Add Beauty To Your Home With A Vintage Bird Bath You Can Look For At The Thrift Store

Do you have a corner, shelf, tabletop, or sideboard in your home which is in desperate need of some beauty and class? It can sometimes be hard to find decor pieces that are a good fit for these spaces. However, there is an item which is not only beautiful and fascinating to look at, but which can also sometimes be found at thrift stores, if you're lucky: alabaster bird baths.

Alabaster bird baths, importantly, are not actually ideal for use in the garden. This is because alabaster is a porous stone like marble, meaning it can become cracked or worn down as a result of direct sunlight, moisture, and hot or cold temperatures. In addition, this material can become discolored due to pollution that is often found in exterior environments. These vintage birdbath-style sculptures are perfect for interior decorating, however, due to the beautiful veining in the alabaster which can help you incorporate organic texture into your home, as well as the decorative bird details which are often attached, too. Though it is likely best not to fill these bird baths with water due to the stone's porosity, they can still be filled with plenty of charming, unique decor that reflects your own personality and the style of your home. So, if you do find one at your local thrift store, you may just want to grab one for yourself, as they can offer a lovely sense of class and careful curation to your space.

Because of the elegant veining of these alabaster bird baths, many people who have found theirs at thrift stores or auctions like to keep them as the main event of their decor setting. As such, they style them relatively simply, using them as decor on a bookshelf or table with other historic-feeling pieces like old books or gold accents. If you want to follow this route, you can check to see if the birds that come with your thrifted bird bath are removable, as some designs allow you to pull them out of their slots to give the piece a sleeker, more laid-back feel.

However, if you want your alabaster bird bath to be more of a showstopper, there are plenty of decorative and practical ways to customize it. For example, you could fill it with seasonal decor, such as eggs and faux flowers for spring, or autumn leaves in the fall. Or, to make your new bird bath practical and visually appealing, you can turn it into a candle. Simply grab some sealer, like this Generic Earth Safe Sealer and Varnish Candle Duo and coat the inside of the bath. Then, add a few wicks and fill it with melted wax. If you want to avoid the necessary steps of making a candle, you could always add potpourri to the bird bath to infuse your space with a delightful smell and add a lovely floral accent to the bowl itself. To keep your bird bath looking like a piece of well-maintained old money decor, avoid liquid cleaners and simply use a soft brush to remove any dust that settles on it.