Words by Andrea Glinn | Photos by Brynn Burns
How to find authentic mid-century modern artifacts for the home.
Sourcing authentic mid-century modern furniture and accessories in Kansas City is not much of a challenge, thanks to the bounty of local vendors who do all the hard work of scouting and obtaining amazing artifacts for you! Because MCM relics are abundant, there are plenty of retail options at competitive prices and scouring Facebook Marketplace for deals might not be worth the hassle. Also, purchasing from legitimate dealers versus unverified individuals provides a level of accountability for the seller to be honest. If you are concerned with whether an item is a knock-off, new reproduction or an original antique and you can’t tell by looking, just ask the seller. Collectors love the opportunity to talk about their goods!
Don’t pay high dollar for items without original tags or stickers; use online resources such as Chairish and 1stDibs as a pricing reference. There are a wide range of prices when shopping for antiques dependent not only on the condition of the item but on the notoriety of the manufacturer and designer. Typically, you should find local prices to be lower than what is online because sellers appreciate moving inventory without the hassle of shipping, and of course Midwestern prices are always lower than what you find on the coasts in larger urban markets where the demand is higher.
MCM furnishings add charm and depth to a room by their inherently playful design, quality of materials and lively colors. Whether you are a purist or eclectic decorator, consider purchasing a cool, vintage treasure from one of these amazing resale shops found right here in KC!
Retro Inferno
By appointment and online inquiries at retroinferno.com
1500 Grand Blvd.
Urban Mining Vintage Market
Open First Friday Weekends
3111 Gillham Road
Populuxe
Open weekends
3109 Gillham Road
Hare and Arrow at Urban Mining
Pop-up and Artist Exhibits
Prize
Warehouse Weekends
and by appointment
You may also like these articles.
The essence of a water garden: You don’t know what your outdoor living space is missing
Good Earth Water Gardens creates intimate outdoor living spaces that are designed around water.
Your dream home starts with Pella windows and doors
Replacing old or inefficient windows and doors is a great way to increase energy efficiency, as well as modernizing your home’s look and style.
A Lit Collection
Moody lighting and deep, dark tones set the stage for a bourbon bar and a music room.
Unprohibited Fun
A speakeasy resonates with a historical look, where its design references are loud and clear
Hello, Queen Anne
Hailing Victorian-era royalty, this 1907 Hyde Park beauty
gets reimagined with modern maximalism.
Plaza Bachelorette Pad
A designer downsizes her home while upscaling her turnkey lifestyle.
Leave a Reply