There’s something undeniably special about vintage items in the home — those one-of-a-kind finds that tell a story and speak to your soul. Whether you’re drawn to antique furniture, retro decor, or niche accessories, incorporating vintage pieces into your home is a great way to create a one-of-a-kind, layered look.
Whether you’re personalizing a rental in Austin, decorating an apartment in Charleston, SC, or styling your dream home in Milwaukee, these expert tips — along with vintage treasures shared by experts — will spark inspiration for incorporating timeless finds into your space.
Image courtesy of My Vintage Home
Why vintage items?
Vintage treasures bring character and authenticity to a home that mass-produced decor simply can’t replicate. Whether it’s the craftsmanship of a hand-carved armoire, the nostalgia of mid-century glassware, or the charm of an aged Persian rug, vintage pieces tell a story.
“Vintage items remind us that beauty and quality endure. In a world obsessed with fast fashion, fleeting trends, and disposable goods, vintage items stand as timeless treasures,” Candice Spicer, owner of My Vintage Home details. “Whether it is a mid-century modern coffee table, a cherished leather jacket from the ’70s, or a stack of vinyl records that when being played brings back nostalgia, vintage pieces speak to our desire for authentic, real craftsmanship, and stories from our past. By embracing these timeless treasures, we not only enrich our lives with meaningful stories but also contribute to a more sustainable, thoughtful way of living our best lives.”
Vintage items also promote sustainability by giving new life to secondhand items instead of contributing to waste. By blending antique and modern styles, you can create a space that feels curated, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
Where to find unique vintage items
The thrill of the hunt is part of what makes decorating with vintage so fun. If you’re new to sourcing secondhand pieces, start with these tried-and-true places:
Image courtesy of Lake
1. Thrift stores and estate sales
You never know what you’ll uncover at your local thrift shop or an estate sale. These are great spots for scoring furniture, dishware, and decorative accents at budget-friendly prices. “A few years ago, we purchased a vacation home. The homeowner didn’t want to move anything out, likely because it was in a remote part of the country. As such, they left everything behind, including the kitchen dishes, utensils, and glassware. Some odd items have become family favorites, most notably the Coca-Cola glasses,” Stephanie Ciccarelli, CMO and founder of Lake shares.
“They are likely collector’s items, but the kids drink out of them routinely. This experience has led to a thrifting fad with the girls in our family. Whenever we’re out of town, they want to visit the local thrift shop ‘just to see what they have.’ Our favorite places to get ‘new to us’ finds are local thrift shops, especially in towns with less than 50,000 people. While the inventory might be smaller, the items likely haven’t been picked over by the crowds in bigger cities.”
Image courtesy of Simple Domus
2. Flea markets and antique fairs
These events bring together multiple vendors, offering a wide selection of curated vintage items. “As an interior designer, my favorite way to source antiques is by exploring the “déballages” in the South of France — professional antique fairs where dealers unveil unique finds before they reach mainstream markets,” Paula Ramiro López with Simple Domus shares.
“These events are treasure troves for one-of-a-kind pieces with rich histories, from elegant Louis XVI chairs to rustic Provençal ceramics. To make vintage finds feel intentional, I love pairing them with modern elements — an ornate gilded mirror against a minimalist wall or a weathered farmhouse table with sleek contemporary chairs. The contrast adds depth and character, making each piece feel curated rather than dated.”
Image courtesy of Selling Modern Antiques
3. Online marketplaces
Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and Chairish make it easy to browse vintage furniture and decor from sellers across the country. “When sourcing new decor, always start with what you love and what brings you joy. Vintage and antique pieces add character and a unique charm that make your space truly one of a kind. From that miniature painting perfect for a small space to a striking focal point for a bookcase, these unique finds can elevate your decor effortlessly,” Amy and Sean Riley with Selling Modern Antiques share.
“Strolling through a local antique mall or shop can uncover unexpected treasures, while online platforms like eBay or LiveAuctioneers.com offer endless options to suit any budget. No matter the size of your space, incorporating vintage finds will infuse it with personality and timeless appeal.”
4. Architectural salvage yards
If you’re looking for unique doors, hardware, or statement pieces with character, salvage yards are a must-visit.
Image courtesy of 1905 Farmhouse
5. A combination of avenues
To ensure the highest likelihood of finding vintage home decor pieces, find a combination of sources that feels right. “Vintage home decor pieces are everywhere you just need to know where to look, my favorite places are thrift stores and yard sales because there is the thrill of the hunt. However, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Etsy are great options if you are looking for something specific,” Amy Duyck with 1905 Farmhouse suggests.
“I love to collect milk glass pieces that are not in high demand but the timeless look of the white dishes, vases, and tableware that are all unique draw me in every time I see a piece. My philosophy for my home and what I tell others is that if you love vintage items, use them in your home where you can, group like items together, or sprinkle vintage items with newer ones to create a fun vignette.”
Blending vintage and modern styles
A well-balanced home seamlessly combines old and new. Here’s how to mix antique pieces with contemporary design elements for a fresh, intentional look:
Image courtesy of Eccentricities by JVG
6. Use vintage statement pieces
Letting items like an antique armoire, mid-century credenza, or Art Deco mirror be the focal point of the room while keeping other furnishings more streamlined.”Vintage treasures are a unique way to add character and history to your home, whether you’re drawn to delicate glassware like the ones pictured or unique furniture finds, your space will have a lovely sense of authenticity,” Jasmine with Eccentricities by JVG explains.
“To make secondhand vintage items finds feel intentional, focus on color palettes and textures that complement your existing décor, rather than just collecting for nostalgia. Styling vintage décor is all about storytelling — choose items that resonate with you, and let them spark conversations about the beauty of craftsmanship and sustainability.”
7. Pair vintage with minimalist decor
Vintage finds tend to be ornate, so balancing them with the key features of Minimalism, like clean lines and neutral colors, prevents a space from feeling overly cluttered.
Image courtesy of The Resplendent Crow
8. Incorporate vintage mirrors
Antique mirrors add charm, reflect light, and make small spaces feel open. “I love to buy vintage gold or gilt mirrors on Facebook Marketplace. I have them all over my house,” Sucheta with The Resplendent Crow reveals. “Mirrors make a space look more open and air, therefore, the reflection changes the perception and makes a space feel larger than it actually is. I like the look of aged gold as it adds warmth to any space.”
Image courtesy of Tweetle Dee Design Co.
9. Mix eras intentionally
Combining different styles and eras, like mid-century modern with Victorian or Art Deco with a rustic farmhouse, creates a unique look that still feels intentional. “Mixing old and new is the secret to great design — try pairing a barn hex with sleek leather chairs, warm wood accents, or even a touch of industrial metal,” Abby Lyke Hicks with Tweetle Dee Design Co. recommends.
“If bright colors aren’t your thing, go for a barn hex in neutral tones or classic black and white — it’ll blend right in while still bringing that folk-art magic. The best part? These designs aren’t just pretty; they’re packed with meaning — whether it’s protection, prosperity, or a little extra good luck for your home.”
Image courtesy of GiveRise
10. Layer textures and materials
Materials like aged wood and sleek metal pair beautifully in contrast and bring visual interest and warmth to a space. “Metal trinkets, dishes, and décor are some of the easiest vintage finds to bring home — they last forever and need no fixing up,” Janelle with GiveRise, an online thrift store, uncovers.
This tarnished copper elephant, for example, tells a story with its worn finish, adding character that a new piece just can’t match. Whether it’s a silver tray or an iron candle holder, such timeless treasures blend effortlessly into any space, making your home feel rich with history and charm.
Image courtesy of King’s Home Collection
Creative ways to repurpose vintage items
Vintage decor isn’t just about keeping things as they are — you can also breathe new life into secondhand finds. “When incorporating unique vintage items into your decor, it’s all about blending timeless pieces with modern elements to create a cohesive, personalized space. Look for treasures that reflect your style and tell a story, whether it’s an antique chair with modern cushions or vintage glassware that adds character to a contemporary kitchen,” shares Jenna Collins with King’s Home Collection.
“A great tip for sourcing quality vintage finds is to visit thrift stores, estate sales, local flea markets, and online marketplaces, always keeping an eye out for well-made items that can adapt to your existing decor. Repurposing and upcycling are also fantastic ways to breathe new life into secondhand treasures, making them feel intentional and stylish in your home.”
11. Turn a vintage dresser into a bathroom vanity
A well-made dresser can easily be transformed into a unique and stylish vanity with some modifications.
12. Frame vintage fabrics or wallpaper
Instead of searching for art, display beautiful old textiles or wallpaper remnants in frames for a nostalgic touch.
Image courtesy of Alison Rose Vintage
13. Repurpose old books
Incorporating vintage decor into your home is all about finding pieces that speak to you and adding them in a way that feels both personal and stylish. “Antique books bring a sense of history and charm to your home, and styling them thoughtfully can make them true statement pieces,” Alison Rose Guzman, owner of Alison Rose Vintage, details.
“Unique bookends are a simple way to highlight the beauty of your books. I love finding them at antique stores or thrift shops or using something I already collect like these vintage oil lamps. Decorating with pieces you’re drawn to will help you create spaces that reflect your personality and style. Shop for antique books or read about more easy ways to decorate at alisonrosevintage.com.”
Identifying high-quality vintage pieces
Not all vintage finds are created equal. When shopping, keep these tips in mind to ensure you’re investing in quality items.
Image courtesy of Modernica
14. Check for solid construction
Real wood, dovetail joints, and sturdy materials indicate well-made furniture. Modernica shares what makes pieces like their Swan Chair excellent vintage items to incorporate into your home.
“What makes this unique is that this chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958, and it features the original fluted aluminum base – a rare detail from its earliest production by Fritz Hansen. Reupholstered by one of Modernica’s master upholsterers, it is covered in Knoll Hopsack red fabric,” Lori with Modernica explains. “Integrating high-quality architectural vintage pieces, like this Swan chair with contemporary furniture not only creates a personalized, unique atmosphere but also represents a timeless investment in style and character.”
Image courtesy of Threadbare Gypsy Soul
15. Buy what you love
The best vintage items are the ones that speak to you. “My number one rule for incorporating unique vintage and antique finds into your home décor is “buy what you love”. Regardless of where a piece is from, what it is worth, or what the latest trends are, you can’t go wrong nor will you ever regret, buying a piece you absolutely love,” Tamara Perry with Threadbare Gypsy Soul shares.
“I have always been obsessed with antique Swedish Mora Clocks but as much as I loved and obsessed over these hand-carved, hand-painted beauties from the 1700s and 1800s, I couldn’t afford one for my own home. So I began sourcing replicas. If you are diligent and don’t mind painting or replacing the mechanism and hardware you can find these for about $100 at garage sales, estate sales, and even Facebook Marketplace,” Perry continues.
“If you have a little more money to spend and don’t relish all the work, you can usually find really nice replicas in vintage boutiques or online starting around $450 to $2,000. I had replicas in my home for years while I saved my money and took my time finding a real antique Swedish Mora clock from the 1800s at the right price for me. Online antique auctions are a great way to get high-quality antiques many times at reserve or below reserve prices.”
Image courtesy of Funky Finds Vintage & Retro
Making vintage work
“Your home is an extension of your personality,” Suzie Fredregill, owner of Funky Finds Vintage & Retro explains. Take your time to find unique curated items that reflect who you are.” Bringing vintage items into your home is all about embracing personality, craftsmanship, and history. Whether you’re incorporating just a few standout pieces or fully leaning into a vintage-inspired aesthetic, these timeless finds can make your space feel truly unique.
