To give you an antiquing edge, we tapped our local design pros for tips on where to go, how to snag a deal, and the craveable items on everyone’s must-have list.
Whether you’re searching for a second-hand crystal chandelier or pining for a priceless Persian rug, browsing and buying in an antiquer’s paradise means you’ll likely face some shopping competition. “The Hudson Valley antique market isn’t exactly a well-kept secret anymore,” says designer Michael Gilbride of Michael Gilbride Design in Germantown. “Dealers here are savvy and often have loyal clients locally or through online platforms like 1st Dibs or Chairish.”
But don’t be discouraged. Depending on the kind of experience you desire—from multi-seller antique malls to barns full of jumbled items to exquisitely curated shops—follow this expert-driven guide to your next Holy Grail—be that a tufted velvet divan or a trove of sterling flatware.
Antique Malls
Oh, the joy of poring over and picking through these antique shops that gather multiple dealers under one roof. Here are a few of our favorites.
→ In Hudson:
The airplane hangar-like Antique Warehouse, with 40,000 square feet to stroll, houses everything from a porch-ready set of wicker furniture to ornate Victorian-era sofas to stained-glass panels. “If you’re up for a hunt, it’s a great spot to get lost and find some good deals,” says designer Nicole Fisher of BNR Interiors in Hudson.
→ In Hyde Park:
Don’t miss Hyde Park Antiques Center for “great, well-priced goodies,” according to Ana Claudia Schultz of Ana Claudia Design, based in Rhinebeck. You might find a dining set, gorgeous antique blankets, or objets for the coffee table.
→ In Kingston:
Red Owl Collective boasts 70 vendors, with everything from quirky portraits to sweet little painted desks, and Kingston Consignments (head to the second floor for the best stuff, like mid-century modern nesting tables and other finds) is a favorite stomping ground as well.
Red Owl Collective houses over 70 vendors in its vast 10,000-square-foot space.
→ In Millerton and Millbrook:
You’ll find Millerton Antiques Center, with two floors of delights—great furnishings, rugs, vintage books, tableware, and artwork (check out Doodletown Antiques’ incredible array of framed vintage paintings, drawings, and ephemera). Plus, there are cases stocked with blast-from-the-past designer handbags and jewelry. Other must-visit stops: Millbrook Antiques Mall (hello, gorgeous copper pots, paintings, charming side tables, and all kinds of lamps) and Millbrook Antiques Center (everything from rustic hutches to cute cookie jars to old maps), barely a block apart.
→ In Newburgh:
The Newburgh Vintage Emporium gets a big thumbs-up from designer Marina Case, the owner and principal designer of The Red Shutters, based in Hudson. It’s one of those “you never know what you’ll find” locations with eclectic and excellent wares.
→ In Phoenicia:
In this sleepy Ulster County town, Phoenicia Arts and Antiques is another multi-dealer venue to uncover distinctive pieces. You might find yourself loading a piano bench, bar cart, or hand-painted Mexican animal figurines into the back of your car after visiting.
→ In Rhinebeck:
Beekman Arms Antique Market, housed in a barn in the shadow of the renowned inn, has dozens of vendors selling terrific framed prints, tableware, Champagne glasses, or the perfect dining table.
→ In Staatsburg:
Despite the name saying otherwise, the Rhinebeck Antique Emporium is in Staatsburg and is a tad off-the-beaten path for some antique hunters. On a recent afternoon, it offered super-bright Fiesta dinnerware, the iconic 1970s Tizio lamp (in the MOMA’s collection), and a pair of groovy mid-century lounge chairs, perfect for curling up with a good book. For those who like their antiques a bit on the weird side, you’ll find one seller’s cache of Dark Arts-ish items, such as a skull-shaped mug from a bygone French nightclub.
How to Navigate an Overstuffed Antiques Shop
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when entering a packed antiques mall or store, with so many enticing items vying for your attention. You might have entered thinking you need a side table but get distracted by an old advertising sign or a stack of vintage books.
Here’s advice from the pros. “Do a once-through, walking around to get the lay of the land and see what’s available,” says Marina Case. “I try to focus on three things per visit, such as, I’m looking for a fireplace screen, a couple of pillows, and some wall art.” That can give your search a lens through which to evaluate the bounty.
Also: Slow down! Sure, it’s tempting to grab whatever’s beautifully displayed up front, but some of the real treasures—the well-tended wingbacks or a quirky piece of art—are often tucked in the back, waiting for someone willing to dig a little deeper, says Michael Gilbride. Persistence can definitely pay off.
Rummager’s Delight
Do you like to dig through piles of random items to find that one perfect thing? Or just wander through a large space with wildly interesting objects? Then here are your marching orders.
Visit the Zaborski Emporium, a gigantic, multi-level Kingston space stocked with tables, hardware (hinges, doorknobs), lighting fixtures, and signs salvaged from old buildings, both residential and commercial. No wonder set designers love it.
Bowen Barn in Stanfordville is one of those “something for everyone” kinds of places, with an amazing selection of kitchenware (the owners often have used but fully functional KitchenAid mixers and Le Creuset pots at yes-please prices), vintage upholstered furniture, musical instruments, and other retro treasures. Head up the stairs for a full floor brimming with bed frames, fire screens, and more.
Hudson Valley House Parts in Newburgh is a wondrous hodge-podge of brass hardware, bathroom fixtures, old brown jugs, columns, and other salvaged items. It’s easiest to navigate, says Nicole Fisher, who leads BNR Interiors in Hudson, when you know exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t have a clue? Go anyway; it can make for a fun inspo session.
Hudson Valley House Parts is a wondrous hodge-podge of salvaged items.
Head north to Gristmill Antique Center in Troy, advises designer Maryline Damour, co-founder and principal designer at Damour Drake. What you might discover: Blue Willow dishes, antique milk jugs, display cases, and comfy armchairs.
Mix It Up!
How Designers Decorate with Antiques
If your home has found its groove but you wouldn’t mind spicing things up with some vintage pieces, designers say it’s about skillful layering. You want some tension between old and new, and antique pieces can add a bit of quirk that makes a home distinctly yours. Says Nicole Fisher, “To make a space feel fresh and modern, pair an antique with a new piece. Like a new curved modern sofa and a reclaimed cocktail table.”
Don’t be afraid to make a statement, says Michael Gilbride. “Be fearless with color and pattern—it’s the easiest way to make your home feel truly yours. A bright vintage rug or reupholstered antique chairs can transform a space.”
Another idea: Tuck antiques in unexpected spots. “Placing a special vintage lamp on your kitchen counter can add warmth and personality to an often very utilitarian space,” says Emma Austen Tuccillo. “That can offer a sense of history and texture to your space that nothing new can replicate.”
Bargaining Basics
So…you see an antique armoire you can’t live without, but the price tag is making your knees weak—and not in a good way. Can you try to negotiate it down? There’s a major difference of opinion on this point among the experts.
On the con side: “Walking in with the same energy you’d use to haggle over a rug in a bazaar might not go over well,” says Michael Gilbride. “If you wouldn’t do it at Restoration Hardware, don’t do it here.”
On the pro side, others say to go for it. “Bargaining can be fun!” says Maryline Damour. Try to show appreciation for the piece, she advises, and then ask, “‘Is that the best price you’re able to do?” One more note: “The more expensive an item, the more bargaining you can typically do.”
Here’s another tactic, courtesy of Nicole Fisher. When shopping for something that will fit in your car, offer to whisk the item away with you immediately. “I always start with, ‘If I take it today, will you be willing to take X dollars off?’” she advises. You might get lucky.
Curated Shops
If you prefer shopping in smaller stores with artfully selected items rather than a tsunami of stuff, try these designer-recommended haunts.
The #1 destination according to most decor pros and antique mavens is Hudson’s main drag, Warren Street. Nicole Fisher, who’s based nearby, says, “My go-to for cool finds is The Modern Exchange for unique vintage wow moments. For antique rugs, there’s no better selection than Upstate Rug Supply.” Ariella Duker, whose Ariella Duker Interiors is based in NYC and upstate, also loves Hudson, popping into Red Chair on Warren for French antiques with a perfect patina, a wonderful selection of mirrors, and the best tableware (like glass cake stands and an array of white tureens), plus Ida’s Eye for lighting. Hunting for a Scandinavian, circa-1960 teak cabinet or a leather lounge chair? Don’t miss Magic Hill Mercantile, which specializes in mid-century pieces.
In Hudson and beyond, Michael Gilbride shares these secret sources: John’s Living Room in Hudson and Pascal Boyer Gallery (by appointment only) in Newburgh. “Both have an incredible eye for quality, and their customer service is just as exceptional. They’re the kind of places where you feel like you’re in good hands, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out.”
The #1 desination according to most decor pros and antique mavens is Hudson’s main drag, Warren Street.
If you’re near Stone Ridge, follow this advice from designers Emma Austen Tuccillo and Andrew Patterson of Austen Boland Interiors: “Maple Lawn 1843 has become a beloved ritual whenever we’re in the area. Ron Sharkey’s exquisite taste is known across the region and a visit to his barn filled with antique mirrors, furniture, and ironstone ceramics is an experience like no other.”
In Millerton, hightail it to Montage Antiques, where Duker has found some of her favorite buys over the years. “I rarely leave empty-handed,” she says, “and the owners are constantly sourcing and bringing in new inventory with a mix of local and European pieces.” Also pop into Cottage + Camp, a few doors down. “You just might find what you did not know you wanted or needed [but adore],” she says. There are antique rugs, an eclectic collection of artwork, furniture, and cool objects (like a vintage oar) to spice up a space.
Scandi? Victorian? What Vintage Style to Buy Now
Of course, you should buy what you love. And if that means a Windsor chair, go for it! But if you want to take advantage of the latest design trends, you have plenty of options. The designers we surveyed agreed that mid-century modern continues to have its moment. Ariella Duker is seeing an abundance of great Danish, Italian, and French 1960s pieces on the market right now, and Michael Gilbride says that style, plus Art Deco, remains evergreen. “They represent craftsmanship and materials that simply stand the test of time. But here’s what’s surprising: the ‘80s are making a comeback. Think chrome finishes, mirrored pieces, low-slung coffee tables, and dark wood furniture. It’s a nostalgic nod to an era of unapologetic glamor.” Similarly, Maryline Damour says her firm and its clients are loving all things Italian from the 1970s, which can also have a sexy, sculptural side.
Marina Case, on the other hand, sees a British Invasion coming. “English country is the next hot thing,” she says, meaning floral chintz (the kind iconic designer Mario Buatta was known for) and to-the-manner-born posh furnishings. “It’s having a resurgence in the design market, especially with the young generation.” Quite proper, indeed!
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