Best Places For Antiquing In Detroit

One of the wonderful things about antiquing is that anyone can learn how to do it and you can start at any time. Antiques are typically defined as anything more than 100 years old, but modern antiques can qualify if they are considered rare and of high quality. However, do not confuse antiques with “collectables,” which includes items from popular culture such as lunch boxes and other items of everyday use of bygone eras. Here are five antique vendors that will get you started on your journey in the fascinating world of “tiquers.”

Showcase Collectables
3409 Cass Ave.
Detroit, MI  48218
(313) 831-6397

This is one of those hidden gems that very few people know about in the midst of Detroit, and it definitely fits the bill for antiquing. Showcase Collectables has a variety of antiques and collectables ranging from pictures to glassware to furniture and much more. It truly is a treasure hunt. The shop is run by seven owners who collect and display their finds inside at Showcase Collectibles, and they are as eclectic as the items they find. The owners have several dogs that greet each customer as they enter the shop. For a beginner, this is a great place to get your feet wet as the pricing is very reasonable and the variety will give you an idea of what types of antiques are out there.

Related: Best Vintage Shops in Detroit

Fred’s Unique Furniture and Antiques
20201 Livernois Avenue
Detroit, MI  48221
(313)345-0884
www.fredsuniquefurniture.com

Fred’s may not look like much at first glance, but start delving into the store and all sorts of treasures appear.  If you are looking for large, unique pieces of furniture to fill your home, then Fred’s will definitely give you something to consider for every room in the house. Check out his website to rifle through a gallery that showcases just a few of the many pieces he has available. The store also provides delivery and set up services, so you can take your new antique home without the hassle.

Royal Oak Flea Market
316 E 11 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248)246-3276
www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us

This market is a regional favorite and offers more than 100 vendors on a rotating basis. The Royal Oak Flea Market is open every Sunday and has been a local attraction for more than 80 years. Shoppers can hunt for antique treasures, vintage fashions and unique collectibles from vendors from across the state. One-stop-shopping at its best, there’s even a farmer’s market at Royal Oak that’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Antique market is open on Sundays only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., year round.

Related: Best Jewelry Stores in Detroit

Merchandise Exchange
6981 Auburn Road
Utica, MI  48317
(586) 298-3166
www.merchandisexchange.com

The Merchandise Exchange boasts 20,000 square feet of goodies jammed to the rafters–think of this as one gigantic garage sale. While this is not a true antique store, it is a great place for a beginner. Shoppers will find an antique section to peruse, and because the items are reasonably priced, newbies to the world of antiquing will feel comfortable getting their feet wet. The selection changes frequently, so you will always see something new. A member of the friendly staff will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you through the process so that you can go home with a beautiful piece to cherish for many years.

Town & Country Antiques Mall
31630 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI  48150
(734) 425-4344
www.townandcountryantiques.net

Every beginner must experience an Antique Mall, and fortunately, we have one in the form of Town & Country Antiques. Antique malls are comprised of several vendors with specific areas of focus, all located in one convenient place. This is a great way for you to get a feel for what you like and what you don’t like. A good antique mall will have a range of glassware, soft lines, hardware, books, furniture, toys, pictures, knickknacks, and even architectural antiques. Architectural antiques include old windows, trims, iron work and sometimes cement work.

Marci Savage has recently adopted Detroit as her new hometown. Besides writing for online news publications, she has been an executive director for a disability advocacy organization, a small business owner, a financial adviser, a licensed personal banker, an expert quilt teacher, a model and a published author. Her interests include fashion, politics, art, theater, storm chasing, Sci-Fi, and technology. Her expertise is on shopping and style. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.