It Was In Every Texan's Jewelry Box — Now It's A Valuable Thrift Store Decor Find

Heading to the thrift store is a great way to find hidden gems that can serve multiple purposes. More specifically, you might overlook the jewelry section during home decor thrifting, but there are some commonly overlooked pieces worth considering.  

If you're searching for pieces that are easy to locate in jewelry boxes in Texas, but would make an amazing home decor find, you'll want to be on the lookout for bolo ties. These items are the perfect addition to western decor, with a straightforward design that includes an ornamentation slide boasting Americana flair. 

Bolo ties are a simple cord that is worn around the neck in place of a tie. The cord is draped around the back of a collar and is fastened with a slide clasp. The clasp itself is typically on the more ornate side, with many featuring metalwork and precious stones. However, there are more basic designs available. At the end of the cord, metal aglets are usually used to weigh down the cord and keep the ends from fraying or flying up during use. 

If you want to incorporate vintage bolo ties into your home decor, there are a number of seamless ways to do so, both as general decoration and functional additions. Not only can you display them on the wall – either in a group or spread out, mixed in with photos or other pieces of art — you can also use them to add a more decorative touch to larger items in the space, such as vases and lamps. If you want to group them together, you could even frame them with florals to add a softer touch to the look. Plus, if you have tassels hung around your home, you can swap them out with these vintage jewelry box pieces. Instead of hanging tassels from doorknobs, you can easily swap them out with bolo ties for a more rustic look.

Another way to use bolo ties is around fabric items that you're trying to keep gathered. For example, consider skipping more simple napkin rings, and instead use bolo ties as a decorative ring for dinner parties, or as part of your normal table setting. If you want to skip the tie backs and tassels, another beautiful alternative is to use bolo ties on your curtains, particularly lightweight panels or sheer curtains. The slide clasp, coupled with the cord holding your curtains to the side of the windows, strikes an ideal balance between form and function.