At Maison A&G, we are regularly asked by our clients to find them signed or unsigned pieces from another era. These unique pieces enrich their interiors and add a touch of authenticity. Our approach to furniture search is based first and foremost on listening carefully to our clients’ needs, understanding their lifestyles and tastes. This enables us to define the creative direction to take in finding the unique furniture that will enhance and expand their living space.
In this article, you’ll find out where and how hunting furniture, whether in person or online.
The basics of a successful furniture hunting
Creating a precise list of needs is the first step. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for is essential to creating a cohesive, sophisticated vintage decor. What kind of furniture do we need? Is it a sofa with vintage lines, armchairs, a timeless table or even accessories such as antique crockery, brass door handles or arts objects?
Next, it’s important to choose an era. Are you looking for the classic Louis XVI style? The functional modernity of the 50s and 70s? The refined geometry of Art Deco? Or older pieces inspired by antiquity? Defining this framework will effectively guide your search.
Establishing a budget is another essential pillar. The hunt is often a matter of falling in love. But it’s important to stay within the financial constraints of your project while ensuring the quality of your acquisitions.
Finally, it’s important to multiply your buying channels. You can do this by keeping an eye out for new ones. Possible channels are physical flea markets, second-hand platforms, private sales of antique dealers or specialized galleries… The more you diversify your sources, the better your chances of finding rare items.
The most important thing to remember is that time is of the essence. Indeed, furniture hunting is an exercise in patience and intuition, where each find tells a unique story. So it’s important to negotiate skillfully. Some antique pieces can reach new heights in terms of price. But a good negotiating strategy can often save you a lot of money without sacrificing quality.
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Antique dealer vs. Private individual: Which should you choose when hunting furniture?
The choice between hunting from an antique dealer or a private individual depends on your expectations. Antique dealers, as the name suggests, sell in their shops, flea markets or galleries and certify the origin of their antiques. They generally offer exceptional pieces: designer furniture, restored works of art and authentic antique furniture. Each item is certified and in some cases meticulously restored, guaranteeing a high heritage value.
On the other hand, private individuals want to get rid of theses items. Therefore, buying from private individuals is often done at garage sales or flea markets. Furniture can often be found at much lower prices that at an antique dealer. And yet it will be just as unique and authentic. So it’s possible to find a real gem at a private selle, even if it takes a little more perseverance.
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The best places to hunt physical furniture
For the traditional furniture hunt, here are a few essential resources:
- Brocabrac.fr: This site lists all regional unpacking events, private garage sales listed in the directory and flea markets.
- Calendrier-des-brocantes.com: An invaluable tool for planning your treasure hunt weekends, you can search by region and type of event. You can find events such as antique shows and flea markets, as well as garage sales and private flea markets.
- Vide-greniers.org / Grenier-vide.fr: The first gives you events by region, from garage sales to book fairs. The second allows you to search for events by city.
In Paris, the Saint Ouen flea market is a paradise for lovers of antique furniture and decorations. Each antique dealer has his own specialty, from Art Deco to rare contemporary decor.
Galleries, antique showrooms and dealers in signed furniture can all be found in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. They also focus on unique pieces: designer pieces, signed furniture and exceptional works of art.
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Hunting furniture online
Internet has revolutionized the art of furniture hunting by providing a vast selection of vintage designer furniture. Here are a few platforms:
- Selency: This company has turned the vintage world upside down by opening a digital flea market full of unique design nuggets.
- 1stdibs: Smart platform with an online marketplace. Find luxury items such as high-end home furnishings, fine art and jewelry.
- Leboncoin: A classic that sometimes holds real surprises for those who know how to look.
- Debongout: This online flea market features regular and limited collections of furniture and decorative accessories, whether antique, handcrafted or new.
Our tip for bargain hunting online: Explore the platforms’ advanced to refine your search (price, dimensions, location, year, materials, color…). This will save you time and help you find the nuggets that will enrich your personal interior.
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It’s up to you!
Furniture hunting is an art that requires passion, patience and curiosity. Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into your interior or enrich your space with unique objects, this approach helps you create living space that are authentic and deeply personal.
At Maison A&G, we cultivate this love of objects. By carefully sourcing furniture, we are able to find pieces that will perfectly complement your interior. Click here to discover the vintage furniture we’ve used in our renovations.
