Decorating with Vintage Treasures

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I’ve been decorating with vintage treasures for many years.

One of my first vintage finds was a giant red-and-white Coca-Cola sign that I hung on the wall of the house I lived in for years. I found it at an Oklahoma City antique store when the girls were very young.

I think the second thing I acquired was a vintage washboard. That came from an estate sale, if I’m not mistaken. And I still pick vintage washboards up now and then.

Kendra gave me one from the hoarder house, in fact.

Another blogger once bought me a small washboard in Mexico years ago. I treasure it.

Jars, Bottles, + Pitchers:

I’ve always been a fan of old jars and bottles. I’m always decorating some area of my home with jars of flowers or a bottle with flower sprigs. Not as much these days with these wild, sneaky kittens.

I’ve always had an eye out for white pitchers. I actually have a yellow-gold, green, and red pitcher along with my collection of white pitchers. They’ve always appealed to me.

If I run across one in a thrift store, I stand there and think about whether I have one more place to put it. And it usually goes in my shopping cart.

See that smallest vintage washboard in the above photo? That’s the one she gave to me.

I added the embroidery hoop art, which features lace, old photos, buttons, and wool-felt flowers I created.

I no longer have that old washer on a stand. When I was moving to Tulsa 15 years ago, the movers somehow broke the bottom stand. But I still have the top, which is in my container garden, aging beautifully to a gray, weathered patina.

You could use an old washtub inside for storage or outdoors in a cottage garden.

All the above bottles came from thrift shops and antique malls. The round galvanized container came from a thrift shop, too.

I love colorful mugs. The patterned mugs above came from an Anthropologie clearance sale, my one and only purchase from there. I gave them to Kasi years ago, but I cherish this photo I took of them.

Pottery Barn and Anthropologie have beautiful things, but their high-end products are simply too rich for my blood.

Adding Character, Charm, and History to Your Home

There is something magical about decorating with vintage treasures. Unlike mass-produced décor, vintage pieces bring personality, history, and a sense of uniqueness to a home.

Whether discovered at flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales, or antique shops, these treasures add layers of charm that cannot be replicated by buying everything new.

Why Vintage Decor Feels Special

Vintage pieces tell a story. A weathered wooden chair, a collection of old books, or a timeworn mirror has already lived a life before becoming part of your home. These items often show signs of age that add warmth and nostalgia to a space.

Decorating with vintage finds also helps create a home that feels collected over time rather than purchased all at once. The result is a more personal and inviting atmosphere.

Start Small

If you’re new to vintage decorating, begin with smaller accessories. Consider items such as:

• Vintage picture frames
• Old books with beautiful covers
• Antique pitchers
• Brass candlesticks
• Vintage baskets
• Decorative trays
• Ceramic crocks

These pieces are easy to incorporate into existing décor and can instantly add character to shelves, coffee tables, and mantels.

Mix Old and New

One of the best ways to decorate with vintage finds is by mixing them with modern pieces. A vintage wooden chest can look beautiful beside a contemporary sofa. An antique mirror can add elegance to a freshly painted room.

Combining old and new creates balance and prevents a space from feeling like a museum. The contrast often makes both styles stand out even more.

Create Charming Vignettes

Vintage items shine when grouped together in thoughtfully arranged displays. Try creating small vignettes on side tables, bookshelves, or entryway consoles.

For example, you might combine:

• A stack of vintage books
• An antique clock
• A small vase of fresh flowers
• A framed family photograph

These arrangements create visual interest and encourage guests to take a closer look.

Look for Functional Pieces

Some of the best vintage finds are both beautiful and useful. Consider incorporating:

• Old wooden crates for storage
• Vintage ladders for displaying blankets
• Antique trunks as coffee tables
• Vintage baskets for organizing household items
• Old kitchen scales or crockery for display

Functional vintage pieces add charm while serving a practical purpose. You can use transferware dishes for everyday meals.

Embrace Imperfections

Part of the appeal of vintage décor is its imperfections. Scratches, faded paint, and worn edges often enhance the beauty of older items.

Instead of striving for perfection, appreciate the character these details bring. They tell the story of an item’s journey and contribute to a cozy, welcoming home.

Hunt for Seasonal Decor

Vintage finds can also be incorporated into seasonal decorating. Antique crocks filled with autumn branches or vintage ornaments at Christmas add nostalgic charm to seasonal displays.

Because vintage pieces tend to be timeless, they can be used year after year without feeling trendy or dated.

Where to Find Vintage Treasures

Some of the best places to hunt for vintage décor include:

• Thrift stores
• Flea markets
• Estate sales
• Antique malls
• Yard sales
• Online marketplaces
• Local auctions

The thrill of the hunt is part of the fun. You never know when you’ll discover the perfect piece that feels like it was meant for your home.

Decorating with vintage finds is about more than filling a room with old things. It is about creating a home that reflects your personality, celebrates craftsmanship, and feels warm and welcoming.

You can add a single antique treasure or build an entire decorating style around vintage pieces. These unique finds bring beauty, character, and a sense of history to your home.