Pacific Antiques Mall

Hello Kitty’s charm has made an impact not just in Japan, but across the globe. Chances are you’ve seen her or other Sanrio characters in theme parks, video games, songs, movie posters, sandals, rare collectibles, or everyday items like pencil cases, purses, and classroom stationery. Her presence is everywhere, which is part of what makes collecting vintage Hello Kitty items so enjoyable and nostalgic. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about starting or growing your own collection.   How is the condition of the item?   The condition of a vintage Hello Kitty item has a big impact on its value. Pieces in mint shape, with no scratches, scuffs, or damage, are usually worth more to collectors. That said, items with some wear can still be popular, especially if they bring nostalgia or personal enjoyment to the buyer.   How rare is the Hello Kitty collectible?   Rarity plays a big role in a Hello Kitty item’s value. Collectibles that ...

Do you want to give your living space a sense of drama that mass-produced furniture can’t imitate? Use a Gothic Revival antique chair as an accent piece — perhaps in a reading nook or to break the uniformity in a modern dining room. Their dark wood and striking carved spires draw the eye instantly and bring depth to the setting.   Of course, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if this is your first time buying or collecting Gothic antique chairs . You might even end up with a reproduction instead of a genuine period piece if you don’t know what to look for. There’s nothing wrong with a reproduction, but if you want a piece that has real provenance, then you need to know how to spot the details that separate an original from a copy.   How to identify Gothic antique chairs   Look for pointed arches, quatrefoils, miniature turret-like spires, and other design elements borrowed from medieval architecture. These details were hallmarks of the Gothic Revival style in the m...

  Are you getting your home ready for Halloween? Nothing sets the mood quite like the furniture you choose. Forget the same old manufactured Halloween decorations and visit your local antique mall instead! Who knows what kind of creepy-cool antique furniture you might stumble across to cast the right feel? Here are a few pieces worth keeping an eye out for:   Vintage dressers   A vintage dresser can add just the right touch of mystery to your Halloween setup. Drape it with faux cobwebs, place a few flickering candles on top, and you’ve got an instant spooky focal point. If you’re shopping with resale value in mind, you’ll do well as long as the dresser is in good condition. Wood types like pine, mahogany, and oak are always popular, so whether you decide to keep it or sell it later, it’s a smart find.   Pine farmhouse tables   A pine farmhouse table makes the perfect centerpiece for Halloween dinners, whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or...

There’s something charming about antique lighters that other everyday objects just don’t seem to capture. Each one shows off the style and craftsmanship of the era it came from, which is exactly what makes them so fascinating to collect!   At Pacific Antiques Mall , we love helping people explore the world of antiques in person. With dozens of stalls under one roof, you’ll find plenty of unique lighters to examine, compare, and maybe even take home. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re interested in looking at antique lighters in particular :   Brands of antique lighters   The brand name etched on the base will tell you a lot about whether you’re holding a common piece or something collectors will pay for. Zippo antique lighters tend to be highly collectible because of their wartime history and endless design variations. Ronson is another favorite that collectors watch closely, especially their Varaflame and Comet lines. Don’t forget to look for rare...

Do you want to bring Asian tradition and refined aesthetics into your home? Don’t waste your money ordering plastic Buddha statues or machine-printed calligraphy posters from Amazon. Why not collect authentic Asian art antiques instead? Temple carvings, ceremonial ceramics, and other such items with real history behind them are so much more compelling and dimensional than those generic art prints everyone seems to have. And of course, there’s the thrill of the hunt and the joy of talking to dealers who can tell you more about an object's provenance!   Why should you buy authentic Asian art antiques?   Diversity: Asia is vast and varied, and that shows in its art. From different regions, cultures, and time periods, you’ll find a wide range of styles, materials, and subjects that make each piece unique and interesting.   Craftsmanship: You might notice tiny blue brush lines that form a landscape no bigger than a thumbprint on a piece of Chinese porcelain. Whe...

There’s something about the warm glow and bold colors of vintage neon signs that instantly takes you back to the retro aesthetic of mid-century Americana. Are you thinking of maybe adding a piece of this history to your own home or business? At Pacific Antiques Mall, we have specially curated shops that carry them. Whether you’re after classic food and drink signs or petrol and automotive icons, you’ll find what you need here — each still carrying the story of where they were once hung.   Timeless decor for your space   For decades, neon signs have been lighting up storefronts and streets by charging gas-filled glass tubes with electricity, creating the signature glow that makes them unforgettable. Originally made for businesses, they now make excellent decor for homes and offices, as well as shops. Vintage neon signs come in so many shapes and sizes, allowing them to fit effortlessly into both collections and interior design.   Porcelain neon signs   ...

  Shopping for antique guitars in Tacoma can seem like a treasure hunt. You can’t help but be excited about finding a beautifully aged instrument at the right price, but you’re also worried about ending up with a costly disappointment! Whether you’re a collector or a musician eager to play a classic, it pays to know what to look for before you buy.   How do you want to use your guitar?   From cherished classics waiting for a new life on stage to instruments that have seen better days, the antique guitars in Tacoma are as varied as the players who shop them. You need a game plan if you don’t want to get overwhelmed.   Think about how you plan to use your guitar before you start browsing. If your goal is to play it, check for potential issues that could affect the sound and overall experience.   Common issues to watch for   ·      Neck issues - Warping or a raised ‘hump’ in the neck can make a guitar nearly unplayable...