The beauty of an estate sale is that you never know what you'll find. With each stall varying depending on the seller, there are endless displays of treasures, making venturing around these fairs an exhilarating yet sometimes challenging mission.
Most of us turn to decorating with antiques to make our homes feel bespoke and curated. While there are a few trusty ways to shop for pre-loved relics, estate sales are a reliable option for all vintage lovers looking to head home with bags filled with goodies. Acting as a haven for antique collectors and a solution for homeowners in need of a major clear-out, estate sales are often filled with practically every piece of home decor you can think of.
While there are always antiques to avoid buying at an estate sale, we wanted to find out which pieces are worth a second look. With the help of interior designers and vintage experts, these estate sale tips will help you sift through the trash and seek out the treasure.
1. Vintage lighting
There are some things you should never buy from an estate sale, but vintage lighting isn't one of them. Whether it's an ornate rococo-inspired table lamp or an angular midcentury floor lamp, keep an eye out for vintage lighting designed by established names.
Hill Rondero founder of Ro House Studio says, 'When I shop estate sales, I’m not necessarily thinking about value in the traditional sense – I'm drawn to pieces that feel timeless, soulful, and unique.' Drawing on transitional decorating ideas, Hill says, 'Lighting is always at the top of my list, there’s something about an old chandelier placed in a clean, modern space that creates instant tension and beauty. I also love finding vintage lamps that need a fresh shade to come back to life.'
Antique lover Vanessa Chaverri-Gratz (A.K.A thegratzlife) incorporates vintage lighting ideas in her home and is always looking out for new pieces to add to her collection. 'I love hunting for vintage lighting, especially lamps from iconic designers. A great example is Frederick Cooper – pieces from his studio still carry weight among collectors and designers. Designer lighting tends to be well-made and timeless, and often overlooked at estate sales.'
2. Gold or silver decor
While it may seem obvious, it's always wise to be on the lookout for pieces made from precious materials. Gold and silver are common yet valuable types of metals found at estate sales and will continue to be collectible for years, even as tastes and interior design trends change.
Kyle Dutton from Kyle Dutton Homes says, 'We see a lot of "grandma's" silver serving pieces or "grandpa's" gold coin collection. These precious metals are a great investment (especially gold) that hold their value and, if not, increase over time. Basically, anything that is timeless will hold its value!'
Whether it's a handful of antique cutlery or a pair of metal candlesticks, don't be put off if the metal decor you've found is tarnished or in need of some TLC. Learning how to clean silver will transform a pre-loved, passed-down piece into a pristine piece in its own right. Also, the classic style of gold or silver tableware pairs beautifully with any style of tablescape, it's a type of dinnerware to match any occasion.
3. Classic furniture
Opting for antique furniture is one of the many vintage trends for 2025. Investing in a piece of sturdy, second-hand furniture is a clever way to follow this year's trends while also embracing the eclectic, traditional look.
A good-quality piece of furniture is likely to last for years, making it a clever investment, not to mention a timeless addition to homes of all interior design styles. If you're unsure of what style to look out for at an estate sale, consider the latest vintage furniture trends for some beautiful inspiration.
Emma Sims-Hilditch, Founder and Creative Director at Sims Hilditch says, 'When it comes to sourcing antiques, certain pieces should take priority – items with timeless appeal, high-quality craftsmanship, and functional versatility. A beautifully aged antique chest of drawers is a particularly valuable investment – not only does it provide essential storage, but it also serves as a statement piece that can be styled with decorative items or creatively repurposed into a bathroom vanity unit, for example.'
Emma adds, 'Whether it's an 18th-century Georgian mahogany chest or a French Louis XV commode with intricate marquetry, these pieces bring warmth, elegance, and history into a space.'
4. Dinner services
A type of home decor that practically every homeowner possesses is china and crockery, so it's no surprise that it's one of the most common pieces available at an estate sale. It's both a blessing and a curse as the sheer amount of chinaware at these sales means it can be hard to pick the gems.
Known as dinner services, a complete set of matching plates and bowls is something you should look out for, especially if the maker is of note. Antique expert Benji Lewis says, 'Beautiful dinner services cost a fortune when you buy them new but second hand they can sell for buttons which makes them invariably appealing to me.'
While dinner services are often associated with more traditional dining room ideas, they bring an enduring elegance to any style of room, making them a good piece to hunt for an estate sale. A way to bring vintage charm, dinnerware sets are the perfect contrast to incorporate in a modern dining room idea too. They look best displayed in a dresser or open shelving, allowing the set to shine in all its glory.
Benji says don't be put off by the state they can often be found in. 'Whilst they might be dusty and grimy when you view them in the estate sale, a gentle wash in warm soapy water restores them to being pristine – I have a part set of vintage Thomas Goode that I only use for decorative purposes showcased on a side table in my dining room.'
Benji adds, 'Likewise, glasses – the impact a quick restorative wash in warm water can make is so satisfying.' Our expert tips on thrifting vintage glassware will come in handy if you're looking to build up your drinks cabinet display.
5. Antique paintings
An example of collectibles interior designers look for when antique shopping, vintage art is a lasting choice in terms of both style and value.
An easy way to bring eclecticism into the home and showcase your tastes, decorating with art can transform an empty space into a characterful and one-of-a-kind haven. Bringing history and charm, decorating with vintage art does this and more, elevating the home into a tasteful and collected paradise. It's a clever move in terms of value, too, as if you've managed to source a painting by a notable artist or from a significant point in history, you might just make a profit.
Vanessa says, 'Art is always the first thing I look for at estate sales. Signed pieces in particular can hold surprising value – even when they’re not by a well-known artist. Signatures aren’t always easy to spot; they’re sometimes tucked into the corner of the front, or even written or stamped on the back of the canvas or frame. If I find a piece I’m drawn to, I look for a signature and trust my gut. Google Image Search can be your best friend when trying to identify an artist or confirm your instincts. It’s a great way to quickly determine whether something is worth a closer look.'
Hill agrees, 'Art is probably my favorite thing to hunt for – those one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that bring so much depth to a room.' Hill loves decorating with vintage ceramics too, saying, 'And I’m always keeping an eye out for interesting ceramics – those sculptural, handmade pieces that add unexpected texture and personality to a space.'
Additional thrifting tips
'I always recommend bringing a tape measure, floor plans, and a scale ruler to ensure that anything you’re considering will fit perfectly in your space' says Emma. 'Many great pieces sell quickly, and reservations can be tricky, so I always come prepared. When sourcing for a client, I let them know in advance that I’ll be on the lookout for them and will send photos via WhatsApp for immediate approval.'
Emma adds, 'Always encourage trusting your instincts – if you love a piece and it fits, go for it! Some of my best finds have come from spontaneous purchases, and I’ve regretted the times I hesitated. It should be a fun, personal experience, guided by what you naturally gravitate toward.'
Benji says to look for pieces that are in a preserved state, 'What you ideally want to look for are pieces that require minimal financial outlay once you’ve bought them which is why I’d always be careful with upholstered goods – re-springing a sofa is costly as is acquiring fabric and having it recovered, so to the restoration of a painting and re-framing. It’s always tempting to buy when prices are low but the cost to repair afterwards likely plays a part in why an item was sold at a friendly price in the first place.'
The experts have proven that estate sales are filled with valuable gems that you may have previously overlooked. If you're keen to channel the ever-popular eclectic look by bringing some charm into your home, you can also explore where to buy vintage furniture online, a handy option if you're looking for a specific style or size piece.
