The Hack To Making Your Thrifted Antiques Work In Your Home

You've come across a magnificent vintage find at your neighborhood antique store, but it's been sitting on a box shelf for the past six months. Why? Because you don't know exactly where to put it. Thrifted antiques can be wonderful additions that bring charm to any room. But the magic comes in finding the perfect spot for them, all while making their placement look effortlessly chic. But there is a hack to making your thrifted antiques work in your home: place them somewhere where they can serve a purpose.

On social media, it seems that more and more people are growing to appreciate the craftsmanship and character that vintage pieces can offer to many styles. And why not? It's so easy to fall in love with the allure of old décor pieces. However, if you frequent the antique store and subsequently toss all your dusty finds into one space, that room may start to look and feel just like the antique store — chaotic with a disconnected feel. But if you learn the delicate task of balancing function with strategic placement, you will find that decorating with these items is much easier than you thought. For example, consider placing fresh flowers in that vintage vase that's been collecting dust in the garage for the past two months. So, if you're looking to bring back the '50s with your décor or add unique antique accents to a room, there are ways to easily blend style and purpose.

In addition to antique stores, local pawn shops, thrift stores, and flea markets are some of the best places to find vintage furniture and other hidden gems. To help avoid the all too common "buy and shelf it" habit, think about how these items can serve a function in your space. Have an antique jewelry box that's stored at the bottom of the hallway closet? Why not place it on your bedroom dresser and put a few special jewelry pieces inside there? Whip out the Japanese-themed tureen that you recently purchased, and use it to serve tea to guests, or turn it into a unique DIY planter.

In some cases, when considering creative ideas for styling your antique décor, it's better to start with function and then follow up with design. Try making a list of items that you need for each room, and find ways to incorporate vintage pieces into the design. You can elevate your living room mantle with an antique clock strategically placed above it, an ornamental piece that can also help keep time when entertaining guests. 

Or, fancy up your office desk with an antique writing pen and notepad for those thank-you cards and invites. Need a table topper for your dining room? Go thrifting for a vintage brass or painted fruit bowl and fill it up with your favorite produce. And don't forget about unique vintage fabrics, which can make for head-turning bedroom curtains or tasseled table runners.