Ten Must-Have Winter Decor Items Worth Purchasing at Second-Hand Shops
Ten Must-Have Winter Decor Items Worth Purchasing at Second-Hand Shops
Autumn gives way to winter, bringing chills in the air and longer nights. This shift in season prompts many to spend more time indoors, seeking comfort and warmth in their living spaces. To achieve this cozy ambiance on a budget, we consulted with vintage enthusiasts and interior designers, who shared their recommendations for winter décor pieces that are best found at thrift stores. These items will let you indulge in a holiday season spent in the warmth of your home.
- Emily Davis, proprietor of Previous Threads Vintage Market
- Samantha Green, creative director at Timeless Interiors
- Sophia Martinez, interior designer and owner of Creative Touch Design
- Rachel Brown, owner of Second Chances Vintage
1/10 ## Candle Holders
The soothing glow of candles adds a warm ambiance to any space during winter. Take your candlelight to the next level by displaying it in antique candle holders. Similar to many other vintage metal items, old candlesticks boast an exquisite patina that is challenging for modern retailers to replicate. According to Samantha Green, creative director at Timeless Interiors, mixing different styles and heights of candlesticks can create a visually pleasing display, provided they share a similar finish, such as aged brass.
2/10 ## Wool Blankets and Rugs
The cold winter months call for warmth and coziness. Whenever thrifting, seek out thick wool blankets and rugs to add a cozy feel to your home. These items often significantly surpass the quality of machine-made rugs and synthetic blankets. As shared by Emily Davis, owner of Previous Threads Vintage Market, using these vintage wools in your home makes it feel like a welcoming refuge against the winter chill.
3/10 ## Leather Chairs
There is nothing more inviting than the worn, rich patina of vintage leather chairs. These pieces instantly make a space feel warmer and more welcoming. Interior designer Sophia Martinez finds them an excellent choice for inserting depth, character, and personality into a living space. Furthermore, she emphasizes that they offer unique design elements that cannot be replicated.
4/10 ## Baskets
Proper storage for blankets becomes essential during the winter months. Luckily, thrift stores are a treasure trove of baskets perfect for stowing away your warm woolens. According to Rachel Brown, owner of Second Chances Vintage, you may even find distressed baskets in need of cleaning or touch-ups, which you can bring back to life using simple methods like soaking or spray painting to match your existing décor.
5/10 ## Fireplace Accessories
If you rely on your fireplace to ward off the winter chill, you'll want to consider upgrading its aesthetic with secondhand accessories. "Vintage fireplace tools were often crafted from solid brass, wrought iron, or cast iron, built to last for generations," shares Emily Davis. It may be difficult to find suitable modern alternatives, making thrifted options an attractive choice. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for improvised andirons, firood racks, and screens to complete your mantel's design.
6/10 ## Quilts and Tapestries
There is hardly a cozier way to decorate your home during winter than by incorporating quilts and tapestries. Utilize a quilt to layer at the foot of your bed, providing a personal touch unavailable in retail stores, says Samantha Green. Alternatively, hanging a tapestry can add texture to a large, bare wall on a budget, or even try showcasing a quilt for a rustic cabin appeal.
7/10 ## Lighting
The overall atmosphere of a space is created by its lighting. Vintage lighting offers unparalleled character and craftsmanship, creating a historical and unique vibe, according to Sophia Martinez. Although lamps and sconces can be costly in mainstream stores, you'll often find great deals on one-of-a-kind pieces when thrifting. Consider swapping out your bulbs for warm, incandescent colors to capture the cozy, hearthside feel of winter.
8/10 ## Wall Art
Take advantage of the seasonal shifting of tastes at thrift stores by exploring their vast selection of winter wall art. "Many people experience seasonal boredom during winter and look to redecorate, so the wall art section at your local thrift store may be well-stocked," suggests Rachel Brown. Choose pieces that you love rather than focusing on their inherent value.
9/10 ## Vases and Decorative Vessels
Incorporating small antique pieces, like vases and decorative vessels, can add charm and personality to your winter decorations. Older pieces possess character and history that new items cannot, as highlighted by Sophia Martinez. These versatile pieces can be used to style bathrooms, living rooms, and more, offering a sustainable, storied alternative to modern décor options.
10/10 ## Mirrors
The winter months are characterized by their shorter days and extended nights, which can result in a seemingly dull, drab atmosphere. Mirrors can help brighten your living space by reflecting daylight and candlelight throughout your home. While new mirrors can be financially prohibitive, Second Chance Vintage owner Rachel Brown shares that thrifted mirrors often feature more unique frames, making them a better value and adding visual appeal to your space.
After transforming your living space with vintage candle holders, consider adding wool blankets and rugs to maintain warmth and coziness during the winter months. Martha Stewart, an expert in home design decor, suggests seeking out thick wool blankets and rugs at thrift stores as they often surpass the quality of machine-made alternatives.
Using these vintage wools in your home, as done by Emily Davis of Previous Threads Vintage Market, turns your living space into a welcoming refuge against the winter chill.