Vintage Marketplace: Infinite Unique Decor

Vintage Marketplace

A vintage marketplace is a place where individuals can buy and sell vintage items, which are typically at least 20 years old. These marketplaces provide a platform for people to discover unique and nostalgic pieces from the past, ranging from clothing and accessories to furniture, home decor, and collectibles.

Vintage marketplaces can exist in various forms, both online and offline. Online vintage marketplaces have gained significant popularity in recent years, allowing sellers to reach a global audience and buyers to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own homes. Some well-known online vintage marketplaces include Etsy, eBay, and Depop.

Vintage Marketplace Online

Learn more about online vintage marketplaces in the How to Shop For Vintage Decor Online post.

Vintage Market Days Vermont

Vintage Market Days Vermont is a popular event that brings together vendors, collectors, and vintage enthusiasts to the Rutland Fairgrounds in Vermont twice a year. This market offers a unique shopping experience, showcasing a wide variety of vintage items, antiques, and handmade crafts. Visitors can browse through booths filled with vintage clothing, furniture, home decor, jewelry, and other collectibles from different eras.

You may learn more about other Vintage Market Days Vermont in these posts:

Vintage Marketplace Near Me Decor Finds & Trends

I especially enjoy attending vintage marketplaces on Friday before the weekend crowds arrive. This spring, Vintage Market Days Vermont was exceptionally busy on its opening day, which was great for the market and the vendors alike.

What’s Trending at the Vintage Marketplace?

Vintage Ironing Boards

These classic household items were once essential for every home, providing a sturdy and convenient surface for ironing clothes. Made from durable materials such as wood or metal, vintage ironing boards often feature intricate details and decorative accents that add a touch of elegance to any laundry room or living space.

Unlike modern ironing boards, which are often collapsible and space-saving, vintage ironing boards were typically larger and more substantial, designed to withstand the test of time. Today, these nostalgic pieces are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their unique craftsmanship and nostalgic appeal. Whether used for their original purpose or repurposed as creative home decor, vintage ironing boards are a delightful reminder of the past and a testament to the enduring beauty of vintage design.

I noticed just upon entering the vintage marketplace that wooden vintage and antique ironing boards were displayed by the dozens. Vintage ironing boards can be painted, refinished, or even upholstered. These vintage wooden ironing boards were selling for $25 – $40 each.

One regret I have from this day was that I didn’t bring an old ironing board home with me.

How do you incorporate vintage ironing boards into your home decor? Check out my Pinterest Vintage Ironing Board here for a collection of ideas from around the web. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vintage Wall Decor

I have often found that vintage wall decor pictures can be challenging to find affordably. However, one vendor at this vintage marketplace had a wall filled with a beautiful collection of vintage framed prints, which included a scattering of butterflies, flowers, and animals.

Here are the vintage owl prints now displayed in our living room book nook. It was time to replace the winter snowshoes that were residing here. You may also enjoy seeing more of this corner in the Plant Decor in Living Room Book Nook post.

You may also find inspiration in this Vintage Home Decor Thrift Store Collection Finds post.

Silver Cutlery

Vintage silverware flatware refers to antique or retro utensils used for dining purposes, typically made of silver or silver-plated materials. Collectors and enthusiasts seek out these pieces for their historical value, unique aesthetics, and the sense of nostalgia they evoke. Whether displayed as decorative items or used for special occasions, vintage silverware flatware adds a touch of vintage charm and refinement to any dining table.

Silverware in vintage decor has been trending for a while now. I’m always so drawn to it all at vintage marketplaces. This time was no different. Large amounts of silver-plated and sterling silverware flatware were available everywhere. I picked up a few more of the “Order of the Eastern Star” silver cutlery to add to my collection.

I started acquiring some of this OES cutlery last fall to use as our everyday cutlery. Learn all about this unique OES flatware in the Order of the Eastern Star Amidst This Vintage Market Haul post.

You may also be inspired by this 45 Vintage Silverware Decorating Ideas post.

The Color Red

Can we talk about the color red? Do you love it or hate it?

Truthfully, my mother always disliked the color red, and I never really had much of an opinion on it. However, red is definitely part of my vintage interior designs. As I decorate with all different shades of blue, there’s something about enhancing it all with vintage red touches that make me happy.

Red Barn Hooks

Just look at these red horseshoe barn hooks. Wow, would they be so cute and used somehow to celebrate the Kentucky Derby? I did not buy one, but for the right space, these were a vintage marketplace prize, in my opinion.

These red barn hooks would be adorable in an entryway, bedroom, garage, or similar space. I just love their color and charm.

Vintage Red Books

For whatever reason, I seldom see bundles of vintage red books at marketplaces. Vintage red books would be a marvelous addition to any vintage home interior. They are the perfect pop of color whether you embrace a neutral color palette or eclectic color designs. Learn more in the Decorating with Vintage Books: 20+ Ideas to Try post.

See some of the ways I use pops of red in my interiors in these posts:

Wicker Lampshade

Speaking of texture, this wicker lamp shade, which was just $22 at the vintage marketplace, makes a beautiful addition to this old cottage farmhouse-style lamp in our living room.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Vintage Suitcase Shelves

Vintage suitcases transformed into shelves add a charming and nostalgic touch to any space. These repurposed suitcases not only serve as functional storage solutions but also act as unique display pieces. The weathered texture and retro design of the suitcases bring a sense of history and character to the shelving. Whether used in a living room, bedroom, or even a quirky cafe, vintage suitcase shelves are sure to be conversation starters. They provide a creative way to showcase books, plants, and other decorative items while also adding a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to the decor.

One of my favorite vintage marketplace finds of the day were these two blue vintage suitcases, which were cut in half and made into wall shelving units.

I wasn’t sure where I was going to use these, but they were too cute to leave behind. They did need a good cleaning, or I was going to have to paint them, but to my surprise, they cleaned up beautifully.

See how to paint an old suitcase in this Vintage Suitcase Makeover: Unique in Decor post.

I first tried resting the suitcases on our built-in bookshelves, which I thought was cute, but it didn’t quite do the trick for me. Next, on Monday, I tried the suitcases as a riser option on a vintage wallpaper table in my craft room. Ella grabbed a ball of yarn to assist me. I love my little helper!

You may also enjoy learning more about DemiJohn bottles in the Cottage Farmhouse Decor Trending Finds post.

However, the size of these suitcases cut in half makes them easy to display on bookshelves, on my craft table as risers, in our bedroom cobbler racks, on bedroom and bathroom dressers, etc. So they will get a lot of use throughout our home.

For more vintage suitcase decorating ideas, visit and follow my Vintage Suitcase Board on Pinterest.

Vintage Marketplace Spongeware

This spongeware pitcher and bowl was so uniquely designed that I hadn’t seen one like it before. Both pieces sold together for $45.

There are no markings on either the pitcher or the bowl. I suspect it’s not even vintage. But I’m okay with that; I just like the uncommon and delicate features of this set.

What is Spongeware?

Vintage spongeware refers to a type of pottery that was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its distinctive pattern, which is created by sponging or dabbing the glaze onto the surface of the pottery. The sponged glaze creates a mottled, speckled, or marbled effect, often in shades of blue, red, or green. Vintage spongeware was commonly used for everyday kitchenware, such as bowls, plates, and pitchers. It was a popular choice for its visually appealing and rustic appearance.

Antique Soap Dishes

Antique soap dishes hold a special place in the world of vintage collectibles, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of personal hygiene and domestic life. These beautifully crafted artifacts not only served a practical purpose but also showcased the artistic styles and trends of their respective time periods. From simple clay or stone containers in ancient civilizations to ornate silver or porcelain dishes in the Victorian era, antique soap dishes are cherished for their historical significance and exquisite design. Whether displayed as decorative pieces or used in everyday routines, antique soap dishes transport us to a time when soap was a luxury and craftsmanship was held in high esteem.

“When soap was a luxury”

Think about that when you see several antique soap dishes at your next vintage marketplace…

Inspired by my mother’s antique soap dish collection, I have acquired quite a collection of antique soap dishes myself. They are always so affordable and impactful in vintage interior design. Use them on kitchen and bathroom counters with old-fashioned or modern-day soaps.

Antique soap dishes also make beautiful small storage solutions for jewelry, buttons, pins, etc.

Soap Dish Inserts

Another fun collectible are these soap dish inserts. I got lucky and picked up an entire collection while out Thrifting with the Gals last year. Today, I display these inserts in a basket in our guest bathroom.

See more about soap dish inserts in the Valentine’s Thrifting: Wintery Vintage Haul post.

Kinsale of Ireland

And I almost forgot: For $15, I picked up this vintage marketplace Kinsale of Ireland Fisherman’s Seafarer smock. I thought it would be fabulous to paint, DIY, and just hang around in.

Kinsale of Ireland is a renowned smock company based in the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. The company specializes in creating traditional Irish smocks, which are loose-fitting garments typically worn over clothing for protection and warmth. Kinsale of Ireland takes pride in preserving the rich heritage of Irish craftsmanship and incorporating it into its smock designs.

You may also be inspired by this Thrifting Trends: Hottest Sorted Collections post.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. I hope you found loads of inspiration for all of your home decorating needs during your visit. We are so happy you dropped by!

Shop This Post

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.