Thrifty Person Shows How To Decorate Kitchen With Used Thrift Shop Finds

Whether you’re scouring a flea market, browsing an antique shop, or checking out the homewares section, you’re bound to stumble upon some vintage gems that catch your eye. The prices are usually pretty sweet, so you can’t resist bringing them home. But then comes the tricky part – actually incorporating those thrifted pieces into your kitchen decor. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make it work, and one of the best places to start is your kitchen.

Kitchens are where we spend a ton of time, so you’ll want the decor to be both functional and stylish. It’s a delicate balance, but thrifter Scarlet Cee has it figured out. She showcased how displaying vintage items like pot holders, cookbooks, mugs, and baskets can give your kitchen that unique, homey vibe without feeling cluttered. Just keep an eye out for pieces that can actually help you cook, serve, or organize, and you’ll be well on your way to a kitchen that’s one-of-a-kind.

It’s easy to get carried away and want to scoop up every vintage find that catches your eye at the thrift store. But when it comes to styling your kitchen, it’s best to keep your focus on the kitchenware section. That’s where you’ll find all the practical yet stylish items Scarlet Cee used, like pot holders, serving plates, mugs, cookbooks, kettles, glassware, storage containers, and more.

The goal is to find pieces you can actually use, so make sure they’re in good condition and safe around food. Lead paint was a common thing before it was banned in 1978, so older items may contain lead, which is a no-go for anything that touches your food. Same goes for vintage uranium glass – it might look cool, but you don’t want to eat or drink from it. Stick to newer kitchenware if it’ll be in direct contact with your food. But for things like recipe card holders, cookbooks, trivets, and the like, you can definitely shop from any era.

Don’t limit yourself to just the kitchenware section, though. Take a peek at the textiles, books, and home goods areas too. You might stumble upon organizational items, baskets, cookbooks, napkins, and towels that would look right at home in your kitchen.

Styling your thrifted kitchen finds is pretty straightforward – just plop them on the counter or shelves. But to really make your space feel curated, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, think about how often you’ll use each item. Things you’ll reach for regularly should be displayed front and center, like Scarlet Cee’s mugs by the coffee maker. Items for hosting or special occasions can go on higher shelves or behind other decor.

If your kitchen is starting to feel a bit chaotic, try implementing a theme. Focusing on one color palette or design motif can help pull everything together in a cohesive way, without making your space feel overly restrictive. For example, Scarlet Cee went with warm, earthy tones in the fall, but you could also do pastels and florals in the spring. Finding a common thread in your thrifted finds will keep your kitchen styling looking intentional, even if you’ve collected pieces from all different eras.