Books Every Antique Lover Must Own

Whether you’re a lifelong antique lover or are just becoming more familiar with the world of estate sales and beyond, you’ll enjoy reading the following five books dedicated to the art of secondhand shopping and styling. (Oh, and as a bonus, they’ll also look fabulous on your coffee table!) 

The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors

Curious to learn more about the lives of prominent young collectors and take a peek inside their own spaces? You won’t want to miss out on this book by Michael Diaz-Griffith, who profiles 22 men and women who have made names for themselves and are certainly ones to watch among the new generation of antique experts. You’ll feel like you’re sitting down having a one on one conversation with these interesting individuals. 

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

Charm School

Maybe you wish to learn more about traditional decorating styles so that you can sort through finds like a pro while estate sale shopping. In that case, don’t miss Charm School by Emma Bazilian, which features rooms from big name designers including Miles Redd, Celerie Kemble, Mark Sikes, and more, while also highlighting the work of legendary individuals from decades’ past, like Sister Parish and Mario Buatta. Through the lens of famed design company Schumacher, you will learn how to integrate traditional pieces into your contemporary lifestyle. 

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

Soul of the Home

Wondering just how to start an antiques collection, why antique pieces are so special, or how to fuse antiques with modern design, just to name a few topics? If you answered “yes” to any of the above, be sure to pick up Tara Shaw’s Soul of the Home. This aesthetically pleasing guide is full of valuable information that will inspire the budding antique enthusiasts to go all in with storied finds thanks to Shaw’s actionable tips. 

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

Big Thrift Energy

Virginia Chamlee’s Big Thrift Energy highlights everything you must know in order to score incredible vintage treasures that will breathe life and personality into your home. She also touches on how to upcycle and even resell secondhand pieces, if that’s something that appeals to you, too. You’ll be majorly well-equipped with insider knowledge that is bound to come in handy the next time you visit a secondhand store. 

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

Modern Mix

Another top pick for those looking to become better versed in the world of flea markets, thrift shops, and estate sales is Eddie Ross’s Modern Mix, which demonstrates how to take home the best finds and create an aesthetically pleasing, personality-filled home, no matter your style or budget. Ross includes plenty of tips for the at-home entertainer, too. 

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

Written by:

Sarah Lyon

March 1, 2024     Updated 10:04 AM

Sarah Lyon is a Washington, DC, native living in New York City. As a freelancer, she frequently covers pieces pertaining to interior design, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her pieces have appeared in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and more. When she isn't writing, Sarah works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots (and can't stop rearranging and redecorating her own apartment, either!). She has a penchant for shopping secondhand and loves giving preloved pieces new life. Sarah’s own spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz, and Washingtonian.com. Her Dupont Circle apartment was featured in both the spring 2019 print edition of Small Space Decorating and the January 2019 print edition of Washingtonian Magazine.

Ready to locate an estate sale company or explore online estate auctions? Visit AuctionNinja.com. If you're new to online estate auctions, try it risk-free by sigining up here.