From Vintage to Modern: The Variety of Items You Can Find at Estate Sales

It’s no secret that estate sales are chock full of items of all kinds. “You can find pretty much anything at an estate sale, it just depends on the home and the sale,” says  Lauren Caron, the founder of Studio Laloc, who notes that she’s spotted everything from clothes to homegoods to even vehicles and lawn equipment. Below, we’re exploring in further detail some of the many categories of items that you can expect to come across when estate sale shopping. 

Antique furniture 

Estate sales are excellent for antique lovers who crave casegoods, seating, bed frames, and so much more. Keep in mind that you will want to have a measuring tape with you to ensure a piece will fit in your space before buying it—once you commit to an item, there aren’t any returns! That said, you can expect to come across many well-made, unique looking furniture pieces that you won’t find in everyone else’s homes today. 

You can expect to come across many well-made, unique looking furniture pieces that you won’t find in everyone else’s homes today. Click here to find them.

Mid-century Items

If you love mid-century modern style, you’re in luck! “Now that we are in 2024, many estate sales have a midcentury focus—think brass, needlepoint, kitschy decor, et. cetera,” says Amanda Smith, the founder of Vintage Smith Co. These “smalls” are great for those looking to style a shelf, coffee table, hutch, and beyond. 

If you love mid-century modern style, you’re in luck! Easily find there here.

Entertaining Accessories

Smith also comes across many great pieces for hosting. “In the south, we like to entertain,” she says. “Usually I will find fabulous entertaining pieces, glassware, silver, porcelain, sets of china, et. cetera.” There’s no need to buy new when you can pull out some preloved pieces for your next dinner party!  

There’s no need to buy new when you can pull out some preloved pieces for your next dinner party! Explore here.   

Items in Need of TLC 

Not all items you’ll come across at an estate sale are going to be in good condition—some may need a little bit of a refresh at home, so go in with an open mind. As Smith puts it, “You might find unpolished or dusty items that just need a bit of love and attention.” 

Not all items you’ll come across at an estate sale are going to be in good condition—some may need a little bit of a refresh at home, so go in with an open mind.

Collectibles

If you’re a collector or are hoping to become one, you will certainly want to start visiting estate sales. “One joy of estate sale shopping is that you can buy instant collections,” Caron says. “At estate sales the previous owners have already done the hard work of years of collecting.” While some people may have collected memorabilia or more niche items, you’ll also come across other types of collections for sale. “For example, one could purchase a set of sofas, collections of art, dinnerware, glassware, books, et. cetera,” Caron explains. 

Start your collection of any kind today by visiting estate sales and online auctions.

Modern Electronics

Estate sales are home to laptops, vacuums, televisions, and other modern electronics, making it easy to purchase the latest tech for less. Of course, be sure to plug an item in to ensure that it’s in proper working condition before taking it home. 

Estate sales are home to laptops, vacuums, televisions, and other modern electronics, making it easy to purchase the latest tech for less. Discover more here. 

Fashion

Whether you love vintage clothing, designer goods, or jewelry, know that estate sales are a great resource for fashionistas. Many turn to estate sales in search of high end bags, clothing, shoes, and more. Of course, do not expect a wide range of sizes to be present, as the items for sale likely belonged to just one or two people. Even if you cannot locate your clothing or shoe size, though, it’s still worth taking a look at other fashion items, such as vintage scarves, jewelry, and purses, which will add a unique touch to any outfit. 

Whether you love vintage clothing, designer goods, or jewelry, know that estate sales are a great resource for fashionistas. Find out more here 

Written by:

Sarah Lyon

July 9, 2024     Updated 11:07 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.

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