electra-supply.comI recently made a bold move by purchasing a mid-century Gunlocke chair from a seller I found on Facebook Marketplace. I drove all the way to Hollywood to meet a woman I’d never met before. When I got home, my family was impressed with my find, but they were also quite surprised that I went to a stranger’s house alone. Thankfully, I made it back safe and sound.
Scrolling through Facebook Marketplace can be quite addictive, with endless listings allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home. But if you’re hesitant about buying second-hand items from strangers or prefer to see and test the furniture before committing—like I do—why not explore the thriving vintage market in Los Angeles? There are plenty of options, including antique shops, consignment stores, flea markets, thrift stores, and reputable vintage shops specializing in mid-century modern furniture.
Buying second-hand doesn’t mean compromising on quality. During my shopping adventures, I’ve come across stunning French furniture sets priced at $30,000, and second-hand items are generally much more affordable. Not only does this approach save you money, but it also helps reduce waste. However, it’s essential to have a game plan before you go thrifting:
– Bring a tape measure; not all stores label their items’ dimensions.
– Many shops receive new inventory daily, with items coming from various sources, from estate sales to container shipments.
– Be patient; finding good second-hand furniture takes time. If you don’t see something you like today, return in a few days.
– Many stores offer affordable third-party shipping options.
This list focuses on shops in and around the Chinese community. For additional locations, refer to the original article linked at the end.
1. **King Richard’s Antique Center, Whittier / Thrift Store**
Chuck and Martha Garcera’s 57,000-square-foot antique shop is a favorite among Hollywood set designers. The shop itself is a historic house from 1902 and boasts California’s largest collection of classic and antique furniture. You could easily spend an entire day browsing their four floors filled with everything from 1950s furniture to 1970s clothing, as well as some stunning mid-century ceramic lamps.
On my last visit, I stumbled upon exciting mid-century modern pieces, including a $2,550 Adrian Pearsall yellow sofa set, a $1,250 Broyhill wardrobe, a $1,200 Eames-style lounge chair, and an $1,850 Corbusier three-piece sofa set, among others.
**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 assist with loading items into your vehicle, or they can arrange third-party shipping for larger items.
2. **Motley Design Warehouse, Downtown Los Angeles / Classic Store**
Looking for a Paul McCobb bar cart, a Fratelli Mannelli stone giraffe sculpture, or a Walter Castle Molar Chair? You can find them at Motley. Specializing in Danish mid-century modern classics and contemporary California art, this showroom on Seventh Street features various furniture styles, including a 1970s Cado Royal cabinet set and a small section dedicated to classic clothing, with daily deals available 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**
For over 50 years, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has been the largest and oldest flea market, held every second Sunday of the month in the parking lot of the Rose Bowl stadium. Open from 5 AM to 4:30 PM, it attracts 2,500 vendors and about 20,000 visitors, featuring everything from antiques and collectibles to vintage clothing and accessories.
Entry costs $12, and if you want to get in early—before 9 AM—it will be $20. Children under 12 can enter for free with an adult. Tickets must be purchased online, with free parking available south of the stadium, while VIP parking costs $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 / Classic Store**
Next door to Sanford’s Vintage Records, SV Modern offers a range of mid-century modern furniture and lighting, as well as various items from artists and musicians. The small showroom features compact items, but store manager Joe Lopez mentions that they’ve created a niche with furniture that combines creativity and beauty. Because of its small size, don’t expect to see the same items from month to month—new pieces come in as items sell.
**Address:** 4950 Deland Ave., Pico Rivera, California 90660
**Phone:** 562-777-4134
**Instagram:** instagram.com/s_v_modern/
**Hours:** Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; weekdays by appointment only.
5. **Son of a Vet Thrift Shop, El Sereno / Thrift Store**
I first discovered Son of a Vet on Instagram, where they showcase most of their inventory. This thrift store in El Sereno has some fantastic furniture finds. Rustic Mexican-style chairs are priced at $15, while a flawless gray linen couch goes for $49.99. Some of the standout items I saw recently included a pink vanity for $150, a maple headboard for $199.99, and a farmhouse-style coffee table going for $24.99. The shop also offers black-and-white photos for $14.99 and Aaron Brothers frames for $11.99, among many kitchen items.
**Address:** 3310 N. Eastern Ave., Los Angeles, California 90032
**Phone:** 323-227-1808
**Instagram:** instagram.com/sonofavet_thriftshop_la_/
**Hours:** Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM.
**Shipping:** The shop has recommended third-party shipping options.
6. **St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles, Lincoln Heights / Thrift Store**
With 54,000 square feet to explore, this thrift store is ideal for finding a variety of sofas, chairs, and assorted furniture, all organized into separate rooms. There’s a wide price range for sofas, starting at $79 and going up to $800. This store partners with a Catholic volunteer organization to help those in need, but don’t forget to bring a tape measure—if you take too long to make up your mind, the staff will re-tag items.
**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.
**Additional Location:** 2750 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, 562-494-9955.
7. **Simplymod, San Dimas / Classic Store**
Michael Shaller has been specializing in mid-century furniture since 1996. He sources items from Denmark each year, bringing a selection to his San Dimas store, Simplymod. Here, you’ll find Scandinavian-style furniture, dining chairs designed by Sam Maloof, a 1940s Ikea wooden cabinet, and artwork and ceramics from around the world. Many items may not be on display, so if you’re searching for something specific, feel free to reach out directly.
**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 from the Los Angeles Times, written by Lisa Boone. 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)
