Visit The Local Vault

The inventory changes in real time at The Local Vault, where this vignette of decorative objects includes a chinoiserie lacquered trunk, a vintage high chair, and a still life by artist Donald Roy Purdy.

The “smalls” area features many one-of-a-kind decorative objects, lighting fixtures, and mirrors.

An Edward Evans abstract painting hangs above a silver scalloped console from Bernhardt.

A Clara Hallencreutz acrylic-framed photograph is staged with a mix of accents including a vintage vanity mirror.

Call them pre-loved, gently used—or secondhand, if you insist. The home furnishings and decorative accessories you’ll find at The Local Vault all have a past. But that’s the beauty in shopping here: finding a new use, a new purpose, a new home, for something of quality. That, and scoring those table lamps you missed out on three seasons ago.

The Local Vault is a luxury consignment marketplace with offices in Greenwich and 20,000 square feet of warehouse space in Bridgeport, where a carefully curated, ever-changing inventory—from upholstered pieces, case goods, antiques, and lighting to original artwork—awaits its next home.

“Many of our customers are young and savvy, and they like the idea of repurposing home furnishings,” says cofounder Patricia Espinosa. Others are discerning shoppers who enjoy the thrill of the hunt. “Our focus is on luxury,” says Espinosa. “We won’t take anything that doesn’t meet our standards for quality and condition. We like to say we don’t discriminate by age, but we do discriminate by beauty.”

Designers looking to buy (or sell) that one-of-a-kind piece also source from The Local Vault. On a given day, you may luck out and find that perfect pair of Arteriors brass sconces for your living room, a Design Within Reach midcentury sideboard to complete your dining room, or something you didn’t know you had to have: an upholstered daybed by Barbara Barry for Baker.

What differentiates The Local Vault is its hybrid sales model. It operates very much as an online marketplace with an easy-to-navigate website. Every product description includes dimensions, photos, and a condition report. But unlike other e-commerce sites such as 1stDibs and Chairish, this one has a “please touch” policy. You can visit the company’s warehouse in Bridgeport (it’s located in the refurbished Singer sewing machine factory building) and browse three light-filled, jammed-to-the-rafters spaces, by appointment. There, you can sit in sofas, plug in light fixtures, run your hands along tabletops, test drawers, examine paintings up close—and get instant gratification. See something you love? Does it fit in your car? You can take it home that very day. In a world filled with supply chain woes and interminable shipping delays, it’s just another reason to shop local.

The Local Vault, Bridgeport, Connecticut,  thelocalvault.com