11 best online thrift stores: Vintage clothing and antiques from around the world
Looking for more of the best deals, latest celebrity news and hottest trends? Sign up for Yahoo Lifestyle Canada’s newsletter!
Vintage, antique and thrift shops are a treasure hunt where people can get lost for hours rummaging through shelves looking for one-of-a-kind items they didn’t know they needed.
When pandemic restrictions put a pause on in-person shopping, many people turned their attention towards shopping online— including vintage and antique lovers. While you may not think the thrill of vintage shopping can be replicated online, it's still possible for thrift shoppers to play a game of “I Spy” and discover unique second-hand objects. Whether they have their own website or Etsy shop, shoppers around the world can discover retro products from established vintage stores to burgeoning retailers.
ALSO SEE: Gear up for back to school with these 19 items: From elementary school to university
There's even a new breed of vintage businesses exclusively selling through Instagram feeds and stories. Instead of sorting through heaps of items, all one needs to do is scroll through feeds or follow hashtags like #BuyVintage. Sellers also provide curation inspiration making it easier to imagine how you would style or display the object in your home.
Here are a few international retailers selling fashion, furniture, décor, books and more with pieces guaranteed not to be owned by another friend – but might be owned by their parents or grandparents.
The Antique Kitchen (United Kingdom)
Stock your kitchen with the essentials but add an old-fashioned twist. The Antique Kitchen carries well-crafted, hand-carved, wooden and woven items to give kitchens a little character. From egg holders, late Victorian ladles, iron limestone dishes and more, if it doesn’t work for a modern home it’ll be well-suited for a cottage.
Boho Brass T.O (Canada)
Boho Brass T.O. sells some wild vintage brass that are sure to make a statement. Most pieces are in animal form turning any space into a jungle with hooks, candlesticks, ashtrays and sculptures shaped like elephants, snakes, butterflies, giraffes and more.
The Dahl House (United States)
Scrolling through this pink fantasy is like being in a bubble-gum pop music video. The Dahl House is a quirky brand meant to dress homes with a pop of colour and youthful whimsy. Each second-hand piece is representative of a dollhouse or item used in pretend play as a child, meaning buyers will feel like a kid again.
Dear Macy Vintage (United States)
While displaying another person’s photographs may be odd, Dear Macy Vintage sees these black and white pictures as historical art pieces. With more than 13,000 photos in her collection, this online shop provides inspiration from another era and reminds people how personal history can be kept alive. While we may never know the exact story behind each photograph, we can certainly use our imagination to create one.
House of Vintage Toronto (Canada)
Refresh your fall wardrobe with some unique vintage pieces. A Toronto staple, House of Vintage offers one-of-a-kind and designer pieces, pop culture apparel featuring ‘90s nostalgia, retro Levi's denim, western boots and more. Whether you opt for a full throwback outfit or simply want to add a blast from the past to a modern outfit, buyers are sure to be ready for whatever decade theme party they’re invited to.
I Luv Lucite (United States)
This LA-based female-owned brand brings the founders obsession for the ‘80s and art-deco aesthetic into the home. I Luv Lucite offers eye-popping standouts of furniture and art that are more likely to be seen in film and TV shows or design museums rather than a person’s living room – making them an even more exciting purchase.
Lost & Hound Vintage (Canada)
This queer-owned vintage retailer sniffs out high quality pre-loved items from mid-century to Y2K. From phones shaped as hamburgers to McDonald’s Happy Meal Tamagotchi keychains, Lost & Hound offers so much nostalgia it's a time capsule ready to unlock childhood memories.
Metier Paris (France)
This French-based antique jeweller specializes in pieces from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras. Through rings, earrings, pendants, lockets and necklaces, each piece adds a historical twist to an outfit.
Vintage Treasures Netherlands ( The Netherlands)
This Instagram-based seller offers followers everything from wicker furniture and brass knickknacks to home decor and lighting. This account has numerous eye-catching pieces and plenty of styling inspiration to make it easier to envision these retro pieces in your own home.
White Christmas Wreaths (United States)
It’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween and Christmas decor. Despite its name, White Christmas Wreaths recognizes multiple holidays throughout the year by creating handmade decor using various vintage items to bring Christmas and Holidays nostalgia to your home.
The White Pepper Vintage (United States)
This former teacher’s online shop will help fill your bookshelves with stories from classic tales and obscure tales to turn your home into a rare book library. Its collection of artwork will transform rooms into galleries with an array of portraits and quaint nature landscapes.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.