When’s the best time to shop for antiques? Experts reveal the ideal season for finding secondhand treasures

There's nothing I love more than antique shopping, and I do it all year round. But come fall, I do notice that my local stores seem to up their game, the finds get better, and also the amount of flea markets and vintage events seems to increase, too. So that got me thinking, is fall the best time of year to shop for vintage and antique furniture and decor?

There is, of course, no season for decorating with antiques; bringing secondhand finds into your home is a guaranteed way to ensure that it is timeless. But is there a right season to find these gems? I turned to my designer and vintage expert contacts to find out when is the best time of year to shop at vintage and antiques sales.

As suspected, when I asked the experts which season is best for antique shopping, the majority said fall. And it makes sense. It's a period associated with all things cozy. There's nothing better than heading to your local antique store, hot drink in hand, browsing the endless shelves of treasures.

And it's not just the ambiance of fall that makes it the best season for shopping for antiques; it's the stock itself. Whether you're hunting for the collectibles interior designers look for when antique shopping or you're simply on the hunt for that one specific piece, fall is your best bet for sourcing these treasures.

Sarah Trop, Interior Designer & Founder at FunCycled, says, 'Fall is what I would call a 'full season' for antiquing. Dealers often refresh and expand their inventory after the busy summer months, so the variety is at its peak. It’s a great time to build a collection, as there’s more available to choose from and often a 'first pick' feeling before the holiday season.'

'If you’re new to antiquing, fall is the ideal time to start,' Sarah adds. 'You'll get to enjoy inspiring displays, discover unique pieces, and experience the rhythm of the season, which naturally lends itself to restocking and re-imagining. I especially love visiting regions where antique shops are clustered together in walkable communities. The Northeast, with its deep history, offers incredible antique trails and knowledgeable dealers who add rich stories to the pieces you bring home.'

Knowing the popular pieces to buy at an antique fair will ensure you strike gold in the fall. Plenty of these events pop up around the cozy season, too (check out our guide to the best antique and vintage sales in September 2025), where you'll find an assortment of pieces.

Interior designer Kellie Burke agrees, 'Fall is definitely the perfect time to shop for antiques! A lot of hidden treasures are found during this time as people declutter before the holidays. It also helps that fall is prime estate sale season in New England, so lots of interesting, unique pieces are popping up.'

'There's also something to say about the seasonal fall environment and how well it pairs with antique hunting! There's a tranquil, cozy energy that New England fall carries, and what better way to build upon this than by sourcing beautiful items with rich history? Tradition is heavy in this season – it's the best time to create warmth and texture in your home with pieces from the past.'

Deborah Wecselman, Principal and Founder at Wecselman Design, also agrees fall is the best time to shop for antiques. She explains, 'I find fall to be an inspiring season for antique shopping. After the summer, there’s a renewed energy and new pieces surface all over – you just have to know where to look. I just got back from Paris and came home inspired, with a few vintage finds that made their way back with me, including two pristine 1944 Philip Arctander Clam Chairs.'

Fall decor ideas pair beautifully with the rustic charm of antiques. So if you're looking for the perfect period to source some pre-loved pieces, now is the time. Fill an antique vase with some Chrysanthemums or lay a burgundy Persian rug on your living room floor for an instant cozy hit.

Jennifer Jones, founder of Niche Interiors, says, 'Personally, I shop for vintage year-round, but most flea markets are in full swing from late Spring through Fall when the weather is good. Hitting local markets around the holidays is always a smart idea since they are well-attended by vendors.'

That's not to say the colder months aren't a good time to shop for antiques. Jennifer adds, 'If you need an antique fix during the wet winter months, try local thrift and consignment shops and antique stores. I like to visit smaller rural towns at this time of year to find better deals.'

If you're looking for somewhere specific to shop for antiques during the fall, you've probably already worked out that New England is one of the best and most beautiful places to head to.

Interior designer Ann Couser Kittredge, Founder of Dabbling and Decorating, says, 'Fall is definitely the best time for antiquing and vintage markets here in New England. From the gorgeous peak foliage drive with a cider donut and pumpkin spice coffee in hand, picking up a few friends to join me, and heading out to my favorite, Vintage Market Days Vermont, every Columbus Day and Indigenous Day weekend.'

'The weather is cool and crisp, and the bargains are plentiful, but there's something so special and charming about antiquing in New England during fall's foliage season.'

While most interior designers shop for antiques in the fall, that's not to say you can't shop for antiques in the spring and summer.

Sarah explains, 'Spring carries a different energy, but has equal value for well-acquainted and newbie treasure hunters alike. Spring is characterized by renewal and refreshing, and that spirit extends to the antiques world. Dealers and homeowners alike are cleaning out, which means you’ll often find great deals on unique items priced to sell.'

Often, the antique and vintage sales in spring are just as good as those that take place in the fall. Sarah adds, 'The Brimfield Flea Market (hosted in spring, summer, and fall) is especially exciting in spring, when vendors are eager to start the season strong.'

'It is during this season that I recommend keeping an eye out for local estate sales too. Don't dismiss what might be right within your own community. Estate sales often work in tandem with local garage sales, giving even more opportunity to find a real hidden treasure for a really good deal!'

The main takeaway is that antiquing is a year-round activity. While many designers like to head to flea markets and antique stores in the fall (in alignment with local markets and new stock arriving after the summer period), finding gems is always possible even in the spring and summer.

Alex Bass, CEO of Art Advisory & Interior Design Salon 21, says, 'The best time to shop for antiques is all of the time. With antiquing, don't wait until you have 'space' or a 'need.' The whole idea is that you stumble upon a treasure – you have found it and it has found you, and if it's calling your name, make the purchase, and if you don't have space for it now, you will in the future. You'll always regret the antiques you didn't buy!'