Plus, the rules of etiquette when it comes to sliding into their DMs.
8 of the Best Vintage Furniture Sellers in Australia and New Zealand to Follow on Instagram
Plus, the rules of etiquette when it comes to sliding into their DMs.
Antique shopping is easier than it used to be. Instead of chancing it at the handful of second-hand stores and pricey storefronts that just happen to be located in the vicinity of your neighbourhood, these days you can hit "Follow" on Instagram and, all of a sudden, a whole new world of vintage furniture is at your fingertips.
Shopping on Instagram widens what's available to you, but it also requires patience and quick thinking. On trend, highly coveted items – such as a real Danish Caprani lamp or a '60s-era Italian travertine table – tend to get snapped up within literal minutes of them hitting the feed.
How to Shop for Vintage Furniture on Instagram
1. Know your budget at all times
This will help instantly rule out anything that's out of reach. Don't forget about shipping costs. If the seller is interstate or overseas, you could end up paying as much for shipping as the item itself.
2. Be confident in your decision
Only comment "SOLD" or DM the seller saying you want to buy if you actually intend on following through. If what you mean is "I love this but I'm not sure if I can afford it or if it will suit my home décor", message a friend instead. It's easier for sellers to do their job when their followers adopt a "serious offers only" mindset.
3. Research is key
Keep an eye on when your favourite sellers upload new inventory and make a mental note (or, if you're really serious, set a reminder on your phone. At the very least, turn your notifications on!).
It's also important to do your own research into the reputation and legitimacy of each seller, particularly if you're in the market for true antiques (as opposed to retro furniture).
When it comes to who to follow, you could simply choose one to follow and let Instagram do the rest of the work for you (the app will instantly suggest similar accounts). Or you can go digging around for less popular accounts – when it comes to vintage furniture sellers on Instagram, less followers doesn't necessarily mean poorer quality or fewer products, rather the store owners might just not be very internet savvy, or they do most of their business in a physical storefront. Most of all, you want to find accounts that align with your personal taste.
Here are our favourite vintage furniture sellers on Instagram.