The Thrill of the Hunt (Vintage Items I Can’t Resist at Antique Shows)

From a very, very young age my mom started me antiquing. We’d go on little antiquing adventures where she always got lost. The thrill of the hunt is real and there are certain vintage items I can’t resist at antique shows.

The above photo was from Brimfield a few years back. Brimfield is actually starting TODAY! Sadly, I’m not sure I’ll make it out this week due to other family commitments, but I thought it would be fun to share items I can’t ever resist when walking through fields and fields of vintage goodness.

Vintage Items I Can’t Resist at Antique Shows

Bottles

Vintage bottles, especially ones with a hint of blue. I can never seem to resist these!

I find these pretty bottles look great on shelves, mantles or dressers. I also love putting them on window sills or filling them with flowers.

This one in our living room was from my mom. She found it in Bermuda and it’s an old soda bottle. I LOVE the color so much!

Vintage Books

We all love books in our home. I love really shabby and beat up ones to decorate with.

I have a whole collection of these books in our living room. I LOVED that teal color and the gold writing.

My office / studio book shelf is filled with old books I found on the side of the road.

You guys might like this post on styling a bookshelf.

Furniture with Pretty Details

One can find such great “diamonds in the rough” at antique shows and yard sales. Many favorite pieces in our home have been $20 or less. The thing is you need to train your eye. Look for well-made furniture with pretty details.

The above vintage cabinet was $20 at a yard sale. There was definitely surface issues and it’s missing some detailing but I was drawn to the shape and the pretty hardware. I store all my napkins, candles and entertaining needs in here. Every season brings a new idea to decorate the top, you can see a few here and here. The full makeover is here.

This chippy dresser is now in our bedroom but I found it on the side of the road and it said “Free or Best Offer”. I love the serpentine detail and how much room I have for clothes.

You can see the early makeover here.

Printer’s Trays

I’ve lost count how many we have in our home. Um, maybe three, but maybe more… They are great to use for storage or collections. They also make cute trays.

I used shells we collected at the beach to make a beautiful memory album that hangs in our home. You can see it here.

We also have one in the boys’ playroom filled with toys and old printing letters.

I also love when trays have been painted.

Ironstone

I’m always on the look out for Ironstone as I love using it in our dining room. The white pottery is perfect for decorating but we also use it when serving meals.

I shared a post all about Ironstone.

I actually love it when pieces aren’t perfect. I think the chips and crazing gives it character.

Old Shells or Coral

I love decorating with shells in our home because we’re so close to the sea. I love finding giant shells in antique booths. They’re perfect for tucking into shelves or putting in the bathroom. This shell mirror was actually a Brimfield find. My mom bought it for me, knowing how much I love shells!

Flow Blue is another kind of china. It is from England and I love how dreamy the pattern looks. I really love anything that is blue and white together.

This pitcher is exquisite and I found it for $16. I shared these paper roses the other week.

Seltzer Bottles

Again, more bottles. I don’t know why but I’m always drawn to them. I have a collection of seltzer bottles. Some clear and some blue and green.

I loved the cage around the one above. While I loved the simplicity of these clear bottles.

Architectural Salvage

Chippy doors, fireplaces, old columns, corbels….

Windows, spindles, spools.

All seem to draw my attention. The chippier the better. I think these type of things can add so much charm to an old or new home.

Vintage Lights

I love crystal and brass chandeliers and old table lights, especially with marble. They can add so much style to a room. The crystal one in our dining room was from a vintage shop and pretty affordable.

Luke found the one in the office at the dump.

I’m actually thinking of moving this one to our downstairs bathroom and changing Luke’s office.

I hope this post gave you a few ideas if you want to start a collection. I also hope it gave you a few ways to decorate with vintage items.

Happy Hunting if you’re heading out to Brimfield this week. I shared a few posts a while back.

Brimfield, 2012 (first time)

Brimfield and Blogging Friends, 2014

Brimfield on My Birthday, 2015

If you’re visiting Brimfield be sure to use the Brimfield Flea Finder App.