1. Carved Wooden Busts
Carved wooden busts from global artisan traditions are increasingly sought after. Designers appreciate their craftsmanship and the sense of history they bring. These pieces work well as focal points on mantels or consoles. Their natural wood tones complement many color palettes.
People value that each bust has a distinct personality or story behind it. Many thrifted examples come from mid-century travel souvenirs. Designers enjoy pairing them with modern art to create contrast. A well-placed wooden bust instantly elevates a room.
2. Ceramic Fruit Décor
Ceramic fruit figurines used to be the punchline of grandma-kitchen jokes, but designers are snapping them up for their nostalgic charm. Their glossy finish and exaggerated shapes make them perfect accent pieces on open shelving. Many shoppers love how they add a pop of color without overwhelming a space. They’re also inexpensive, making them low-risk conversation starters.
These pieces work well in eclectic and maximalist interiors because they bring in whimsy without feeling childish. Designers also like pairing them with modern materials to create visual contrast. Even a single ceramic pear can break up a monotone vignette. They’ve essentially gone from kitschy to quietly iconic.
3. Milk Glass Lamps
Milk glass lamps are being rediscovered for their soft, diffuse glow. Their opaque finish naturally mutes light, making them ideal for cozy spaces. Designers appreciate their sculptural forms, which often feature hobnail textures or fluted bases. They also mix surprisingly well with contemporary metals and woods.
The lamps are easy to rewire, which makes them practical for modern use. People also love that they look elegant without being flashy. Their neutral white color helps them fit into almost any palette. For those on a budget, finding one in good condition feels like a small victory.
4. Mid-Century Shadow Boxes
Shadow boxes from the mid-century era are showing up more often in modern gallery walls. Their compartment-style interiors give designers a built-in way to create curated displays. They’re particularly helpful for people who want personality without clutter. The boxes also make otherwise tiny trinkets feel intentional.
Because they often come in teak or walnut finishes, they’re appreciated for their craftsmanship. Many designers refinish them lightly to restore shine without losing patina. Their strong geometric lines add structure to softer room designs. Even a single shadow box can anchor an entire wall.
5. Vintage Bar Carts
Classic metal-and-glass bar carts are coveted again for their versatility. They can function as drink stations, plant stands, or portable storage. Designers like that they bring a sense of hospitality into small apartments. They also offer a touch of glamour without demanding a full retro aesthetic.
Many thrifted carts only need new casters or a quick polish to look expensive. The open shelving allows for easy styling with bottles, books, or art objects. Their compact size makes them useful in nearly any room. They’ve become a go-to choice for renters seeking multifunctional décor.
6. Floral Needlepoint Art
Needlepoint art is gaining new life as a quirky, slow-craft alternative to mass-produced prints. The slight irregularities in stitching give each piece a handmade warmth. Designers appreciate the contrast between this softness and modern furniture. These pieces also bring color in a textured, understated way.
Because needlepoint is durable, many thrifted works are still in great shape. People often reframe them to give old textiles a more contemporary look. Designers value how affordable they are for the statement they make. A floral needlepoint hung unexpectedly in a modern hallway feels intentionally offbeat.
7. Brass Animal Bookends
Brass animal bookends—think rams, owls, or elephants—are suddenly the stars of styled bookshelves. Designers are drawn to brass because it patinates beautifully over time. These bookends add weight and character without overwhelming the space. Their sculptural nature makes them decorative even without books.
Many thrift stores carry these because they were common gifts in the 1960s and 1970s. Designers like polishing them lightly to balance shine and age. Their sturdy build means they can support heavy art books. They’re proof that practical items can still feel glamorous.
8. Colored Depression Glass
Colored Depression glass is being rediscovered for its cheerful tones and vintage charm. Designers love the way it catches natural light on open shelving. The soft greens, pinks, and ambers add subtle warmth to kitchen displays. These pieces are also surprisingly durable for their age.
Collectors appreciate that many patterns are recognizable and well-documented. This makes it easier to identify authentic finds even in mixed thrift store bins. Designers enjoy using them as accent dishes rather than full sets. A single colored bowl can brighten an entire tablescape.
9. Wool Pendleton Blankets
Pendleton blankets have long been prized for their quality, but thrifted ones are enjoying a new wave of attention. Designers love their bold stripes and heritage patterns. These blankets bring instant coziness to neutral rooms. They also hold up exceptionally well, even after decades of use.
Because they’re made of wool, they’re naturally warm and moisture-resistant. Designers often drape them over sofas as both décor and functional warmth. A thrifted Pendleton becomes a focal point without requiring styling expertise. For many shoppers, finding one feels like striking gold.
10. Retro TV Trays
Retro folding TV trays from the 1950s–1970s are being repurposed as side tables. Designers like that they’re lightweight and easy to move around small spaces. Their colorful tops or mod patterns bring instant personality. They also provide a practical surface without the footprint of a traditional table.
Many are simple to clean or refinish, making them approachable DIY projects. Designers appreciate that they can be tucked away when not in use. Their playful designs also appeal to fans of eclectic interiors. A set of matching trays can even function as flexible party furniture.
11. Wood-Framed Wall Clocks
Large wood-framed clocks from the 1960s and 1970s are resurfacing as statement pieces. Their oversized numbers and bold hands give them graphic appeal. Designers like the warmth the wood frame adds to modern walls. These clocks also strike a balance between functional and decorative.
Because they often use simple quartz movements, they’re easy to repair. Many thrifted clocks just need new batteries or light cleaning. Their vintage typography styles appeal to fans of mid-century design. A single clock can ground a room the way artwork does.
12. Enamel Cookware
Enamel cookware in bright vintage colors has become a favorite among kitchen stylists. Designers appreciate that it looks great displayed on open shelves. Its cast-iron core provides durability, even when found secondhand. The enamel surface also cleans well, making it both functional and attractive.
Many people love mixing mismatched pieces for a charming, lived-in look. Designers often pair vintage enamel with modern stainless appliances for contrast. A thrifted pot can serve as both a cooking tool and a design statement. Its longevity speaks to its timeless appeal.
13. Velvet Footstools
Vintage velvet footstools are trending again for their jewel-tone fabrics and compact size. Designers love using them to introduce plush texture to minimal rooms. Their small footprint makes them useful in tight living spaces. They also pair well with both modern and antique furniture.
Thrifted versions often have solid wood frames that hold up well over time. Many only need reupholstering to feel completely new. Designers enjoy customizing them with updated fabrics. Even a tiny footstool can make a space feel finished.
14. 1970s Rattan Headboards
Rattan headboards from the 1970s are resurfacing thanks to the renewed interest in natural textures. Their curved frames and woven patterns soften the hard lines of contemporary bedrooms. Designers love how they add warmth without requiring a full boho makeover. They also complement both minimalist bedding and busier patterns.
Because rattan is lightweight, these headboards are easy to mount or reposition. Many shoppers enjoy restoring them with simple cleaning and light oiling. Their durability explains why so many survive in thrift stores today. A well-kept vintage rattan frame can even rival modern high-end pieces.
This post 14 Thrift Store Oddities Designers Are Suddenly Fighting Over was first published on Greenhouse Black.
