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If you’re someone who gets a thrill from the idea of unearthing unique vintage finds but dreads the thought of spending weekends combing through estate sales, then online auctions might just be your new best friend. Imagine the excitement of a treasure hunt, only this time, you’re lounging on your couch, scrolling through a digital marketplace filled with everything from mid-century modern furniture to one-of-a-kind art pieces. It’s a whole new world of possibilities!
Embracing the digital treasure hunt
Just like that perfect thrift-store gem, navigating the realm of online auctions requires a bit of strategy, a sprinkle of patience, and maybe a dash of luck. Whether your heart is set on iconic designer pieces, quirky decorative accents, or rare artwork, knowing how to identify quality items and place your bids wisely can make all the difference. It’s almost like a game, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good game?
As we’ve seen, the surge in online auctions was already in motion, but the pandemic shot it into the stratosphere. David McAlary, the owner of Swank West Hartford LLC, experienced this shift firsthand. “The pandemic changed everything,” he recalls. “After my first online auction during the early days of COVID, I knew I would probably never sell anything the traditional way again.” His auction house has become a treasure trove for mid-century and Danish modern finds, meticulously curated from local estates.
How designers are finding their gems
This shift to online sourcing wasn’t just a business pivot for McAlary; it transformed how designers like Kate Pearce, founder of Kate Pearce Vintage, discovered hidden gems. “Before the pandemic, I would usually source vintage and antique items via estate sales or shops,” she says. “But when those shifted to online auction formats, it opened up a whole new world.” Suddenly, platforms like AuctionNinja, LiveAuctioneers, and Everything But The House became second homes for these design enthusiasts.
For designers like Leanne Ford, the beauty of online auctions is tied to the freedom of bidding from anywhere. “I love bidding on art on the art websites—Artsy, Artnet,” she shares. “For lighting, I go to Chairish and 1st Dibs. There’s always something special if you know where to look.” It’s like having a secret key to a magical world, where every click could lead to your next favorite piece.
Finding the right platform
With a multitude of online auction platforms available, it can be a bit overwhelming to know who to trust. For McAlary, it all comes down to transparency and accuracy. “When I list items, I make sure to take clear, well-lit photos from every angle,” he elaborates. “If I call something a particular brand or designer, I research to ensure the information is correct.” Quality visuals and detailed descriptions are crucial in this game of digital treasure hunting.
However, it’s not just about the description. Designer Timothy Brown emphasizes the importance of relying on your instincts. “Photos don’t always say a thousand words,” he warns. “Sometimes it’s not exactly what you think it is. You have to trust your gut, but also be mindful that what you see online might look different in person.” It’s that little voice in your head that can guide you toward the right decision—if you listen closely.
Scoring the best pieces
When it comes to finding valuable pieces, experts agree that certain categories tend to hold their value better than others. McAlary highlights art as an area rich with potential. “If you’re going to score something really valuable, it’ll probably be a piece of art,” he states. “Screen prints, signed prints, and lithographs from the ’50s to ’80s are especially desirable.”
Ford has an ingenious tip for uncovering overlooked treasures: searching for misspellings. “I often purposefully search for the misspelling of something to see if gems are sitting in the abyss accidentally,” she reveals. It’s a bit like playing a game of hide and seek with vintage items, and who wouldn’t want to win that?
But remember, it’s crucial to double-check measurements before you place a bid. Ford learned this lesson the hard way: “Always double-check measurements—many a tiny chair has tricked me into thinking I found a huge deal… Let’s just say my daughter’s kids’ chair collection is looking quite chic.” Pearce echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that small errors can lead to big disappointments. “I always double-check everything,” she insists. “I make sure the dimensions are what I thought they were—I’ve confused centimeters and inches before and do NOT want to make that mistake again.”
Blending timeless and trendy
For designers sourcing pieces for clients, striking the perfect balance between timeless design and current trends is key. Pearce loves to seek out exotic woods like tigerwood or walnut—materials that have proven they can withstand the test of time. “You can find these woods on Louis XIV desks just as easily as on Milo Baughman coffee tables or Jonathan Adler credenzas,” she explains. It’s a surefire way to ensure that your pieces will look fresh and timeless at once.
Brown points out that while mixing old and new is essential, visual cohesion is paramount. “I use many disparate styles in my designs, but I pay very close attention to my overall color palette and the scale of the pieces I’m using together,” he notes. This careful consideration is what transforms a collection into a cohesive narrative rather than a chaotic jumble.
Strategizing your bids
When it comes to bidding, having a strategy can dramatically impact whether you snag a great deal or get swept away in a bidding war. McAlary suggests a straightforward approach: max bidding. “If you see something you really want, put in a max bid and walk away,” he advises. “Set your limit, and let the software do the work.”
Pearce echoes this idea, recommending that you set a max bid upfront to keep your emotions in check. “It’s easy to get emotional during bidding,” she cautions. “Committing to a max bid before you start helps you stay focused.” For high-ticket items, Brown prefers a more collaborative approach. “If it’s over $10,000, I always discuss the budget with the client first,” he explains. This proactive communication ensures there are no surprises when the final bid rolls in.
The thrill of online auctions
Online auctions are thriving because they blend the thrill of discovery with the comfort of home shopping. “People like the excitement of bidding and the convenience of doing it from their couch,” shares McAlary. But it’s more than just ease of access—it’s about the adventure. Unique objects like a carved wood sculpture or a vintage vase can spark joy and curiosity. “You never know when a quick bid could land you a piece of design history or a quirky object that becomes a favorite,” he adds.
Instincts play a significant role in finding the right pieces. “If something looks interesting or well-made, it’s worth a second look,” suggests McAlary. Brown adds that sometimes it’s about trusting your gut: “It’s all about the mix and a careful edit. Sometimes, there’s a happy accident—a piece you didn’t expect to work but somehow fits perfectly.”
Pearce encapsulates this magic perfectly: “Finding the right piece can take time, but when it works, it’s magic. You just have to be ready to jump when the moment’s right.”