When it comes to buying vintage, everyone thinks of clothing. And while second-hand clothing is awesome, home décor items are also great to buy second-hand. Whether you have a strong established interior design aesthetic, or you’re just getting started finding your style, the thrift store is your one-stop shop for all things home related.
Here is a list of the best home décor items to pick up next time you’re second-hand shopping:
Vintage Lamps
The fastest and easiest way to change the atmosphere of any room is to change the lighting. It’s called mood lighting for a reason. So if the room you’re decorating has one large overhead light, consider adding a softer light or two in the form of lamps. Plus, buying lamps second-hand is great because it’s super easy to change small details like bulb color or lampshade to make the lamp feel unique in your space.
Retro Rugs
Rugs make rooms feel cozier. But rugs are also expensive. Instead of overpaying for a new rug, consider getting your next one from the thrift store. Besides the obvious advantage of getting the rug cheaper second-hand, you’re also more likely to get a high-quality rug. Just be sure to give your new rug a vacuum and shampoo before you start using it.
Antique Vases
If you love to buy, give, or receive flowers, you need at least one vase in your home. And while you could use a drinking glass or even a bowl to keep flowers fresh, vintage vases are a unique way to show off your personality. You can find everything from nature-inspired ceramic pieces to elegant glass-blown vases. Just make sure you’re picking out a vase that makes you fell as happy as flowers do.
Vintage Dishware
Too many people overpay for dishware sets without even realizing the thrift store is one of the best places to build a china collection. Not a lot of people know this, but when people donate their dishware, they often donate their whole set. That means you can score a great deal on a complete set of china that is probably more unique than anything else anyone else you know currently has.
Retro Coffee Table Books
We’ve all seen the pictures on Instagram of beautiful living rooms with plush sofas and perfectly styled coffee tables. Have you ever wondered where they get those beautiful big coffee table books? Maybe they didn’t get them from the thrift store, but you sure can. Whether you want a book that’s interesting to read or just something interesting to look at, you can find it second-hand.
Unique Wall Art
Sure, you could run down to Home Goods or Hobby Lobby and buy whatever wall art they currently have on sale. But so can every other person you know. If you truly want unique wall art that stands out, the best place to buy it is the thrift store.
Vintage Baskets
If you love organization, there’s no denying, baskets are an organizer’s best friend. But buying baskets and other organizing bins brand new can be costly. Worse, new options are often boring—styled after whatever is currently trendy. If you want functional, but still cute, baskets and bins, you need to check the thrift store.
Hand-Made Throws & Blankets
Throw pillows aren’t the only accessory couches need. Every comfortable couch needs a soft throw or blanket for people to snuggle up with while watching a movie or just relaxing. But why buy a brand-new blanket when you could get a statement blanket at the thrift store? Delight your guests with something knitted, crocheted, or even quilted.
