If you’re looking to add some unique character to your home, vintage decor can be a great option. However, shopping for vintage decor can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Here are 5 tips when shopping for vintage decor to keep in mind:
Second hand and vintage shopping is not for everyone, The question I get the most is “how do you find so many cool things?” There are a few things I always do when I go out shopping for vintage decor. Vintage and Thrift shopping is a treasure hunt because you never know what you will find. Antique stores, vintage stores, estate sales and garage sales are chocked full of one of a kind, unique items. It doesn’t matter if your home decor style is farmhouse decor, cottagecore decor, midcentury modern decor or boho. You will find something you love if you follow these tips.
Want to see what I have found? Here is a peek at a few of my vintage decor scores.
Happy shopping!
Shop often for vintage home decor
The biggest tip when shopping for vintage home decor is to shop often. Vintage and thrift shopping is not the same as shopping in your traditional big box stores. Vintage and antique shops are full of one of a kind inventory and rarely will you find 2 of the same items. Shopping at vintage and antique shops in the mornings is the best time, stores typically will have all the new items restocked before they open.
Vendors in the shops like to move things around in their booths. If something catches your eye, it may have been in the store on your previous visit, you just now noticed it because it was moved to a new spot.
A lot of vintage and antique stores are divided up into booths. Each booth has its own vendor, who is responsible for stocking and rearranging the booth. If you have a question, the person working usually can get ahold of the booth vendor.
does it catch your eye?
Vintage and antique items tend to pop out at you. If it catches your eye, than most likely you will find a spot for it in your home. Deciding to leave and think about something that catches your eye is a little like gambling. It may not be there when you come back.
Think color. What color is your home decor? Look for pieces that will blend in with your existing color scheme.
Is it the wrong wood tone or color? Feel free to give the piece an upcycle, if it is sturdy and you love the design, a new coat of paint or stain will give most pieces an instant modern feel.
Carry a measuring tape with you. Keep a list of dimensions in your phone of the places in your home you want to put a new piece. Saves time and guessing!!
stop at the unexpected places
So many of my greatest finds have been in unexpected places. Stopping at that garage sale that does not look very appealing from the curb…. may just be the honey pot! So, you don’t do antique stores! Did you know they are full of vintage finds! Mixed in with all the small Victorian tea cups and old tonka toys are amazing modern vintage pieces!! Antique stores are a great place to stop in a poke around.
Estate sales are also a favorite stop of mine. Houses are filled to the brim with all kinds of fun finds. The last day of an estate sale, the remaining items are usually discounted. The company running the sale does not want to be stuck packing up and moving things. Remember to bring a box, bag and some packing paper for the treasures that you find. Most estate sales do not provide bags or boxes.
Church sales are another place I have found great vintage home decor pieces. Church sales prices are typically really fair. All the items are usually donated by the members and they are hoping to sell a lot of things to raise money for whatever cause they choose.
Small town and independently owned thrift stores are also a recommended stop.
check it over, check it over, check it over
I have had to learn this the hard way. Do yourself a favor and take the time to check things over. If you find glass items, carefully run your hands over the whole piece and feel for chips and dings, hold the item up to the light to look for cracks.
Check for quality: When shopping for vintage decor, it’s important to inspect the quality of the item. Look for any damage or wear and tear that may affect its value or usability. If you’re unsure about an item, ask the seller for more information.
Vintage items have been around for a long time. Chair and table legs get wobbly and loose. Turn the chairs over to see if there have been any repairs done to the legs or bottom. Press down on the table and move it back and forth to make sure it is solid.
Check over handles to see if they are loose.
Is the piece missing any parts?
think outside the box with vintage decor
Thinking outside the box is key when shopping vintage. You can use things in a non conventional way. Vintage pottery planters make a great spot for small items, like jewelry and loose change. Milk glass vases can be used as candleholders. Remove the glass and picture from frames and use it to frame a small wreath . Group similar mediums together, brass candleholders and figurines look great next to each other. Baskets can be very versatile. Collect a variety of flat baskets in different shapes and create a basket wall. Use vintage pitchers to hold your flower bouquets. The ideas are endless when shopping for vintage decor.
Pinterest is a great place to browse for vintage decor ideas.
You can follow me here on pinterest to see what catches my eye.
Love the 5 tips for shopping for vintage decor? Here is 5 tips for decorating with vintage items!
Love a good recipe? This is a good vintage recipe you will love.
What are the things you do when you are shopping for vintage decor!
