17 Quirky Vintage Decor Items That You Should Always Look For At The Thrift

If you love older home décor and are a frequent shopper at resale stores, you'll come across a fair share of old, and let's be honest, sometimes grimy items. But every once in a while, you'll spot an item that makes you do a double-take due to how unique it truly is. While this interesting find may seem intimidating or worthless, don't skip out on them. From decorated light switch covers to funky platters, here are 17 quirky vintage décor items you should always look for at the thrift.

These retro finds come from multiple eras and decades, spanning across many different styles and trends, including some of the most eccentric ones. Since these pieces typically look odd, take a moment next time you're examining a weird treasure to look for brands, logo marks, signatures, or other markings that might indicate valuable pieces. When bringing home these pieces, you need to properly clean and sanitize them. Cleaning will vary depending on the material, but get ready for wiping, vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing, and drying. Also, skip items covered in mold, excessive damage, and rust. Décor pieces that have electrical components would require testing, leading to a possible rewiring or restoration. While some of these finds can catch you some serious coin, you can always decide to mix them into your home décor.

While they may be hard to spot since they are quite small in nature, if you happen to see glass candies, stock up on them. The ones you'll want to look out for are Murano, a high-quality brand using specialized artisans to craft each single piece. These colorful, delicious-looking trinkets are blown from Venetian glass and are still being made today. Vintage and contemporary options are valuable, so you can make some good cash. Alternatively, you can set them in a candy dish or bowl as an accent piece.

In the early 1900s, decorative porcelain thimbles were very popular, the pieces celebrating big historical events or even travel destinations. However, sewing machines and manufacturing eventually took over the market, diminishing the need for these items. Now that decades have passed, these once forgotten items are starting to reemerge as valuable pieces or decorative elements. If you like hand sewing and are considering using these thimbles,  you should know that these pieces can't be used for everyday use, but can come in clutch for a couple of stitches. 

While browsing the picture frame aisle at your favorite second-hand shop, don't pass those super-decorated picture frames as they can become peculiar finds that will pop in your space. After a good clean, they could even make a charming border for your most prized memories or people. They also blend well in themed rooms where you want to show off your family photos so you can set them out on a table, gallery wall, or even on a counter. Since there are numerous nooks and crannies on these borders, make sure to keep up with dusting.

Get deeply connected to your space by trying out the celestial décor trend. Decades ago, people couldn't get enough of stars, moons, and the sun to the point of decking their homes in these shapes and patterns. And now, they are reappearing in thrift stores everywhere and would be unique additions to any space. These items come in a range of materials, designs, sizes, and colors, making it easy for you to find the perfect pick.

Some of the most unique and valuable vintage lamps you should definitely get from the thrift store are rain oil lamps. These beauties are absolutely breathtaking to watch as the oil drips down, holding onto the thread like raindrops. These mesmerizing items typically have a gorgeous statue inside, and they found their way into many 60s and 70s households. If you find one of these gems, you'll need to be vigilant on maintenance, frequently cleaning it and ensuring to replace the mineral oil.

Adding a vintage cover will save a boring light switch. And the best part is that it is fairly simple to install. Start by unscrewing your current cover with a screwdriver. If there are any electrical damages during installation, contact an electrician immediately to ensure your home is safe. If everything is in working order, install your quirky option in its place. With enough searching, you'll see that multiple designs are available, whether you like fluffy cats or exciting sports. Also works great in a kids' room or themed space.

If you're a cat lover, be on the lookout for funky, retro, hanging cat décor on your home's walls. These hanging felines come in a variety of designs, sizes, breeds, and styles. You can find stationary ones or options with moving parts, like the old-school animated cat clocks or even a lucky cat with moving paws. Then suspend in your space, incorporating a feline spunk in your home. 

Space age terrariums are a cool vintage find to look out for that thrifters and indoor gardeners adore. These are usually large, round terrariums on a tulip base. This was a groovy way to integrate some nature indoors during its peak in the '60s and '70s. And you can bring it back into your own space by using it for its original purpose. Found a piece missing a lid? Turn it into a planter instead. Don't want the responsibility of caring for plants? No worries, they do wonders as unique toy holders or accent piece displays.

A peculiar old-fashioned find is a ceramic pie dish with a lid. The really unique ones are usually made by the Portuguese company, Sanor Ceramica. However, not every part of these items was made for baking, as most of their lids are not oven-safe, which might be why they phased out of homes in the past. But now, they are making quirky accent pieces in modern kitchens. While you may not bake with them, you can also use them to transport already-baked pies to a themed party or celebration.

Another unusual find is the Lenox spice containers. If you can find the whole set, you will have either 24 whimsical seasoning houses. From cumin to paprika, you'll find a variety of labeled cooking spice containers. While the initial vintage sets were designed in the 90s, the company decided to relaunch them in 2024 due to their sudden popularity. These well-crafted spice jars have removable roofs so you can actually store spices in them, or you could choose to just display them because they are definitely conversation starters.

Make your home even more peculiar with vintage interactive frames, like a candy machine wall art. If you find this sort of vintage piece, all you need to do is pour candy inside from the back, then hang the frame back.. Remember you need to thoroughly clean the frame before your first use, and also between uses. You can also keep things simple by searching for other options that may swivel or spin, usually with multiple photos. If you're lucky, you may find frames with sounds. Then set them for people to flip through or indulge in.

Lotus flower floor lamps are valuable vintage lamps you should always buy if you see them at the thrift stores. These beauties usually have a black or gold stand and accents with petals that are black, white, or pink. They spot blooming flowers that illuminate light through their frosted glass. This find will look stunning in a living room, office, or bedroom, adding a spark of elegance and retro glam.

Deck out your kitchen with themed dishware sets from your favorite consignment shop. Many basic styles are available, but in this case, the quirkier, the better. Most of the ones you may find will be seasonal or holiday options, which makes it easier to stock up for any festivities you plan on having. These retro finds are ideal for serving during fun parties and themed events. Don't forget that some of them may come as a set, so stay on the hunt for the others as well.

Some of the most interesting pieces you will find at your thrift stores will be candle sticks. While you may be used to seeing the ornate brass, gold, or steel holders, there are quite a few quirky options that don't necessarily look like a stick. Some of them look like beautiful glass accents shimmering in the sunlight while others have figurines attached to them. Multiple options waiting at the resale shop incorporate various floral and natural elements. Once you find your set, grab some long candles and position out in your home.

Back in the day, people hosted parties differently, and it showed, especially with their themed serving plates and dishes. You can find a variety of different options and use them for varying purposes, from cookies to chips and dip. There are even unique centuries-old kitchen pieces you should never pass up at the thrift store, like majolica platters. These funky finds usually tell an artistic journey, whether it is animals or historical moments.

The thrift store is the place to go if you want to see wacky, vintage statues and figurines. As you progress through the aisles, you'll see all kinds of pieces from animals and humans to plants and other-worldly creatures. They come in different sizes and colors, making it easy to find an item that can seamlessly blend into your home's aesthetic. There are a multitude of places to put the figurines, whether you set them on a side table or display them on a floating shelf.

Illuminate your space and decorate it at the same time with funky lamps. As technology began to get better and shift to more artistic designs, a rush for peculiar lamps began. What's great is that these lighting sources can go just about anywhere. There are even unique vintage lamps to look out for at thrift stores to elevate your bar cart, like a fun, martini glass lamp. Just make sure to read the electrical label, figuring out the best wattage lightbulb for your find.