Best place to buy antiques (Huntsville, Decatur: fit in, sales, consignment)

[Antique Girl]

As my name suggests, I am a big-time antique girl! It must be in my blood, because a couple of my Aunts had Antique stores in Kentucky. As a teenager, I was given my first quilt with burlap sacks sewn on the back and I was hooked.

I am now looking forward to moving to a historical home and I want to furnish it as such. I don't have nearly enough antique furniture pieces, in my present home so I will be looking in the Decatur/Huntsville area. Since I am not there yet, (but will be within the next couple of months), I am hoping that the kind folks that share my love for antiques will help give me some tips.

One sweet lady, told me that Fayetteville was a great place to shop, so I am passing that on, even though I have not "been there and done that", yet.

[Southlander]

Hartselle is a great place for antique shopping. Lots of little shops, most right downtown, with some cute places for lunch. Decatur has some on Bank Street and around Lee Street, there's a guy who refinishes antique furniture. (PM me on that, tho). It's been a long time since I went to the antique store in Huntsville that's across from the old depot, but it also had some treasures. Not as many shops as there used to be...it's been quite a while since I was "allowed" by the hubby to go antique shopping...he always seems to have something for me to do on the weekends......probably afraid I'll spend money!
Check the newspaper for auctions, too.
Fayetteville is renowned for the drapery and upholstery fabric shop named Sirs. I've never been, but I've heard good things about it for 25 years.
You might also make a trip to Florence (about an hour away). There are some shops there...including some neat clothing shops...if you're a single-digit size!

[Antique Girl]

Thank you Southlander, for some great tips! Auctions, what a great idea. I have never been to one, but look forward to it! My husband isn't too keen on my shopping adventures, but if I walk in front of the tv enough while he is watching sports, he is happy for me to get out of the house!
Unfortunately, for my husband, my single digit days are done. But, hey, there's more to love!

[NicoleC]

Caveat emptor in Hartselle -- there are more reproductions than originals. Of course, that's not unusual for antique shopping, and if *I* can tell they are a repro you should have no problem. Even if you don't spend money, there are some nice items to look at.

[Antique Girl]

Thank you Nicole!

[MonaLisaVito]

[nalabama]

B&W Auctions off Capshaw Road in northwest Madison County has the occasional memorable antique and many vintage pieces come across the block. Buddy's in Scant City (if they're still in business) has a higher percentage of antiques and better condition pieces at their auctions. Estate sales in Huntsville, Decatur, Athens, and Hartselle also offfer many opportunities to pick up on very reasonably priced antiques and vintage pieces. There are numerous antique shops/mall in Huntsville that carry nice pieces as well. And the Huntsville Times has many ads for antique/vintage pieces almost every day.

[JustAnotherGal]

I was going to mention B&W-- a good auction house-- just look over things first (a must at ANY auction)-- as having missing pieces such as knobs can really add up when it come to replacing.

Bank Street antiques in Decatur has a good selection of old goodies too! And Gloria who runs the place is great. They also have someone there that can RepaiR BROKEN glass pieces--- used to be you had to wait for a traveling antiques show to come thru to find someone who could do that!

There is a mall in madison called Hartlex-- they've about as much interior stuff now as antiques, but usually good stuff to be found.

AND youre not far from Nashville-- where you can get some great stuff at the nashville Flea market-- held the 4th weekend (I THINK!) at the fairgrounds there. In Brentwood & Franklin (this side of N'ville)- there are some great shops too.

AND You have to go to Sirs!!! Its amazing at their selection of goods!! Two buildings worth. AND their downtown is a true courthouse square with nice antique malls and eateries-- their movie house still runs too! I just love it there.

[Antique Girl]

Thank you everyone for all the great shops, etc... to visit and buy! All the best!

[Eco-Chic]

Definitely Fayetteville for the antique shops! Several around their square still. Send me an email when you arrive and I can hook you up with advice from an antique pro. My brother owned a small antique shop on the square a few years ago but auctioned everything off when he moved back to Germany. He's just recently moved back home (a block off the Fayetteville square in the big old historical house with the new red roof) and is contemplating opening another this Fall once he's settled. He bought tons of fabulous things in Europe (gave me a gorgeous rug and after I pouted over the huge dough bowl he gave one of my sisters, he brought me a smaller one. Now, if I can just work up a few tears I might be able to weasel a French Confit out of him. .

Even though he's stingy with some of his things, the man knows where to get everything - and the best prices. BTW: some great old chairs at Changes in Athens Consignment Center if you like primitives. And, although they aren't an antique store, but rather more a gift shop, Pimientos on the square often has some pretty great pieces. In fact, she has a HUGE dough bowl in her window display and at least 1 French Confit in that same window. It's priced right, too. Ebay is selling them for $200 -$300 for that size right now and her's was only marked $95.

Good luck on your treasure hunt.

Carol