Antiques Alert! Look For These 5 Vintage Items The Next Time You Go Thrift Store Shopping

Finding the perfect antique piece is like going on a very fun scavenger hunt. As modern home décor has become increasingly popular, those of us who favor vintage and antique style furnishings have had to get creative. Thrift shops, estate sales, and Etsy pages are destinations of choice, both for their abundant selection and affordable prices.

If you prefer romantic vintage to the the crisp lines and muted colors of modern décor, pick up the below items are your local flea market. Distinctive, architectural, and lovely to look at, these budget-friendly finds warm up any room.

Enamel Pitchers

Pour on the charm! A standard secondhand pitcher repurposed as a vessel for your favorite floral arrangement is an easy way to add rustic charm to your space. The curvy handles and spouts give even the simplest of bouquets a sculptural feel. Don't fret over scratches or bits of rust that may have formed over the years — here, wear and tear serves as a direct contrast to whichever delicate bouquet you choose to fill it with (and imbues your space with storytelling, as in: "I found this pitcher on a road trip to Texas 20 years ago!"). If a pitcher leaks, put flowers in a plastic cup, then place the cup in the pitcher. If real flowers aren't for you, use artificial flowers, or change the pitcher's use entirely. Utensils, for example, look great displayed in a pitcher on a party table.

Antique Busts

While they originated in Greece, these sculptures have been staples of French décor since the Renaissance. From marble to plaster, weathered busts (the more chips and scuffs the better!) bring storied personality to a room and a sense of elegance that is otherwise hard to capture on a budget. Adorn them with flowers or greenery for a look that is head and shoulders above the rest.

Teapots & Coffee Kettles

Give a room a pick-me-up with teapots and kettles suspended from overhead. Opt for a monochromatic grouping or let the look run amok with a variety of colors and patterns. Hang them from hooks on the wall, set them on the countertop as decorative pieces, or turn them into beautiful light fixtures. To do that, add holes to the bottom, then fit with a single-bulb light kit, and hang from above.

Paper Ephemera

Newspapers, business ledgers, and old journal pages have a softness that new pieces simply can’t match. The warmth of worn paper softens any sort of minimalist approach with the often busy patterns they create. Frame favorite finds for wall décor, or use the French technique of decoupage to apply pieces directly to furniture or walls.

Dress Forms

This seamstress staple abounds at both thrift shops and estate sales. While its original function is commercial, it makes a compelling bedroom or dressing room display, transforming the space to an old-fashioned dress shop you’d see in an episode of Bridgerton. Use it to store and display jewelry, hats, scarves, and more in plain sight; or use it as a makeshift mannequin to test the perfect outfit.

Record Player Case

While the record player revival has been underway for the past decade, those out of commission can still serve a decorative purpose. Using it as a vintage style case hits a strong note. Its depth makes it a perfect spot for storing books and other bulky items. (Bonus: the missing player also makes it cheaper to purchase.) Make it your own with paint and contact paper, if desired.