10 Vintage Fireplace Accessories To Always Look For At The Thrift Store

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It's that time of year again! The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and cozy evenings in are becoming more and more tempting. And while fuzzy blankets, twinkling winter-scented candles, and hot, soothing drinks create the perfect recipe for a comfortable night at home, nothing enhances the atmosphere quite like the warm glow and soft crackle of a fireplace. But having a fireplace is really just the first step; it's how you decorate and accessorize it that can truly take it to the next level. If you're wondering how to decorate a fireplace like a professional, though, HGTV star and interior design expert Nate Berkus — who admits to having an obsession with vintage fireplaces — explains that it's all about blending the old and new. "My fixation with antique fireplace mantels, modern paintings, and details like the pattern of the interior firebrick is endless," he shared on Instagram. "I can't even look at a new fireplace without wanting to redo it." 

The good news is that you don't need a designer budget to incorporate a layered, vintage feel into your fireplace. Many accessories — from practical tools to antique decor pieces — can be found at your local thrift shop, instantly bringing character and old-world charm to your space. Below, we've rounded up a list of fireplace-related items you should always keep an eye out for when thrifting. And while several of the pieces are traditionally intended for wood-burning fireplaces, many of them would still work beautifully as decorative features for gas or electric units as well. 

From elegant marble and beautifully carved wood to cast iron frames with floral-patterned tiles, they truly don't make fire surrounds like they used to — so all the more reason to search for one at a thrift store or antique shop. To bring a little old-world charm into your space, look for ones from the Victorian era or Edwardian era for the most intricate and ornate details. You can also find vintage fire surrounds on online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on size, detail, condition, and era.

Typically made from durable wood like oak, mahogany, and walnut, mantel beams and shelves are a great alternative to full surrounds — especially if you worry a surround will feel too bulky for your space. They look especially good on brick or stone fireplaces or on units recessed into the wall, and are generally far cheaper since they use less material. You can find them with straight or more ornate edges, and while they often come in natural wood colors, they can easily be painted to suit your decor. 

A vintage firewood holder is one of the must-haves if you're looking to update your fireplace. It's also one of the most practical pieces to thrift, thanks to the many styles and materials you can find them in — from wood baskets like wicker and rattan to metal designs made of wrought iron and brass. You also have the option to choose a deeper basket that will store the wood logs upright or a longer, shallower style that lets logs lie horizontally — like this BensCountryForge Antique Brass Curved Log Rack Basket from Etsy.

Fireplace tools might seem like a boring necessity — but that doesn't mean they need to actually look boring. Vintage sets are especially charming, often featuring ornate brass handles and decorative stands. A full set typically includes a poker and tongs, a shovel for cleaning out ash, and a small brush for sweeping the hearth. Another tool you could snag at a thrift shop is an antique fireplace bellows — commonly made of wood and leather — used to blow air onto a fire to keep the flame burning. Even if your modern fireplace doesn't need one, it will still add a vintage charm.

Primarily used during the Victorian era to store and transport coal for indoor fires, coal scuttles have become largely obsolete now that the majority of fireplaces are wood-burning, gas, or electric. These days, however, they're considered collectible items and are often used as decorative accents. They can be a stylish way to hold wood or ash or be repurposed as a decorative vase. Often made of brass or copper, they're fairly easy to spot at local thrift shops. You'll also find some truly stunning versions on online marketplaces like 1stDibs, though those tend to be on the pricier side.

While they serve a very real purpose for wood-burning fireplaces — to keep sparks and embers safely contained — they're also commonly used as decorative pieces for gas and electric units. And finding a vintage fire screen is a surefire way to take your fireplace space from drab to fab. Because the style has evolved over the decades, you'll have plenty of options to hunt for at thrift shops — whether you're drawn to a brass screen with intricate scrollwork or a stained-glass design. You can also find intricate wood-framed fire screens with floral embroidered tapestry panels, which were especially popular in the Victorian era.

A vintage fireplace accessory that many people overlook, fireplace fenders can instantly elevate the style of your fireplace. Similar to the fire screen, fenders serve a practical purpose for wood-burning fireplaces — they keep ash from spilling onto the floor — but they can also be used as a decorative feature. Vintage versions often come in brass or cast iron, with charming details like curved silhouettes and ornate metalwork, and would look especially great paired with a fire surround. Prices for vintage fenders can climb up to a few thousand dollars, but others can be more affordable at around $100.

Finding a unique matchbox or match holder from a thrift shop is an easy way to add character to your fireplace setup. And while scoring an actual vintage matchbox would be very cool, there are plenty of thrifted pieces you can use to hold your matches, even if it isn't their original purpose. Small jars, vases, rare vintage tins, and even antique card holders can all work beautifully for storing matches. Simply add a match striker strip — like this Winecraft Adhesive Match Striker Sticker Paper from Amazon — and you'll have a stylish, functional matchbox alternative. 

Also referred to as firedogs, andirons are a great item to hunt for at a thrift shop if you have a wood-burning fireplace. Typically made of durable metals like wrought iron and decorated with bronze or brass, they're used to support and lift burning logs off the hearth. Vintage designs are often beautifully crafted, and a pair of brass-decorated andirons with ornate engraving can make a stunning addition to your fireplace. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, you can use them purely as decor to display a few logs beside the fireplace for a stylish, vintage touch.

From brass candle holders to antique jars and vases, second-hand shops are brimming with wallet-friendly accents that will add instant charm to your space. Hunt for seasonal pieces, such as vintage Christmas decor — think old nutcrackers and reindeer figurines — to switch up your mantel decor throughout the year. A thrifted mantel runner is a nice item to swap out for different seasons — think red and green plaid for the holidays and light floral patterns for spring. You can also opt for vintage art and mirrors to display above your fireplace.