With the Vintage Shop Hop getting underway this weekend in the Midwest, we have antique and vintage finds on the brain. There is nothing like the thrill of spotting a piece you know is going to be just right for that lonely corner of your living room, and the Chicago area is home to world-class vintage and antique shopping.
If you’ve leaned toward mostly new furniture in your home, it may initially feel daunting to find ways to weave antiques into your current design. Start small with a lamp or an end table…see the way an antique instantly adds an elegant touch to your space, and gives some depth to more modern styling. Antique and vintage pieces tell a story, and are often conversation pieces in and of themselves. Without fail, the furniture and objects we are asked most about in our own homes are antique and vintage pieces. We love telling the stories of how we found them, and where they’ve lived before, imagining the secrets they’ve kept and the lives they’ve watched unfold.
Here’s a round up of some of our favorite antique and vintage shops in the Chicago area, so you can start curating your own collection of treasures. Our area is rich with these spots, so this is by no means an exhaustive list. But, you have to start your hunt somewhere!
CITY
The Lazy Dog Antique Store
1903 W Belmont Ave, Chicago
The Lazy Dog is a classic vintage and antique shop – they have it all: furniture, lamps, jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, books and more, in styles ranging from MCM to Art Deco, from Europe to Asia. There are many antique stores on their stretch of Belmont, so leave time to visit the neighbors, as well.
Old Plank
1750 N Springfield Ave, Chicago
This is a venerable spot for antiques sourced primarily from regions like the Italian countryside, the English midlands and the south of France. In addition to the remarkable pieces brought back from Europe, the 31,000 square foot shop houses a drool-worthy selection of club chairs. They can also craft custom pieces to your specifications.
Randolph Street Market
1341 W Randolph St, Chicago
Though this massive, curated market runs year round every 4th Saturday and Sunday of the month, be sure to visit from May through September when the market spills into the parking lot and is joined by food trucks, live music and cocktails.
Redefined Decor
1819 W Grand Ave, Chicago
If your taste runs more eclectic, make time for Redefined. And don’t assume eclectic is code for second-rate. Redefined has been recognized by Architectural Digest as a “Best Home Decor Store in the Midwest” for their expertly curated artwork, one-of-a-kind accessories and vintage furniture.
Salvage One
1840 W Hubbard St, Chicago
Rustic and quirky, at Salvage One you’ll find retro home goods mingling with Italian neoclassical carved bookcases. The large, but charming, space is also a favorite wedding venue among locals.
South Loop Loft
685 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Known for modern statement pieces and timeless classics, South Loop Loft has been recognized by the industry’s most prestigious publications – Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Elle Decor – as a must-visit for serious antique shoppers.
State Street Salvage
1820 W Grand Ave, Chicago
State Street Salvage specializes in creating one-of-a-kind pieces from salvaged goods, as well as reviving used and damaged furnishings. If reclaimed barn wood makes your heart flutter, this is your place.
Vern and Vera
5856 N Broadway St, Chicago
Carefully edited to represent primarily clean-lined modernism from the 60s through the 80s, Vern and Vera is a destination for those wanting to stand out from the crowd. The owners pride themselves on eschewing the typical in favor of more unique, obscure collectibles.
SUBURBS
Heritage Trail
190-B Northfield Rd, Northfield
Heritage Trail recently relocated to Northfield from their 26-year home in Wilmette. Market-style, with multiple individual vendors, it’s a favorite stop on the north shore for tightly curated furniture, vintage art and jewelry.
Warehouse 55
55 South Lake St, Aurora
Multiple vendors showcase MCM meets modern farmhouse furniture, home goods, art, jewelry, mirrors (so many mirrors) and more. Don’t miss the out of service elevator space in the back with the showstopper chandeliers and lamps.
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