The Vintage Thrift Store Shelving That's So Common & Trending Again

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There are endless home shelving options available, but one classic style is taking over vintage-inspired interiors. If you're looking to give your home a traditional touch, consider a thrifted shelf with heart-shaped cutouts. One TikTok user, @storyhousebyelle described the feeling of finding wood shelves with heart-shaped cutouts as akin to "winning the lottery." These traditional shelving units with kitschy cutouts are also extremely affordable, with some thrifters purchasing the shelves for as little as $2. 

If you're searching for a savvy way to transform your space with floating shelves, the internet has officially agreed that these rustic-style shelves are back in style. This thrifted decor piece has become so popular that TikTok users are filming heart shelf "hauls." Local thrift stores are also advertising their selection of heart-shaped furniture in response to the demand. If you're dying to try the trend but can't find these cutesy shelves at your local thrift store, you could try finding new ones, such as these Novabright Wooden Heart Shelves from Amazon instead. Just be prepared to pay a higher price.

In addition to hunting for these shelves at the thrift store, giving them a slightly modern upgrade is a popular approach. Easily blend upcycled wood furniture into a modern home style – like the trendy heart shelves — with a few alterations. One TikTok user, @amberfashion, spray-painted her vintage heart shelves with Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch in Ivory Bisque, then adhered wallpaper to some of the surfaces to give the shelves playful, floral accents. Another simple trending option is to strip the existing dark wood stain to create a lighter and brighter appearance.

However, the online discourse makes it clear that not everyone is in agreement that these shelves should be altered. For example, many commenters responded to the spray-painted upcycled shelf with disappointment that the original charm had been covered. Over on Reddit, one user posted an image of her new heart-cutout shelving unit with a carved bow, asking whether the bow should stay or go. The majority of the comments urged the poster to leave the shelf as is. If you're torn between whether you want to upcycle or preserve your vintage find, try hanging it in its original state and see how you feel before making any permanent changes. It will work well with cottage-core style decor, although you might prefer to update it for a more contemporary vibe. Regardless of how you choose to display it, this vintage-inspired furniture trend is making a comeback big time.