Television designers are always using salvaged or antique pieces. There’s a reason for that: using a piece from the past adds instant character to even the newest home. Even if you’re not in the market for a bit of history, architectural salvage stores are fun to wander through. Let your imagination soar:  That door could be a table…those shutters could be a screen…that stained glass would look amazing…so many possibilities! When you’re ready to start treasure-hunting, check out these area salvage spots.

DOC’S ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE – SPRINGFIELD

Wear comfy shoes! Doc’s has 36,000 square feet of “quality salvage” that includes  cast iron bath tubs, sinks, antique lighting, Victorian fireplace mantels, tin ceiling, windows, doors, door hardware, decorative glass, and more. Check them out.

PRESERVATION STATION – NASHVILLE

Preservation Station says they’re “building a future with the architectural elements of the past.” They offer many different items, but one highlight is their lighting. They have a range of light fixtures dating from the 1850’s to the 1940’s that come “with all the necessary attachments for modern installation” (not always the case with antique pieces). Visit their site. 

ANTIQUE ARCHEOLOGY – NASHVILLE

If you’ve ever watched American Pickers on the History Channel, you just might spot some of the Mike Wolfe’s finds from the show in Antique Archeology. We’re told lookie-loos are always welcome, so stop in and poke around. Even the building is getting a second life, as the store is located in the old Marathon Automobile factory from the early 1900s. See it here.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE – NASHVILLE & FRANKLIN

It’s not your typical architectural salvage store, but they have a wide variety of donated items like kitchen cabinets, doors and windows, flooring, bricks, tiles…you never know what you might find! Plus, your purchase helps support a great cause. Find a store near you.

NASHVILLE FLEA MARKET – NASHVILLE

A Nashville tradition since 1969, the Nashville Flea Market is a fun day out and a terrific place to go treasure-hunting. Will you find the Victorian fireplace mantle of your dreams? The perfect mid-century side table? An art deco lamp? Who knows? That’s part of the fun. Learn more.

If you’re serious about adding something old to your home, here are a few tips:

• Measure your space and keep those measurements with you at all times—you never know when you’ll stumble across the perfect something.
• Check the condition very carefully; does it have all its parts?
• Ask (nicely) for a better deal. You may not get it, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
• Check their return policy before you buy, just in case you measured wrong or suffer buyer’s remorse.

Happy hunting!