Fun Vintage Stores in the DC Area
A guide to checking out some of DC's beautifully curated spaces
My personal view on vintage is that it’s trendy because of the quality, the affordability, and the personality. At Estate Sales, you’re shopping it almost from the source (generally with an Estate Sale company in the middle). At a vintage store, you’re seeing a beautifully curated collection that someone sourced, inspected, cleaned, transported, arranged, etc. Vintage stores have a particular perspective because of this personal touch from the curator or curators. In a way, they’re similar to Estate Sales in that they’re a look into someone’s tastes and self expression.
In the DC area, we have a ton of great vintage stores and brilliant curators. The following are some of my favorites. These selections are primarily homeware focused, as opposed to clothing. There are a lot of great vintage clothing stores- but that would have to be a list of its own. If you’re looking for local vintage to shop and explore with friends or family, this is a great list.
Okay, here’s my list, let me know what you (your family and friends) think!
GoodWood - Basically, a D.C. institution. If you’re local, I’d highly recommend following them on Instagram, because they’ll post new furniture they get into the store. As the name suggests, the selection has got a sturdy wood, adult vibe. They state that they are “a classic American retailer in the spirit of the independent department stores of yesteryear”.
Vintage Vintage Vintage - This store is the hub for all of the coolest vintage curators in the area. The space is incredible- a converted bank turned into an explosion of colors. The primary focus of the store is clothing, but there is some homeware. Don’t miss the naughty vault in the back that holds Playboys and other nudie mags. If you’re from the area this is obvious, but Union Market is a great destination for shopping and eating.
Garlic Girl Vintage - A new queer-owned vintage shop in the space that was formerly Miss Pixies in Adams Morgan. I love the feeling of the store. It has a whimsical, Victorian feel, and is entirely home decor. I think the art selection is also stand out.
Georgetown Opportunity Shop - A great spot to shop vintage in Georgetown. It describes itself as “a high-end consignment store” and is packed with treasures. The style of the pieces ranges, but there is a lot of traditional homeware.
Community Forklift - Okay, I’ve only mentioned this place 1,000+ times at this point, but I love Community Forklift. It’s truly a treasure hunt. They are constantly refreshing inventory, so you never know what you’ll find. It’s in a huge warehouse, and they have everything; from home decor to furniture to refrigerators to vinyl. They’re also a non-profit and have a great mission. It’s a better, cooler, more sustainable version of a HomeGoods. Anyway, if you’re over in that part of Maryland, there’s also the consignment store Something Kind of New right around the corner.
Evolution Home - This reminds me of a more traditional antique mall. Each vendor has their own little curated booth, and there are a whopping 29 dealers as well as individual consignors. Aslin Brewery is next door if you want to make a whole afternoon out of it.
Stardust Vintage - Stardust is new retro-themed vintage store. If you’re looking for Mid-Century Modern furniture, home decor, clothing, or even vinyl, this is a very fun spot. The prices were good and the selection very, very fun. The store smaller, but it’s in a part of Alexandria, Virginia (Del Ray), that truly feels like it’s own world with its adorable shops and restaurants.
Let me know if you go to any of these and what you think!
Maddy Brannon || Estate Sale Darling