5 min readIt’s any avid thrifter’s dream to stumble upon an extremely valuable piece of decor while browsing the shelves of their favorite antique store. But while you’re hunting for rare treasures, don’t discount the less-expensive finds—they can be the secret to a home that looks instantly filled with character.
“To me, a collected home is much more interesting when everything isn’t perfect or chosen for its monetary value,” designer Lauren Sullivan of Well by Design tells House Beautiful. “Often, it’s the less precious pieces that give a room its personality.”
Even as older generations are continuing to downsize and offload unwanted things to local thrift stores, it still might be hard to find the diamonds in the rough. Keep reading to find out what Sullivan, and a handful of other designers, say you should be on the lookout for on your next thrifting visit.
Inherited Heirlooms
The most valuable antiques are the ones that have been passed down through generations. In Sullivan’s own bathroom, the designer keeps her great-grandmother’s vanity set on the countertop, its aged finish providing beautiful contrast with the more contemporary marble and finishes. In her bedroom, the same great-grandmother’s small bedside clock found a place on Sullivan’s nightstand.
“Neither is particularly valuable monetarily, but I love incorporating pieces that have been passed down through generations into a home filled with both old and new,” Sullivan says.
Artwork
Designers love incorporating artwork into homes to add personality and dimension, but Sullivan, as well as designer Becca Meyer of BB Meyer Design, believe that antique shops are where you can really find some hidden gems.
“Some of my favorite pieces of art have come from flea markets or antique shops for very little money,” Meyer says. “I much prefer these to mass produced prints.” You’re more likely to find pieces with aged textures at these types of shops, and that patinaed quality creates an entirely unique look.
Sullivan explains that she’s actually particularly drawn to prints, as well as smaller paintings and silhouettes. She even has an inexpensive print of The Skating Minister in a vintage frame in one of her guest rooms, pictured above. “These smaller, or sometimes quirky, pieces can bring so much personality to a space without requiring a significant investment,” she adds. They may not be originals, but they’re definitely unique.
Pottery and Ceramics
Old pottery and ceramics are widely available, and they are usually affordable as well. Designer Brooke Snyder of Design Hutch loves how they make any place feel more curated.
The imperfections these handmade pieces carry, from uneven shapes, variations in glaze, or evidence of years of use, are what help these items bring a warmth to a room, particularly when placed near more refined materials, according to Sullivan. They feel humble, maybe even utilitarian, especially when displayed in a kitchen. Or, better yet, used in a kitchen (as long as they’re safe).
“They're beautiful on their own but also so functional for holding utensils or branches or flowers,” Meyer adds. “They make any space feel a little more lived-in and loved and help tell a story—and they don't break the bank!”
Everyday Objects as Decor
“I love incorporating vintage plates, old copper pots, and woven baskets into a home,” explains designer Joe Waroquier. Though these are run-of-the-mill, everyday objects, they can take on and provide an entirely different life when displayed in the home as decor. Mismatched plates on a wall, a collection of copper pots hanging on a rod or resting on shelves in the kitchen, an old crock filled with branches—these items invite in warmth, texture, and more personality.
“I’m particularly drawn to pieces that show their age, whether it’s a little patina, a worn finish, or an imperfect glaze,” he adds. “I love mixing these finds with more contemporary furnishings because that contrast makes a room feel collected and personal rather than overly designed.”
Mirrors
Mirrors can be intriguing focal points of a room, or they can add dimension to a gallery wall. However you want to style them, Snyder loves finding these reflective pieces at antique malls and vintage shops.
“Purchasing something that you don’t see every day from a retailer allows this unique piece to stand out on its own, without feeling like something you see everywhere or feels too simple,” she explains.
Table Lamps
As Snyder puts it, antique table lamps provide high visual impact with low investment. Adding one to your accent table or on a bookshelf is an easy way to make your space feel more curated while inviting in another level of ambience with the lighting.
These vintage lamps in the above space, for instance, were bought from a collector and make the primary bedroom feel much more charming and curated. And unlike antique sconces, there’s no need to hardwire these into the wall.
Tabletop Decor
Besides pottery and lamps, designer Ryann Swan Hackett of Ryann Swan Design loves to find and collect other small tabletop decor for her projects. Think candleholders, vintage coffee table books, and trays—things that can layer a little history and individuality into a room or simple vignette.
“If you’re lucky,” Swan Hackett says of the vintage coffee table books, “you’ll find an old inscription inside, which gives the book a story of its own.”
Stools
In terms of midsize accent pieces, Meyer says that she has a soft spot for finding antique stools “because you can pop them into any space to add depth and dimension.” Tuck them beside an armchair in the living room, add them to an empty kitchen corner and place a plant on top, or stick one in a bathroom by the tub for somewhere to keep a drink while relaxing. And if you find an upholstered one that could use new fabric, switching it out for a pattern you love is probably worth it.
“These bring a natural warmth that can be difficult to replicate with something new, and their small size makes them fairly reasonable in price for a vintage furnishing piece,” Meyer says.
Hutches
A larger piece of furniture is likely always going to be more expensive than a smaller one, but designer Yena Jung of By Yena Designs thinks vintage hutches are the versatile antiques people should pay more attention to. They come in many different shapes, styles, and sizes, and can easily make a home in any room of the house.
“A beautiful vintage hutch can add warmth, charm, and a sense of history to a space,” Jung says. “I especially love how their imperfections and natural patina make them feel collected over time.”
