- ART & SOUL ANTIQUES & TREASURES
- CANTERBURY USED FURNITURE & ANTIQUES
- THE CLUTTER BOX ANTIQUES & USED FURNITURE
- LANTERN 44 LLC
- MILFORD ANTIQUES & FRIENDS
- PAUL'S ANTIQUES
- SWEET MEMORIES ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
- SPENCE'S BAZAAR & FLEA MARKET
- THE COPPER LEAF SHOPPE
- SIMPLY CHARMING AND SIMPLY CHARMING AT THE MILL
There's nothing quite like the thrill of discovering beautiful secondhand pieces at great prices. To those who love the adventure of antiquing, we see you — that's why we created this guide to point out where to buy antiques in Central Delaware.
10 Antiquing Destinations in Central Delaware
Why go antiquing in Central Delaware? The region is full of antique shops offering unique secondhand items, including but not limited to:
- Used furniture
- Vintage clothing
- Home decor
- Handmade crafts
- Rare collectibles
- Old books and music
Plus, Delaware has no sales tax, making the state one of the best places to go shopping for antiques in the entire country.
Need a place to start? Here's our list of the top eight must-visit antique shops in Delaware.
1. Art & Soul Antiques & Treasures
If you love classic pieces and historical artifacts, you need to visit Art & Soul Antiques & Treasures. Housed in a beautifully restored building in Camden, Art & Soul offers two floors of wonderful secondhand treasures such as artwork, unique gifts and even local honey.
Art & Soul is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Visit the shop's Facebook page for more information and business updates, or call them at 302-423-4325.
2. Canterbury Used Furniture & Antiques
Looking for a coffee table or a retro office chair? Stop by Canterbury Used Furniture & Antiques in Felton for high-quality secondhand furniture at excellent prices. In business since 1968, the store periodically sells pieces from well-known brands like Ethan Allen, Henkel Harris, Kincaid, Thomasville and more.
Canterbury Used Furniture & Antiques is open six days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 302-423-4539 with any questions. You can also check out their official website for a glimpse of what's in stock.
3. The Clutter Box Antiques & Used Furniture
While this shop's name calls to mind images of disorderly shelves, The Clutter Box Antiques & Used Furniture is anything but. A tidy, well-organized antique store in Harrington, The Clutter Box offers collectors a wide variety of secondhand glassware, furniture, jewelry and decor.
The Clutter Box is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the shop at 302-398-8690 for more information.
4. Lantern 44 LLC
Lantern 44 LLC is an antique and country store located just 15 minutes from Dover in the small town of Hartly. Carrying a wide variety of antiques, handmade goods and new country decor, Lantern 44 LLC is a great place to find something old and something new.
Lantern 44 LLC is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call the shop at 302-343-9363 with any questions. You can also tune in to their weekly Facebook livestreams every Thursday evening to see what's new.
5. Milford Antiques & Friends
Nestled in the heart of downtown Milford, Milford Antiques & Friends is a must-visit for anyone who loves to learn about old treasures. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore — the shop offers a diverse array of knick-knacks, vintage clothing and antique furniture to sort through.
Make a day of your visit by spending the morning browsing the shop, then complete your outing with a sweet snack at Fortunata's Bakery or Kaisy's Delights.
Milford Antiques & Friends is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Have questions? You can call the shop at 302-344-7892.
6. Paul's Antiques
Paul's Antiques in Dover is a one-of-a-kind antique store and workshop you need to check out. A family-owned business since 1979, Paul's carries a wide selection of finished and unfinished wood furniture and other secondhand collectibles. They also offer repairs and full restorations for antique furniture, so if you have a vintage piece that's in need of some TLC, bring it in.
Call Paul's Antiques at 302-734-2280 for more information about their hours and repair services.
7. Sweet Memories Antiques & Collectibles
There's truly a treasure waiting around every corner at Sweet Memories Antiques & Collectibles. From hand-painted furniture and quirky collectibles to timeless home decor, Sweet Memories has something to offer every kind of collector.
Most notably, the shop has an extensive selection of vinyl, including singles and LPs. If you bring a music lover along, be warned — you'll be spending plenty of time here. The staff is friendly and welcoming, so you can rely on them to help you find what you're looking for.
New inventory arrives daily, so check back frequently if you're in the area. Call ahead at 302-736-3533 for more information and hours of operation.
8. Spence's Bazaar & Flea Market
Part flea market, part auction and part farmers market, Spence's Bazaar & Flea Market has something for everyone. The market is enormous and open, with vendors both outdoors and indoors. You'll find everything from books and collectibles to clothing and household goods. Be sure to pick up some homemade ice cream and Amish pastries for the road!
Spence's is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit their official Facebook page for the latest news and updates, or call the market at 302-734-3441 with any questions.
9. The Copper Leaf Shoppe
The Copper Leaf Shoppe staff lovingly refurbishes antique furniture and decor. From quirky lampshades to beautifully repainted chests, the shop offers something for every home.
Due to its convenient location on N Dupont Hwy, you can easily make the most out of your excursion by stopping for a coffee or picking up some groceries on your way home.
The Copper Leaf Shoppe is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check out their Instagram page for a glimpse of what's in stock.
10. Simply Charming and Simply Charming at the Mill
Simply Charming offers an exceptional selection of items for nearly every decorating style, from antique furniture to home and garden accessories. Inventory is artfully arranged, creating a delightful feast for the eyes and an escape from the ordinary.
To provide a more convenient shopping experience, the store has two locations:
- Simply Charming, located at 2 S. Railroad Avenue
- Simply Charming at the Mill, located at 11 Mill St.
Both locations are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit their Facebook page or call the shop at 302-697-6100 for more information.
Top Antiquing Tips
If you're looking for quality, you need to know how to recognize it. Follow these tips to shop like a pro:
- Get up close and personal: To properly inspect a piece, you might need to get a little physical. With the vendor's permission, get underneath used furniture, open drawers and flip items over to get the best idea of an item's condition.
- Bring tools: Make sure you've got your phone to quickly look up information about items while browsing — what you learn might reveal key details about an item's value or condition. You can also bring other tools like a measuring tape, magnet or magnifying glass for a detailed inspection.
- Look for dates: Many items, like ceramics, books or even furniture, will have their date of production printed on them. It can help to know where to look for these markings before heading out.
- Ask for help: If you have any questions about a piece — where it's from, how old it is or how to care for it — flag down a staff member! Antique vendors know their wares, so you can rely on them to fill you in on everything you need to know.
Download Our Visitor Guide to Learn More!
Whether you're redecorating your home, hunting for the perfect gift or just looking for something to do while you're in the area, consider hitting some of Central Delaware's collection shops and antique markets. You might just find something you love.
Are you planning a visit to Central Delaware? Download the guide to help you get started!
