The Trendy Décor Accessory You Can Collect At The Thrift Store (There Are So Many Styles)

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There's no shortage of unique and quirky vintage décor items you should always look for at thrift stores, antique markets, and even yard sales. From stunning glassware to original artwork, you never know what gems you might stumble across. If you're on the hunt for new decorative items to fill your shelves or grace your entryway table, perusing thrift stores gives you an abundance of options. In particular, keep your eyes peeled for mini ceramic homes. These charming tiny treasures are in demand because they're so fun to style. They're guaranteed to add a bit of whimsy to any room in your home.

Mini ceramic homes come in a wide array of shapes, colors, and sizes. They range from around an inch tall to as much as 5 or 6 inches tall — any taller and you're moving out of the realm of miniatures. The beauty of these pieces is that they come in so many different styles: whether you're a fan of minimalism or more vibrant aesthetics, you can find a house design you'll love. During the holidays, you can even find festive-themed versions. With a little digging, you could probably create a village that follows a theme. To refine your search, you may need to branch out from local thrift stores and shop online marketplaces like Etsy (also great for handmade décor) and eBay. Trust us, once you dive into the world of mini ceramic homes, you'll never leave the thrift store without buying these home décor steals.

You can incorporate mini ceramic homes throughout your living spaces for an easy dose of charm. Place them on the mantel to amplify the comforting, cozy atmosphere of the room. In winter, style them on a tray (we like brass) atop a coffee table with other seasonal pieces, such as ceramic Christmas trees and real mini pinecones. A lot of these ceramic homes are hollow with cutouts for the door and windows. Some have enough room inside for a Homemory Battery-Operated Flickering Flameless Candle — or a real tea light candle, if you prefer that vibe.

If you love the look of mini ceramic homes and enjoy collecting sets, Lenox Spice Village houses are vintage décor you should never leave behind at the thrift store. Each unique home is designed to hold the spice or seasoning it's named after, from cinnamon to sage to bay. Collecting each home in this set at thrift stores may take some time — sets have been released by Lenox since 1989, but vintage pieces are highly sought after and snapped up quickly. However, you can also find vintage pieces and full villages on sites like eBay or buy a new set from Lenox.

Whether you're adorning your kitchen with an entire ceramic spice village or incorporating a few ceramic homes into a seasonal vignette, it's important to balance these pieces out with complementing elements. For example, ceramic surfaces work well with décor made from other natural materials, like rugged textiles, rusted metal, or distressed wood. Avoid pairing ceramic objects, unless it's a simple vase filled with dry florals. Don't be afraid to play around with composition until the display looks balanced.