The Thrift Store Decor That Adds An Elegant Touch Of Brass To Any Room

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Thrifting is all about the thrill of finding unique (and maybe even valuable if you're lucky) pieces you can't just pick up on a Target run. It's an excellent pastime for those looking to pick up some new-to-you home goods and decor. Brass, in particular, is one of those old vintage decor trends we still can't seem to get enough of. And there is typically an abundance of brass decor to peruse at the thrift.  Next time you're shopping secondhand, keep your eyes peeled for miniature brass homes or villages. They are elegant, subtle pieces to layer into your decor. 

The love affair with brass dates all the way back to antiquity. Primarily crafted from a metal alloy of copper and zinc, brass is a sturdy material built to last. That's why you can still find vintage brass pieces in such good shape. This timeless vintage decor adds elegance to any space, typically in the form of candlesticks, hardware, and faucets. And although brass figurines may have been around for ages, they probably aren't what comes to mind when you think of the gold-like metal. But miniature brass buildings are a quirky yet charming collectible you can often find at thrift stores. If you bring some of these little treasures home, here's how you can style them.

While you can find miniature homes in the wild, it's not always a guarantee. You can easily hunt them down online, though it will cost a bit more than at the thrift store. This miniature vintage brass house is available on Etsy for under $14, and a set of six buildings recently sold on Poshmark for $75. You can find mini brass homes, barns, churches, city buildings, pagodas, and more online.

These small brass homes are typically only an inch or so tall, so you can easily sneak them in just about anywhere in your home. But they can be a bit tricky to style without supplemental decor to play off of. If you're stumped on how to style these thrift store statues, locate small pockets that need a little extra texture. Use these brass homes in vignettes on trays with other antiques and art. Since they're so small, you can use them to cultivate a playful "I Spy" game within your home. Scatter them in unexpected places for your guests to happen upon. Place them inside of a planter, along the top of a door, or lining the shelves of your guest room closet.

A collection of small brass buildings can also stand alone in a minimalist design. For instance, you can use a handful of these brass houses to build a village within a gap on your book shelf. You can also style them on a curio shelf, or on this wooden cloche under a glass dome for a more prominent display. These small brass homes are super versatile. Be creative and lean into a sense of play while styling these whimsical pieces of decor.