Singular Finds: vol 3
19 vintage and antique finds your collected home is calling for — from a chinoiserie lamp that doubles as a cocktail table to a neutral rug that's anything but boring
I get very jealous when I see people in other parts of the country visiting thrift stores, antique malls, and estate sales regularly. Those just aren’t as common here in NYC (at least in my experience). Every chance I get, when I find myself upstate or traveling in Europe, I look up the closest vintage shop or flea markets and high tail it. The rest of the time I content myself with trawling the Internet to get my vintage fix. I like to think I’ve become pretty skilled at sniffing out the unique pieces that earn a place in your home.
This round up of vintage finds is for anyone who can’t get to shops whether due to proximity or lack of time. And frankly anyone who also appreciates characterful decor and can never get enough. As a reminder, everything is sourced from Etsy, eBay, 1st Dibs, and independent shops. They’re all one-of-a-kind, so when they’re gone, they’re gone. Act fast!
I hope this scratches your shopping itch.
xx Melissa
Two for the price of one: a chinoiserie standing lamp that does double duty as a cocktail table. Put this next to an arm chair and job done.
I see this art deco tea/coffee service set like a design object to adorn a table or shelf. I inherited one like it, and I use the tray separately sometimes to hold bottles on my home bar. But it can certainly be used for its intended use; this one would be excellent for after dinner coffee.
Whether your style is maximalist or minimalist (or more likely something in between), this shell vide poche would add instant character to any tabletop.
When you’re looking for a killer pendant for your kitchen, this midcentury pendant lamp is a great option. The metal/chrome design is timeless, sleek yet warm.
This porcelain flower candle holder would be so pretty as a feminine object on a dressing table, with a candle or not. Bitossi made an almost identical candle holder, but why have the imitation when you can have the real thing?
From everyday fruit bowl to refined centerpiece, this exquisite antique openwork basket with darling lion’s paw feet brings a touch of elegance to your home.
The shape of this octagonal pearled platter is so unique. I think it deserves a staring role hanging on a wall or used on a kitchen counter for creating a still life out of everyday produce.
The curvy edges give this stainless steel platter a sculptural look. A good tray is always useful for serving sides or can serve as a decorative object on a tabletop.
This antique hand-painted serving plate is a stunner with so much detail like the painted flowers on the bottom and a footed base which makes it perfect for serving dessert or whatever.
I picture this colorful candle holder with a colorful taper adorning a side table or dinner table on an outdoor patio in warmer weather. Easy breezy, fun.
Simple, refined dishes like this antique white tureen make great decoration on open shelving in a kitchen or dining room. It could be the start of a collection or an excellent new addition to.
Setting the table for breakfast is one of my favorite ways to elevate a weekend. This cheerful painted pitcher by the French faïence maker Henriot Quimper would be lovely for serving juice or milk.
And it would go beautifully with this lidded dish with saucer — also by Quimper — for butter or jam.
When you’re looking for a neutral rug that’s not boring, this clichy rug is the answer to your prayers. The fact that it’s vintage gives it a warm, lived-in quality. And it’s a nice big size (6’1” x 8’10”).
Everyone needs a set of vintage silver candlesticks — all the better in short and tall sizes. The mix of heights is perfect for creating a lively tablescape.
I see this chinoiserie blue & white lamp on a corner table, perhaps a skirted one, with special objects spaced out around it (like the Carolina Irving tabletop I referenced here.)
Not in the least bit practical, but this antique silver mesh purse takes the ‘silly little bag’ to the next level. This one is dainty, but the mesh gives it a cool edge.
This ironstone Imari pitcher is a wonderful vessel for creating a simple flower arrangement (and the price is 50% less than what I typically see). I often spot them in English homes filled with a few roses or dahlias like this example by the Land Gardeners.
It is worth collecting (and displaying) monographs of artists you love. And who doesn’t love Rothko? You can thumb the pages of this Rothko coffee table book whenever you need color inspiration. I spotted this Picasso book too if he’s more your jam.
Browse all of these vintage pieces (and more!) on ShopMy (did you know you can save things you like to return to later? If you don’t have an account, create one with my link).
In case you missed it…
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