Peruse the East End's Best of the Best Antique Stores
There’s something magical about antiques. They can be mysterious in the unknown stories they hold and surprisingly revealing in the ways they divulge their pasts. Sometimes it’s a craftsman’s signature marking, other times it takes a bit more detective work from a curious owner. Who owned this table? Where has it been? Was this the kitchen table of a sailor’s wife in the 1800s or was this the table on the ship? Either way, the right antique can transform a room. It can tie the present with the past and add comfort and character. Dan’s Papers has the Best of the Best antique stores on the North Fork and South Fork where you can find that storied piece that can make your house a home.
Where better to shop for antiques than a place that has been around just as long, if not longer, than most of what it sells. Hildreth’s Home Goods (51 Main Street, Southampton, 631-283-2300, hildreths.com) has been around forever. Well, not forever, but since 1842, making it America’s oldest family run and continuously owned department store. Hildreth’s features the Hamptons’ largest selection of interior and exterior home goods. The Dan’s Best of the Best platinum winning antique store on the South Fork has antique picnic benches, dining chairs, cabinets, nightstands, lamps, and flatware among a trove of hidden treasures.
Antique Center Southampton (245 Montauk Highway, Southampton, 631-726-7275, flowersandcompanyantiquescenter.com) is Dan’s Best of the Best silver antique store in the Hamptons. The Antique Center houses American and European antique furniture, artwork, lighting, jewelry, fashion, collectibles and accessories. The team of knowledgeable dealers is there to answer any questions and provide some fun-facts for curious customers.
Interior designers and architects from across the country know to stop at Country Gear (2408 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631-537-1032, countrygearltd.com), the bronze winning antique store whenever they’re in the Hamptons. The upscale furniture and lighting showroom features unique designs for a one-of-a-kind look.
The platinum antique store on the North Fork is In the Attic Too (1095 Franklinville Road, Laurel, 631-605-9439, intheattictoo.com) in Laurel. The family-owned and -operated business focuses on antique and vintage furniture and home decor. The small roadside home is stuffed with affordable antique items and each trip reveals something special.
Triangle Sea Sales (36 South Street, Greenport, 631-477-1773, triangleseasales.com) is a nautical shop in the historic maritime fishing village of Greenport. The silver winner for Dan’s Best of the Best antique store is filled with seaside nick-knacks. Triangle Sea Sales also sits in front of “Shipwreck Alley.” The seven sheds contain old lights, boat and ship parts, hardware, and old fishing gear among an assortment of maritime related pieces.
If you want to dig old-fashioned finds in an old farmhouse then White Flower Farmhouse (53995 Main Road, Southold, 631-765-2353) in Southold is the place to go. The decor of the White Flower Farmhouse perfectly captures quaint, casual, coastal living. From antique chairs to vintage chandeliers, the perfect items for any room can be found here.