It’s been a while since I shared my recent vintage finds — mostly because I haven’t been able to visit my favorite antique shops as often this year. Over the past couple of months, though, I managed to stop at a few of them, and I thought you might enjoy a look at what I found.
I wasn’t searching for anything specific; I simply enjoyed getting back out and hunting for treasures. I took the usual precautions — mask and social distancing — and came home with a handful of pieces I’m already using or plan to use around the house.
Here are the highlights from my latest trips.
Vintage Orchard Ladder
This might be my favorite find: an old orchard ladder. I’m not sure whether it was used for apples, cherries, or another crop, but that history only adds to its charm. It looks fabulous tucked into the corner of my bedroom, providing visual height and character.
That corner has needed something for a while, and this ladder’s graceful lines and worn patina give the space instant personality. If you want to see more of the room, I recently refreshed the master bedroom as part of a room makeover.
Brass Horn
I was thrilled to find a small brass horn — it ticks so many boxes for me:
- It’s brass — and I love brass finishes.
- It’s whimsical — an unexpected object adds interest to a vignette.
- I didn’t know items like this even existed, so finding it felt like a lucky discovery.
I haven’t permanently styled it yet, but I can already picture it as a quirky accent on a bookcase or coffee table.
Pie Plates
Last winter I planned to make my favorite pie recipe and realized my newer glass pie plates were too large for the smaller pies I like to bake. While antiquing I spotted several vintage glass pie plates and bought a few — now I have smaller pans ready when I need them.
These vintage plates are practical and pretty, and they solved my “wrong-size” problem without buying new pans. If you love pie too, I have a collection of favorite recipes I like to use with these smaller dishes.
Wood Arched Mirror
I hadn’t been searching for a new mirror for the entryway, but this wood arched mirror stopped me in my tracks. Even the shop owner said it looked like something I would pick — and she was right. The mirror’s shape and wood frame instantly felt like a better fit than the temporary piece I had.
The previous mirror from a big-box store worked in a pinch, but this vintage piece matches my aesthetic better and makes the entry feel more finished. (The custom cabinetry planned for the entryway was also installed recently, so I’ll share that update soon.)
Vintage Enamelware Storage
Every so often a type of vintage item becomes a little obsession for me. Lately it’s enamelware lidded containers. I’ve been thinking about storage solutions that feel authentic to the home, and vintage enamelware offers charm that plastic bins can’t match.
They may not match perfectly or look pristine, and it might take time to build a coordinated set, but I love the history these pieces bring. Right now I’m using smaller enamelware containers to corral art supplies, and they work wonderfully.
Vintage Tin Collection
Remember the vintage wall cabinet I filled with Christmas ribbons? After the holidays, I packed the ribbons away and needed something new for that little cabinet. I started with a few vintage tins I already had and have been adding tins that catch my eye ever since.
It’s not my favorite collection, but it’s growing into a cheerful display. A bright coffee tin I found recently adds a pop of color and personality.
Bird Salt and Pepper Shakers
Ever notice how a tiny collection can grow before you realize it? That’s what happened with salt and pepper shakers. You start with one cute set, then another for the holidays, and soon you’ve collected several. I found a pair of sweet bird-shaped shakers with big doe eyes and couldn’t resist adding them to my growing assortment.
They’re adorable and add a touch of whimsy to the kitchen display. Apparently I’m now a vintage salt and pepper shaker collector, and I’m perfectly fine with that.
I found a few other small treasures on these outings, but the pieces I’ve shared here are my favorites. I hope they inspired a few ideas for your home and encouraged you to keep an eye out for unexpected vintage finds.
If you’re local to Pittsburgh or planning a visit, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite antique stores for those who want to explore some of the same shops I frequent.
Have you been antiquing or thrifting lately? What vintage finds have you discovered? I’d love to hear about your best discoveries in the comments.