Vintage and antique home furniture and décor adds a patina to a room that you can’t get from contemporary pieces alone. Whether you’re scouting Art Deco lighting features for a client’s 1920s home, want to score some vintage travel posters for a globetrotter’s office, or know that an iconic design like an Eames chair would complete a mid-century lover’s living room, sometimes pieces with a pedigree are the missing piece of a client project.

Plus, scouting for vintage pieces and antiques is just fun. It’s the modern-day version of treasure hunting. From retailers with small, curated collections to world-class auction houses, and trusted with massive inventories, here are the best sources for interior designers to find those elusive home finds that will put that will be the unique finishing touch on your design projects.

1stDibs

Looking for a one-in-a-million vintage or antique piece for a picky client? Start your search with 1stDibs. Not only is it one of the first (and most trusted) names in the business, but it lists a staggering million-plus furniture, lighting, art, and décor items…and pretty much anything else you can dream up. Most items are available for instant purchase, while others are sold at live auction.

While that massive of an inventory might seem daunting, the website guides you to just the sofa, credenza, or wardrobe you’re looking for by drilling down by categories and filters like style, color, price, dimensions, materials, creator, and more. Or, browse iconic designs (like the Eames Lounge Chair, Sputnik chandelier, or Noguchi Coffee Table), collections curated by superstar designers (maybe you’ve heard of Kelly Wearstler?), or peruse by centuries and periods ranging from the 15th-century (if your client’s budget allows!) all the way to the 1970s.

We also like the 1stDibs Promise — which offers a price-match guarantee and buyer protection — and the Trade 1st program, which gives design pros discounts of up to 30%, additional customer support, and comprehensive purchase protection.

John Derian Company

Since 1989, this cult-fave NYC retailer has been beloved for its signature studio-crafted decoupage, as well as a global mix of elegant ceramics, distinctive rugs and textiles, and collabs with names like Astier de Villatte and Pierre Frey.

But it also boasts a curated collection of mostly European antique oil paintings, furniture, and whimsical curiosities. And while some of the hand-painted French trunks, 19th-century daybeds, and gilded mirrors fetch quite a hefty price, there’s also a large selection of paintings and interesting objet d'art for under $500.

Chairish

Maybe you’re searching for the perfect antique chandelier that will feel original in a historic home. Or perhaps you have a client who’s a fan of Duncan Phyfe cabinets or Brown Jordan retro patio sets. Chairish has a vintage category for nearly all of its home categories: furniture, art, lighting, décor, rugs, and outdoor — plus tabletop and bar.

Etsy

If you’re scouring for major vintage finds on a modest client budget, look to Etsy. (Yes, the massive — and massively popular — online marketplace has much more to offer than t-shirts, jewelry, and homey crafts.) Just choose your category of furniture, art, lighting, or décor, and filter the results by vintage pieces. From Danish teak furniture to mid-century lamps, retro outdoor furniture sets to lacquered Chinese desks, you’ll be sure to find the vintage treasure you’re seeking.

One Kings Lane

While this popular retailer is best known for its approachable selection of contemporary furniture, tabletop, and décor, it also has an impressive array of vintage and antique pieces from around the world. If you’re searching for the perfect mid-century lighting fixture, colorful kilim rug, charming outdoor café set, or marble-top console table to make a client’s space, this is the place. Their manageable inventory has just the right amount of options without being overwhelming.

ABC Carpet and Home

One of the most stylish and esteemed purveyors of high-end rugs, the ABC brand is an antique itself, with a history that dates back to 1897. Its collection of vintage rugs and runners showcases a huge range of styles, colors, and price points, including antique traditional Persian, trendy Moroccan Berber, vintage Scandinavian, and gorgeous Art Deco — plus more approachable kilim rugs — that are each one-of-a-kind.

LiveAuctioneers

For over 20 years, this website has been aggregating auctions from all over the globe. Peruse furnishings, art, décor, and collectibles from 50 countries, or find favorite dealers to bookmark. Browse finds from Hollywood Regency or Mission styles, or check out pieces from producers like Stickley and Herman Miller. When you’re looking for something specific, it’s handy to “follow” specific searches so you get email alerts when new pieces fitting that description are added to the site.

Sotheby's

It’s not all Picassos, rare coins, and multi-million-dollar diamond necklaces at this famed British auction house. Sotheby’s sells home furnishings and collectibles mere mortals can afford too! Many are sold at auction as you’d expect, but others have “buy now” set prices.

In addition to fine furnishings and art, you’re also likely to find collectibles to fit your clients’ niche interests, including movie paraphernalia, sports memorabilia, and coveted collectible kicks for sneakerheads.

We also love Sotheby’s huge selection of vintage posters: a century’s worth of original printed frameable art prints from the worlds of film and television, music, sports, and travel.

Rejuvenation

You likely know Rejuvenation as a leading source for ready-made and custom lighting fixtures. But the popular Portland, Oregon-based company actually started in 1977 as an architectural salvage, lighting, and hardware restoration shop. Today, it continues that heritage with a selection of vintage furniture, lighting, rugs, and décor.

And while you may find the perfect set of lovingly-restored Wormley chairs for a dining room refresh, it’s also the perfect source for repurposing quirky pieces like industrial cabinets, drafting tables, and commercial kitchen tables topped with butcher block for your clients’ homes and commercial spaces.

We also applaud Rejuvenation’s commitment to social and environmental causes: each year, their restoration efforts keep 3,000 pieces that might otherwise end up in a landfill. And, 60% of the company’s workforce is made up of immigrants and refugees, who are supported by wellness programs.