THE BEST PLACES FOR AFFORDABLE (OR FREE) VINTAGE FINDS
This blog post is all about how and where I find my purse-friendly or free vintage items, many of which I use as props for my styling work AND as beautiful ornaments for my home.
My Poole pottery shell collection bought via Instagram @albie_and_pearl, my local vintage boutique Wild Horses, (Forest Hill, London, SE23) and a local online community platform East Dulwich Forum
places to look
vintage MARKETS
Many cities and towns have venues that host regular special events, including vintage markets, with a rotation of different sellers. Think of trying anywhere that has event space to hire. For example your local museum, stately home, community centre or private school.
The best way of finding out about these markets is to keep an eye out for posters, in your local press and on local forums.
Car Boot Sales
Car boot sales are great places to browse for bargains. Be aware that antique dealers arrive early to snap up any valuable items to resell, so either set your alarm and join them, or if you’re not fussed go later and just enjoy the experience.
Flea Markets
It’s also worth seeing if there are any local flea markets on when you’re travelling abroad. These markets might be weekly monthly and/or seasonal (usually at the weekend).
If they are big tourist attractions they will most likely be featured in your travel guide. Smaller affairs will often be mentioned in the welcome pack for your villa, or if you’re staying in a hotel you can ask reception for advice.
This is a great way to experience a city or new place, and you might get lucky and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir. I once brought back a bag of antique lace and trimmings from a small French flea market.
COMMUNITY FORUMS
The obvious place to look for vintage is eBay, but it’s so vast, it’s only really good for when you’re looking for something specific.
I much prefer my local online forum marketplace for general browsing. You get some great bargains, and the best bit is that they are usually within walking distance or a short drive.
If you turn up and the item isn’t as described, you can politely decline without the hassle of online returns.
CHARITY SHOPs
Not all charity shops are born equal and the demographic of the local area will make a difference to what you find.
So for example your average seaside town with older residents are a good place to look for cheap vintage china, whereas upmarket areas where there is a lot of wealth might have higher end items, but be warned, charity shops will charge accordingly. Either way, you're supporting a good cause
YOUR LOCAL VINTAGE store
I always pop into Wild Horses (Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill) my local vintage boutique if I’m passing by. Partly because Robyn who runs it is so lovely, and partly because she has a great eye for design. There is not a shelf in my house that isn’t adorned with something from there.
As a feel-good bonus you're supporting a a local business and helping to keep the high street alive.
Nowhere local to shop? Good news, there are many design-minded sellers who either trade on Instagram or at least promote their work on there.
I follow sellers like @albieandpearl who release seasonally appropriate, curated collections. Even if you’re not shopping, their feed is a great source of inspiration for how to style your vintage finds.
These Instagram posts can also give you an idea of what to actually search for on bigger sites such as Ebay. So rather than ‘vintage china’, which is a very broad category, you will be able to narrow down your search results and find more of what you love by searching for ‘Poole china’, or even get more specific with dates, products or colours like ‘Blue Poole Pottery Shell’.
Freecycle
Freecycle is a wonderful place to find, and pass on, unwanted vintage items. It’s a non-profit/charity in the US and UK, and helps coordinate a worldwide network of "gifting", which means you’re diverting reusable goods from landfill.
I’ve bagged myself some amazing furniture this way, and narrowly missed out on others. It’s definitely best to check in regularly to avoid disappointment.
Just remember to always be polite, and that includes turning up on time if you’re lucky enough to be gifted something.
The street
I am always amazed by some of the treasures I’ve found out on the kerb, a front garden wall or even in a skip. I’ve acquired mirrors, shelves, drawers and more this way. They may need a little bit of tlc; a lick of paint or a new handle, but sometimes there really is nothing wrong with them.
My only piece of advice is this; when in doubt, knock on the door and check the item really is unwanted. The last thing you want to do is accidentally steal property that has been left for a moment while the owner gets the car for example.
Assuming it’s definitely being given away, carry your new-to-you pieces home with pride!
As an added bonus, you’re cleaning up the neighbourhood whilst snagging a freebie.
