While you can't plan to stumble across certain items at an estate sale, there's nothing like the thrill of the hunt. It may take dozens of failed attempts, but nothing compares to that feeling of accomplishment that comes once you finally find the piece you've been dreaming of.
No one knows their way around these events quite like the ones who shop them professionally, so we asked three designers to share what they always buy at estate sales.
Sculptural Pieces
There's one thing Stephanie Abernathy, principal designer at Studio Wellington Designs, never passes up estate sales, and that's a good sculptural piece. She is particularly drawn to busts and finds it hard to keep up with her demand for them in her projects.
Busts add a timeless touch to any room, and Abernathy loves putting them on top of a mantel, in a study, and even propped up on a bathroom vanity.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!
Solid Wood Furniture
Gone are the days when natural woods like maple and walnut were the primary choice for furniture construction. If you're looking to avoid MDF, secondhand is the way to go, and estate sales are where you can find these pieces at a price that is comparable, or even less, than new furniture.
"Estate sales can be treasure troves for hunting timeless, heirloom-quality pieces," says Meredith McKenzie, founder and principal designer at The Selective Design. "We're always on the lookout for wooden china cabinets, bookshelves, or desks with intricate hardware or carvings that showcase high-quality craftsmanship, like dovetail joinery and real wood construction."
Midcentury Modern Furniture
Interior designer Sarah Pickard always has her eye out for midcentury modern furniture, particularly pieces by Milo Baughman. Baughman is known as a pioneer in modern furniture design, and his pieces often sell for thousands.
However, Pickard says you just might be able to find one for much less at an estate sale or even in your parent's basement.
"I walked past a recliner in my parents' garage for 30 years," Pickard says. "One day, I took the time to stop and realized an original Milo Baughman recliner was at my fingertips for 30 years. My mom was in her English country era and moved it to the garage."
Original Art
All three designers we interviewed cited art as one thing they always buy at estate sales—especially antique and traditional-style art.
"You can find some beautiful, well-aged pieces for much more reasonable prices than sourcing from an antique store or fine art gallery specializing in antique art," Abernathy says. "And it’s hard to beat authentic canvas aging. It's so delicious."
McKenzie is always looking for original artwork for her projects, and estate sales are often where she has the most luck on sourcing. She scouts lush landscapes in gold wooden frames, European scenes, or vibrant multi-color abstract artwork at these events.
"We encourage our clients to explore artist-made pieces rather than only purchasing framed prints or factory-made art," she says. "We especially look for art with a story or rich history, or something our clients really gravitate towards, whether it's the color, theme or subject."
Accent Chairs
Antique and vintage chairs may not be the most sturdy items for sitting, and that's why they often get overlooked at estate sales. But that just means more for Abernathy to snatch up. These pieces are perfect for displaying stacks of books and other decor.
"Estate sales have some of the most unique accent chairs," she says. "They feel so one of a kind and make such a statement in the spaces we design. The rich tones, the chips, the dings—they definitely feel like they have a story to tell."
Abernathy is always on the lookout for Louis XVI, Savonarola, and Spanish revival accent chairs.
Oddities and Collections
When you're shopping at an estate sale, you're looking at one person's curated collections. This is why these sales are the perfect places to source unique items full of personality.
Anytime they're sourcing for projects at estate sales, professional designers are looking for pieces tailored to their client's personal interests. And they also can't help but pick up some pieces for their own collections while they're at it.
For example, Pickard has collected blown glass ashtrays for years. When she finds one that speaks to her at an estate sale, she doesn't think twice about buying it.
Other vintage items Pickard loves collecting include Russel Wright pottery, table linens and Western-themed art.
Read more at the spruce
Related Links
Top Tips To Deal With a Bidding War During Home Selling Season—and Knowing When To Exit
Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your Moment
If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.
