By outdoor-nature-child.com Recently, I stumbled upon a stunning mid-century Gunlocke chair on Facebook Marketplace. I decided to make the trek to Hollywood and buy it from a complete stranger’s home. When I got back, my family was impressed with my find, but they were quite surprised that I had the courage to go alone to someone else’s house. Thankfully, everything went smoothly!
Shopping on Facebook Marketplace can be addictive. With endless items available, one can shop without ever leaving home. However, if you’re not comfortable purchasing second-hand items from strangers, or if you prefer to see and try things out, why not explore the rich array of vintage markets available in Los Angeles? Whether it’s antique shops, consignment stores, flea markets, thrift stores, or vintage stores specializing in mid-century modern furniture, there’s plenty to explore.
Buying second-hand doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. I’ve encountered pieces that cost up to $30,000, yet second-hand furniture is usually much more affordable. It not only saves you money but also helps reduce waste. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind before you go hunting:
– Don’t forget to bring a tape measure; not every shop labels their items with dimensions.
– Many stores receive fresh inventory daily, with items ranging from shipping container finds to local moves.
– Choosing second-hand furniture requires patience; if you don’t find what you’re looking for today, there’s always a chance next time.
– Many shops provide affordable third-party shipping options.
Here’s a rundown of some excellent spots near Chinatown for vintage shopping. For additional locations, please refer to the original article at the end.
1. **King Richard’s Antique Center, Whittier / Thrift Store**
This impressive 57,000-square-foot antique store, owned by Chuck and Martha Garcera, is a favorite among Hollywood set designers. The store, which is housed in a historic home built in 1902, combines California’s largest vintage and antique inventory. With four floors to explore, you can easily spend the entire day browsing through everything from 1950s furniture to 1970s clothing, along with jaw-dropping mid-century ceramics.
During my latest visit, I found some amazing mid-century pieces, including a $2,550 Adrian Pearsall yellow set, a $1,250 Broyhill wardrobe, a $1,200 Eames-style lounge chair, and a $1,850 Corbusier three-piece sofa.
**Address:** 12301 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, California 90602
**Phone:** 562-698-5974
**Website:** www.kingrichardsantiques.com
**Hours:** Wednesday to Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Monday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
**Shipping:** Staff can help load your items or connect you with third-party shipping for larger pieces.
2. **Motley Design Warehouse, Downtown Los Angeles / Vintage Store (Written by Betty Hallock)**
Looking for a Paul McCobb bar cart, Fratelli Mannelli giraffe stone sculpture, or Walter Castle’s Molar Chair? You’ll find them at Motley.
Specializing in classic Danish mid-century works alongside California modern and contemporary art, the showroom on 7th Street features a variety of furniture, including 1970s Cado Royal wall units and a dedicated area for classic clothing. Daily deals are showcased in the parking lot.
**Address:** 1907 E. 7th St., Los Angeles, California 90021
**Phone:** 562-508-6732
**Website:** www.motley.la
**Hours:** Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 6 PM, or by appointment.
3. **Rose Bowl Flea Market, Pasadena / Flea Market (Written by Christopher Reynolds)**
For 50 years, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has been a beloved destination for vintage hunters. Open every second Sunday of the month from 5 AM to 4:30 PM in the Rose Bowl parking lot, this market attracts 2,500 vendors and 20,000 shoppers.
From antiques and collectibles to classic clothing and accessories, there’s something for everyone, including an arts section and a marketplace for new items and food.
Admission is $12, but if you want early access from 5 AM to 9 AM, it’s $20, while children under 12 can enter for free. Tickets must be purchased online, and there’s free parking to the south of the Rose Bowl, with VIP parking available for $15.
**Address:** 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, California 91103
**Website:** www.rgcshows.com
**Hours:** Every second Sunday of the month, 5 AM to 4:30 PM.
4. **SV Modern, Pico Rivera / Vintage Store**
Located next to Sanford’s Vintage Records, SV Modern, created by Vincent Gonzalez, offers mid-century modern furniture, lighting, and various items for artists and musicians.
The small showroom features diminutive pieces, but as store manager Joe Lopez explains, they’ve struck a balance between furniture and music, attracting customers who want beautifully crafted, original pieces.
Because the store is small, don’t expect to see the same items next month; they refresh their inventory as soon as pieces sell.
**Address:** 4950 Deland Ave., Pico Rivera, California 90660
**Phone:** 562-777-4134
**Platform:** instagram.com/s_v_modern/
**Hours:** Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; weekdays by appointment.
5. **Son of a Vet Thrift Shop, El Sereno / Thrift Store**
I first noticed Son of a Vet on Instagram, where they showcase a lot of their inventory. This thrift store in El Sereno has some fantastic furniture.
You can score rustic Mexican chairs for $15, a flawless gray linen sofa for $49.99, and I recently saw great finds like a $150 pink vanity, a $199.99 maple headboard, and a $24.99 farmhouse coffee table. There’s also a selection of black and white photos for $14.99 and a variety of kitchenware.
**Address:** 3310 N. Eastern Ave., Los Angeles, California 90032
**Phone:** 323-227-1808
**Platform:** instagram.com/sonofavet_thriftshop_la_/
**Hours:** Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM.
**Shipping:** The store has recommended third-party shipping options.
6. **St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles, Lincoln Heights / Thrift Store**
This vast 54,000-square-foot thrift store offers aisles full of sofas, chairs, and various furniture categories, all organized into separate rooms. Their sofa selection caters to every style and material, with prices ranging from $79 to $800.
The store collaborates with a Catholic volunteer organization to help those in need. Just a heads up: if you forget to bring a tape measure, you’re out of luck. Once you’ve got your measuring game down, you’ve got 15 minutes to check out and decide before the price tags go back up for the next customer.
**Address:** 210 N. Avenue 21, Los Angeles, California 90031
**Phone:** 800-974-3571
**Website:** svdpla.org
**Hours:** Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 6 PM; Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
**Branch:** 2750 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 562-494-9955.
7. **Simplymod, San Dimas / Vintage Store**
Founded in 1996 by Michael Shaller, Simplymod specializes in mid-century pieces, with annual buying trips to Denmark. Located in San Dimas, they offer Scandinavian furniture, including dining chairs designed by Sam Maloof and crafted by Mike Raub ($2,680), as well as a 1940s Ikea cabinet ($740) and various art and ceramics from around the globe. Since many items aren’t displayed, you can contact them if you’re after something specific.
**Address:** 402 W. Arrow Hwy., #4, San Dimas, California 91773
**Website:** www.simplymod.com
**Hours:** Thursday to Saturday, noon to 5 PM, or by appointment.
(Original article by Lisa Boone from the Los Angeles Times. Original link:
The best places to shop for secondhand furniture in Los Angeles
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/list/best-shops-for-used-secondhand-furniture-in-los-angeles)