What to Look for in the Antiques Store

An exciting array of small-space furnishings and décor are waiting at great prices

I took this photo of a distressed dresser at Round Top’s antiques fair in Texas a few years ago. If you get the antiques bug after reading this I suggest you try going yourself. I’ll come with!

You will get a lot of design inspiration while shopping at stores and sites that deal in the past. Whether you love or hate antiques is somewhat beside the point. If you love them, you already know the immense character they add to a space. The shapes and textures and patinas just cannot be replicated. You can go too far (we all have grandmothers with overstuffed front rooms) but I have confidence that you will not.

If you’ve never warmed to antiques, consider at least their quality and their components, which are mostly natural. No melamine, no plastic. For the modern sensibility, keep in mind that many of these pieces will make your contemporary style look even better, if they are placed just right.

Here’s why: Besides their quality, many vintage pieces were made smaller, with cottages and even apartments in mind. The gargantuan Victorian etageres and armoires we see in episodes of “The Gilded Age” are not what I am talking about. These are relatively rare and enormously expensive. They do not create cozy spaces. It’s the fill-in, mostly middle-class items that you want to keep an eye out for in order to flesh out your sitting, reading, or office area.

Take a look at some of my finds below. Many thanks to The Freighthouse, where most of these came from.

Some things to watch for next time you pass by that interesting little shop in town ...

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Carved Wood Stool

With its low profile and backless structure, this stool can help define your private area or look just perfect in the she shed. If you find one that needs recovering, get it and have fun choosing your own fabric for the upholsterer.

Butler’s Table

I love these butler’s tables (or tea tables) because they move around easily and are adaptable to a number of uses. They usually fold up tightly for quick storage, too.

Ceramic Garden Stool

This is an odd little piece, but notice the slightly concave top. It’s a surprisingly comfortable seat! These ceramic stools originated centuries ago in the gardens and courtyards of China. They make interesting focal points and perfect impromptu seating in a small apartment.

Covered Jar

When does tchotchke become objet d’art? When it’s tasteful and functional, like this Victorian footed canister with lid. Keep your eye out for vessels large enough to act as storage for your less artful objects.

Divider Screen

Folding divider screens are the greatest! Standing typically about six feet tall, they are effective for creating a zone within a room or to act as a privacy screen for a daybed. You don’t need it to run much longer than about four feet; just that partial block is enough to feel private.

Side Table with Shelf

I love having an abundance of small tables around (and don’t have enough at the moment). This pretty one, with its worked metal edge and lower shelf, is a great addition next to a reading chair or for lamp placement.

Tall Secretary

Honestly, an antique secretary makes a terrific desk for today’s home office (laptop only; probably not great with a large monitor), or for your personal correspondence. It’s small, but has lots of storage and you can find them for a few hundred dollars. I think they are gorgeous.

Mica Shade Lamp

Nothing compares to an antique lamp for design and quality. A true distinctive touch is the mica shade, which is made from mineral mica flakes mixed with shellac. They give off muted light and no two shades are alike. This one was spotted for just $55.