What’s old is stylish again – and savvy shoppers are heading to thrift stores to prove it. Vintage home decor is having a serious revival, with once-forgotten pieces flying off the shelves.
These aren’t just relics of the past; they’re full of personality, charm, and craftsmanship that’s hard to find in mass-produced goods. Designers and collectors alike are bringing them back into modern homes in creative ways.
Here are 10 vintage decor items everyone’s hunting for again — plus 6 more you’ll instantly want once you spot them.
1. Retro Pyrex Mixing Bowls
Colorful kitchen treasures from yesteryear are flying off thrift store shelves faster than freshly baked cookies. The iconic nested sets in vibrant hues and whimsical patterns have become collector’s items.
What makes these vintage bowls so special isn’t just their durability—it’s the nostalgic connection to family recipes and Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. Their timeless appeal bridges generations while adding functional charm to contemporary kitchens.
2. Macramé Plant Hangers
Hanging from thrift store racks, these knotted wonders are being snatched up by plant enthusiasts and boho decorators alike. The intricate handcrafted designs transform ordinary houseplants into suspended works of art.
During the 1970s, these woven beauties hung in nearly every sunlit window. Now they’re back with a vengeance, bringing texture and dimension to modern spaces. The natural fibers and handmade quality offer a welcome contrast to today’s tech-filled environments.
3. Mid-Century Black-and-White Abstract Art
Gallery walls across America are experiencing a monochromatic revolution thanks to these bold artistic statements. Abstract prints from the 1950s and 60s bring sophistication and visual intrigue to contemporary spaces.
Art hunters rummage through thrift store bins hoping to discover these geometric treasures. The stark contrasts and minimalist compositions complement virtually any decor style, from maximalist to Scandinavian simplicity.
4. Vintage Brass Candlesticks
Glimmering among thrift store knick-knacks, these golden beauties cast a warm glow on modern tablescapes. Their varied heights and ornate details create instant ambiance when paired with tapered candles.
Each piece tells a story through its unique wear patterns and design elements. Whether displayed in matching pairs or eclectic groupings, these timeless accessories add sophistication to any room without breaking the budget.
5. Rattan Planters
Woven from natural fibers, these textural containers have plant parents racing to thrift stores. Their organic shapes and warm tones complement everything from delicate ferns to statement-making fiddle leaf figs.
During the 1960s and 70s, rattan was everywhere—now it’s enjoying a well-deserved revival. The lightweight yet sturdy construction makes these planters practical as well as beautiful. Many feature interesting details like bamboo rings, scalloped edges, or intricate weaving patterns.
6. Retro Enamelware Cookware
Speckled with character, these sturdy kitchen workhorses are being rediscovered by cooking enthusiasts seeking alternatives to disposable cookware. The distinctive blue-rimmed white pieces or colorful speckled patterns instantly transport kitchens back several decades.
The lightweight construction and excellent heat distribution make them practical for everyday use. Many cooks swear these heritage pieces impart extra flavor to soups and stews simmered in their well-seasoned interiors.
7. Vintage Rotary Phones
Ring-ring! These conversation starters are being dialed up by decorators looking for nostalgic accents. While no longer practical for daily calls, their sculptural quality and mechanical charm make them perfect decorative objects.
Available in fantastic retro colors like harvest gold, avocado green, and bubble gum pink, these telecommunications relics add personality to office spaces and entryways. The satisfying click of the rotary dial and substantial weight provide a tactile experience missing from today’s sleek smartphones.
8. Embroidered Chenille Bedspreads
Soft as clouds and adorned with raised floral patterns, these textural treasures are being snatched from thrift store linen sections. The plush fabric and handcrafted details bring instant coziness to bedrooms seeking vintage charm.
Popular from the 1930s through the 1960s, chenille bedspreads came in pastel hues with tufted designs ranging from simple dots to elaborate peacocks. Beyond bedrooms, creative decorators repurpose these fabrics into curtains, throw pillows, and even fashionable tote bags.
9. Ceramic Lava Vases
Bubbling with texture and dramatic glazes, these sculptural vessels are erupting back into home decor. The distinctive “fat lava” technique creates raised, tactile surfaces resembling volcanic formations in vibrant color combinations.
Their organic shapes and unexpected textures provide perfect contrast to minimalist interiors. Even empty, these statement pieces command attention on mantels and shelves.
10. Antique Brass Picture Frames
Gleaming with history, these ornate photo holders elevate family snapshots and artwork to gallery status. The warm metallic finish develops character over decades, creating depth that new reproductions can’t match.
Unlike plastic or mass-produced frames, these vintage pieces feature intricate details like filigree corners, beaded edges, or floral motifs. Creating a collected gallery wall with varied brass frames adds instant sophistication to any room.
1. Mid-Century Teak Side Tables
Sleek silhouettes and warm wood tones make these furniture gems highly coveted thrift store finds. The clean lines and tapered legs epitomize mid-century design aesthetic that complements today’s interiors beautifully.
Crafted during an era when quality mattered, teak side tables feature dovetail joints and solid construction rarely found in contemporary furniture.
2. Bakelite Radios
Tuning into nostalgia, collectors are competing for these art deco audio devices at thrift stores nationwide. The rounded corners and glossy finishes in rich browns, marbled greens, and vibrant reds make them sculptural art pieces.
Though most no longer function as intended, clever enthusiasts convert them into Bluetooth speakers. Others simply appreciate them as decorative objects that evoke a time when families gathered around the radio for entertainment.
3. Old Green Glass Jugs
Capturing light in their emerald depths, these substantial vessels are being repurposed as statement vases and decorative objects. Their thick glass walls and imperfect bubbles speak to an era of handcrafted glassmaking.
Originally used for everything from wine to olive oil, these utilitarian containers now serve purely aesthetic purposes. The varied green hues—from pale seafoam to deep forest—complement both modern and traditional interiors. Many feature interesting embossed lettering or numbers that hint at their working past.
4. Vintage Bar Carts
Rolling back into fashion, these mobile entertaining stations are premium finds at any thrift store. The combination of metal frames and glass shelves creates an airy elegance perfect for displaying spirits and glassware.
Popular during mid-century cocktail culture, bar carts represent a time when home entertaining was an art form. Their compact footprint makes them practical even in small spaces. Beyond beverage service, creative decorators repurpose them as nightstands, plant displays, or bathroom storage with vintage flair.
5. Scalloped Edge Mirrors
Framing reflections with feminine curves, these decorative mirrors add character to walls seeking vintage personality. The distinctive wavy edges create visual interest while the aged glass develops a desirable patina over time.
Unlike flat-edged contemporary mirrors, these vintage pieces catch light in unexpected ways. Many feature subtle details like etched flowers or gold accents along the scalloped border.
6. Colored Depression Glass
Sparkling in shades of pink, green, and amber, these delicate treasures are being rescued from dusty thrift store shelves. Depression glass earned its name during the economic downturn when manufacturers produced affordable colored glassware for struggling households.
Today’s collectors appreciate both the history and the pop of color these pieces bring to dining tables and display cabinets.