Here are 5 secret tips on shopping for vintage home decor. Second hand and vintage shopping is not for everyone, however it is for so many people. The question I get the most is “how do you find so many cool things?” There are a few things I always do when I go out shopping for vintage decor. Vintage and secondhand shopping is a treasure hunt because you never know what you are going to find or where you will find it. Antique stores, vintage stores, estate sales are chocked full of one of a kind, unique items.

Happy shopping!

Shop often when shopping for vintage home decor

My biggest tip when shopping for vintage home decor is to shop often. Vintage and secondhand shopping is not the same as shopping in your traditional big box stores, that have several of the same items. Vintage and antique shops are full of one of a kind inventory and rarely will you find 2 of the same items Go shopping at vintage and antique shops in the mornings, stores typically will have all the new items restocked before they open.

Antique, and vintage shop vendors like to move things around in their booths. If something catches your eye, it may have been in the store on your previous visit you just now noticed it because it was moved to a new spot.

A lot of vintage and antique stores are divided up into booths. Each booth has its own vendor, who is responsible for stocking and rearranging the booth.

does it catch your eye?

Vintage and antique items tend to pop out at you. If it catches your eye, than most likely you will find a spot for it in your home. Our brains are wired to see the things we want to see.

Think color. What color is your home decor? Look for pieces that will blend in with your existing color scheme.

Is it the wrong wood tone or color? Feel free to give the piece an upcycle, if it is sturdy and you love the design, a new coat of paint or stain will give most pieces an instant modern feel.

stop at the unexpected places

So many of my greatest finds have been in unexpected places. Stopping at that garage sale that does not look very appealing from the curb….that may be the honey pot! So, you don’t do antique stores! Did you know they are full of vintage finds! Mixed in with all the small Victorian tea cups and old tonka toys are amazing modern vintage pieces!! Antique stores are a great place to stop in a poke around.

Estate sales are also a favorite stop of mine. Houses are filled to the brim with all kinds of fun finds. The last day of an estate sale the items that are still there are usually discounted. The company running the sale does not want to be stuck packing up and moving things. Remember to bring a box, bag and some packing paper for the treasures that you find.

Church sales are another place I have found great vintage home decor. Church sales prices are usually really fair. All the items are typically donated by the members and they are hoping to sell a lot of things to raise money for whatever cause they choose.

Small town and independently owned thrift stores are also a recommended stop.

check it over, check it over, check it over

I have had to learn this the hard way, please do yourself a favor and take the time to check things over. When you find glass items, carefully run your hands over the whole piece and feel for chips and dings, hold the item up to the light to look for cracks.

Vintage items have been around for a long time, therefore chair and table legs get wobbly and loose. Turn the chairs over to see if there have been any repairs done to the legs or bottom. Press down on the table and move it back and forth to make sure it is solid.

Check over handles to see if they are loose.

Is the piece missing any parts?

think outside the box when shopping for vintage home decor

Thinking outside the box is key when shopping vintage. You can use vintage items in a non conventional way, for example vintage pottery planters make a great spot for small items, like jewelry and loose change. Milk glass vases can be used as candleholders and if you remove the glass and picture from frames you can use it to frame a small wreath . Group similar mediums together, brass candleholders and figurines look great next to each other. Baskets can also be very versatile. Collect a variety of flat baskets in different shapes and create a basket wall. Use vintage pitchers to hold your flower bouquets. The ideas are endless.

Pinterest is a great place to browse for vintage decor ideas.

You can follow me here to see what catches my eye.

Need ideas for decorating with those fun vintage finds? Check out this blog post for some inspiration.

Let me know your tips on shopping for vintage home decor. I would love to chat in the comments below.