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4 Tips For Thrifting Vintage Home Decor

By Rachel
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Last Updated on June 5, 2024 by Rachel Granholm

I’m going to teach you 4 tips for thrifting vintage home decor!

It takes years of hard work and dedication to collect an array of vintage pieces and is so rewarding when it all comes together seamlessly. Decorating with vintage decor creates a home that is special and homey. Here are my 4 tips for thrifting vintage home decor!

Thrifted Decorating with Vintage Finds

Thrifting for vintage decor is one of my favorite things to do. It is exciting and a huge thrill because you never know what will be at the thrift store each time you go. I find it to be such an accomplishment when using thrifted decor to use in your home.

You are taking precious time to source one-of-a-kind items for your home. And, because of mindfully curating items one at a time, your home becomes a space that is special and meaningful.

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4 Tips For Thrifting Vintage Home Decor

1. Go Slowly.

Speaking from experience, it’s important to take your time and not rush! I usually get really excited and am running all over the place trying to find all the pretty things.

Instead, just go section by section.
vintage green striped butter pats styled in a hutch for Fall

Literally just stand there and look all around from where you are, then take a few steps and look around again. Don’t forget to look on the very top shelves, the bottom shelves, and move things around.

What’s meant to be with you will find it’s way to you!

a vintage lace hanky styled on a mantel with milk glass

2. Make Multiple Laps.

To ensure that you are able to see everything that the thrift store has to offer when you are there, it’s helpful to make multiple laps. My advice would be to make one lap all the way around and then turn around and go back again the opposite direction.

vintage copper and other decor styled in a kitchen

I have missed spotting vintage pieces, like vintage linens, because I wasn’t looking a certain direction when I walked by it the first time. This method ensures the highest rate possible for finding vintage decor items!

3. Feel for Heft and Look for Markings.

Older pieces of decor, like this German pitcher, are often heavier and feel sturdier than more modern day pieces. If you find a piece that you like, pick it up and examine it.
vintage book used for height

Feel for heaviness as well as maker’s markings. In my experience, 95% of vintage pieces that I find have a marking or stamp on the bottom to show you who manufactured the piece.
a vintage thrift haul
You can guarantee that a piece is vintage if it has a marking on the bottom. If it doesn’t, you will have to go by look and the quality of the piece as it is.

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This takes practice but the more you go looking for vintage the easier it is to spot them!
hobnail milk glass displayed on a shelf for Summer

4. Go Thrifting Often.

Each time you go to the thrift store is an opportunity. You have the chance to source vintage finds for your home at a great price. The more you go, the more vintage you find and the more practice it gives you.

For me, going on my weekly thrift store excursion has expanded my creativity as well in terms of styling and displaying decor. Thrifting for vintage decor helps me to think outside the box and figure out unique ways to use those pieces in my home.
vintage green books styled on a shelf with vintage milk glass

Closing Tidbits on 4 Tips for Thrifting Vintage Home Decor

There you are! These 4 tips for thrifting vintage home decor are simple and I sincerely hope they are a help to you.

I’ve said it many times before, but styling your home with vintage decor is a true reflection of you, your style and your definition of home. Creating a home that reflects your story is special. With thoughtful effort, you can choose to decorate each space with things that you love.

By choosing vintage, you are being good stewards of Mother Earth by choosing to re-use and recycle pieces of the past. Now that is something you can be proud of.

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Let me know in the comments below if these tips were helpful for you. How do you find vintage?

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a vintage milk glass banana stand on a mantel

If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!

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Other Thrift Posts to Enjoy

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Rachel from The Antiqued Journey blog

Hey! I’m Rachel!

I’m so glad you are here! Old things are my jam. Antique malls and thrift stores are my happy places.

Here on the blog I love to share my excitement, knowledge, and ideas about all things antique, vintage, and thrifted. Let’s journey together!

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