20 Items To Look For When Thrifting To Give A Home A Ralph Lauren Aesthetic

As you peruse your favorite resale stop, there are loads of items that can go for a variety of styles and designs. However, there is one designer look that has been around for decades, which you can easily achieve. From stoneware to ornate vintage frames, if you're looking to give your home a Ralph Lauren aesthetic, then you should keep your eyes peeled for these specific products.

So, what is the Ralph Lauren home aesthetic? As you step into a home with this look, you can expect elegance, sophistication, warmth, and timelessness. It takes inspiration from the English countryside, the American West, and a cottage or lodge with many natural, heritage, traditional, masculine, and rustic elements. Patterns like gingham, plaid, and tartan often appear in bedding, furniture, throw pillows, and blankets. However, just because it seems more rugged, there are still elements, like florals, that help soften it to work for the entire family. The style is all about collecting and not just decorating. It's supposed to show the dedication and purposefulness that comes with obtaining the collection and then displaying it.

Beyond clothing, Ralph Lauren launched a dedicated home section that opened in 1983. For quick inspiration, you can take a quick trip over, looking at the pieces. To save money, look for similar items — such as bedding, throw blankets, pillows, and vintage furniture — at thrift stores.

Plaid is a dominant design in the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, and resale shops are often full of it. This traditional pattern works really well with leather or darker couch and chair colors. If you feel like it is too much, you can add solid pillows as well that match the plaid hues with some of the best shades being red, brown, black, blue, or green.

A vintage globe bar cart. will add a little sophistication and charm. These Italian bar stations from the 1960s were typically crafted from metal, wood, and cardboard. This worldly find opens up on the upper half of the globe, allowing you to store bottles inside. It also comes with additional shelves for extra storage. If you can't find one, you can either make one or incorporate vintage globes or maps to still bring in that sense of wonder. Once in your home, it is the perfect place to gather while also complementing the rest of the room.

It certainly feels like everyone is trying to find horse-inspired décor at thrift stores, and it fits the Ralph Lauren aesthetic perfectly. That makes sense, since the horse is central to the brand's logo. It also seamlessly hits the rustic, masculine features of this look. However, since the demand is high, you may find that these pieces go for high prices. There are tons of ways you can integrate this look, whether it is through lamps, paintings, or statues.

Stoneware is a staple you can often find at your favorite secondhand shop. Stores are often stacked full of these dishes, whether you want plates, cups, bowls, or pitchers. In many cases, they may even come in a set, making it an awesome score. Even stoneware crocks filled with flowers are a feature that Ina Garten loves showcasing in her kitchen, which you can add to yours. However, remember that some older glazed pieces, especially before the 1970s may have lead. It's best to always test before using them for food or drink.

Tartan and wool blankets can give your home a cozy feel that so many people love about this look. In the 1990s, magazines, like The New York Times, expressed that tartan wasn't just a look, but instead a lifestyle, and that shows when you just take a quick glance at the fabric choices of Ralph Lauren. Wool is equally integral, making both materials must-haves for the look. They not only bring warmth, but tradition and heritage as well, since they are timeless materials.

Adding sports items, like ski poles, is a must-have in this style. Using them as Ralph Lauren-inspired décor is a great way to repurpose ski poles in your home. Just putting them up on your wall instantly brings in the lodge vibe that this trend is all about. At the thrift store, you can find modern and vintage versions made from wood, fiberglass, aluminum, composite, and graphite. Some people just hang them on the wall, while others have gotten creative, turning them into outdoor decorations or even stair railings and poles.

Your local thrift shop is full of books, and lucky for you, they work swimmingly with this design trend. Be mindful of the types of reading material you purchase, sticking with clean versions, ideally, ones that are leather-bound, hardbacks, solid colors, classics, or about specific or professional topics. You do not want to bring dilapidated, mold-filled types into your home. Once you have your selection, strategically place them around your space as ornamental elements, whether that is on bookshelves or coffee tables.

Thrift shops are often stocked with items that fit very well in a Ralph Lauren-inspired home, like brass candlesticks. You can place many different types of candles, whether you want a fun color, a wax version, tealights, or even artificial ones. Just remember to properly clean and polish the piece before you set it out. If you'd rather skip the actual candles, you can turn thrifted candlesticks into the most adorable propagation vases instead.

While this style is all about masculine, rustic looks, you can't forget about the touches of vintage floral accents to give the space some character. Some of the best ways to have these flowers are on armchairs, paintings, and throw pillows. You can even add some personalization by embroidering a floral look, whether that is wall decor or a couch pillow. If you're feeling a little bit more adventurous, consider making it an accent wall in a dining or living room.

It's usually pretty easy to find thrifted ornate vintage frames, and they work splendidly with the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. You're going to be looking for the ones that have brass or gold features as well as dark wood frames. From there, clean them up and then stick in paintings, prints, or even family photos. Then strategically place them out, whether it is a focal point or even in a gallery wall. Smaller frames with stands can also be situated throughout your home.

Floors shouldn't be overlooked — oriental rugs are a key element of the look. These are classics that can easily pair with wood or leather pieces. Oriental rugs are popular with homeowners, increasing your chances of finding one at a thrift store. However, you'll want to look for a clean one in good condition, checking to make sure it doesn't have any stains, tears, frays, or other issues. Once you bring it home, give it a good cleaning before setting it out.

Dark wood furniture is a cornerstone of this style, making these types of pieces worth picking up while thrifting. Since the look is all about moody, smoky hues, woods like mahogany and espresso are perfect. While you don't want to oversaturate your home with these somber colors, you can turn them into accent pieces, whether it is a chair or a credenza. If you want to lighten it up, throw on a lighter color blanket, pillows, photos, and other décor.

If you're lucky enough to come across a leather piece in good condition, then it's a score that you shouldn't pass up. The best pieces are armchairs, sofas, and accent items that are solid or distressed, bringing a sense of warmth, welcoming, and sophistication. Then take it to the next level by placing those wool blankets that you grabbed earlier, creating an elegant layered look to the area. Just remember that before you bring the piece inside to give it a thorough examination and cleaning to keep dirt, debris, pests, and other contaminants away from your interior.

While there won't be any dangerous weapons, you may come across some hunting décor, especially at an antique or local consignment shop. These elements blend English countryside and American West influences, reflecting outdoor hobbies while bringing nature indoors. Some popular things you may find include hunting paintings, antlers, and duck decoys. In some cases, the natural elements of antlers and camo incorporate a rich layer of detail and texture.

Landscape oil paintings are an excellent way to create sophistication, elegance, and historical significance. While you're out on your hunt, check for popular artists like Sara Roberts, Geoff Diego Litherland, or Emily Davis. Just remember that the goal is to find a piece that looks like it has been passed down from generation to generation. If the frame is damaged or unattractive, simply swap it for an ornate vintage frame from your earlier finds.

Stock up on those charming vintage tea sets from the secondhand shop because it's the perfect time to display them once again. You'll find that there are tons of options, but go for ones that have a complete or almost-finished set, ensuring there is a cohesive, polished look in your space. Some tea sets even have floral accents that are easy to incorporate for this look. In many cases, older dishes age gracefully, naturally showing any patina they may have. Since this style is about tradition, these sets are the most timeless way to host.

While not as commonly found at the resale shop compared to the other items on the list, trophies are an interesting pick that works with this style. Having these out, even if they are not your own accomplishment, still brings a sense of pride and success, especially when displayed in a case. If you find one with a name plate, pop it off and clean up the area, ensuring it is more of a standard look.

Ceramic animals are quirky vintage décor items you should always look for at the thrift that work for the Ralph Lauren aesthetic as well. While there are many modern ones, older versions are unique and feel more curated than being decorated. Animals, like horses, dogs, and foxes, are a great way to incorporate cottage or country living into your home. Their glossy finish contrasts beautifully with wool, wood, and leather. Ceramic figurines are a great way to generate a break in the space, as well as add some charm.

Vintage scientific instruments — such as vintage compasses, telescopes, microscopes, and binoculars — bring an intellectual edge to the style. Since the style is all about curated pieces that can stand the test of time, especially due to their high-quality materials, these older educational finds are perfect to integrate more sophistication and intellect in your space. Position them on a desk or shelves, keeping the area in order while giving it some character. They also work well in blue, green, or muted tonal rooms, helping evoke creativity in your stylish interior.

Model trains are a unique way to introduce masculine energy into a home. Having this hobby indicates a refined lifestyle and creates a great opportunity to show that you specifically curated your picks, creating a scene or story with other accessories. Older renditions use materials, including brass, dark woods, and other metals. However, these trains have increased in interest in the last few years, so if you come across one at your thrift store, do not pass it up. If you're looking for more accessories, buildings, or figurines, you can find them at almost any hobby store.