The Art of the Hunt: How to Shop Vintage Like a Pro
I’ll be honest—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a perfect vintage find. The kind that makes your heart skip a beat, your palms a little sweaty, and your brain go, “Wait, am I about to transform my entire space with this piece!?” Yes, yes you are.
A little dramatic? Maybe. But discovering things like these antique chandeliers from Round Top or this stained glass window from an old abandoned church still gives me chills when I think about them or see them in my new home.
Over the years, I’ve made a career…and a lifestyle…of finding inspiration in the everyday. Design is my love language, aannnnnnd so is the smell of an old barn filled with forgotten treasures and the sparkle of a once-loved chandelier under a layer of dust.
I am who I am, okay?
For me, there’s a certain, undeniable magic in the hunt for the next great antique find…but I get it: Shopping vintage and antiques can feel totally overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start.
I have talked to so many people who love the idea of filling their home with unique items that really do tell a story, but frankly? It just feels easier to mosy on over to Target or Home Goods than scouring the aisles of a local flea market.
Friend to friend, this breaks my antique-loving heart.
So today I want to share my go-to tips for shopping vintage like a pro…and actually having fun while you’re at it!
Whether you’re headed to a giant flea market in another state (Round Top, anyone!?) or popping into your local antique mall, I’ve got you covered.
1] Have a (loose) game plan.
As much as I enjoy the random little treasures I find at flea markets, there is SO much value in having a plan that you’re willing to hold loosely.
On my recent trip to Round Top, I was specifically on the hunt for a small breakfast table, chairs to accompany it, and a new chest of drawers for my bedroom. Knowing I would like to find these specific items turned my brain on to be on the lookout for them. Sometimes, the simple awareness that you’re on the hunt for something specific can give you peace of mind (because it is easy to get overwhelmed at these types of places)!
Another example: a friend of mine who has expressed how overwhelmed she gets when shopping at flea markets or antique shops recently went in with one mission in mind: decorate a console table in her living room with unique pieces. With the help of a trusted shopping partner (more on this below), she didn’t even let herself get distracted by things that didn’t fit this mission. Alas, out she walked with a gorgeous brass vase, some richly colored stacking books, a framed magazine-cover poster from the 1920s, and a handmade woven ceramic bowl to put seashells in. Done and done!
When it comes to having a plan, here’s the key: Leave plenty of room for surprises because, as much as planning helps, inspiration doesn’t come from a spreadsheet! It comes from wandering, from noticing, from turning over the dusty frame in the corner and seeing something others missed.
2] Bring a friend.
Even if you can’t literally bring a friend shopping with you, or even if you want some alone time while perusing the flea market, bring a friend into the “process” with you!
Like I mentioned in my example above when my friend went shopping, it’s a solid idea to have someone as a sounding board who can keep you on track, confirm if “surprise” pieces are things you’ll still love when you get home, and think through whether bigger items are worth the investment or not.
This is one of the things I love most about my Lucy’s Inspired Retreats (we’re going to Paris and Round Top this Fall)! It’s so fun getting to BE your shopping partner, and to be with a group of fun people who are in it together.
3] Embrace imperfections.
Simply put? Perfection is overrated. Vintage pieces are meant to have a little wear and tear. That’s the charm, remember!?
A few nicks in a wooden table? We love some character.
A little rust on a metal mirror? Patina, baby.
The bottom line is this: If you’re eyes only fixate on flawless pieces, you’ll miss the ones that will bring soul and story into your space.
4] Pack SMART.
Whether I’m driving across town or flying across the country, I have a go-to list of things to bring for flea markets/travel. Lucky for you, I’m sharing that list below!
Tape measure (essential!)
Notebook or notes app with measurements of spaces at home (remember that loose game plan we talked about?)
Reusable tote/duffel bags or foldable carts
Bubble wrap or blankets (for bringing home treasures safely)
Cash (some vendors are still old school, and/or you sometimes get a better deal this way)
Snacks + water (because treasure hunting is basically a workout…right…?)
5] Talk to the vendors.
This is one of my favorite parts about visiting places like Round Top! I always say: don’t just shop the piece—listen to the story. The folks selling these items often know where they came from, what they were used for, and might even have more hiding in their truck or storage unit. Be kind, be curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or (politely!) negotiate.
I’ve met such wonderful people and made great friends this way…now I look forward to seeing them in places across the country! A definite perk of coming on one of my shopping retreats 😉
At the end of the day, I hope you’ll remember that the best vintage pieces don’t follow trends. They follow you. My favorite finds are the ones that bring joy every day. The quirky, the storied, the ones that make people ask, Where did you get that?
If you love it, if it makes you smile, if it feels like something your home has been waiting for—grab it. Your gut is smarter than you think.
So whether you’re hopping in the car for a Saturday morning antique crawl or planning your next big vintage road trip, I hope this helps you find something (or a lot of things) that sparks that yes-this-is-so-me kind of inspiration.
And if you do, tag me @lucysinspired—I want to see it! 🤗✨
