Hello!

I am often asked how I decide what to do with the vintage pieces I find.

Today I thought I’d go over a few of my recent vintage scores and show how I style them in my home.

When I shop for vintage/antique pieces, I like to sort them into two different categories.

1. That Vintage finds that I can style uniquely interestingly with minimal changes.

2 And those pieces have potential but need to be made over entirely.

Today I am talking about the vintage pieces that are in good shape but may need a bit of imagination and some quick hardware to make them perfect.

Shopping for Vintage Pieces to style.

My first rule of thumb when shopping vintage/antiques is if you find a piece you love, BUY it!

They are one-of-a-kind pieces, so you may not get another chance.

It’s hard to go wrong with vintage pieces if you love them.

Eventually, you will find a way to use it.

That was the case when I bought this vintage bowl years ago.

It is currently filled with succulents but has also been an ice bucket and a catch-all basket in my mudroom for a while.

this …

My second rule while shopping vintage- buy useful things.

I never pass on a trunk or a large vintage suitcase in good condition for my home because I always need end tables and nightstands.

I use vintage suitcases all over my house and at my Airbnb.

Styling vintage pieces in your home.

Sometimes a piece can really come to life when used in a new way, like the antique printer’s tray that I use to display air plants (I hold them in place with (tilly tacker glue).

It adds texture and visual interest to my art rail.

This vintage drum has moved from home to home to the Airbnb as a side table.

I bought it for $30.00

Below was one of those finds I LOVED and knew was coming home with me from the moment I saw it.

It’s a large crate, and all I did was flip it upside down, and now I use it at one of our Airbnbs as a coffee table.

I love how it adds warmth to all the new elements in the room.

Earlier this summer, I found a vintage chicken crate that was a little worse for wear.

Adding vintage-looking casters gave this piece new life, and we are currently using this as a coffee table on our covered porch.

Vintage pieces with a personal connection:

I am always on the hunt for pieces that have some history or personal connection.

Styling vintage pieces with some sort of connection helps add a story to your home when mixing old and new.

I looked for this crate from Libby’s brand for years and added legs to make it a plant stand.

My husband worked for GE Aviation for almost 30 years, and we have picked up several pieces, including this 100-year-old fan that actually works.

My aunts and uncles were all Stroh’s Beer fans when I was growing up outside of Detriot, so I was excited to find this, and I added legs to make it a stool/sometimes plant stand.

Thank you for joining me today.

My friend, Jen from @notinggrace, has a blog series called make new again, and today I am participating with a few of my blogging BFFs. Be sure to check out what they are turning from old to new in their homes!

Until next time,

-Libbie

You may also enjoy the following:

Ten Tips and Tricks for Thrifting

Vintage Crate to Modern Plant Stand

DIY Coffee Table from a vintage chicken crate

Using Vintage Suitcases in Decor

Vintage Find into a Drink Table