While you can never really shop an estate sale with an exact list of items in mind, going in with a sense of what others often overlook can give you a serious edge. Seasoned shoppers know that some of the best finds aren’t the obvious statement pieces, but the under-the-radar categories that get passed over time and time again. To help you spot those hidden gems, we asked five professional estate sale shoppers to share the vintage collectibles they always keep an eye out for—pieces that are often overlooked but always well worth scooping up.
Flatware
Don’t forget to look through the drawers of flatware at estate sales, notes Melanie Alexander, the founder of Lost and Found Decor in Arkansas. “Often you can find single pieces that are unique and have value, like iced tea spoons, shell sugar spoons, and master butter knives,” she shares. “And you usually pay almost nothing!”
Stools and Benches
It’s finally time to stop overlooking small furnishings. “These are often tucked away in corners at estate sales and people don’t always realize how useful they are,” says Nadia Watts, the founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design in Denver. However, she couldn’t recommend these types of pieces more due to their incredible versatility. “A beautiful small stool can work at the end of a bed, under a console, or beside a chair as a place to stack books,” Watts says. “They’re also wonderful because they add character and patina that new furniture often lacks.”
Books
Be sure to look through the bookshelves at an estate sale—there could be some gems in the mix! “Typically, estate sale companies don’t specifically highlight the books beyond a few photos of an overstuffed bookcase,” says Jess Ziomek, the founder of Thrills of the Hunt in Nashville. “While it’s more of a gamble to head to the books first because striking gold isn’t guaranteed, I’ve found many valuable out-of-print and first edition books while combing the shelves.”
Textiles and Quilts
“Hand-stitched quilts, vintage linens, and embroidered textiles often get passed over because they’re folded in a corner or tucked in a closet, but they can be incredibly special,” says Haley Bennett, the co-founder of It Takes Two Vintage in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Many were handmade and feature beautiful craftsmanship that’s hard to find today.”
Marisa White, the co-owner of Irving Road, based between Tampa and Denver, agrees that vintage linens are a can’t-miss estate sale item. “The hand embroidery, scalloped edges, and old-world cotton feel are details you just can’t replicate,” she notes. “Layer them on a table, drape them over a nightstand, or tuck them into a basket for instant, lived-in charm.”
China and Crystal
Be sure to take a look through the kitchen and dining room at an estate sale to scoop up beautiful pieces of china and crystal, offers House of Happies founder Lisa Hogan. “China never goes out of style and adds a level of elegance to the everyday meal,” she explains. “Same with crystal glasses or crystal vases with fresh flowers; these items keep their value, and if taken care of should make it to another estate sale when that time comes!”
