go With A Loose Plan

If you’re shopping for a specific space, then it does help to have a rough idea of what you’re looking for. A dining table? A lamp? A mirror? Especially at large markets or auctions, knowing your focus will help you navigate quickly and not get overwhelmed. Keep a list of the things that you are on the hunt for. 

But Also – Don’t

The truth is that the very best vintage finds are often the ones you stumble across by accident. You weren’t looking for a ceramic orange chicken… but there it is. And yes, of course you’re taking it home. That serendipity of vintage shopping is exactly what makes it feel so special. Like you and that orange chicken were meant to be.

The more you shop this way, the more you’ll start to recognise what you’re drawn to. It’s a brilliant way to build your own design identity, piece by piece.

Take A Tape Measure

A word of advice – don’t skip this one. You’d be amazed how many “perfect” pieces turn out to be far too big (or too small) once you get them home. Measure your space in advance, and bring those numbers with you. If you forget your tape measure, just ask – most sellers will happily lend you one.

Check The Condition 

It’s very easy to fall head over heels and overlook flaws. I once bought a beautiful occasional table at the auction… that turned out to be riddled with woodworm. I ended up spending more on the treatment than I did on the piece itself – and I still had to eventually give up and throw it away. What can I say? I get a bit carried away at the auction.

So be wiser than me. Take the time to look things over and make sure anything you buy really is worth taking home with you.

Ask The Story

Many sellers love sharing the background of a piece – where it came from, how they found it, who owned it. I once bought an utterly pristine men’s blazer at the Friday Street car boot for £2.50, being sold by the late owner’s daughter. It had clearly been so well cared for, and now every time I wear it, I feel like I’m continuing its story. I like to think someone might say the same about my belongings one day.

So be brave and ask! You never know what incredible story you might hear.

Think Creatively

Look beyond a piece’s original function. A pretty chair can become a bedside table. A vintage cabinet might make the perfect bathroom vanity. A little imagination goes a long way when it comes to repurposing.

Look Beyond The Surface

Yes, do check the condition – but don’t be afraid to make changes. A lamp can get a new shade. A battered cabinet can be painted. The word upcycling can ring alarm bells, but in truth, there’s plenty you can do to make something truly your own.

Personalise It

Especially when it comes to anything upholstered. Reupholstering a vintage chair in a fabric you love is one of my favourite things to do to make something truly unique. Start recognising the fabric patterns and brands you’re drawn to—you’ll begin to see connections in your style.

Want to peruse my sample library? Book in for a studio session and we can design something really special.

Take Photos As You Go

At big salvage yards or vintage markets, it can all become a blur. Take pictures—especially of anything you’re considering—so you can remember what you saw and where. 

When I lived in Singapore, my favourite place to shop was the brilliant and aptly named Junkie’s Corner. I’d clamber around in the heat, taking pictures of dusty treasures, then track down the uncle who ran it and show him photos on my phone while trying to guess how much he’d charge me. It always felt a bit like a game.

However, if you really love something and it’s a busy market, don’t run the risk of losing it! It’s even worse if you head back having made your mind up and it’s long gone – leaving you with only a picture and a whole lot of regret.

Follow Your Favourite Dealers On Instagram

Thanks to the modern world, you can now hunt down vintage finds without even leaving your bed! Plenty of brilliant dealers post stock on Instagram – follow your favourites and don’t forget Vinterior, eBay, Etsy, and even Facebook Marketplace. 

Keep A Wishlist

Know what you’re after? On certain websites, you can even set up alerts for those items. Having a list will keep you focused – and help you avoid impulse buys… unless, of course, it’s true love!

Go Early For The Best Picks, And Late For The Bargains

This is classic vintage market wisdom. And always bring cash if you can—it’s often preferred. Be polite if you’re negotiating and respect it if a seller doesn’t want to haggle. Many aren’t making huge margins.

Know When To Walk Away

Eeeeek – this is a hard one, but sometimes it’s not meant to be. It’s too expensive, the size is wrong, or you’re trying to convince yourself it’ll work when deep down, you know it won’t. Be brave. Walk away, leave it for somebody else. There will always be another treasure.

So there you go – a few handy tips for vintage shopping for your interiors. Just do me a favour – don’t get to the really good stuff before I do!

Chloé X