If you like the thrill of searching for vintage treasures and do not mind doing a bit of bargaining, shopping at flea markets and antiques fairs can be a fantastic way to discover unique decoration for significantly less than you may cover fresh. Of course, while it’s fun to stay open to that spontaneous purchase, it is going to be easier to stay focused (and stay within your budget) if you decide beforehand what you are looking for. These 15 picks may add vintage flair into your house in time for the holidays.
Ken Gutmaker Architectural Photography
1. Evidence with personality. Old signals supply a big bang for the dollar, especially considering just how much a framed painting or print of equal size would cost. Have fun looking for that just-right piece — I really like that this “Rooms for Tourists” sign hanging in a guest bedroom.
Custom Home Group
2. Old suitcases. Utilize nice old hard cases to store linens, children’s publications or dress-up garments; stack them up and use them as a side table ; or just pile them up at the corner as a decorative accent.
Sivan Askayo
3. Wooden shoemaker’s forms. These shapely little wooden items may be applied as you would a sculpture, adding interest to shelves or tables. Or attach them into a wall and hang coats on them.
Décoration et provence
4. Classic children’s toys. Look past the toy shop for gifts this season and surprise little ones with vintage treasures nobody else will have. Vintage children’ toys also work nicely as holiday decorations — a wooden horse or vivid red tin truck would look festive beside the tree.
5. Birdcages. There is no end to what you can do with vintage birdcages — exhibit them beneath a top cupboard, fill them with twinkle lights, slide old photographs between the pubs, paint them or suspend them from the ceiling … your imagination is the limit.
Michelle Fries, BeDe Design, LLC
6. Skis and snowshoes. Classic snowshoes or skis create a delightfully rustic seasonal display on the front porch or mantel, especially alongside stacks of fresh and fresh greenery. True antiques will be quite costly, but vintage finds from the 1950s on are usually reasonably priced and equally as charming.
7. Milk cans. This farmhouse basic, made out of galvanized metal, looks good as a decorative accent in its own but may also be filled with umbrellas, walking sticks, fresh flowers or branches of winter berries.
8. Vintage decorations. From sporting events to 4H reveals, vintage trophies tell fascinating stories — and make great conversation starters. Put them in a group on the mantel, tuck them into a bookshelf or match them with flowers.
Joan Heaton Architects
9. Stoneware crocks. Widely used for food storage before refrigeration, stoneware crocks of different sizes are an ordinary antiques honest locate. Smaller crocks can hold kitchen utensils or flowers, while the larger ones are perfect for storing rolls or umbrellas of wrapping paper.
Katie Emmons Design
10. Transferware. Originating from the Staffordshire area of England, transferware is made by shifting an engraving on pottery. Newer and imperfect pieces can be seen at bargain prices, perfect for cheering up a winter table or hanging at a wall display.
11. Salvaged windows. Beautifully shaped windows are able to make a magnificent statement simply leaned against the wall beneath a dresser or console table. Use fairly Japanese masking tape to affix holiday cards into the glass for an easy seasonal display.
Kasey Buick
12. Picture frames. Old image frames with great shapes and details can be easily repainted to match whatever scheme you desire. No glass in the framework? Use it in order to frame a corkboard instead or hang it on the wall and tape an image in the middle for an entertaining, eclectic look.
Sivan Askayo
13. Wallpaper bits. If you discover a partially used roll of background with a pattern you love, snap this up! Just because it’s not sufficient to paper an entire wall doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun with it — newspaper the back of a cabinet or bookcase, line your stair risers or pay the drawer fronts of a classic dresser.
Theresa Fine
14. White quilts. Classic creamy white quilts and coverlets have a fresh, homespun feel that may fit in everywhere, from the most modern space to a house more pastoral and cozier. Vintage textiles tend to be delicate, so wash them gently.
DOXA Home
15. Mercury glass. Nothing adds a festive glow quite like glass. Collect pieces to decorate your mantel or put down the center of your dining table.
More: 12 Hints You’re Becoming a Hipster