When moving into a new home or apartment, the first focus for many people is how they will choose to style the place. From modern to art deco, to boho chic, everyone has their unique flair for home decor. Decorating your space can bring out the home designer in each of us. An increasingly popular way to furnish your home is second-hand. Not only is it typically less expensive, but it is also eco-friendly and you can find some incredible pre-loved gems. There are ample places to check out in Burlington and the surrounding areas for anyone looking to buy second-hand for their homes.
Tips
Before diving into the deep end of the thrifting world, you’ll want to know what you’re shopping for. From personal experience, I can say it is easy to get distracted by engraved wine glasses or modern end tables. But if you came in looking for a dresser, find the dresser before your budget is blown on a million little items.
Is it what I want or just inexpensive? You must continuously ask yourself this question. Don’t buy an item just because it’s in your budget. Your dream end table is out there. Don’t settle on something you are unsure of, only to find exactly what you want at the next store. Going off of that point: always ask about the return policy and examine your pre-loved pieces thoroughly. When buying second hand, it comes with the territory for the items to have a few scrapes or scratches, but you don’t want to end up with something that’s going to fall apart once you get it home.
Budget Picks
If you are shopping on a budget for a bit of everything for your home, Restore is the one-stop-shop you’ll have to check out. This store is a non-profit founded by Vermont’s Habitat for Humanity. Restore has any item on your list from mirrors to artwork to couches galore. Rest assured that the items in this store are quality, since the employees inspect and vet the items with a keen eye. The store also has a team in place for cleaning larger items of furniture, like couches, before putting them in the showroom. You are not limited to just one location with Restore, since they have a spot in both Burlington and Williston.
Another great place to look if you are looking for something both vintage and budget friendly is The Yankee Pedlar's Shoppe in Essex. This place goes back to basics, providing many home essentials in a comfortable and friendly store environment. You can watch your money go a long way when shopping here as opposed to upscale boutiques. If the style goal is anything farmhouse or country, you’ll find ample inspiration here.
Funky/Art Style Decor
If you're looking for more unique pieces to set your home apart, Anjou and the Little Pear is the store for you. This shop specializes in vintage, antique, and mid-century finds to give your room that extra flare. You should expect to spend a bit more money at a store like this than you would at Restore, but that is the price one pays for art deco inspired rooms. A store like Anjou and the Little Pear runs with the current trends, so if you don’t have the eye for design, shopping here will help you stay on-trend without having to hunt for items.
For those with a higher budget, and a knack for the finer things in both home decor and art, Ardesh Findings & Furnishings in Shelburne is a must. The store is over 10,000 square feet and has just about anything you could want, including high end antiques and pre-19th century finds. Their website now allows for eCommerce, meaning you can curate home furnishings from the comfort of your couch. Sought after fixtures, especially larger pieces like dressers and tables, move quickly at Ardesh, so shop fast if you see a must-have item.
Once you check out all of these amazing stores, send us a photo of your completed renovation and we’ll feature it on our social media. If you’re interested in a staging consultation or getting your home looking ready to sell, reach out to Elise Polli, who employs a fantastic stager that can advise on home decor and styling. Contact Elise via email at Elise@polliproperties.com.
