Vintage Home Decor Items to Seek Out
The secret to a beautifully styled home lies in mixing shapes, values, textures, and especially, old with new. Without vintage pieces, your space can feel too sterile, like a straight-out-of-the-box decor setup. Incorporating vintage items adds character and a sense of history to your home. A great place to discover affordable vintage accessories is at estate sales in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Shopping at estate liquidations is a bit like treasure hunting; you may not always find something, but when you do, it can be truly special. Look for items made from natural materials, with simple shapes and quality construction. Don’t shy away from patina—it adds charm. Most importantly, choose pieces that resonate with you.
Top Items to Seek Out at an Estate Sale:
TRAYS: One of my friends always says, “you can never have enough trays,” and I couldn’t agree more. Trays are the unsung heroes of home organization and décor, seamlessly blending function with style. They’re essential for grouping and organizing items on coffee tables, kitchen counters, or vanities. Imagine a beautiful wooden tray corralling remote controls, candles, and coasters on your coffee table, instantly transforming a cluttered surface into a curated vignette. In the kitchen, a tray can keep oils, spices, and utensils within easy reach while adding a touch of warmth or elegance, depending on the material. On a vanity, a tray becomes the perfect stage for your favorite perfumes, jewelry, and cosmetics, adding a layer of luxury to your daily routine.
FRAMES: A large frame can serve as a focal point on a wall, while smaller frames can be clustered together for a more intimate display. You can even layer frames by placing them on a mantel or shelf, leaning them against the wall for a more casual, collected look. Especially in thin brass or gold tones, or wood with carved details. They are ideal for creating a gallery wall filled with a mix of art, photos of special occasions, or even sentimental pieces like your grandkids’ finger paintings. These can be displayed temporarily, of course, and easily switched out as the children continue to create new masterpieces.
BASKETS: Not just practical storage solutions; they are also fantastic for adding texture, warmth, and a touch of nature to your home décor. The beauty of baskets lies in their versatility—they can be used in every room of the house, from the living room to the bathroom, to corral everything from blankets and pillows to magazines, toys, or laundry. In the living room, a large basket can hold extra throws and pillows, ready to be pulled out on a chilly evening. Smaller baskets can be placed on shelves or under tables to store books, remotes, or other small items, keeping surfaces clear and clutter-free. In the bathroom, a basket can hold rolled-up towels, adding a spa-like touch, or be used to organize toiletries and other essentials. Even in the kitchen, baskets can be used to store fresh produce, keeping it within easy reach while adding a touch of rustic charm.
TABLEWARE: Another dear friend loves the creativity involved in finding new ways to set a table. There are countless unique ideas online that inspire her to design a table that captures the essence of a season or theme. Adding a touch of whimsy always brings extra charm. Look for creative DIY individuals who share photos of their creative table settings on Pinterest and Instagram.
VASES & VESSELS: You can transform a vase into a terrarium by filling it with soil, stones, and succulents. For a festive touch, turn it into a glittery Christmas decoration, or use it as a candle holder or nightlight. A vase can also be filled with potpourri for a natural air freshener, or even serve as a unique drink container. There are countless creative ways to repurpose old vases.
CANDLE HOLDERS: The epitome of functional décor, serving both a practical purpose and adding an element of ambiance to any space. Candle holders also offer a chance to play with different heights and shapes, creating visual interest on a table or mantel. Tall, slender candle holders can add drama and elegance, while shorter, squat holders can create a more grounded, intimate feel. Mixing and matching different styles and materials can result in a unique, personalized display that reflects your taste and enhances the ambiance of your home.
Tip: Solid brass pieces are more durable and tend to develop a richer patina over time, making them a worthwhile investment. A small magnet can help you determine if a piece is solid brass or just brass plated.
Next time you’re at an estate sale, keep an eye out for these items to add a unique, collected feel to your home. Happy secondhand treasure hunting!