Emily Henderson likes to create interesting spaces using unusual furniture and décor. However, instead of shopping for the latest trends, she shops at vintage and antique stores to be more sustainable. Emily told Rejuvenation that “the most sustainable thing you can do is not buy more new things. There are vintage designs out there that check the same boxes and are better for the planet.” Plus, items sold in vintage and antique stores tend to be more interesting than the brand-new items you’d find at other stores, which means your space will have more character.

Both antique and vintage stores sell used items; however, according to M.S. Rau, the difference is that antiques tend to be over 100 years old, while vintage stores carry items that aren’t quite as old but are still unique. These stores tend to be in trendy parts of town, surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and other locally owned shops, so you can make a fun day out of shop-hopping for new finds.