The Vintage Thrift Store Item That's On Trend For Every Room In The Home For 2026

If you've ever gone thrifting and come across a pile of beautiful fabrics you loved but weren't sure how to use, 2026 might be your year. It's time to take those wonderful textiles you always imagine doing something with and put them to good use all around your home. Sustainability and maximalism are two decor trends for the new year, and what better way to incorporate these elements in your own house than by thrifting and repurposing highly detailed pieces?

The best part about this trend is that it is incredibly broad. Textiles include almost any fabric, from old couch upholstery to rugs or tapestries. Even a detailed quilt can fit the bill. For example, suzani–embroidered cotton or silk–are valuable vintage items you can thrift and add a beautiful touch to your home. Many similar textiles are also worth considering, as they often feature one-of-a-kind patterns and details that modern reproductions struggle to match.

According to Apartment Therapy, a survey of 140 designers found that detailed textiles are the vintage items many hope to see return. "They create a richness of color and pattern and add an extra layer of texture. Using a one-off vintage piece allows you to create something entirely bespoke for a particular space," confirms Penny Morrison, an interior designer, when speaking with Homes and Gardens. "It is also good from a sustainability perspective."

Thankfully, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to find beautiful vintage textiles. At least for now, it's still possible to find many of these pieces at a discount if you know where to look. Thrifting is always a good option, but flea markets and antique stores might also have some amazing possibilities. You can look online as well, with places like eBay or Facebook Marketplace sometimes having vintage textiles.

If you take the time to look around, you can find some really amazing items, such as valuable vintage curtains, including those by Schumacher. Of course, you don't have to only look for big-name brands. Instead, pick pieces that call to you. Prioritizing durable, high-quality materials like silk, velvet, lace, and cotton can help make sure the pieces last for years.

These textiles, as long as you find the right one, can be used in almost any home. They work in a more minimalist space to add a burst of color and detail. Or, if you already have textiles in your home, you can incorporate a few vintage pieces for a beautiful layering effect. The push for classic textiles is a win-win as it gives you a chance to find rare pieces, saves you money, and repurposes items that might otherwise get thrown away.

Though this trend sounds fun, it can be intimidating to figure out how to put such detailed textiles in your home. A heavy pattern can quickly leave your space feeling overwhelming or chaotic. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to incorporate a vintage textile into your home so it feels natural and adds a bit of charm, no matter how much you want to use it. Reupholstering furniture is one option, adding some visual interest to your chairs and couches. You can even use it in more subtle ways, such as using it on a headboard or some of your pillows. If you have sewing skills, thinner textiles can even be repurposed into a lampshade.

They can also play more subtle or specific roles. Vintage designs can be turned into decorative hand towels or a table runner in your dining room and kitchen. Of course, tapestries are a classic as well. If you have a main focal wall, but you don't want paint or wallpaper, hanging up a tapestry can draw attention. A rug or blanket is a little thicker, but can also give you a similar look if you can't find a tapestry. They can be turned into curtains or room dividers, too, if you want to keep them as a main focus point. In fact, by layering vintage textiles, you can get an eclectic curtain look that gives your home an instant Boho feel.