Budget Decorator: 12 Vintage Finds to Take Home This Spring
Experience the thrill of the hunt and the triumph of a bargain when you set out on a thrifting jaunt with these finds in mind
Digging for treasures at a big flea market or antiques fair can be loads of fun, but it can also be just plain overwhelming. I know I get frustrated when, after hours of walking the grounds, I leave with nothing to show for it. The key to having a good day thrifting is to come armed with a plan. Keep measurements of your space and a small tape measure in your bag; know your budget; bring cash, a wagon or handcart (for hauling back your loot); and have a list of specific things to keep an eye out for.
Any of the following 12 finds would be perfect for sprucing up your home for spring. Happy hunting!
Any of the following 12 finds would be perfect for sprucing up your home for spring. Happy hunting!
1. Milk bottle holders. These metal carriers were used to transport glass bottles of milk to the door for home delivery. Use yours to corral vases for a centerpiece or tote bundles of flatware and napkins outdoors for an al fresco meal.
2. Jadeite. The pale mint green of jadeite glassware shouts spring. Jadeite was mass produced by glassware companies during the Depression as an affordable alternative to pricier dishes and kitchenware. Produced from the early 19th century through today, jadeite can vary widely in price. Midcentury pieces from well-known makers like Fire King are most common and have the benefit of being heat resistant.
3. Quilts. Nothing says comfort like a handmade quilt, worn soft from time, draped over the bed or a favorite armchair. Prices can range wildly, from around $50 to thousands of dollars, depending on the quality of work, artistry, color and condition. More than providing warmth, quilts bring a decorative element to any room, whether stacked high in a cupboard or displayed on a wall.
4. Demijohns. These large glass vessels, often blue or greenish in color, were once used to transport wine, oil and other liquids. Use yours to display gorgeous spring branches or simply to add a touch of color to an empty corner.
5. Pressed flowers. Sure, you can press your own flowers and frame them, but there is something romantic about discovering pressed blooms from another time. Look for specimens with handwritten details noting the plant name or place of origin.
6. Vintage farm signs. Add a whimsical touch of the country to your porch or shed with charming signage. There are many folks painting signs to look old, which can be charming too — just be sure to ask so you know what you are paying for.
7. Farmhouse cupboards. Primitive wooden cupboards and pie safes add a warm, handmade touch to any room in the house. Use one to store linens in the dining room, organize mail and clothes in the mudroom, or bring extra storage to your kitchen.
8. Canisters, tins and storage jars. Glass jars with metal tops, colorful cookie and tea tins, and enamelware canisters all make excellent storage containers for pantry essentials. The bonus, of course, is that they are pretty enough to leave out on display.
9. Wicker furniture. Lighten up your living room or add fresh furnishings to your porch with vintage wicker chairs, love seats and tables. Be sure to thoroughly inspect (and sit in) furniture before buying to be sure it is in good condition, as older wicker can develop weak spots.
10. Vintage postcards. Fun, colorful and often cheap, vintage postcards are a great way to create an art wall on a tiny budget. For the most visual impact, try sticking to a theme, such as beach towns, national parks or cards from a certain era.
11. Metal outdoor furniture. Vintage café tables, chairs and benches that have seen years of use develop a patina that only enhances their character. Scoop some up to furnish your garden, patio or porch. And what if you see something you love that has a bit too much patina? You can always revamp it with a coat of outdoor metal paint, like Rust-Oleum — just be sure to talk the vendor down a bit for your trouble.
12. Urns, planters and garden art. An old pot has so much more character, and often a more graceful shape, than the same-old same-old pots stocked by the big home improvement stores. Stately urns, vintage terra-cotta pots and jars, and handmade pottery can always be of use in the garden or in the house. Also keep an eye out for unusual one-offs — castoff mirrors, metal trellises and statues can take your garden from ho-hum to spectacular.
Tell us: Where do you like to go thrifting? Do you prefer antiques shops, vintage stores, flea markets or fairs? Share links to your favorite places!
Tell us: Where do you like to go thrifting? Do you prefer antiques shops, vintage stores, flea markets or fairs? Share links to your favorite places!
