A Day at the Market: What We Look for When Sourcing Pieces
For many, antique shopping is a fun weekend activity. For us at Blue Door Vintage, it’s a passion and a craft. Every piece you see in our store or online has been thoughtfully handpicked, often after hours of searching, inspecting, and imagining how it will fit into someone’s home.
We believe sourcing is more than just buying; it’s about storytelling, craftsmanship, and connection. Here’s a peek into how we spend our market days.
Early Mornings & First Finds
The best treasures often appear when the sun is barely up. We arrive at markets like the Olney Village Market or the Chartreuse Fall Market Days with coffee in hand and eyes scanning every stall. We want to be the first to spot those rare, exceptional pieces before they’re gone.
What Catches Our Eye
We’re drawn to pieces with:
Quality Craftsmanship - Solid construction, hand-carved details, and materials that have stood the test of time.
Unique History - Items with provenance, maker’s marks, or a story to tell.
Timeless Design - Something that feels equally at home in a historic farmhouse or a modern loft.
This could mean anything from a century-old mortar bowl to a delicate Art Nouveau pearl chain necklace, or even a 150-year-old Thai sticky rice board.
The Inspection Process
Each find is carefully examined - checking for structural integrity, authentic patina, and, in some cases, imagining how it could be given new life. For example, a tarnished brass piece might be restored to a gentle shine, or a vintage vessel might be repurposed as a bespoke candle.
Why We’re Picky
We know our customers trust us to curate pieces that are worth the investment. That’s why we may leave with only a handful of items after combing through hundreds & we’re committed to bringing only the best back to Frederick and Hagerstown.
From Market to Storefront
Once sourced, each piece is cleaned, photographed, and listed online here or styled within our displays at:
Beaver Creek Antiques- Hagerstown, MD
Dibs Antiques - Frederick, MD
Want first access to our newest finds? Follow @bluedoor.vintage and visit our Frederick and Hagerstown locations often . our inventory changes weekly, and you never know what treasures you’ll discover.