When it comes to sourcing timeless treasures and one-of-a-kind décor, interior designers often hold the keys to the country’s best-kept antique secrets. From off-the-radar salvage stores to bustling seasonal markets, these experts know exactly where to hunt for vintage gems that add unique character to any space.
We spoke with top designers across the U.S. to uncover their favorite antique-shopping destinations—complete with insider tips on what to buy, where to look, and how to score the best deals. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a seasoned collector, these nine destinations are perfect for planning your next design-inspired road trip.
Nashville, Tennessee: A Southern Treasure Trove
Mary Kathryn Wells of Mary Kathryn Wells Interior Design regularly browses Nashville’s Gas Lamp Antiques and Patina for eclectic finds. One of her most memorable discoveries? A stylish antique game table she snagged for just a few hundred dollars.
Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors prefers Preservation Station for its beautifully restored architectural elements. “We sourced a 150-year-old reclaimed mantel for a client’s study—truly a piece with history and charm,” she shares.
Lebanon, Tennessee: Rustic Americana
Just 25 miles east of Nashville, Lebanon offers a rich selection of handmade American antique furniture. Designer Kristin Keyes, of Kristin Keyes Interiors, purchased a 1920s clawfoot pedestal table here, describing it as the “darling of the client’s dining nook.”
Cookeville, Tennessee: Academic Eclecticism
A lesser-known gem, Cookeville boasts surprisingly sophisticated offerings. Keyes recalls finding a hand-knotted Bokara rug from a retired professor, originally sourced in Pakistan. “I still dream about the ones I didn’t buy,” she admits.
St. Simons Island, Georgia: Coastal Finds with Character
Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms visits St. Simons and nearby Brunswick for salvage deals. “We found Henredon inlay end tables for $75 each and an art deco brass peacock fireplace screen for $60,” she says. Her tip: don’t let dim lighting or dust deter you—hidden gems abound.
Round Top, Texas: A Collector’s Mecca
Round Top’s antique shows are a pilgrimage site for collectors. Will Hunt Lewis of Hunt & Bloom has both exhibited and shopped at the semiannual event. “I scored a stack of French ceramic plates for just $2—total,” he recalls.
Christine Carney of Blackberry Farm Design notes Round Top’s evolution into a national destination. “From 19th-century English antiques to midcentury marvels, you’ll find everything here—just arrive early.”
Denver, Colorado: Western Elegance
In Denver, Nadia Watts frequents South Broadway’s antique shops and Black Tulip Antiques for European pieces. Another favorite is Eron Johnson Antiques, housed in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse featuring items from over 40 countries, dating as far back as the 17th century.
Palm Beach, Florida: Glamorous Variety
While working on the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House, Watts discovered Show Pony Palm Beach. “It’s a true treasure trove,” she says, highlighting its large warehouses brimming with Victorian, Gothic, and midcentury finds.
Maine: Nostalgic Roadside Discoveries
Lauren Sullivan of Well x Design finds Maine’s roadside antique shops just as enchanting as its scenery. “Many of my home’s heirlooms came from spontaneous stops during family trips,” she says. Her top pick: The York Antiques Gallery in York.
Tristate Area: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut
Designer Kerri Pilchik sources regularly from Town Home in Ridgewood, NJ, and Big Green Barn in Morristown. “Town Home’s owner has an incredible eye,” she says. “And the Big Green Barn is perfect for pottery and baskets.”
In Connecticut, Pilchik praises the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center for its variety and accessibility. Meanwhile, Alex Nino, now based in northwest Connecticut, explores Montage Antiques in Dutchess County, NY. His top find: an 11.5-foot French dining table from a Normandy chateau.
