In the world of fashion, design and interiors, there has been a veritable vintage renaissance.
Though the term itself is an oxymoron, it seems to be the only fitting way to describe the skyrocketing popularity of vintage garments, furniture and accessories across the globe.
The sheer irony, of course, is that so much of the vintage furniture praised by buyers today was created with modernity in mind. Indeed, perhaps this is the source of its spellbinding charm. It’s safe to assume that no contemporary designer of their time was necessarily thinking about their work becoming ‘vintage’ in the future. Iconic designers and inventors such as Charles and Ray Eames, Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen and Florence Knoll were constantly looking to the future.
There has been a particular focus on mid-century modern furniture designed by the aforementioned ingénues, with iconic pieces such as the Eames chair or the Aalto vase still being auctioned off for untold prices over 70 years later. Even miniature renditions of famous vintage chairs created by Vitra are equally unaffordable for most of the population.
Nevertheless, design enthusiasts appreciate the coveted, collector’s nature of such furniture, and will often curate a selection to serve as centrepieces which compliment a hodgepodge of other items from various eras. Another incredibly popular time period to shop from is Victorian, with design enthusiasts enjoying the playful contrast between historical artefact and futurism.
Yet whether you know a thing or two about the history of design or simply know what you like when you see it, it’s widely agreed that vintage furniture is often more well-made than modern furniture. This has led to an increased number of interior decorators purchasing vintage items instead of brand-new ones, which equally serves as a more sustainable design solution.
Second-hand furniture doesn’t necessarily have to be ‘vintage’ either, and ensuring a circular approach to everything from the clothes you wear to quotidian pieces of furniture is an admirable lifestyle.
Whether you’re a professional or an amateur, a vintage enthusiast or a dabbler, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best online websites where you can browse an array of vintage and second-hand furniture.
Shop now
Vinterior
Ever on the rise, Vinterior is an incredibly popular place to shop for verifiably vintage pieces of furniture and home accessories at a reasonable price.
Founded by Chinese French entrepreneur Sandrine Zhang Ferron after she taught herself to code in 2016, the online marketplace is a safe space for independent sellers to list their vintage treasures. Renowned for their vast collection of mid-century modern furniture, browse over 100,000 verified items from across the globe that will stand the test of time.
Buy now, Vinterior
The Old Cinema
Residents of West London will have likely browsed the sprawling, three-story wonder that is The Old Cinema on Chiswick High Road. Since opening its doors to the public in 1978, the vintage interior store has become home to an array of diverse, kitschy and wonderfully unique items both large and small. Fill your home with antique trinkets or make bigger purchases depending on your budget.
Buy now, The Old Cinema
Retrouvius
Specialists at salvaging vintage materials, Notting Hill-based Retrouvius is home to an expanse of rustic, well-loved pieces with immense character. Though the concept of salvaging scraps doesn’t sound entirely glamorous, you’ll certainly be delighted by the sleek, elegant, historical and eco-conscious pieces curated and crafted by the team.
Founded by partners and architects Adam Hills and Maria Speake in 1993, the company originally began as a means to help conserve the Victorian tenement buildings in Glasgow’s West End.
Buy now, Retrouvius
Pearl Lowe
Pearl Lowe is home to a selection of handmade and vintage treasures which reflect the coquettish Victorian style. From vintage oil paintings and Victorian quilts to bigger-ticket items such as armoires and upholstered armchairs, the selection of second-hand items on offer is wonderfully feminine and wholly unique.
Buy now, Pearl Lowe
Etsy
One of the first websites to offer marketplace selling from independent storefronts, Etsy is far more than craft kits and crochet cardigans. If you play your search terms right, you’ll find hundreds and thousands of unbelievably unique vintage items on sale from across the globe.
Buy now, Etsy
eBay
We know, navigating eBay is yet to become a simple and fuss-free task – even in 2023. Nevertheless, the sprawling marketplace’s complicated nature can be used to your advantage if you’re patient.
While others may not have the knack for discovering value-for-money vintage treasures, if you dedicate a bit of time to your search for second-hand furniture on eBay, you might discover better finds than most curated vintage interior shops.
Buy now, eBay
1st Dibs
Sartorial enthusiasts will already be well aware of the vintage and antique marketplace known as 1st Dibs. Though an avid shopper might be able to find some affordable pieces to bid on, this site specialises in high-end luxury and designer products – from coveted modern art pieces to 1920s dinnerware.
Buy now, 1st Dibs
Oxfam
Did you know that you don’t have to trek to the most luxurious boroughs across London in order to do some first-rate charity shopping?
Thanks to Oxfam’s online furniture and homeware offering, you can go treasure-hunting from the comfort of your home with the knowledge that all your purchases are not only helping the environment, but the proceeds are also going straight to charity.
Buy now, Oxfam
