10 Autumnal Vintage Items To Be On The Lookout For When Thrifting

Going thrifting can feel like a scavenger hunt, and the reward is bringing home a bunch of fun, interesting finds. Thrifting in the fall feels even more special because you're searching for the perfect way to create a comfy environment in your home. This is the time of year for pumpkin spice-scented candles, warm tea, and reading books. And nothing adds to that vibe like a warm Mary Maxim sweater, candles burning in brass holders, and adorable vintage ceramic pumpkins on your bookshelf. Plus, you can find plenty of quirky vintage decor items at a thrift store, like that ceramic ghost figurine that would look right at home on your side table.

Fall is also the best time to clean out your closet so you can fill it with seasonal sweaters and make room for vintage thrift finds, like a barn jacket. If you find that your fall gear is lacking key pieces, it may be time to head down to your local secondhand shop and look for something old, fall-themed, and cozy. And don't forget, there are some alternatives to thrift stores worth checking out, like architectural salvage stores, antique stores, swap meets, and flea markets. Wherever you decide to spend your laid-back Saturday afternoon, be sure to keep an eye out for beautiful, autumnal vintage items.

Amber glass bottles of all shapes and sizes harken back to a time before mass production. They make the perfect addition to any fall-themed decor. Ideally, you should place them in a location where natural light can shine through them so they can give off a warm, caramel glow. Look for these in antique stores or estate sales and either use them as display items or repurpose them as unique vases or candle holders.

This beautiful yet simple pottery is known for its creamy white color and substantial weight. Created in England in 1800, ironstone pottery has stood the test of time. The best way to identify a true piece of ironstone is by its soft white or cream color (though early pieces sometimes have a blue or gray hue), its hefty weight, and its crazing, or web-like cracking. These items may feature a crown or other markings, but there were many manufacturers. Stay away from anything labeled "iron ware," however, as this indicates a reproduction.

Coast Salish tribal peoples created Cowichan sweaters to help ward off the cold, wet weather of the Pacific Northwest. They have remained extremely fashionable over the decades. Canadian knitting company Mary Maxim designed a similar sweater inspired by the Cowichan. Both are extremely popular and can be found in vintage stores, thrift stores, and even on eBay. Look for interesting animal and geometric designs that are perfect for cozying up in the fall.

A vintage barn jacket is an amazing find. It's the perfect transitional jacket for fall thanks to its boxy shape, durable fabric, and large pockets. It's absolutely a versatile trend worth hunting down. The most common color is khaki or light brown. While you can purchase one of these great fall jackets at many retailers — for a hefty price — finding one at a thrift store would definitely give you bragging rights for finding the best deal.

Copper molds have been around for centuries. Originally used for shaping cakes, pies, and puddings, these shiny and uniquely shaped pans are now being used to create feature walls. Keep an eye out for these in your local thrift store or antique shops and create your own vintage wall art with a warm, autumn hue.

This style of pottery is seeing a resurgence in popularity, and for good reason. Amazingly intricate designs in a multitude of colors — and often featuring a cottagecore vibe — make this type of dishware extremely sought-after. Each piece tells its own story. Made in 18th-century England by transferring etched copper designs onto pottery, it was extremely innovative for the time. Keep an eye out for dishware with intricate scenery or landscapes, and you've most likely found yourself a piece of transferware.

Want to add some warmth and timeless vintage elegance to your fall decor? You can't go wrong with brass candlesticks. Unlike buying them new, thrifted brass is much cheaper and already has a beautiful patina. Often, you can find brass candlesticks in thrift or antique stores for a fraction of the price you'll see in stores like Williams & Sonoma or even Target. Real brass is easy to determine by picking it up — if it's heavier than it looks, it's most likely brass. If you want to be certain, bring a magnet with you when you go thrifting. If it sticks, it's not solid brass.

Nothing says "cozy autumn" like a vintage wicker basket. The organic, woven texture of this item is the perfect accent for any fall-themed home decor, and it provides the perfect place to store warm throw blankets. Totally on-trend for that earthy, natural feel everyone is looking for, wicker baskets should definitely be on your thrifting wish list.

Trying to steer away from minimalist holiday design? There's no better way to do that than with early 2000s Halloween decor. With their kitschy, fun, over-the-top style, Halloween items from the aughts are sure to bring back lots of nostalgia. It shouldn't be too hard to find this decor at your local thrift store or vintage shop. Light-up figurines, ceramic pumpkins and ghosts, and themed knick-knacks featuring well-known characters from the time are a great way to show your love for all things 2000s this fall.

This item might be the unicorn of a thrifting weekend. A vintage, original Hudson's Bay Company blanket can be quite hard to find, so if you happen to hit the jackpot, put it in the cart and take it home. This company restructured in 2025, and Canadian Tire now owns the licensing for these blankets. They're known for being well-made and have a rustic style that you're sure to love for years to come. Keep an eye out for those signature Hudson's Bay stripes during your next walk through the thrift store aisles.