Where do designers actually shop? A lot of readers have asked if I could share my favorite resources outside of the “big box” category and I thought that was an excellent idea! Click through for some of my favorite tips and tricks for scoring designer furniture, as well as an amazing giveaway from Viyet!
I’ll start by saying, most interior designers have trade accounts in place to better serve their clients. These “to the trade” resources aren’t accessible to the public… perks of working with a designer! It offers designers, architects, and builders the opportunity to offer products that the non professional can’t buy on their own. In fact, I have trade accounts setup and I happily share my discount with my clients. This system also allows the industry to make a profit on goods if they wish. Long story short… these “designer” resources aren’t exactly shopable and accessible to most. So where would I refer people looking for awesome designer furniture, decor, and custom upholstery if they’re not working with a designer?
Find an Estate Sale
First and foremost, you guys know I love a good estate sale. I’m a big fan of vintage designer pieces and you can find some true gems on the cheap at local estate sales. There are also plenty of online estate sales too- this website is one of my very favorites. I’ve scored countless rugs, tables, and chairs from this site… as well as this gorgeous burl sideboard. It’s not as prevalent on the west coast yet, so you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for shipping, but for my midwest and east coast readers- take advantage of the local pickup to save money! I used to drive to the Cincinnati warehouse all the time. We even made a pit stop in our U-Haul prior to moving west!
Search the Internet with Specifics
If you’re searching for a certain designer piece, you’re much more likely to find it using a specific key term. For instance, if I was scouring the web for another set of my dining chairs (shown above), I’d search “Knoll Marcel Breuer Dining Chairs”. Lots of websites offer designer products and this is the fastest way to find them. The more specific, the better!
Buy Secondhand Designer
I know secondhand is a scary word, but I found a resource that is anything but that. I’ve been using Viyet for a couple years now… they buy and sell gently used designer items. It’s honestly one of my favorite resources for getting a great deal on designer furniture. The prices are even better than what my trade discount would offer. I purchased a table from them and saved over $2,000! I haven’t tried selling any of my personal designer items yet, but if you’re ready to replace a designer piece but aren’t sure how to get the most for your money, this is the place. I’m sharing twenty of my favorite selections from their site below…
01: antique nickel pendant // 02: console table // 03: teak bookcase // 04: mid century chest // 05: table lamps // 06: marble top saarinen dining table // 07: french cafe chairs // 08: dining chairs // 09: three seat bench // 10: two arm wall sconce // 11: media cabinet // 12: accent table // 13: gilded cage dining table // 14: nightstand // 15: extra large geode // 16: mr. brown sideboard // 17: ceramic bottle // 18: lounge chair // 19: outdoor chairs // 20: wool area rug
Hopefully this helps to give you guys some new designer resources and tips, while saving you a little money! My philosophy is to shop smarter, not necessarily to spend more. Isn’t that always the goal? Be sure to enter the easiest $200 giveaway below!
Enter to Win $200 at Viyet:
1. Comment below and tell me what piece you’d put the prize toward!
That’s it! Easy peasy, right? I’ll choose a winner in one week. Good luck!
*This post and giveaway is sponsored. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we actually use and enjoy!
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39 Comments
Erica Singleton
June 9, 2017 at 2:38 pmI would put the money towards some of those neat lamps! Very cool stuff they have!
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:33 amLighting is my weakness!! Some ladies like shoes and handbags… and I’m over here drooling over lamps, sconces, and gallery lights. Ha! xo
Campbell
June 9, 2017 at 2:44 pmThose French cafe chairs!!! With summer here, I must get some of those in my outside spaces!!!
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:35 amI love those too!! My brain is on all things outdoor right now.
Elizabeth
June 9, 2017 at 3:52 pmThe Ralph Lauren dining chairs look right up my alley! Another great post, Sarah.
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:36 amOh my gosh… those would be perfect in your house!! xo
Alex
June 9, 2017 at 4:28 pmThat linen-covered nightstand is everything! Thanks for sharing a new (to me) source!
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:37 amI’m all about any type of covered furniture… linen, grasscloth, shagreen- so beautiful!!
Sarah
June 20, 2017 at 1:57 pmCongrats, Alex! We didn’t hear from our first winner, and you were the backup! Please email sarah (at) roomfortuesday.com within 24 hours to claim your prize.
Michele
June 9, 2017 at 5:09 pmthat dining table! ive been scouring the internet for one for what seems like forever!
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:38 amI also need a dining table. A finished kitchen and dining room might come first though. Ha! Good luck! xo
Laura
June 9, 2017 at 5:27 pmThe pair of lamps are gorgeous!
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:39 amEveryone is loving on lamps and I can’t blame them!
Michelle Davis
June 9, 2017 at 6:41 pmThe rug is amazing!
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:39 amI secretly considered not including it in the collage so I could buy it for myself. Ha!
Leah Prevost
June 9, 2017 at 6:48 pmDefinitely that lounge chair! Or the wool rug 😍😍
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:41 amThe lounge chair is a great deal, and I LOVE that rug. xoxoxo
Meredith Tabscott
June 10, 2017 at 12:10 amMost definitely, the mid-century table lamps!!! LOVE!
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:42 amThey’re pretty fantastic :) good luck!!
Julie k
June 10, 2017 at 2:11 amLove the Saarinen table!
Sarah
June 10, 2017 at 3:42 amI love a classic Saarinen table… you can’t go wrong and they go with everything.
Laura Railton
June 10, 2017 at 4:52 amThe French Cafe chairs. Definitely. Can’t go wrong with those!
Dianne Hall
June 10, 2017 at 5:05 amI love the Mehraban Bamboo Silk Greeky Design Modern Rug!
Ardith
June 10, 2017 at 4:58 pmWow, the rug and sideboard are calling me, Sarah. You’ve made some great choices to share. Hope you and Emmett are enjoying the weekend. Cheers, Ardith
Livivua C. Chandler
June 10, 2017 at 8:53 pmI would put it towards the night stand
Kelly M.
June 11, 2017 at 1:48 amI would love to put it towards the Natalia Chevron Vase!
Sarah
June 16, 2017 at 5:30 pmCongrats Kelly! You’ve been selected as the giveaway winner… email [email protected] to claim your prize! xo
Viktoria
June 11, 2017 at 3:24 amThat nightstand is calling my name!
Emily
June 11, 2017 at 2:34 pmI’d go for the light fixture. I haven’t replaced the ones in my rental (because it’s a rental) but it’s time. It’s been five years!
Ashley @ Free Wills Studio
June 11, 2017 at 6:56 pmI’m all about that rug and sideboard. My living room could really use the upgrades! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Latanya
June 11, 2017 at 7:36 pmI like the RABLABS
Amethys Tigela Bowl
Elena Kaloupek
June 13, 2017 at 2:21 amAll the rugs please! The hardest part is choosing just one!
Anna McNinja
June 13, 2017 at 1:49 pmOh my the wool rug is EVERYTHING! I’d definitely hit that up if I had the funds ;)
Baronica
June 13, 2017 at 2:37 pmWool area rug!! Gorgeous!
Kirsten
June 13, 2017 at 9:00 pmThe vintage Chinese wedding cabinet!
Meghan
June 14, 2017 at 6:37 pmI would pick a new rug!
Queenie
June 16, 2017 at 2:46 amI need a rug pretty badly
Tiffany
June 21, 2017 at 5:58 pmThe marble is still very much a big splurge but I’m still so in love with it!
Yair
June 27, 2017 at 2:22 pmGreat article Viyet.com always has what Im looking for!