If you are a fan of “Windy City Rehab,” “Home Town,” “Fixer Upper,” or “American Pickers,” you no doubt have an appreciation for the beauty that lies within salvaging old architectural pieces and antique furniture. Salvage stores across the South are home to many hidden treasures and precious heirlooms. Those willing to hunt for these items can integrate unique and custom pieces into their home, and often for less than it would cost to purchase something new. We found five Southern salvage stores you are sure to love if you like hunting for treasures that deserve a new life in your home.
5 Southern Salvage Stores We Love
Preservation Station | Nashville, Tennessee
1809 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed on Sunday and Monday
Known for its extensive collection of antique chandeliers and sconces, Preservation Station has been providing meticulously restored and rewired lighting for designers, builders and homeowners since 2003. They also have a large selection of antique doors and hardware, in various styles, with some dating back to the 1820s. Some of the unique items you may find here include large stained-glass windows from old churches, clawfoot bathtubs, and mantels made in a variety of materials.
This antique Adam Style Wedding Cake Chandelier from the early 1900s is listed on Preservation Station’s website for $1,475. Image: Preservation Station
Doc’s Architectural Salvage | Springfield, Tennessee
200 East 9th Avenue, Springfield, TN 37172
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Whether you have or need salvaged items with architectural interest, Doc’s Architectural Salvage is a fantastic resource. They also do refurbishing and restoration of antiques as well as total building restoration, working with historic, commercial and residential construction. A visit to the warehouse yields treasures of all shapes and sizes — from smaller items such as vintage signs and wall scones to larger pieces like mantels, doors and even old wooden staircases complete with hand-carved spindles. They have an intriguing collection, and they offer prop and antique rentals for use in movies, as well as for weddings & events.
This vintage drug store Coca-Cola sign is currently listed on Doc’s Architectural Salvation website for $3,560. Image: Doc’s Architectural Salvage
Southern Accents | Cullman, Alabama
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Sunday; Monday by appointment
If you’re heading south, just before Birmingham in the small town of Cullman, you’ll find Southern Accents, a business established in 1969 by Dr. Garlan Gudger, who started rescuing architectural elements from local buildings that were set to be demolished. A recent Instagram post by Southern Accents showcases doors for sale from the Divine Lorraine Hotel in Philadelphia, PA, a hotel that was built in 1894 and known for attracting wealthy individuals looking for luxurious lodging. They offer more than 120 different styles and shapes of doors as well as newel posts, staircases, ironwork, gates, fountains, windows, shutters and so much more!
A recent Instagram post by Southern Accents showcases doors for sale from the Divine Lorraine Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. Image: Southern Accents
Architectural Salvage | Louisville, Kentucky
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday
This salvage store does not just make a regional effort, Architectural Salvage collects pieces from around the globe to resell in their 24,000-square-foot spaces in downtown Louisville. The large outdoor area houses items like wrought iron patio furniture, concrete lion statues and a copper horse weathervane. Indoors, where you’ll find a host of beautiful furniture pieces and adornments, you’ll also be in hardware heaven as you find every possible doorknob, hinge, chain and grate cover you can imagine. Dig through and find matches — or mix and match. It’s completely up to you!
This copper horse weathervane is listed on the Architectural Salvage website for $425. Image: Architectural Salvage
Architectural Accents | Atlanta, Georgia
2711 Piedmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday by appointment only
Established in 1981, Architectural Accents in Atlanta, Georgia is housed in a 30,000-square-foot showroom. They specialize in the restoration of antiques, returning them to their original pristine state. Items in their inventory include everything from mantels and balconies to bathtubs and chandeliers. In addition to restoration, they also do reproductions of originals, creating authentic-looking pieces at a more affordable price point.
This “Press for Champagne” button is one of the antique items that Architectural Accents can replicate for you as a custom order. Image: Architectural Accents
Next time you’re on the hunt for a unique item with an intriguing history, head to one of these Southern salvage stores and enjoy the hunt!
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