A Designer’s Guide to Round Top Antique Show

By Andrea Weightman

What is the Round Top Antique Show?

Each year, over 100,000 people from across the United States flock to the Round Top Antique Show, otherwise known as “Round Top”. Round Top, TX is a charming rural town located between Houston and Austin. There is a small downtown area, but most of the show occurs in the vast undeveloped land off the main road. Each show holds seemingly endless tents and semi-permanent structures where antique dealers, stores, and artists bring goods from around the world and set up shop. The main shows occur twice a year, in the spring and the fall. The “Red Barn” is the original show, but there are now many others. Unlike some trade shows, Round Top is open to both designers as well as the general public. It has a festive feel and is just as much a designer’s sourcing trip as it is a destination for a fun day out shopping with friends.

CREDIT: ANDREA WEIGHTMAN DESIGN

What shows to go to at Round Top

If I had to pick one show to attend, it would be Blue Hills. It is a massive 26 acres, and has a great mix of European antiques, new and vintage art, and pop-up shows from designer favorites such as Society Social and Hibiscus Linens. Most tents sell a specific genre of furniture, rugs, or art. Blue Hills’ vendors are at a variety of price points, and it is free to go to. A couple of my favorite vendors are “French Renaissance”, “Maps and Art”, and “Leftovers Antiques”.

CREDIT: BLUE HILLS

Marburger Farms

Marburger Farms consists of mostly smaller tents and is a highly curated selection of each antique dealer or designer’s offerings. It is mostly higher-end price points, and you are required to purchase a $15 ticket to attend. Marburger Farms is a designer favorite, especially when shopping for really unique pieces for clients. It only lasts for five days, whereas the other shows span about two weeks.

The Arbors

The Arbors has some great art vendors – often it is the artist themselves that are running their booth. I also love “Le Chateau” (pictured above) for dressers and nightstands. The Arbors is free to attend.

Where to eat & drink when you go to Round Top

Lulu’s

Lulu’s is the most stylish and “Instagram famous” restaurant (and hotel) in Round Top. This Italian restaurant is stunning, each little nook cuter than the next. Lulu’s is great for a meal or to grab a cocktail at the beautiful bar.

CREDIT: LULU’S TX

CREDIT: LULU’S TX

The Garden Company

The Garden Company is a cute little restaurant in downtown Round Top serving American food. Their brussel sprouts are not to be missed!

Ellis Motel

Unlike the name suggests, Ellis Motel is a bar (not a motel). It has a very eclectic, dark and moody vibe. It’s a great spot to unwind and mingle after a long day of antique shopping. You will also see Ellis Motel pop-up bars at some of the antique shows.

Where to stay when you go to Round Top

Red Antler Bungalows

CREDIT: RED ANTLER BUNGALOWS – “BRANCA” SUITE
Red Antler Bungalows consists of three 1,600 square foot bungalows. Alessandra Branca did the interior design for the “Branca” suite, and Meredith Ellis just recently designed the “James” suite.

Hotel Lulu

As I mentioned above, Hotel Lulu is very beautiful, and is a hotel and restaurant. If you can, reserve suite 206A – a stunning wood-paneled room designed by Dennis Brackeen Interiors.

CREDIT: HOTEL LULU

Round Top Inn

Round Top Inn is a quaint bed & breakfast set on one acre at an amazing location in downtown Round Top. It is made up of thirteen individual cottages and farmhouses and is walkable to a lot of restaurants and shops.

The Frenchie

The Frenchie is a boutique hotel, with a nice pool and a pickleball court. It has many of the amenities that you would find at a resort.

In conclusion, I highly recommend going to Round Top. Whether you are a designer or a design enthusiast, you will be inspired by the antiques, art, and curated hotels and restaurants!