Hunting for vintage objects: advice from our architects

So what do we find in decoration?

Everything from a sofa to a lamp to dishes! It is furniture that has a history, that gives us emotions. But before we start hunting for objects, we take stock of how to find the best bargain by differentiating period furniture from stylish furniture, as well as the different styles to help you better identify them and not be fooled.

Tips to know for good bargain hunting

The price of antique furniture depends almost entirely on the date of manufacture. It is therefore useful to know its era and to know if it is a simple copy, called “stylish furniture”, or an authentic “period furniture”. There are so-called antique “style furniture” and contemporary fake “style furniture” that is mass-produced.  

So how do we tell the difference? The price will depend heavily on this concept. The origin, signature and condition will refine the value of your antique furniture.

To better know the styles of furniture by era, we advise you to read This very complete article.

A short visit to Museum of Decorative Arts also allows you to refine your knowledge and your vision of styles. To perfect the subject go for Mobilier National de Paris ! As part of an innovative and ecological approach, this establishment, a major heritage site since the 17th century, has chosen to entrust thirty-nine pieces to contemporary creators who have had “carte blanche” to reinterpret them according to their sensitivity. This antique furniture with little heritage value will thus be able to reintegrate their collections.

If you want an expert opinion on a vintage object or find it in your grandmother's attic, auction houses are in the best position to advise you. You can request expertise online at Drouot.

The good addresses where to hunt according to Studio Maison Kyka

To hunt for only one solution: go out in the field - flea market, garage sale, recycling store - or on the web in search of good deals, like an adventurer goes on a treasure hunt. Two strategies confront each other: those who go in search of a specific piece and those who will let themselves be carried away to find the “crush”.

The great classics are flea markets, garage sales, home sales, flea markets and antique fairs. All you have to do is inquire hither and thither to find dates and locations around you.

As a reminder, at garage sales, exhibitors are mostly individuals offering their own objects. At a flea market, the exhibitors are essentially professional sellers and therefore there are objects of greater value than in garage sales. Unlike second-hand dealers, antique dealers sell antique furniture and works of art in specialized salons, auction houses and their own shops. They estimate the value of an object thanks to their expertise in the history of art and furniture. Unlike an individual or a second-hand dealer, he authenticates, that is, certifies and guarantees the origin and value of an asset. For each property sold, he gives a guarantee to the customer (guarantee of value, origin, period, etc.), unlike the second-hand dealer whose objects are not guaranteed.

To find affordable pieces we recommend:

• the Emmaus stores as well as their website to hunt while contributing to the fight against poverty;
• the essential LeBonCoin and Vinted. The latter has also opened its catalog to household items. At Kyka, we love the professional account @inventorium with always a very nice selection of decorative objects and tableware;
• the La Redoute second life site: La Reboucle
• auction rooms, a particular world where you have to dare to pass the door because there are nice finds to do. Find the sales schedule hither. You also have the option to bid live without having to travel.
• The pointed ones Saint Ouen flea market which have the largest number of antique dealers and second-hand dealers in the world! It is also the fifth tourist site in France, located at a northern gate of Paris, in front of the 18th arrondissement. They are held every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. They consist of twelve covered “markets” and streets, each with its own specialty. Just for a stroll, it's worth the trip! We recommend the Biron and Paul Bert markets to find pretty decorative pieces, lighting and tableware. For the pleasure of the eyes (or big budgets), the most beautiful pieces can be found at the Serpette Market. You can also find a Parisian fireplace or decorative elements to bring authentic charm to your home. Enjoy your trip to northern Paris by a night at Mob Hotel, a design case signed by Stark.

• The unavoidable Selency which allows you to have reasonable prices for vintage decor offered by individuals and (a lot) of professionals. Commissions are lower than on other platforms, which is great for finding good prices. We love that items are classified by style and/or era, it makes it easy to find pretty pieces to our liking. The selected favorites are often top notch and can easily find their place in your interiors. The last plus is the easy and inexpensive delivery for all furniture thanks to delivery by Cocolis or Selency. Go for it! In the same spirit, the platform Design Market with an “ICON” tab that is very practical for looking for design essentials such as an Eames or Breuer chair (next article to follow;);

• For fans of 20th century design, the pretty Paradis Gallery offers beautiful pieces online and in their showroom; in the same spirit of refined and sublime design: The Moon Gallery.
• The site Tasteful as well as its the boutique - apartment, offers in a very bohemian style, a decoration line with a clear origin, constantly renewed, accessible in price and always “in good taste”;), you can find their pretty gems in the home department of BHV and in the Parisian concept store H&M Home, located at 14 Boulevard des Capucines; in the same spirit Merchant d'Oublis and its rooms to make your Home Sweet Home a charming country house;
• the shop”Cabinet of curiosities” by Marin Montagut

• For fans of the Scandinavian style the Nordik House with its showroom space and its online site where designer pieces rub shoulders with classics from the 50s to the 70s;
• The concept store Capernaum to hunt for vintage objects for our children's rooms as well as on the sunny store Lemon 12

To go further on the subject

• Gwendal Drouelle's Instagram account @gueuledebreton_design
• The podcast “How do you hunt well? Response from a professional”
• The ultra-fine selection From Bonbon Paris
• Shopping Treddy At the Saint Ouen flea market

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