The '90s Thrift Store Find That Fills Empty Shelf Space

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

There are certain 1990s decor trends design experts don't want to come back — namely anything with bright brass accents or orange-hued wood. That doesn't mean homeowners are rejecting everything from that decade. In fact, some home decor ideas that bring back the '90s are trending. The trend is evident in the rising demand for overstuffed, hyper-comfortable living room furniture, rich-hued timber, and a return to narrative and quiet luxury interior design styles. If this sounds like your aesthetic, there is a '90s thrift store find that would be the perfect addition to a vintage-themed home: a tambour mantel clock.

Tambour clocks first appeared in the U.S. in the early 1900s and became a popular style of mantel or shelf clock — mostly due to the low-profile wings on either side of the central clock face. In fact, the tambour clock gets its name from its upright drum-like shape, though tambour clocks are sometimes also referred to as Napoleon hat clocks. The tambour clocks of the 1990s were often made of wood with brass accents and bezels. Depending on the quality, they had either a mechanical or battery-operated movement. They commonly featured the Westminster chime, which sounds similar to the bells of Big Ben. A vintage tambour mantel clock adds a touch of warmth and visual interest to any home. It's the perfect fit for that empty shelf you've been trying to fill.

If you're enamoured with the look of a particular decade, it can be challenging to avoid cliché or stereotypical decor items. You should never underestimate the power of adding antiques to a room — so long as they're authentic and perhaps a little unusual. Displaying a lesser-known 1990s accent, such as a tambour mantel clock, will subtly change the whole feel of a room. These diminutive pieces are highly versatile. Use a tambour clock to soften a contemporary steel bookshelf or take inspiration from the hues and materials it's made of to build out a room's entire interior. These clocks can be found in thrift stores or on online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy. If you really can't find a secondhand clock, go new. This Ocest Vintage Farmhouse Walnut Brown Mantel Clock costs about $26.

Even if your interior design is not vintage-inspired, a '90s tambour mantel clock could still be a great choice to fill that empty spot above your fireplace. Because of their simple shape and timeless design, they work well in all kinds of vignettes. Plus, there's no harm in mixing and matching across time periods. Style your tambour mantel clock with photo frames made of the same wood. Place one in the center of a floating shelf with trailing houseplants on either side. You could even use a vintage tambour clock on a desk in a home office with a few favorite books on either side — it's giving old-world library. However you choose to style your 1990s tambour clock, it's one of those thrift store finds that always looks like it's been in your home for decades.