The Best DC-Area Antiquing

A growing list of over 40 antique/vintage decor shops in DC, MD, and VA for those who love the hunt.

Your support, in any form, means everything! But the easiest way to show some love is by giving this post a quick “like.” If you’re someone who loves antiquing and you live or plan to visit the area, you may also want to “save” this post on Substack to easily revisit later.

This post has been a long time coming! For years, I’ve shared my antiquing adventures with you all over on Instagram 👋🏼, and by now, you know how much I adore the thrill of the hunt. My apartment is filled with beautiful antique treasures that I hold close to my heart—and I plan to keep them forever. There's nothing quite like walking into a charming, old antique shop with hours to spare, taking my time to sift through the aisles, and discovering those perfect pieces that I can bring home and cherish for years to come.

So, it only felt right to finally give my list of recommended antique shops a permanent home here on Substack. I’ve decided to focus on the shops I frequent most, all within an hour of DC. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a special nod to my hometown of Frederick, MD, where so many of my finds come from.

This list will continue to grow as I discover more hidden gems, so consider this post a work in progress—one I’ll update with every fabulous new shop I stumble upon. You’ll find the list organized by state and area, making it easy to plan a day of antiquing and hit several spots in just a few hours. Be sure to save this post for easy reference on your next outing! Enjoy the hunt! 🐎

And if you share this, please tag me! I’d love to hear if it’s helpful in your adventures.

My beloved DC—home for many years now and an endless source of inspiration. I’ve spent countless weekends wandering its streets, uncovering the best little antique and vintage shops in my area, but these remain my favorites. Many are nestled in Georgetown, making for the perfect day of slow browsing, a long lunch at a cozy café, and a bit of imaginary house-hunting along the historic streets. Take your time, linger, and don’t hesitate to chat with the shop owners—they all have the best stories to share.

• Oliver Dunn/Moss & Co: This Georgetown gem is, without a doubt, where I’ve spent a small fortune. A forever favorite, the shop is an impeccably curated mix of antique furniture, decor, and glassware, with beautifully crafted linens that feel like heirlooms. And in the warmer months? Expect the dreamiest selection of topiaries to bring a little charm home.

• Côté Jardin Antiques: Always a feast for the eyes. This shop is filled with exquisite French antiques and garden ornaments that bring effortless European elegance to any space. The kind of place I could happily move right into—aged patina, timeworn textures, and all. Plus, the most charming little garden patio to greet you… a storefront I’ve often photograped.

• Jean-Pierre Antiques: A jewel-box shop brimming with European antiques, from gilded mirrors to weathered furniture and sculptural lighting. Tucked into a charming little corner away from the hustle and bustle, it’s the kind of place where every visit uncovers something new. And the ivy-covered outdoor display? Pure magic. Hope across the street for a quick cocktail or glass of champaign at Apéro!

• Pillar and Post: Specializing in British antiques, this shop is a blend of history and charm, offering a mix of vintage and antique furniture, home décor, and unexpected finds. Even the building itself is a treasure—one of those stops that feels like stepping back in time. I adore their real silver!

• L’Enfant Gallery: Three floors of art, antiques, and storied pieces that feel like they belong in a grand estate. Paintings stacked against walls, sculptures peeking out from corners—it’s the kind of place you can get blissfully lost in, discovering beauty in every nook.

• Opportunity Shop: A consignment shop offering everything from home furnishings to designer handbags and jewelry—all while supporting the local community. My beloved dining room mirror and the most perfect living room sconces both came from here. Grab an ice cream treat next door!

• Georgetown Flea Market: If you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss this iconic flea. A lineup of vendors brings a mix of antiques, vintage fashion, art, and collectibles—I’ve left with more than a few dreamy coats and bags over the years. A DC staple since the ‘70s, and still one of the best for a good hunt.

• Miss Pixies: Moving over to 14th Street, this cheerful shop is packed with fun, well-priced vintage furniture and home decor sourced from auctions. There’s always a playful mix of retro finds and colorful curiosities—perfect for both serious collectors and casual treasure hunters.

• GoodWood: A DC institution, GoodWood’s curation of 19th-century antiques, mid-century modern finds, and statement art pieces is always on point. It’s the kind of shop that makes you want to redo a whole room. Bonus: they also house the city’s only niche perfume counter.

• Vintage Vintage Vintage: DC’s largest vintage shop, located in Union Market District, with over 20 curators bringing bold fashion, eclectic home decor, and funky furnishings. A must-visit if you love color, statement pieces, and unexpected finds—perfect for gifts or a wardrobe refresh.

• Eastern Market: A vibrant weekend marketplace in the heart of Capitol Hill, brimming with vintage treasures, handcrafted goods, and international finds. While the mix varies, I’ve stumbled upon some incredible antique furniture and dinnerware alongside beautiful handmade pieces. Always worth a slow wander.

Frederick Area
Frederick will always hold a special place in my heart—it’s where I was born and raised, and its antique scene is woven into my earliest memories. I spent countless Saturdays wandering the aisles of the Emporium with my mom after ballet class—and we both still carry many pieces in our homes from Frederick. It’s a town that deserves a slow afternoon, with its charming streets, incredible restaurants, and small businesses that make it feel like home. A perfect day trip from DC.

• Emporium Antiques: My forever go-to. A sprawling maze of antiques in the heart of downtown, home to nearly 100 dealers offering everything from furniture to rare collectibles—plus, a booth stacked high with silver that I always linger over. You could spend hours here… I have, and about 20% of my apartment is probably from this stop alone. We even found our past family dog, Roxy, a perfect black Scottish Terrier, from the owners of this shop many many years ago when she was breeding Scotties!

• Elliot’s: Right across from the Emporium, housed in a beautiful old townhome that’s worth the visit alone. A gorgeously curated shop with a refined selection of antique pieces, art, and decor, but with more intention and current pieces/home finds as well. Trust me, just go in to look at the architecture and ceilings.

• Vintage MC: A dream for mid-century lovers, packed with nostalgic furniture and decor. I’ve collected some favorite pieces here over the years—especially during my MC era! A great stop for gifts, too. It’s just fun.

• Old Glory Antiques: A massive antique mall just five minutes from downtown, with over 100 dealers offering a mix of furniture, vintage clothing, glassware, pottery, and mid-century finds. A great spot to get lost in.

• Chartreuse & Co: A magical vintage decor market set among rolling countryside. Housed in historic barns, it’s open Saturdays and a big market held on select weekends, but always worth the wait for beautifully styled antique and repurposed home pieces. Brought home my crystal chandelier from a big market day here years ago.

• Dibs Authentic Antiques: Tucked away in Buckeystown, this hidden gem is worth a pop-in if you happen to be passing through. Multiple vendors, tons of variety, and just charming.

• Emmitsburg Antique Mall: Not quite Frederick, but if you don’t mind a scenic drive, this is the largest antique mall in the Gettysburg/Frederick County area. Expect to spend at least an hour (or two) sifting through its endless aisles—you won’t leave empty-handed.

Bethesda Area
I’m certainly still exploring antique shops close by, but I’ve found my footing as far as the Kensington area goes! You could easily spend a few hours browsing through all these shops on a quiet weekday or weekend. Kensington Antique Row is a little slice of vintage heaven—multiple shops lined up in a charming stretch, each with its own distinct style. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a couple hours hopping between storefronts. Be sure to check out the large building filled with multiple mini-shops.

• Goldsborough Glynn Classic Furnishings & Finds: A beautifully curated shop with a refined selection of antique furniture and small decorative pieces. I always seem to leave with something special.

• Modern Mobler: Mid-century lovers, take note! This shop specializes in ‘50s-‘70s furniture and has one of the largest collections of American, Danish, and European pieces on the East Coast.

• Prevention of Blindness Society Look Again Resale Shop: A thrift shop with heart. It’s donation-based, supporting the Prevention of Blindness Society, and you’ll find everything from clothing to houseware to books. I always leave with a little something—usually vintage jewelry or glassware.

• Jill & Co: If country antiques and shabby chic are more your style, this is a must-visit. Early quilts, painted furniture, and folky Americana set the tone, but I’ve also found great architectural salvage and stoneware here.

• Sally Shaffer Antiques: A bit of everything—American country furniture, art, jewelry, and even upcycled architectural elements. I haven’t spent as much time here, but it’s always worth a peek.

• West Howard Antiques: A quick detour from the main row, but absolutely worth it. Tucked inside a warehouse-style space, it’s packed with an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage decor, and hard-to-find collectibles. Be sure to walk up the driveway and around back—the upstairs space has even more furnishings. My little living room spindle table in the window was found here!

Note to self… spend more time antiquing in Annapolis. Perhaps, an eastern shore version of this post needs a home on Substack too 👀 with all my Delaware adventures.

Lucketts Area
If you've been following me for a while, you know Lucketts (a little VA hamlet) is a staple in my world. I always seem to find myself out that way, especially in the fall when the rolling hills are at their best, or in the summer when the farms are bustling and the streets are lined with little farmer’s markets. Another tradition my mom and I created. Plus, downtown Leesburg is just a quick drive away and the perfect spot for a little small business shopping, a coffee, or lunch! There are several great spots tucked into the country to hop between.

• The Old Lucketts Store: This historic store is a must-visit, with multiple floors and sheds full of vintage and antique treasures—perfect for a leisurely browse! Downstairs, you'll find modern furnishings and eclectic mixes that are pure interior design envy, while upstairs, there are rooms brimming with unique antiques and decor. Be sure not to skip the outdoor sheds, which are full of special finds, from beautifully patinaed pieces to weathered wood with tons of texture. Their garden area is always inspiring, too, depending on the season. And don't miss their big market events or the holiday house.

• The Cottage at Lucketts: Situated right across the street is another adorable old shop with multiple rooms and a barn filled with vintage treasures. Lots of architectural pieces, small antique items, furniture, and original art, all at reasonable prices. And candles!! Such good candles—I never leave without one.

• On A Whim: This is such a charming antique shop with multiple vendors. You can find so many good home pieces here, from art, decor, glassware, furnishings, and garden accessories. And be sure to look up for their amazing chandeliers. You can’t miss it… it’s pink!

• Rust & Feathers: Within the same lot is a big building at the back. Rust & Feathers is a multi-dealer shop focusing on repurposed vintage finds with six core dealers and several consigners. I’ve seen a big variety of antique, vintage, and industrial-styles, including architectural salvage and European antiques.

• The Hummingbird's Nest: Again, you don’t even need to leave the lot. You’ll also notice this shop within an old pink house… filled with gifts, antiques, vintage, and shabby chic finds. Several rooms and floors for hunting down perfect little treasures.

Middleburg Area
Virginia’s hunt country is a dream for antique lovers—rolling hills, charming villages, and some of the best-curated shops filled with European treasures, classic American furnishings, and unique decorative finds. Whether you’re hunting for a statement piece or simply browsing for inspiration, these stops are well worth the trip. Spend the day in historic downtown, grab a bite, and wander. Really love it here during the fall and at Christmas time for extra extra charm.

• Ekster Antiques & Uniques: A curated shop in Louden, offering a blend of antiques with the most gorgeously worn details. This one is right up my alley. This shop is housed in a beautiful 8,000-square-foot barn and is only open on occasion during big barn sales, so it’s one to watch. The owners personally source unique finds from Europe, and the shop is known for its refined mix of reclaimed and natural pieces.

• Elsass: Another gorgeous antique shop in the heart of Virginia wine country selling handpicked French antiques. It feels like a French flea market really—beautifully sourced.

• Baileywyck Antiques: Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Baileywyck Antiques is an upscale destination offering one of the largest collections of antiques, home décor, and art in the area. Spanning 6,400 square feet, it’s the kind of place where you could lose track of time.

• The Paradise Antiques: This beautifully curated shop specializes in luxury antiques and interior design. Their collection blends influences from around the world, creating a unique mix of old-world charm and modern elegance. It’s one of those shops where you can be so inspired as it’s so thoughtfully designed.

• Middleburg Antique Gallery: A staple in the area! This gallery features 45 dealers with an ever-changing selection of formal English, European, and American furniture. Whether you’re searching for a mahogany dining table, a patinaed English oak piece, or a one-of-a-kind antique find, you’ll likely discover something special here. Many treasures!

• Federal & Black: Another magically curated and designed home goods/gift shop. While it’s not necessarily an antique shop, it does have lots of little antique treasures to be found. Just a constant favorite to pop into anytime I’m in the area.

• Hastening Antiques and Design: A direct importer of 18th and 19th-century French provincial, Italian, and English furniture, this shop is as charming as its location! With a mix of fine antiques and interior design services, it’s perfect for those looking to bring a little European character into their home.

• The Accidental Peacock: The Accidental Peacock is a charming downtown stop, brimming with antique and vintage treasures for your home. You can easily linger to carefully explore every corner for something special.

• Red Schoolhouse Antiques: These shop owners live in Scotland and directly source their items from Scotland out to their shop in Millwood! So this one is worth a visit. Gorgeous European furniture and decor, you’re bound to find something timeless.

• The Garden Shop: Not an antique shop, but one I often visit for garden inspiration or gorgeous little planters. Many antique looking garden pieces for your home if you need to add a bit of charm to your patio.

Alexandria Area
Old Town is one of my favorite places to spend a day—winding streets lined with historic buildings, charming small businesses, and some of the best antique shops in the area. Whether you're hunting for the perfect vintage find, indulging in a leisurely meal, or strolling along the waterfront, it's a spot that feels like a little getaway. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend taking the water taxi between DC and Alexandria for a scenic ride down the Potomac!

• A Galerie: A beautifully curated shop featuring antiques and designer home decor from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. With over 400 original works of art, the inventory is always changing, making this a go-to for collectors and anyone looking for unique, artful pieces.

• La Brocante: Specializing in French antiques, this shop is a little slice of Paris tucked away on Mount Vernon Avenue. Vintage furniture, decor, and European charm fill the space—it’s like stepping into a dreamy Paris market.

• Patina: A mix of antique and vintage home decor, furniture, and lighting, blending rustic warmth with a modern sensibility. A perfect stop if you love pieces that feel timeless yet effortlessly stylish.

• Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques: A treasure trove of furniture and lighting to period paintings and mirrors. They also offer chandeliers and lanterns, making it a great place for those looking to bring a touch of history into your home.

• Henry Street Antiques: A long-standing Old Town gem dealing in fine American and European antiques, with an eclectic selection that spans centuries—think everything from 17th-century paintings to sculptures and antique clocks.

• Tradition De France: A go-to for French-inspired furniture, lighting, and decor. They also offer restoration and custom design services, so it’s a great spot if you're looking to refresh or personalize an antique piece.

Hope this was helpful for you antique lovers out there! Be sure to check back in for future updates.

If you enjoyed reading, the simplest way to support me is by liking this post. Commenting, shopping my finds, and sharing Worth Noting with others also makes a world of difference. Your support, in any form, means everything!

You can also find beautiful things worth noting on my Instagram and Pinterest.

xx,
Natalie