Antiquing for Home Decor + Tips
Antiquing for home decor is a fun and exciting way to add character and charm to your home. By incorporating unique and interesting pieces from the past, you can create a space that is timeless and full of personality.
The first step to successful antiquing for home decor is to know what you’re looking for. For example, do you want a specific piece of antique furniture like a coffee table? Or are you open to anything that catches your eye, from antique linens to vintage kitchenware? By having a clear idea of what you want can help you focus your search and ensure you come home with pieces you truly love.
My sister & I had been planning to attend the Philly Expo and make a shopping trip to Lancaster for several weeks. We stopped for breakfast and then made our way to the Expo!
I knew Shonda from One of a Kind Junktique was going to be there with her booth, and I was so excited because I had been looking for some new unique treasures for my living room, and I knew she would have some vintage treasures that I would find the perfect statement piece for my home.
The booth was bustling with activity as lovers of antiques sifted through the myriad of treasures on display, each hoping to find a unique piece to add to their collection. But, of course, I wanted so many of those vintage finds. Still, I decided to keep within my budget & be intentional with my decor.
Wall Art for My Living Room
My list of wanted finds included an Oval frame. I found this customed framed oval embroidered print & I thought it was so pretty and had the perfect spot in my living room for it too!
Antique Mantel Clock
I saw this alarm clock and thought it had such beautiful details. I have a thing for old alarm clocks. Not quite sure how old it is, but I thought it would look darling on my secretary’s desk in my dining room.
Kitchen Tools & More
I found the perfect replacements for my kitchen tools with wooden handles in Lancaster for just $2 each. Also, the canister I found at the booth was so pretty that I couldn’t pass it up.
Vintage Amber Base Oil Lamp
Not that I need another oil lamp, but I could not pass this one up because of its amber base. I can’t believe it! I found this particular lamp style, which is costly and rare, in a thrift store in Lancaster for only $8.
Endless Variety of Antiques
I could buy so many as I looked through all the antique pieces in the booth & Lancaster. There was a perfect piece for every decor style.
One of the keys to successfully incorporating antiques into your home decor is to mix old and new.
Antiques can add charm to a space, but they can look dated if not balanced with modern pieces. Pair a vintage armchair with a sleek sofa, or mix vintage kitchenware with contemporary table linens for a fresh look.
By blending old and new elements, you can simultaneously create a space that feels timeless and fresh.
Antiquing for home decor can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Antiques can add character and charm to your home, and they can also be great conversation starters. Here are some insider tips for antiquing home decor:
- Know what you’re looking for: Before you start antiquing, you must know what you’re looking for. For example, do you want a specific piece of furniture, or are you open to anything that catches your eye? A clear idea of what you want can help you focus your search.
- Research: Once you know what you’re looking for, research to learn more about it. This can help you determine what to look for and what a fair price might be.
- Visit antique shops and markets: Visit local antique shops and markets to find unique and exciting pieces. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and negotiate prices.
- Look for quality: When you’re considering an antique, make sure to examine it carefully for quality. Look for signs of wear and tear, as well as any repairs or restorations that may have been made.
- Mix old and new: Antiques can add character and charm to a home, but mixing them with newer pieces is essential to avoid a dated or cluttered look. Try pairing an antique piece with modern decor to create a balanced, interesting look.
- Think outside the box: Antiques don’t have to be traditional furniture or decor. Instead, look for unique and unusual items, such as vintage signage or old tools, to add a touch of whimsy to your home. However, when it comes to shopping for antiques, there are a few key things to remember.
- Look for quality Antiques: They are often prized for their craftsmanship and durability, so it’s essential to examine pieces carefully for signs of wear and tear. Look for any damage or repairs that have been made, and make sure that any pieces you’re considering are sturdy and well-made.
- Be prepared to negotiate: Antiques can be expensive, and prices can vary widely depending on conditions, rarity, and provenance. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try to negotiate a fair price for any pieces that catch your eye.
- Be mindful of scale and proportion: Antiques can be larger or smaller than contemporary pieces, so it’s essential to consider how they’ll fit into your space. Make sure any furniture you’re considering is the right size for your room, and be mindful of how different pieces will look together.
- Have fun: Antiquing should be a fun and enjoyable experience, so don’t take it too seriously. Instead, keep an open mind and enjoy the process of discovering unique and interesting pieces for your home.
Whether you’re a seasoned antique hunter or a newcomer to the world of vintage decor, there are plenty of tips and tricks that can help you make the most of your antiquing adventures.
Finally, remember that antiquing for home decor should be enjoyable. So please don’t take it too seriously or get too caught up in the details. Instead, enjoy the process of discovering unique and interesting pieces, and have fun incorporating them into your home in creative and unexpected ways. Whether you’re looking for a single standout piece or hoping to create an entire room full of vintage charm, antiquing can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to decorate your home.
My sister & I had a wonderful time. We ended the evening with dinner & treats from Good’s store in Lancaster and made the long drive home. What was your favorite from what I purchased? Let me know in the comments below!
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