4 min readPictured Above: Designed by Krysta Gibbons, this Minneapolis living room is filled with vintage treasures.
No matter where you come across it—whether it’s lying by the side of the road or snagged at a thrift shop—a vintage find is always worth it. It’s widely known that most vintage pieces tend to be better crafted than what you’ll find at big-box stores, and they bring a sense of character into any home.
While plenty of vintage items can be picked up for next to nothing, certain pieces have the ability to truly transform a space, making it feel distinctive—and even luxurious. “Vintage has a way of instantly elevating a home because of the richness and quality it brings,” says Rebekah Murphy, cofounder and architect of design at Murphy & Moore Design. “These pieces look expensive because they were made with real care and artistry.”
That said, aiming for a more elevated look isn’t about impressing others. “For me, it’s about creating a space that feels intentional, sophisticated, and timeless,” Murphy reflects.
Christine Costa Zippert, owner and principal designer atChristine Costa Interiors, also highlights what makes vintage so special. “Vintage pieces are often one of a kind, which means you can’t go out and duplicate them very easily, and any time a space feels custom and carefully curated, it is going to feel more expensive,” she notes.
Keep reading for expert-recommended vintage finds that can instantly give your home a more polished, high-end feel.
Antique Mirrors
Antique mirrors sporting gilded or aged frames add “instant character” and reflect light beautifully, according to Murphy, which can help a space feel brighter and more open. “When you’re shopping, look for original glass with a little foxing and frames that feel solid, detailed, and hand-carved,” she advises.
Textiles as Art
Costa Zippert says that framed textiles or tapestries look like one-of-a-kind art and celebrate their craft, things that can make a space look more expensive and intentional.
Vintage Rugs
“Oriental or Persian rugs bring warmth, pattern, and history into a home,” Murphy says. “A hand-knotted rug has a richness that machine-made rugs just can’t match. I recommend looking for fine weave, vegetable-dyed colors, and patterns that feel balanced and work well with your palette.”
Wood Boxes
Wood boxes, such as card boxes, tea caddies, or cigar boxes, are another way to make a room look more expensive. “There are so many old, beautiful boxes with one-of-a-kind wood veneers, metal accents, and inlaid details," says Costa Zippert. "They instantly make a home feel collected over time.”
High-Quality Furniture
Since you hardly see them in today’s homes, vintage chests, dressers, and hutches are special and rare, and can level up a space in the blink of an eye. “A marble top or campaign-style hardware can make them stand out in any room,” Murphy says. “The best ones are made of solid wood with dovetail joints, and I especially love it when the original hardware is still intact, because it gives the piece so much character.”
European Ceramics and Pottery
For a lavish look, Costa Zippert recommends keeping an eye out for Italian, Spanish, or French ceramics and pottery. She shares that there are so many regional styles, from Puglian splattered vessels to French oyster plates to Spanish majolica, “and these add a worldliness to your home.”
Brass Lighting
Murphy says that brass or bronze lighting can completely transform a space. “Older chandeliers, sconces, or table lamps often double as art because of their proportions and detailing,” she says. “I always suggest looking for natural patina and signs of hand finishing. Wiring can be updated if needed, but the craftsmanship is what makes these fixtures worth it.”
Handmade Art
“Antique artwork adds soul and personality to a room, and it doesn’t need to be by someone famous to have meaning,” Murphy says. “Oil paintings, sketches, or portraits in gilt frames instantly elevate a wall. I always tell clients to choose art that speaks to them, whether it’s the brushwork, the subject, or even the frame itself.”
Sculptural Pieces
Furniture as art? If you go the vintage route, yes, it’s entirely possible. As Costa Zippert says, one sculptural, uniquely-shaped piece, such as an accent chair or table, can make a space feel creative and curated.
Porcelain Collectibles
“Ceramic or porcelain collectibles are another easy way to add polish and charm,” Murphy says. “Ginger jars, Staffordshire dogs, or Delftware look wonderful on shelves, mantels, and tabletops. Look for hand-painted details, quality glazes, and pieces with a little weight to them. That usually signals good craftsmanship.”
Rattan
Rattan, the oh-so-popular pieces from the 1970s, can actually make a home look more expensive. Costa Zippert says that rattan instantly nods to “a life of leisure.” While there are many new and more affordable pieces on the market, she notes that “vintage is typically more tightly woven, making it look higher-end.”
Vintage Dining Tables
Murphy believes that vintage dining tables often become the heart of the home. “They’re where family and friends gather, and they’re usually built to last for generations,” she says. “Look for solid wood, extendable leaves, and unique craftsmanship in the legs or joinery.”
Antique Side Tables
Even though antique side tables are on the small side, Murphy says that they can make a big difference in a space. “Marble tops, claw feet, or inlaid wood add elegance to corners or bedside areas,” she says. “Choose ones with sturdy construction and balanced proportions so they’ll be as functional as they are stylish.”
Books
“Whether it’s a collection of leather-bound vintage books or a stack of vintage books from past art shows, these are the types of items you can collect over time and give your home old-world charm,” Costa Zippert says.
