Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Rachel
Live sustainably, and on a budget, with these 6 vintage home decor items to always thrift!
One of the specific areas I’ve honed in on, when it comes to thrifting, is the ability to see what kinds of things that make sense to buy secondhand versus brand new. Purchasing used items is not only sustainable for the environment but it also creates a very curated and character-rich home. Come along as I share 6 vintage home decor items to always thrift!
How to Thrift for Vintage Home Decor
Thrifting gives me life! Shopping at thrift stores brings me so much joy and is one of my very favorite pastimes to partake in on a weekly basis. Over the years, I’ve learned many things about thrifting for decor and wanted to pass along some of that knowledge to you!
Join me today for some thrifty tips and tricks on what home items you can purchase secondhand to help you save money, stay on budget, AND create a unique, one-of-a-kind home.
6 Vintage Home Decor Items to Always Thrift
Many of you love to thrift and hunt for unique home decor pieces just as much as I do. You have no idea how happy that makes me! So, let’s chat about more thrifty things!
The items below are pieces that I use and love in my own home. Each curated decor item provides warmth and adds layers of coziness. Because these are bought secondhand, they each come with a story that now gets to be added to yours. Come along and explore how to find and decorate with these 6 pieces of thrifted and vintage home decor!
Thrifted Vintage Decor #1: Linens
Old textiles are, in my opinion, some of the most special pieces to find secondhand. They tell a story ages old that cannot be replicated with newly made linens.
In many cases, old linens have been hand-embroidered and stitched, who knows how long ago! I always take a spin through what I call the ‘linen closet’ area of the thrift store. This includes items such as throw pillows, blankets, towels, and such.
I’ve found many vintage napkins and beautiful table linens in that manner!
Examples of thrifted linens can include:
- handkerchiefs
- table runners
- table cloths
- curtains
- tea towels
Using and decorating with linens creates such a softness in your home.
Simple decor is my favorite. Try draping a delicate lace-edged handkerchief over a vintage book on a shelf or fold a small tea towel and place it in a vintage bowl.
Linens help to achieve a minimal yet elegant aesthetic that elevates even the most ordinary of spaces.
Thrifted Vintage Decor #2: Art
Vintage art is, hands down, my most favorite decor to look for while out thrifting. You just can’t beat the worn and timeless look that old pieces of art exude!
If you are wanting to infuse more texture and depth into a space, art will be your best friend.
I have found canvas art, framed art, unframed art, watercolors, oil paintings and the like for under $10 per one. The barn above and the floral scene below are two of my favorite thrifted pieces of art!
The best part about styling old art prints in your home is that they don’t have to match. Decorating, especially with art, is not linear and everyone sees it differently.
Feel free to mix and match art pieces together to create a small vignette or gallery wall. You will be amazed at the results!
Thrifted Vintage Decor #3: Mirrors
You guys. I have found the prettiest mirrors by shopping secondhand. They are heavy, made of pure wood, and contain the most amazing curved detailing.
If you have an area in your home that feels dark, hang a mirror on the wall. It will bounce light around and cast the most beautiful shadows.
Favorite places to use thrifted mirrors in my home include:
- the entryway
- on a mantel
- in a dark hallway or corner
When shopping at a thrift store for mirrors, keep an open mind. If you see one that you like but it’s not exactly your style, could you paint it? Sand it? Use rub n’ buff on it?
Even if you need to make some minor adjustments to it, it will still be cheaper than purchasing a brand new mirror from a retail store!
Thrifted Vintage Decor #4: Dishes
Hi, I’m Rachel and I have a minor obsession with vintage dishes. 🙂
I don’t know of anything that makes me more giddy than finding a vintage piece of transferware, milk glass, ironstone or jadeite at a thrift store. I mean…that’s like winning the lottery in my book!
Thrifted dishes, specifically platters, plates, creamers and cups, are items that I use all year round and in every room of my house.
Who says you can’t style a vintage creamer in a bathroom?! There aren’t any rules when it comes to decorating your house. If you love it and it makes you happy, do it!
Thrifted Vintage Decor #5: Seasonal Decor
You guys. Thrift stores are gold mines when it comes to seasonal decor, specifically fall and Christmas. I honestly can’t remember the last time I purchased a piece of seasonal decor at a retail store because there is just no need!
The fall vignette below is made up of mainly thrifted finds, including the old tobacco basket which came from an estate sale!
You will save yourself so much money on seasonal decor for your home by shopping for it secondhand.
Depending on the store you shop at, they may have an e-mail newsletter that you can sign up for. This will which notify you on when they will be putting out certain decor, such as around the holiday season.
I challenge you to not buy any ‘new’ items for fall this year! Are you in?!
Thrifted Vintage Decor #6: Lamps
Did you know that I only have one lamp in my entire house that’s from a retail store?? The rest of them are all vintage, either coming from thrift stores or antique shops and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The lighting you choose to use in a space is important. It can make a room feel warm and cozy or harsh and loud. I prefer the warm and cozy option, which is why I thrift vintage lamps.
Ideas of where to use thrifted lamps:
- living room credenza
- bedroom night stands
- a dresser
- on a desk
- entryway or console table
- bathroom or kitchen counter
If old lamps are not your cup of tea, no fear! There are plenty of new and modern lamps to behold at thrift shops. The best part is that you will pay half the price from the store that they originally came from!
A lamp can change the whole look and feel of a room. Secondhand stores and vintage shops will gift you with plenty of options to choose from, enabling you to infuse elegant lighting into your home without breaking the bank!
Closing Tidbits on 6 Vintage Home Decor Items to Always Thrift
I truly hope that these 6 vintage home decor items to always thrift helps you to live and shop in a more sustainable way! By choosing to decorate and style your home with thrifted pieces, you are able to create a space that is special and one-of-a-kind.
Be encouraged to give new life to well-loved things of the past, finding meaning and purpose along the way.
Leave me a comment! Do you thrift these items for your home? I love hearing from you!
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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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Displaying Thrifted Vintage Copper
47 Comments. Leave new
It is amazing what is available at Thrift Stores and Estate sales. I shop for all your six choices and a few more besides. It is satisfying to look around your home and see pieces that are vintage, antique and beautiful that you have paid only a few dollars for. thanks for drawing attention to a great way to shop.
Lynne
Hi Lynne!
I know…it’s so fun, isn’t it?! Thanks so much for stopping by today!
These are all on my always-on-the-lookout list for thrifting for sure! You have some great finds Rachel!! Hugs- Tanya @twelveOeightblog
Hello!
So fun!!! I’m happy you love them too 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by today, Tanya!
Hi Rachel. Terrific article and all the things I thrift for too. And we are preserving history by buying these items as well as keeping them out of landfills. I don’t feel I can buy the quality and style of the items that were made in the 40’s and 50’s. And the first thing I think about when finding a beautiful piece of embroidery is who made this piece and how was it displayed?
Hi Pam!
Thanks so much for your lovely comment!! We are using lovely pieces and giving them new life…that’s what I love about it so much. Linens, especially embroidery like you said, is so special because someone spent so much time making it! I appreciate you being here and taking time out of your day to read my blog. It means more to me than you will ever know! Hope you have a great day!
I never thought of thrifted finds as sustainable living. Now I feel so much better about myself. 😉 Wish we had more thrift or antique stores around me. The ones we have suck or it could be there are way more people here that get up early to stand in line at delivery day and since I’m not one of those people, I very rarely see or get anything worth while. Just makes me look forward to a road trip! Love your tips and treasures. And that only one lamp in your home wasn’t thrifted. Not many people could say that! So fun!
Hey, Cindy!
I’m so glad I could be of assistance 🙂 Thrift stores on road trips are so much fun!! Different areas and states yield such different finds from what I’m used to seeing! Thanks so much for stopping by today!!
Hi Rachel – With climate change and so many other environmental impacts – its more important than ever to live sustainably. You offer some great ideas on items to thrift. My favorite, of course, is “dishes”. Although linens are good too, and so are lamps . ..
Hmm. I might need a bigger house . . .
Hello!
Thanks so much! Dishes are my weakness and I am RUNNING OUT OF SPACE!!! But how in the world can I pass up a pretty plate?!
That’s a great list! Anyone really can create a beautiful home on a budget, if we’re patient to hunt down these treasures. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Melanie!!
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Thank you for bringing awareness to others about the joys and perks of thrift store shopping! I always learn something new from your posts! I had no idea most of your lamps are vintage, that’s so amazing! Thanks again for all the inspiration! Happy thrifting!
Hi, Donna!
I’m so glad…that makes me happy! Thanks for coming by today!!
Thank you for bringing awareness about shopping at the thrift store! I love shopping at the thrift stores cuz it saves me a lot of money actually! You can easily find good quality and even brand new stuff for for a little amount of money just for the things people didn’t need. I have been doing this for so long and can say that you can decorate your home on a budget and even dress good! Also, it is good for ecology because you don’t need to buy a new one thing if you can just reuse the old one you know?
// Tony Volkas @ 1PLs
I always forget to look for lamps and seasonal decor while thrifting Rachel so thank you for the tip and the heads up. You are so right shopping the thrift stores can do a world of good for the planet and our budgets too. Big or small it all makes an impact! Hugs, CoCo
Thank you!! Yes!! Check the lamps!! It’s amazing what people give away!!
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This lovely article captures the exact way we all should be pondering our purchases of new items versus thrifting. I’ve finally convinced my stubborn, retired USMC husband that the cutlery and plates he uses at a fancy restaurant are not new, they have been used by many other patrons, and there’s no difference in regards to buying used items. When we purchase clothing from retail shops, there’s also a good chance that someone else has tried those on and the sheets and bedding at a hotel aren’t new at all. There’s no difference in pre-loved items. Plus, there are many shops around my community (coastal NC) that support the local needy families, domestic violence victims, and animals. It’s a win-win for the world that we need to protect!
Hi, Sharon!
You are 10000% correct on everything stated. Very, very well put and I 100% agree with you! I’m so happy that you stopped by today!!
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