Where To Find Antiques In West Chester, Chadds Ford And Beyond

by Patricia Mae Olson, Home Editor  

Call me an old soul, but one of my favorite things to do is spend a day antiquing. As I child, I loved exploring my grandparents’ antique-filled house and finding its beautiful treasures. And, I loved learning about antique furniture from my dad, who had many books on the subject.  

When I purchased my first home, I started collecting my own antique pieces. A curated home with character is better than one filled with generic,  mass-produced modern finds.  

Luckily, our local area is filled with tons of antique malls, thrift stores and vintage boutiques. Before we get into which are the best local antique shops, we should agree on what makes something antique or vintage.  

An antique is a piece of décor, clothing, or furniture – or an accessory or artifact – that is 100 years or older. So right now, anything from 1923 or earlier is an antique. Vintage pieces are newer, but at least 20 years old. Anything less than 20 years old is a thrifted find, as long as it is gently used and in good condition. You’ll find those in thrift stores, often donated by their owners  with proceeds going to a charity.  

So, which are our region’s best antique stores? Which are worth investigating? I visited some of my old favorites and researched new-to-me shops. Here’s my list of the top eight antique stores in Chester County.  

Brandywine River Antiques A beautiful 1800s bank barn, this 14,000 square foot space has three floors of treasures. The barn hosts 40 antique dealers who come from all over PA to offer beautiful wood antique furniture, impressive chandeliers, art prints that include botanicals and maps, décor  and jewelry. 878 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford

Creekside Antiques From furniture to knickknacks, art to tableware, Creekside has antiques, vintage and everything in between. The place is packed with treasures that are organized well – and the helpful staff will guide to the pieces you didn’t know you needed. 35 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown

Cricket’s Antiques & Garden Market This beautiful bank barn has two floors and 8,000 square feet of treasures – and an additional acre of outdoor space. With 65 small businesses represented, there is something for everyone, from antiques to artisan-made candles and soaps – and actual art from Chester County’s own LivNSol. 1641 Horseshoe Pike (Rte.322), Glenmore

Dishfunctional Previously located in West Chester Borough, Dishfunctional recently relocated to Malvern. As the name says, this store is loaded with China, glassware and other tabletop finds. You’ll discover full 10-piece settings, mix-and-match tea cups, crystal and more. Plus, they have an outlet called Dish Too. It’s in the same shopping center with more finds at even better price points. Lincoln Court Shopping Center, 225 Lancaster Ave., Malvern

Frazer Antiques While this store looks tiny from the outside, it is actually  multiple rooms of vintage and antique finds. Frazer Antiques has everything from furniture to décor, and one of the best selections of vintage linens and lace. They even have some fabric bolts. 351 Lancaster Ave., Frazer 

HL Chalfont For more than 40 years, HL Chalfont has authenticated and sold American furniture, décor, and art from the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries. Here, you’ll find Philadelphia Chippendale furniture, Queen Anne style chairs, clocks, mirrors, desks and a wide array of art. 1352 Paoli Pike, West Chester

Melangell Antiques Housed in a former hunting lodge that was part of the Greystone estate, Melangell is just outside of downtown West Chester.  Melangell has vintage finds for your garden, small furniture pieces, and a good selection of Blue Willow and blue-and-white finds. Plus, the store carries  a small selection of modern-day brands that make great gifts. 1133 Pottstown Pike, West Chester

Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall This two-story antique mall is filled with hundreds of stalls from various vendors. There’s truly something for everyone, including chinoiserie, vintage ornaments, war memorabilia, Oriental rugs, “rare Wyeths,” and an impressive amount of crystal healing rocks. I always find unique, vintage jewelry in their many glass cases. 640 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford  

Other local spots to add to your shopping hunt include the various Goodwill and thrift stores. They might require some digging, checking back and looking for a diamond in the rough but you can find some great furniture,  décor and lots of fashion finds too!  

Want more shopping advice? Read our round-up of great clothes consignment stores on the Main Line and its surrounding area.

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