There are many ways to make a house a home, but that final layer of knick-knacks, those bits and bobs that are a bit quirky and a little off, and that decorate our mantels, table tops or shelves, are (in my opinion) the most personal touch of all. When all is said and done, the floor plan straightened out and the furnishings placed comfortably about, a room still needs layers of warmth and personality, and knick-knacks (thrifted or not) have the power to make a space uniquely ours.
Thrifted lamp base, thrifted lampshade, thrifted picture frames
Knick-knacks come in different shapes and sizes, from serious, grown-up art to thrifted pieces that one finds when out and about and can’t resist. Grand or humble, a pretty jumble of knick-knacks is more about a story of color and texture, and the emotional reaction we get when we find something we truly like, than the actual value or price tag of the object itself.
Thrifted speckled dish
To make a space feel less like a showroom and more like a home, we need objects that tell the story of our interests and hobbies, our travels, family ties or personal history. They are essential reminders of who we are and what makes us tick.
Thrifted terra-cotta pitcher
Thrifting for knick-knacks is a long game, certainly not for everyone. But if you’re the patient kind and enjoy the thrill of the search, it can be an exciting yet low-risk adventure. You won’t find everything you need or want at once, which is what makes the process ever-so-exciting. There will be shopping trips you’ll come back from empty-handed, but then, when something lovely catches your eye and you get that immediate gut reaction, it’s satisfying to see how easily it fits with your existing decor, as if it’s been a part of your story all along.
Thrifted vase
If you’re having a hard time figuring out what you like, or are on a tight decorating budget, the relatively small cost of certain thrifted kick-knacks means there’s less risk involved, and you can practice the art of being playful and carefree, listening to your gut instinct more, and to reason less. Decorating a home is an emotional journey, but at the end of it, that feeling of comfort and familiarity often comes not from the big gestures, but from the collection of objects, family photos and little treasures we choose to look at every day.
Thrifted quilt, thrifted woven tray
Everyone’s taste is different, and I’m sure you have your own shopping lists when you’re out visiting antiques fairs and thrift shops, but here are some things I often end up buying on my trips: whimsical items that make me smile (mostly kitsch-y, but dancing frogs, mini-mushroom sculptures, or brass puppies – things that make me smile – always find their way into our home), baskets and bits of pottery in odd shapes or patterns (hard to resist), picture frames (major savings on frames if you’re lucky or patient enough to find the right size for what you need), lampshades, candlesticks, vases and hurricanes. Thrifted books have a way of sneaking into my shopping basket on every Goodwill trip, and so do board games, old chess sets, quilts or heavy blankets.
Thrifted log basket
Favorite finds from a recent Goodwill visit:
The advantages of thrifting your decorative objects are many, as I’m sure you all know. There’s the thrill of the discovery, for one. You will find one-of-a-kind items no one else has, and get a chance to explore and develop a unique point of view in terms of your decorating style at a relatively low cost. But most importantly, I think, you’re giving new life and new love to items that would have otherwise been discarded and forgotten, which is in itself a beautiful way to live, and a sustainable way to make a home.
I’ve been eyeing this beautiful carpet at a local antique store
Now, there’s a fine line between thrifting for fun and hoarding so, to be on the safe side, for every three objects I bring into our home, one gets binned, gifted or donated 🙂 How about you? Do you have any favorite recent finds / places to shop for hidden treasures? I’d love to hear all about it!
I love the hunt and thrifting is one of my favorite things to do for fun. I’ve found some items that are still favorites and the memory of them costing under $10 only sweetens the find. Fun post. I need to visit some of my local thrift stores. 😊🤞
Karen B.
Just the other day I was looking around our home and realized how few of my belongings were bought new. Other than some larger pieces or furniture and some rugs everything was either heirloom pieces passed down from family or items thrifted or found at yard sales or found in antique shops. I think it’s so important that when company visits they can tell from looking around our home what our interests are and feel comfortable and welcome. Just starting to change over to some spring decorating and always love to go through the bins and find things I had totally forgotten I had for a new season.
I like you idea of donating or gifting something you have if you bring something new to you into your home. Thankyou.
So enjoyed your post today and feel we are of similar mindsets! It’s amazing what fun and a little imagination can do for your spirit and your home. I set time aside for this indulgence every season. Thank you very much for sharing your ideas.
I love this, Eva. Thrifting has ruined me for shopping any other way. It’s the thrill of the hunt for me! I pick up many of the same things that you do.
I love thrifting, and I always look for antique and thrift stores when I travel. It’s so exciting to find a thrifted item for my home when I’m traveling, and it also helps reminds me of my trip. I tend look for baskets, pottery, and paintings. You are so right- that fine line needs to be watched for sure. Thank you!
Agreed, Eva! Love your finds.
Eva- you’re such a gifted writer! You have expressed the joy of accesorizing and thrifting so perfectly. I have often tried to educate my clients in the pleasure of “slow decorating” and your post is proof!
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Thank you, Charlotte! You’re very kind.
Hi Eva–so happy to see your post in my mailbox today!
I love thrifting and agree with all the other comments about the thrill of the hunt. My husband and I spend many weekend mornings at tag and estate sales, and we have so many items with great memories of where we got them. When on a budget, thrifting is a great way to not only save money but challenge your creativity as well.
I too love thrifting, and echo the comments of others. I do have to chuckle when something I’ve previously owned shows up in my browsing. It’s never my previous possession, just something like it. The blue and white rice bowl pictured in your post is just like a set I had from Williams Sonoma in the 80s. They were well used and enjoyed. 🙂
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure!
Recycle and repurpose items to keep them out of the landfills. Makes good sense to me!
best,
teaorwine
Totally agree with all of the above. My husband and I both love buying used stuff. There are numerous online sites now that offer things made with recycled materials. I grew up on a farm with little money to spare. I can’t think of anything that was single use and then trashed!