Are you trying to create a unique, vintage look in your home? If so, then you are probably looking for authentic pieces you can add to your home's decor that will make a real difference. Some people think that to make your home décor stand out you must spend hundreds on specialty pieces. The truth is, you can easily find original décor at your local thrift shop, a neighborhood garage sale, or even in your relatives' attics. If you're looking for some funky, chic or vintage pieces that will add personality to your home, these are a few pieces to keep your eye out for the next time you're at a thrift shop, yard sale, or make a stop by your grandma's house.
Thrift Shop Home Decor
Cool Glassware
These types of places always have funky glassware and old china that is great to either use or display in your kitchen. Specifically, look for colored glassware. Even if you can't find a whole set, you can still display a collection if it has several pieces in the same color. These pieces add a pop of color and some character to your kitchen, and usually they just need a good scrub to make them look like new. You can display old goblets or glasses on a shelf in the kitchen, and hang plates with intricate designs on the walls for a unique look.
Vintage Mirror Frames
You can find great old mirrors that add style to any room. If the room you are decorating is more formal, look for an old mirror with an ornate frame. You can create a glamorous look with old, gold-framed mirrors, or even frames that are obviously old and have chipped or peeling paint. You can even create a feature wall using lots of old mirrors in different sizes and shapes. If you find a really old mirror with cracked or stained glass, you can always replace the glass so it is usable. Always keep your eye out for vintage or unique mirror frames—the glass can always be replaced to make it look as good as new.
Funky Lamps
Lamps these days are fairly conservative compared to the styles that used to be in vogue. Look for lamps that either have an unusually shaped base or a funky lamp shade. Remember that you can always switch the lamp shades on lamps to create even more unique looks for your space, or combine a vintage look of the lamp with a more contemporary shade. You can even add style to the lamps and shades you find by painting the bases or adding trim or fabric to the shades. If you find a cool lamp base with a smashed or damaged shade, that can easily be replaced. Mixing and matching lamp bases and shades will give your bedroom, living room, or guest room even more of an edge.
Chic Little Tables
Be on the lookout for chic end tables and bedside tables that you can use throughout your home. Look for tables in unusual shapes or with highly stylized leg designs. You can use these small tables as coffee tables, end tables, nightstands, or display shelves. If you like the style and hate the color, paint it or stain it to make it work for you. Some home owners like to have a table with a vintage design, but re-paint or re-purpose the wood to give it a modern twist. Many furniture outlets charge outrageous prices for furniture, but you can easily update the look of an old piece with a new coat of paint.
Quirky Wall Hangings
You never know what types of pieces you'll find when you start looking for old wall hangings. You can be creative with this because basically anything can be turned into a wall hanging. You might find great old records to display, a quilt to hang on your wall or even random paintings that fit the theme of your decor. Turn your décor into a hodgepodge of hidden treasures that really give your home a personality of its own.You might find an old clock at a yard sale, or a movie poster from the fifties at your local thrift shop. You never know what kind of gems you'll find, so keep your eyes peeled for a diamond in the rough.
Creating a collection of funky, off-centered décor doesn't require that you pay hundreds to an art dealer or splurge on expensive antiques. There are plenty of treasures that are hidden among trash and can be easily dusted off and put on the shelf. Those who like unconventional pieces tend to use unconventional methods for finding home décor. Once you find a few choice pieces at a yard sale, thrift shop, or in an attic, you'll start to love the thrill of the search. So save some money, and get the décor you want by looking in less than likely places for pieces that will wow any guest that enters your home.
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written by: Dixie Somers
