Support a great cause while uncovering hidden treasures at a thrift shop in Maine. Explore vintage home accents and stylish women’s fashion.
Another Chance Thrift Shoppe
First order, Another Chance Thrift Shoppe in North Berwick, Maine, supports the Another Chance Animal Rescue (ACAR) no-kill foster home, which accepts cats and kittens year-round, seven days a week, by appointment.
I drove by this thrift shop on my way to an advertised large community fundraising yard sale in North Berwick, Maine, which unfortunately turned out to be a bit of a bust.
But just down the road was this hidden gem of a thrift store—a genuine diamond in the rough.
Another Chance Thrift Shoppe
What was originally a pharmacy, next, a hardware store, and today, this second chance thrift shop dazzles with beautiful vintage home accents, fashion, and gorgeous historical furnishings.
And yes, it is a thrift store with thrift store prices!
Come thrift with me!
Vintage Home
Decorating a vintage home involves artfully curating thrifted finds that bring history and charm into your living space.
The essence of a vintage home lies in the unique decor and decorative elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless home decor beauty.
You can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects your style by incorporating creative table settings with thrifted vintage dinnerware or an old shoe shine box in a vintage home’s entryway.
Each thrifted piece adds a story to your vintage home, making it a truly distinctive and enchanting place to live. That is our goal here today.
Top 5 Vintage Home Decorative Elements
For a vintage home design, the top five vintage decorative elements to collect and thrift include:
Vintage Home Decor Thrifted Finds
After I picked my jaw off the ground upon walking into this Another Chance Thrift Shoppe,
I got busy thrifting and collecting for our vintage home while feeling humbled by supporting a no-kill cat shelter.
Blue and White Vintage Home Decorative Elements
First up, displayed on the shop’s beautifully curated built-in shelving, was my favorite to collect blue and white vintage dinnerware.
I could collect vintage dinnerware pieces every day, all day.
These decorative vintage decor elements are not just for your table.
You can showcase them on the living room coffee table, kitchen counter, bookshelf, side tables, or a sunroom table.
Blue and White Nesting Hearts
I chose this vintage blue and white bowl with five teacups for $5 and a set of porcelain nesting heart bowls for $4.
The nesting bowls are displayed on our vintage home’s living room coffee table next to a vintage white McCoy vase filled with white hydrangeas, celebrating this month’s striking hydrangeas blooms.
See more in this Antiques in Maine & Summer Vintage Haul post.
Johnson Brothers Old English Chintz Dinnerware
This Old English Johnson Brothers Chintz 4-place dinnerware set stood on the third or fourth curated thrift shop shelf just down from the blue and white.
It dates back to the 1930s and 1940s, making it almost antique—80-90 years old!
And a scarce pattern to find.
Selling for just $20.
The Rose Chintz by Johnson Brothers is similar and more common.
This pattern reminds me of the Johnson Brother’s Autumn Delight set I found a few years back. I’m looking forward to styling creative table settings on our porch in Vermont this fall with this vintage country-style pattern.
See this vintage Chintz fall tablescape styled today in this How to Create a Stunning Fall Tablescape You’ll Love post.
Find more creative fall tablescape ideas in this Johnson Brothers Vintage Fall Tablecape post.
Esquire Shoe Valet
How about an old wooden shoe shine box made by Esquire for $6?
It was filled inside with shoe shine brushes, polish, and cloths.
The Esquire shoe valet is a vintage wooden box used for storing shoe care items such as brushes, polish, and cloths.
Typically, it features a hinged lid and a footrest on top, allowing users to polish their shoes comfortably.
These valets were popular in the mid-20th century and are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship and nostalgic value. The Esquire brand, known for its quality shoe care products, adds an extra layer of authenticity and desirability to these pieces.
You may also be inspired by this Pie Safe Antique Kitchen Cupboards Decorating Ideas post.
Shoe Shine Box in Vintage Home Decor
Display these charming pieces in a vintage home’s entryway, bathroom, mud room, or bedroom. Here, I have this one displayed between our dining room and entryway as you enter our vintage home.
Vintage Newspaper Historical Events
I’ve never been one to collect old newspapers or magazines.
But this stack of vintage newspapers caught my eye with their extraordinary storm headlines.
You all know how much I love a good snowstorm, and I thought a couple of these displayed on our dining room’s vintage desk would be an excellent conversation piece for just $1 a newspaper.
Old newspapers are also nostalgic and can be displayed in frames on wall decor, in magazine baskets, or on coffee or side tables.
You may also enjoy this Baby Adidas, Petite Cobbler Rack, & Watercolor Ski Drawings post.
Vintage Home Teacup Bird Feeder
I have always admired these vintage teacup bird feeders. Here, for $6, was a charming red and white set that I brought home with me.
These bird feeders are also very simple to make if you have the teacups and saucers. Use a hot glue gun to attach the teacup to the saucer.
Hang and fill up the saucer with bird feed for your little feathered friends to enjoy.
6 Tips for Visiting a New To You Thrift Store
Potential DIY Projects
Sometimes, vintage decor items need a little TLC to fit perfectly in your vintage home. Consider the potential for DIY projects such as repainting, reupholstering, or repurposing pieces.
Bring Measurements
Carry the measurements of spaces in your home where you plan to place new decor. This ensures that any vintage furniture or decor pieces you find will fit perfectly in your desired spot. Better yet, travel with a tape measure.
Ask for Discounts
Don’t be shy about asking if the store offers any discounts or if they have upcoming sales. Many thrift stores have special discount days or offer lower prices on certain items. This can help you get the best deals and stay thrifty. Ask for at least 10% off.
Prioritize Unique Finds
When shopping for vintage home decor, keep an eye out for unique items that can’t be easily found elsewhere. Afterall, that’s why we thrift! Prioritize one-of-a-kind pieces that can add character and charm to your vintage home.
Bring Cash
Some thrift stores offer discounts for cash payments or might have a minimum purchase amount for card transactions. Having cash on hand can make your shopping experience smoother and help you stay with your budget.
Research Store Hours and Policies
Befor heading to the thrift store, check their hours of operation and any specific shopping policies they might have. Some stores have special summer sales or member perks that can save you even more money.
So, if you find yourself in North Berwick, Maine, stop into Another Chance Thrift Shoppe, a creative retreat of a thrift store with a heartfelt purpose. See more:
Find more of my favorite second-hand shops in this Best Vintage Shops Near Me: New England post.
A Vintage Affair
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
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What a gem of a store! I visited 5 antique shops today and found absolutely nothing. This thrift shop had nicer things, amazing prices, and is for a good cause. I wish there was a place like this in my area.
Oh my goodness, 5 antique stores? That’s some serious antiquing. I can’t believe you didn’t find anything! I love shops like this too, so inspiring and happy! Hope you find something soon and thanks for popping in!
Ann
This looks like a wonderful thrift store. I find that local charity shops are more reasonably priced that national shops like Goodwill etc.
Yes very possibly Rachel, this was a little gem. Love when I discover shops like this!
So many great finds at great prices. I love the dishes.
Thank you very much Cheryl!
Be still my thrifting heart, such great deals. Next time we vsit the east coast- Nova Scotia by way of New Brunswick, perhaps another visit to Maine is in order! Kim
I’m glad you thought so Kimberly. We are heading to Nova Scotia in late August. Can’t wait to check out all the thrifting there!! Thanks for stopping by.
WOW! I would be in that shop all day. So many beautiful pieces put together perfectly!!
Super cute store curated so beautifully and super nice ladies who run it!
Hello.
I’m a Huge fan of blue and white Anything! Especially dishes. You got a great deal. I’ve not been that fortunate to find this good of a deal. But, we don’t have nearly as good or as many thrift shops in central Illinois.
My bucket list includes a visit to the Northeast, someday.
I thoroughly enjoy your posts, keep up the good work.
Thank you so much Jo, I’m so glad you are here following along. I hope you find the time to do some thrifting in the Northeast. Thanks for your sweet note.
Ann what a heartfelt post ! So thankful for you sharing about an animal rescue because this is that organizations ” bread & butter “..it keeps them operating. Hope it spreads the word and what wonderful treasures .
And ladies in WNC come support our local no -kill shelter that has been operating for 60 plus years because of our AARC Thrift Store
It takes a village Sharon, thanks for your note and best of luck with your shelter and shop!
Now I’m afraid I will want to start collecting blue and white tea/coffee cups after viewing the pictures of them shaped into a ring! Oh dear! Just what I need…another collection!
LOL, I know I think I bought it just for that aesthetic! Glad you liked it Patricia.