How to Thrift Your Way to Fabulous Fall Decor

You can find many basket options at reasonable prices at thrifts. Since thrifting has become a trend many items have seen an uptick in pricing but baskets remain humble. Baskets are perfect for Fall decor with all the texture and earthy colors. Also keep in mind that you can always alter baskets if the color is not exactly what you want but the shape is fabulous.

Vintage brown transfer-ware is beautiful to use anytime of year, but it’s especially perfect for Fall decor. When using transfware for decorating you don’t need a full set of dishes, making the one off pieces you find at thrifts ideal. Finding a random plate or bowl tends to be less expensive than a full matching set, but it’s the perfect accent for fall decor vignette. Brown transferware pieces have a timeless elegance and charm, which gives interior decor a rich and rustic feel all at the same time. 

Copper is one of those coveted items I have on my list when I hit thrift stores. Thrifted copper finds that have all the patina, and look like they have stories to tell, are the ones I always look for. The copper patina lends itself for fall decor with warmth and coziness. Copper pricing is all over the place, but I have to say I have found some amazing pieces at ridiculously low prices so always keep your eyes out for those adrenaline pumping finds.  

Ironstone is amazing all on its own, but marry it with a tureen profile and I can’t walk away. Aged ironstone is easily identifiable between crazing, staining and embossing. If you’re new to the ironstone game, it can be identified by its heavier and thicker heft, the high pitch “ping” ring when flicked or tapped, and it’s full opacity. A backstamp and makers mark are an obvious indicator, but keep in mind many genuine pieces can be unmarked.

Brass is one of the things on my thrifting list right now and I’m growing my collection. Candlesticks with brassy goodness are fabulous for Fall and beyond. Brass has great warmth and Old World timeless feels. Not only is it great for Fall but it’s lovely for Christmas and Easter and everyday really. Candlesticks are my main hunts but other pieces like a bud vase and trinket dish have snuck into my collection.

Frames are just like baskets in that they haven’t had a huge surge in prices, and I continuously bring them home for so many uses. They are great for framing seasonal artwork, or as a base for a craft project or simply leaning on a shelf with simple details. The great thing about frames is that they come in so many different aesthetics and materials. I prefer gilded and ornate wooden frames, but there are metal and resin options in modern or whimsical shapes.

Wooden pieces add texture, warmth and comfort to home interiors. You can find bowls, crates, troughs, in deep browns into caramel hues and bleached finishes. Mineral oil is a great way to treat old, tired wooden pieces and bring them back to life. Personally I love the rustic, cozy tones wood accents add to interiors.

The brown, amber and golden color palette is perfect for fall decor. Old amber and brown bottles add vintage charm as floral vases, diffuser holders and simply empty. Originally amber glass was created to protect contents from sunlight such as medicine and foods that decompose quicker. Now they create the most fabulous Autumnal fall decor accent.

Using books in home decor is a fairly easy and inexpensive way to add unique touches around your home. Vintage books are a wonderful decor element that add warmth, texture and character to home decor. I love the gold foil on the spine and covers of many vintage books.

Large boxes, advertising totes, crates, etc. make great vessels to hold and display seasonal decor. All these vessels can hold plants and pumpkins and seasonal decorative orbs plus more. Fall is the start of the cozy season when we start to build fires and nest at home, and these are great pieces to hold fire wood by the fireplace in style.

Artwork is a great item to find at thrifts although they seem to elude me. All the pieces I do find which I like are usually on the spendy side, but I haven’t given up hope and keep looking. I did find this pretty fall scene on a tin metal tray, which I use as artwork during the Fall. I have many friends who score the most amazing art finds so make sure to look in your area- you never know and that’s the beauty of thrift shopping.

I love retro tin pieces like enamelware, thermoses, advertising containers, etc. Add plaid to a vintage metal thermos and it’s beyond perfection for Fall. Many places price these type of pieces reasonably since they are outdated for their intended use. Keep in mind there’s also the collectible mentality, which sometimes puts these type of pieces in high demand.