The Affordable Thrift Store Find That Makes Adorable Vintage Decor

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Interior decor isn't always about big and flashy. Sometimes, it all comes down to the tiny details that can add charm to your home. Tiny brass dollhouse furniture feels both nostalgic and stylish, but it's rare for people to think of snatching them at the thrift store, especially if they don't have a dollhouse. 

Vintage dollhouse furniture adds warmth and character to a house. It has that old-school cozy feel that's so hard to replicate. Because they're so small, they can easily fit on a shelf or rest on a credenza. They're a conversation starter that can be swapped out depending on the season. Dollhouse furniture can fit nicely in a vintage or feminine interior design aesthetic, or be used in various DIYs, such as this charming one that turns a nightstand into a dollhouse. 

Back in the day, dollhouses had all sorts of tiny brass pieces that mimicked full-size furniture. Whether it's a small full-length mirror, a rocking chair, a claw-foot bathtub, or a table and chair set, you can find nearly anything from these collections. While they have a vintage look, they can be paired with modern decor items, like a Smiski figurine or, who knows, your latest Labubu find. Of course, these pieces look great on their own — doll or no doll. You can find full sets like this brass bedroom set for under $40, with a bed, coat hanger, mirror, and other fun and unique pieces. You can also purchase individual pieces, like a radiator, bed, or armchair, for just a few dollars on eBay or your local thrift store. 

These may have started their lives as toys, but vintage dollhouse furniture is an adorable thrift store find that belongs in your house. A lot of vintage dollhouse furniture was made of materials like brass, rattan, or wood. What allows them to continue showing up in thrift stores today is the sturdiness of the material. Although they look like delicate miniature antiques, they were designed to be handled by kids, and they're pretty strong for toys, especially compared to today's plastic pieces. It can be hard to date these pieces when you find them, but a lot of what's available today is advertised as coming from the 1980s or 1990s, though older finds are definitely around. 

To style these small pieces, let your imagination run wild. For example, you can assemble little setups on a stack of books, on a shelf, or on a windowsill. Create small "rooms" with several pieces (chair, table, etc). You can set these up on a brass tray if you'd like to move them around easily. And if you're not afraid to commit, consider using a drop of hot glue to keep them in place, making it even easier to move them around from table to shelf whenever you choose. This is particularly helpful if you have curious cats at home who might topple the pieces over or hide them underneath the dresser. 

Over time, brass tends to develop a patina, which gives these pieces an old-school charm. If you don't like the look of it, you can clean the brass and give the pieces their original shine back. For this, you can make a mixture with salt, flour, and vinegar. Rub the paste onto the pieces with a cloth, and watch it shine.