Everyone Had One In The 60s: Now It's A Chic Thrift Store Find For Hanging Jackets

Over the years, the way people get dressed and ready for the day has changed significantly. In the 18th century, for example, many upper-class citizens employed a servant or "valet" to help them dress in the many layers of clothing their society demanded at the time. As times changed and clothes became somewhat simpler, the majority of people began dressing themselves instead. However, in the 1960s, many men still wore suits, pastel-colored button-up shirts, and blazers to work — clothes that needed to be kept ready for their next use and in good condition.

One item was therefore often used in that era: the clothes valet. While this item reportedly dates back many decades, versions from the 1960s are among the easiest to find secondhand today. They generally consist of a vertical wooden or brass bar — much like a hat stand — topped with a wooden hanger, allowing the user to store a shirt or jacket. Some versions also feature a trouser pant press or a handy change tray for emptying pockets at the end of the day. While these items are charming and fascinating for their history, they aren't only good for looking at. They can also be used in a variety of ways in the modern home, even if you don't tend to wear a fancy suit jacket to work every day. So, let's take a look at how to source retro brass-and-wood valet stands from the 1960s at thrift stores and online marketplaces. Then, we'll dive into how they can be repurposed throughout your home as a charming yet practical addition to your existing decor.

The first thing to keep in mind when looking for retro valet stands for storing jackets is that they can be known by a few different names. This is particularly helpful if you are searching online marketplaces such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace because the item you are looking for might be listed under a different name. So, make sure to try searching for valet stand," "clothes valet," or "gentleman's valet" to ensure you get a broader selection to choose from. In addition, if you are keen on one that uses particular materials such as wood or brass, you can include that in your search to help you find the right one.

While searching online can be quicker, looking for retro pieces in person also comes with its own benefits. For example, it can be easier to tell when a thrifted item is worth buying because you can examine it yourself, check the structural integrity of the piece, get a feel for the materials it's made from, and look at the item's overall shape in person. For the best chance of finding a valet you like as soon as it becomes available, try asking employees at your local thrift or antique store when they restock. This will help you know which days to go in order to snag the most recent additions. Once you have managed to nab one, take a look at some of these tips on how to give it new life in your modern-day home.

If you love repurposing items, you'll be happy to know that a valet stand can do so much more than store jackets. For example, if your thrifted gentleman's valet features a bench — as some do — you could place it in an entryway or mudroom as a space-saving place to put on your shoes. Putting this item near a door is also a good idea if it features a change tray, as this can be used to hold keys, hair ties, or whatever else you tend to drop by the door when you come in. Alternatively, a retro clothes valet that has a change tray could be a great addition to the bedroom as a jewelry holder. Rings and earrings can be placed in the tray, while necklaces and bracelets can be suspended from the hanger meant for clothes.

If you have thrifted a basic version, though, don't fret. Simple clothes valets that feature only a vertical bar and clothes hanger are still great for repurposing around the house. For instance, they can be placed in the living room for unique blanket storage. Alternatively, they can be put in a bathroom to hold spare towels or washcloths. Just keep in mind that, in order to protect the original wood, it is a good idea to place the clothes valet where it will have less direct contact with water and to seal it for added protection. Finally, if you enjoy combining retro pieces and greenery, you could even try hanging some small houseplants that are perfect for growing indoors from the hanger for added visual interest.