10 vintage home decor items I always buy

Having got my start in the design business as an antique dealer in Asheville, NC, I know a good find when I see one. I spent my days at estate sales, yard sales, antique malls…you name it, configuring my finds into vignettes and table-scapes. What became a passionate obsession later turned into a way for me to supply my interior design clients with amazing pieces for their homes. Now days, I think less about the monitary resell value of an item, but more of how it can add value to a home. This is the magic sauce I discovered transforms interiors into one-of-a-kind spaces you don’t see anywhere else.

So, although I’ve bought a lot of things over the years, there are 10 items I never pass up at antique stores, flea markets, thrift stores or yard sales…

10 Vintage Items I Never Pass Up

Umbrella stands
Very popular late 19th/early 20th centuries (Think parasols and walking canes), most we find today are from the mid-century and were intended solely for the use of umbrellas. They are not only great for umbrellas, but many other things as well. I’ve used them for wallpaper, gift wrap, fire tools by the hearth and even plants. From rattan to metal to porcelain there are so many great options.

2. Art

Art is so subjective, but I mostly look for art I like, that’s signed, and in good condition (void of mold and stains). It doesn’t have to be original, as there are some amazing lithographs and etchings that are in limited runs and quite special. Mostly, it just has to be art you respond to. If it includes the original frame, even better. Don’t let a broken or missing glass cover deter you. This is an easy part to replace at your local glass manufacturer.

grasscloth wall in bedroom | Hausmatter Interiors

3. Lucite

Lucite is such a rare find. From lighters to candlestick holder to chandeliers, the choice is clear…BUY IT!

What is lucite? Lucite is a brand of acrylic introduced in America in 1937 made popular by Helena Rubinstein who envisioned this material in her furniture designs. With the collaboration of Ladislas Medgyes, she saw this vision realized in a dramatic, sleigh-bed and dining chairs with etched roses. By the 1960s and 70s, lucite was a major staple in modern homes in both furnishings and architecture.

Just check to make sure the lucite is not foggy, or scratched. You should be able to see through it as if it were glass (and actually, glass is tinged slightly green whereas lucite is crystal clear). Many pieces I find are signed, but some are not. I’m usually fairly certain if they are in fact vintage or not, and since I am not interested in their resell value, this is not a deal breaker for me.

brass etageres with lucite candlestick holders | Hausmatter Interiors

dark red dining room with lucite chandelier and tulip table | Hausmatter Interiors

4. Lamps

True story, I have more lamps than I can count. I always find a place for them either in my home, or the home’s of my clients. Especially if I find a pair. It’s a great way to add color or interest by injecting a new style or texture into a room. Most lamps I find have the original wiring, but this is an easy, inexpensive thing to have replaced at your local lighting shop (usually around $15). Don’t let a missing, damaged or ill-fitting shade deter you from a lamp you love. Typically, the value is in the lamp itself. Sometimes I will hold onto a lamp base for years before finding a shade that speaks to me. If I can’t wait, I will have a shade custom made.

vintage lamp on piano | Hausmatter Interiors

vintage post modern lamps | Hausmatter Interiors

brass bar cart with yellow lamp | Hausmatter Interiors

5. Vintage kids toys and books

These are such treasures in our family. Some of my kids favorite toys are actually quite old. The wooden blocks with the rounder corners and patina, smoothed from years of play by little hands. Books from another era with the most vibrant illustrations…

To ensure the safety of vintage toys, you can purchase tests for lead paint before giving them to your little ones. If something doesn’t pass the test for play, I will use it for styling a shelf and just enjoy looking at it.

vintage children’s toys | Hausmatter Interiors

6. Mirrors

Particularly 19th and early 20th century oak mirrors, especially with age to the glass. I love these for powder rooms as they give so much character. As with lamps, I always prefer old to new when it comes to mirrors.

snake bathroom with oval mirror | Hausmatter Interiors

I find a convex mirror to be a great way to bounce light around when you don’t necessarily need a mirror to see yourself. It’s like a little portal…

convex mirror over bed | Hausmatter Interiors

gilt wood mirror over dresser | Hausmatter Interiors

See more of my portfolio

7. Midcentury rimmed glassware sets

There are a lot of midcentury cocktail glasses still out there, but there are not a lot in good condition. I look for large sets of Gold or silver rimmed glasses, especially with the matching decanter. These look amazing for bar shelf styling and even make great vases for flowers. Check to make sure the glass isn’t fogged and the paint is intact.

mid-century silver rimmed glasses | Hausmatter Interiors

gold rimmed greek key glasses | Hausmatter Interiors

8. Colored dish-ware

I look for interesting colors in bowls and plates. Especially lotus bowls. I love to use for styling open shelves in my clients kitchens.

mid-century glass yellow bowls and blue lotus bowl | Hausmatter Interiors

9. Lions head planters.

Particularly if they have hammered detail. They feel very regal and stately, almost like jewelry for a room. Lacquered brass planters have a polished finish whereas non-lacquered can have a patina, giving it a more casual vibe. These are great for large house plants. I’ve even used them as Christmas tree stands or filled with ice to hold drinks at a party.

lion-head brass planter in dark blue bedroom | Hausmatter Interiors

brass lion-head planter with christmas tree | Hausmatter Interiors

10. Baskets

Baskets add an artisanal touch to a room that’s reminiscent of an era where things were hand-crafted. They can feel primitive or intricate in style, but they almost always come in handy when corralling small objects, particularly if they are lidded. I love to use them for styling builtins but will also use them for plants on coffee tables. I’ve even used them on the wall to hold hand towels. When sourcing baskets, I look for something unusual in shape or style. Baskets are made to last, so I rarely find that they are in disrepair, but occasionally will find they could use a good cleaning. This is easy to remedy by washing in a little dish soap and water, and air-drying in the sun.

shelf styling with books and baskets | Hausmatter Interiors

large chinese sieve basket on wall Hausmatter Interiors

basket as towel holder | Hausmatter Interiors

Enjoy the hunt!

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