Denver has long been a hub for creative individuals, from artists to designers and, of course, antique collectors. The city boasts a unique combination of old-world charm and modern flair, making it an ideal place for those with a passion for antique shopping and vintage finds. Whether you’re looking for furniture, clothing, art, or small knick-knacks, Denver offers a range of shops where timeworn treasures can be found. In this post, we’ll explore the city’s best antique shops, flea markets, and hidden gems, offering you a comprehensive guide to Denver’s vibrant antique and vintage shopping scene.
Why Denver is a Haven for Antique Lovers
Before we dive into specific locations, it’s important to understand why Denver has become such a hotspot for antique enthusiasts and vintage collectors. The city’s history and architecture play a major role in its antique scene. Founded in the 1800s during the Colorado Gold Rush, Denver’s rich past and eclectic vibe have fostered an environment that celebrates history and craftsmanship.
From the Victorian-era to mid-century modern design, Denver is home to a range of antique shops that specialize in all things retro, nostalgic, and valuable. Additionally, with the growing interest in sustainability, more and more shoppers are turning to vintage items as a means to reduce waste and invest in high-quality, timeless goods.
In this post, we’ll guide you through some of the most celebrated antique shops in Denver, each offering something a little different for shoppers on the hunt for that perfect vintage find.
1. The Antique Row District
Location: Broadway Street, Denver, CO
The Antique Row District is undoubtedly one of Denver’s premier destinations for antique lovers and collectors. Located along the iconic South Broadway (also known as SoBo), this charming stretch is home to an eclectic collection of antique shops, each offering an assortment of rare finds, vintage treasures, and timeless classics. From ornate Victorian furniture to retro mid-century modern pieces, the district is an essential stop for anyone in search of quality antiques.
What Makes It Special:
Diverse Selection
One of the biggest draws of the Antique Row District is the sheer diversity of items available. Whether you’re hunting for art deco furniture, searching for vintage clothing, or seeking out rare collectibles, there’s something for every style and interest. The area features shops that specialize in specific time periods, ensuring that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a Victorian-era lamp or a mid-century modern side table.
Shops such as Old Glory Antique Marketplace and Broadway Antique Market cater to enthusiasts who appreciate not only the aesthetics of antique furniture but also the craftsmanship and history behind these pieces. You’ll find fine jewelry, ceramics, vintage tools, classic books, and more.
Local Flair
The shops lining South Broadway have a special charm. Many of these stores have been family-owned for generations, and as such, they embody the local spirit of Denver. There’s something incredibly rewarding about shopping in this area, as many of the antique dealers are passionate about the stories behind their items and the art of curating vintage collections. Many stores also offer locally made or restored items that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Antique Row isn’t just about the treasures inside the shops; it’s also about the experience. The district has a quirky, artistic vibe, with murals, eclectic storefronts, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes browsing feel like a treasure hunt. Strolling down the street, you’ll encounter all sorts of curiosities, from weathered farmhouse tables to gleaming retro barware.
Easy to Explore
Another perk of Antique Row is the walkability of the area. All the antique stores are clustered in a compact stretch of Broadway, so you can easily wander from shop to shop, taking your time to explore each unique offering. You might step into one store and find yourself surrounded by vintage clothing and art deco lamps, then walk into the next and discover European antiques or rustic home decor. The variety of inventory makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for — and to stumble upon surprises along the way.
Many shops offer personalized assistance, allowing you to learn about the pieces you’re interested in. It’s not uncommon for the owners to share fascinating stories about how they sourced their items, adding a personal touch to your experience.
Notable Shops in the Antique Row District
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Old Glory Antique Marketplace:
- This sprawling 10,000-square-foot antique mall is one of the largest in Denver and offers a vast variety of items, ranging from furniture and lighting to artworks, home décor, and vintage signage. You’ll find curated displays that showcase everything from French Provincial chairs to mid-century modern credenzas. If you’re looking for a unique piece or a high-quality collectible, Old Glory is a must-visit.
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Broadway Antique Market:
- Known for its strong focus on mid-century modern furnishings, Broadway Antique Market is perfect for collectors of retro furniture and vintage clothing. Whether you’re on the lookout for Eames-style chairs, vintage textiles, or fifties-era home décor, this shop is a goldmine for retro lovers. Be sure to check out the vintage vinyl records and unique jewelry offerings here as well.
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Art District Antiques:
- For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Art District Antiques offers an impressive collection of European antiques, including rare French furniture, hand-painted ceramics, and fine art. It’s a great destination for collectors who want to add sophisticated, one-of-a-kind pieces to their collections.
2. The Denver Flea Market
Location: 4600 N. Federal Blvd., Denver, CO
The Denver Flea Market is a treasure trove for collectors and antique hunters alike. Known as one of the oldest and most beloved markets in the city, this large and vibrant marketplace features hundreds of vendors selling everything from vintage records and retro furniture to rare collectibles and artisan goods. Located a short drive from the city center, the Denver Flea Market is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
What Makes It Special:
Unpredictable Finds
One of the charms of the Denver Flea Market is its constantly evolving stock. The market changes each week, with new vendors and items popping up regularly. As a result, each visit to the market offers a new adventure — you never know what you might find! Whether you’re searching for a vintage dresser, classic vinyl, or rare mid-century chairs, the market’s eclectic mix of items makes it an exciting destination for any antique lover.
Affordable Prices
Unlike many antique shops where prices can be steep, the Denver Flea Market is known for its affordable prices. You’ll find high-quality, vintage pieces at reasonable costs, making it an excellent spot for both novice collectors and experienced antique hunters. You can score everything from antique furniture to vintage jewelry and old postcards without breaking the bank.
The Thrill of the Hunt
There’s a certain thrill in shopping at flea markets — and the Denver Flea Market is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, there’s something truly rewarding about stumbling upon a rare find or securing a one-of-a-kind piece. The market’s treasure hunt atmosphere encourages you to dig deep into each vendor’s booth and explore every corner of the market.
What to Look For:
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Vintage Jewelry: You’ll find everything from gold brooches and art deco rings to unique bracelets and vintage watches. Whether you’re looking for something glamorous or simple, the flea market offers an array of jewelry options for collectors.
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Furniture: Many vendors specialize in mid-century modern furniture, offering chic armchairs, vintage coffee tables, and retro lighting. Look for well-crafted and sturdy pieces that might need a little love and restoration.
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Collectibles: The flea market is a great place to browse for rare collectibles, including antique glassware, vintage postcards, militaria, and old maps. For collectors, the market is a dream come true, with lots of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
3. Reclaimed Warehouse
Location: 2801 W. 6th Ave., Denver, CO
For those who love the idea of breathing new life into vintage materials, the Reclaimed Warehouse is the ultimate destination. Located just a short drive from downtown Denver, this massive warehouse specializes in upcycled and reclaimed furniture, home decor, and industrial items. The store is a paradise for anyone seeking unique, customizable pieces that blend rustic charm with modern sophistication.
What Makes It Special:
Unique, Customizable Pieces
Unlike traditional antique shops, Reclaimed Warehouse focuses on upcycled items, meaning they take old furniture and materials and breathe new life into them. Their inventory includes reclaimed wood tables, industrial-style shelves, vintage light fixtures, and rustic barn doors that can be tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a functional yet stylish item, Reclaimed Warehouse delivers.
Big, Bold Finds
This warehouse isn’t about dainty knick-knacks; it’s all about big, bold statement pieces. From oversized tables to custom-built shelving, everything at Reclaimed Warehouse has presence. It’s the place to go if you want to add dramatic flair to your home while staying true to sustainable practices.
Sustainable Shopping
Reclaimed Warehouse champions sustainability by offering items made from reclaimed materials. This makes it a great place for eco-conscious shoppers who want to invest in well-crafted, sustainable furniture while reducing their environmental footprint. Each piece has its own history, giving it a unique story to tell.
Must-See Items:
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Industrial Lighting: The warehouse carries a fantastic range of vintage chandeliers, sconces, and pendant lights that bring a vintage industrial vibe to any space.
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Reclaimed Wood Furniture: Expect to find sturdy and beautifully restored tables, bookshelves, and storage cabinets made from salvaged wood.
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Vintage Workbenches: If you’re looking for a functional and stylish statement piece, check out their collection of vintage workbenches that are perfect for home offices or as kitchen islands.
4. Mile High Flea Market
Location: 7007 E. 88th Ave., Henderson, CO (Just outside Denver)
The Mile High Flea Market, located just outside Denver in Henderson, CO, is one of the largest and most beloved markets in the area. This sprawling, outdoor marketplace features a variety of vendors, each offering a unique selection of items. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual shopper, the Mile High Flea Market has something for everyone. The vintage section of the market is particularly popular with antique lovers, offering everything from classic cars to retro furniture and rare collectibles.
What Makes It Special:
Large Selection of Antiques
If you’re looking for a treasure trove of vintage items, the Mile High Flea Market is one of the best spots in the Denver metro area. With hundreds of vendors spread out over a vast area, you’re bound to find something that sparks your interest. Whether you’re in the market for classic cars, vintage clothing, antique furniture, or collectible toys, the Mile High Flea Market offers a vast range of products to satisfy every type of antique enthusiast. The vintage section alone is a dream come true for anyone who loves to hunt for unique, rare items from the past.
Affordable Finds
In addition to its wide selection, one of the best aspects of the Mile High Flea Market is its affordability. Unlike some antique shops, where prices can be steep, this flea market offers plenty of budget-friendly options. Whether you’re shopping for a statement mid-century modern chair or a vintage vinyl record, you’ll find items that fit a variety of price points. Bargain hunters will appreciate the opportunity to negotiate prices with vendors, adding an extra layer of excitement to the shopping experience.
Year-Round Fun
The Mile High Flea Market is open every weekend, year-round. Whether it’s summer or winter, this market provides a great opportunity to explore an extensive range of goods, no matter the season. In the summer, you can enjoy the outdoor environment, browse through the booths, and discover new items while soaking up the sunshine. Even in the winter, the market stays lively, with indoor areas offering plenty of vintage and collectible treasures. The market’s consistent opening hours ensure that it’s a regular part of the Denver antique scene.
Highlights:
Retro Furniture
The Mile High Flea Market is a haven for retro furniture lovers. You’ll find mid-century modern chairs, rustic tables, and vintage accent pieces that can transform any home into a nostalgic haven. Many vendors specialize in well-preserved furniture from past decades, including art deco, Victorian, and mid-century styles. Look for unique, sturdy pieces that can be restored to their former glory, or choose an item that perfectly fits your existing décor.
- Mid-Century Modern Chairs: These chairs, characterized by sleek lines, organic shapes, and minimalist designs, remain a staple for any retro-inspired home.
- Vintage Accent Pieces: From chandeliers to side tables, the Mile High Flea Market is a great place to find distinctive items that serve as conversation starters.
Classic Records
For music enthusiasts, the Mile High Flea Market’s vinyl record selection is a must-see. With numerous vendors offering vintage records, you’ll find rare albums and hard-to-find editions, including classic rock, jazz, blues, and even early pop records. Whether you’re searching for a beloved album from your past or exploring genres you’ve never heard before, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your musical tastes.
- Vintage Vinyl: Browse through crates filled with old-school vinyl records. Whether you’re looking for rare Beatles albums or iconic jazz collections, you’ll be sure to find something special.
- Hard-to-Find Editions: Many record sellers at the flea market offer limited-edition prints, albums with unique artwork, and special vinyl pressings that collectors covet.
Antique Toys & Games
For those who love a little nostalgia, the Mile High Flea Market is home to many vendors who specialize in vintage toys, board games, and action figures. Whether you’re reminiscing about your childhood or searching for collectible toys to add to your collection, this market has plenty of options. From antique dolls and classic toy cars to vintage board games like Monopoly and Clue, you can take a trip down memory lane and relive the past.
- Vintage Dolls & Action Figures: Look for rare dolls, action figures, and collectibles from decades past. Whether you collect Barbie dolls, GI Joe figures, or Star Wars memorabilia, there’s a good chance you’ll find something to add to your collection.
- Classic Board Games: Vintage games like Scrabble or Operation can bring back fond memories, and many of them come in the original packaging.
The Mile High Flea Market Experience:
The Mile High Flea Market is more than just a place to shop; it’s an experience. It’s a bustling marketplace where you can wander between booths and enjoy the sense of discovery that comes with hunting for rare finds. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect vintage lamp or simply enjoying the energetic atmosphere, the Mile High Flea Market makes it easy to spend an afternoon exploring. The market is known for its community vibe, where both sellers and buyers share their passion for antiques and collectibles.
In addition to antiques, the flea market also offers a variety of food vendors, making it a great place to grab a bite while you shop. You’ll find food trucks offering everything from gourmet tacos to handmade ice cream, making it easy to fuel up during your shopping spree. Whether you’re shopping for furniture, records, toys, or unique collectibles, the Mile High Flea Market provides an experience that’s both fun and fulfilling.
5. Rustic Touch Antiques
Location: 1575 S. Broadway, Denver, CO
If you’re a fan of rustic and vintage home décor, Rustic Touch Antiques is a must-visit shop in Denver. Located along the iconic South Broadway district, this charming shop specializes in rustic, farmhouse-style furniture and décor that add a warm, nostalgic feel to any space. With an emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship and timeless design, Rustic Touch Antiques is a favorite among those seeking pieces that tell a story and bring old-world charm into modern homes.
What Makes It Special:
Rustic Charm
Rustic Touch Antiques focuses on creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere with their vintage farmhouse décor. The shop offers a variety of items that add character and charm to your living space. Whether you’re decorating a country-style home or just love the rustic look, Rustic Touch provides a handpicked selection of antiques and vintage accessories that bring warmth and history to any room. Think weathered wood, distressed furniture, and vintage finds that exude timeless elegance.
Genuine Antique Furniture
One of the standout features of Rustic Touch Antiques is their collection of genuine antique furniture. Each piece is carefully selected for its craftsmanship and character. From old wooden buffets to rustic dressers and vintage armchairs, these furniture pieces have been preserved and restored to offer both functionality and style. Their goal is to provide customers with furniture that stands the test of time — both in terms of durability and design.
Hand-Picked Selection
Rustic Touch offers a curated shopping experience. Every item on the floor has been carefully chosen, ensuring that customers can easily find quality, unique items without having to sift through endless choices. From vintage mirrors to handcrafted lamps, the selection is both beautiful and functional.
Recommended Finds:
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Antique Buffets & Sideboards: Rustic Touch is known for its fantastic selection of buffets, sideboards, and china cabinets. These pieces are perfect for adding vintage charm to your dining room while providing ample storage space. Expect to find refined pieces with intricate detailing that can serve as statement furniture in any home.
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Vintage Mirrors: The shop carries a wide range of vintage mirrors that add both style and functionality to any room. Whether you prefer ornate gold-framed mirrors or more distressed wooden designs, Rustic Touch has options that can complement a variety of décor styles. These mirrors not only reflect light but also serve as art pieces in their own right.
Conclusion
Denver’s antique scene is a goldmine for collectors, decorators, and anyone with an appreciation for vintage finds. Whether you’re strolling down the Antique Row District, exploring the treasures at Mile High Flea Market, or searching for custom reclaimed furniture at the Reclaimed Warehouse, you’ll find that Denver’s antique shops and vintage markets offer endless possibilities for discovery.
The key to enjoying Denver’s antique and vintage shopping scene is taking the time to explore, discover hidden gems, and engage with the passionate sellers who make these shops so unique. Whether you’re an avid collector or a casual shopper, Denver’s antique shops are sure to inspire and delight. Happy hunting!