As much as I love shopping at the popular, big-name home goods stores to furnish my apartment, there's something to be said about discovering those hidden gems nobody else has. They add a touch of personality and layer in a unique flair to my space that I can't achieve with a trip to a cheap mass chain. For items like these, I turn to estate sales. Sure, they carry a wide range of antiques, but they also have quite a bit of modern, on-trend, and affordable pieces that align perfectly with my sleek and minimal aesthetic.

From coffee-table accents to bedroom staples, I've scored several fresh finds at unbelievable prices over the years — ones that always seem to bring in the compliments and elicit questions from my houseguests. With a little online perusing of your own, you can easily add similar pieces to your own home; most of them are only lightly used and listed at a fraction of the price you would find elsewhere. Below are my top five items to look for:

Gold accessories are a surefire way to add a luxe touch to your space. I love using a sleek brass bowl to stack seasonal fruits in the center of the dining table, display atop a stack of books on a beautifully styled bookshelf, or corral a growing matchbook collection on the coffee table. New designer bowls can go for upward of $100, but you can find plenty of similar options for around $20.

Show off your interests and personality through a collection of carefully curated coffee-table books. Through the years, I've found a wide variety of interesting titles, from one on midcentury architecture to one on vintage Vogue covers. While book prices can vary based on their edition and condition, I find that it's rare for most gently used versions to surpass $30.

Whether it's in the entryway or in the bedroom, an ornate gold-toned mirror makes a subtle statement. I like dressing up my vanity with a little metallic sheen, especially when it's juxtaposed with more streamlined black and white pieces. You can easily score a decent-sized mirror for yourself for under $60.

A standalone bistro chair, like a midcentury bentwood design, placed against a wall is a great way to add visual interest and asymmetry to a space. Try using it as a nightstand on one side of the bed, to stack books and a vase of flowers in the living room, or, my favorite, to display a great handbag or a favorite pair of heels by the door. With a bit of patience, you can snag one for as little as $30 compared to the new designer ones that cost hundreds.

From small dishes to beautiful Champagne flutes, glassware is always a timeless and sophisticated addition to your home — and one that you can make for just a few dollars apiece. I love scattering the dishes throughout the house to hold things like jewelry, keys, coins, and bobby pins, while my collection of vintage coupes add a fresh contrast to my modern bar cart. The more mismatched, the better!

EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE brings the thrill of estate sale shopping online. We transform estate sales into sophisticated online auction experiences and maximize sales potential by reaching bidders and buyers worldwide.

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