Hello everyone! I was hoping to share a few of my décor finds last week, but time got away from me. That seems to be a running theme for me lately. I haven’t told you, but I’ve been tirelessly working on getting the shop ready for a March open.
Today, I want to share a few of my favorite things that I’ve found over the last couple of months at thrift stores, the FB yard sale page, and antique stores. I thought it would also be fun to share a few of my favorite places to look. As much as I love to decorate, I think I equally enjoy the hunt. What makes shopping second hand so much fun is that you never really know what you’re going to find!
A week or two ago I shared my newest furniture piece on IG. I have been on the hunt for an antique gate leg table for at least a couple of years now. What made this hunt so tricky is that they can range widely in price, size and condition. I had to find one that checked all of my boxes.
While strolling one of my favorite local shops with my mom one morning, I found it! The finish was in excellent condition, (no paint, yay!) it was within my budget and the size was perfect.
This table is just a reminder to me that you typically find the very thing you’re looking for when you least expect it. For now it’s found its home in our living room bedside our wingback chair and our fireplace.
This fishbowl planter was an unexpected find. Not only was I instantly attracted, but the price was too good to pass up. Don’t let antique stores fool you, you can find great deals in antique shops sometimes. You just need a little time to really look.
I plan on putting one of my European curly ivy plants in it and moving it to the window seat for a little more sunlight.
We’ve talked about vintage magazines before but I think they’re worth another mention. My favorite magazines to look for second hand are Martha Stewart Living, Country Living and Victoria. The issues before 2010 are my favorite. They were packed full of classic, traditional idea.
I found 10 issues Victoria magazine recently for just $4. Aside from looking at all of the inspiring ideas, I always get a kick out of the old ads. Most magazines are not worth purchasing second hand, but there are a few good ones.
Blue and white china pieces are some of my favorite things to hunt for. They make for great décor. I’ve used them in my place settings, on the wall as art, and on accent and bedside tables to hold jewelry. I found this cute little bowl at a shop in Dawsonville for $4.
Early English Staffordshire is some of my favorite to find. Prices can vary greatly depending on where you’re shopping and how old or rare the item is. I like to keep my prices for blue and white china $15 and under, most pieces being around $2-$5 each.
Fabric is something that I’m always keeping an eye out for. I have purchased it at antique markets, yard sales, on Etsy, and ebay. I recently found this Ballard Designs – taupe check fabric on Etsy for $15 a yard. Ballard Designs makes a nice upholstery fabric and they have a number of classic prints that will last the test of time.
With that fabric, I made two 20″x20″ pillow covers with enough fabric left over to make a smaller lamp shade.
The last thing I want to share are these cute copper molds – a rabbit and a duck. I found them on the Facebook yard sale page. I’m not a fan of FB but I do find the yard sale page to be useful. My copper had gotten out of hand in past years and I had to rotate a lot of the decorative items. Now, I only purchase now if it’s something I really love.
A few of my favorite places to hunt
Shopping yard sales, antique and thrift shops are a great way to decorate your home on a small budget. Even if you’re not on a small budget, antiques are a great option. Furniture and décor pieces were just made better then than they are now.
Favorite Antique Markets & Stores
- The Cotton Mill Exchange – Canton, GA (This is shop is just down the road from me, so talk about convenient! The owners are two of the kindest people. I absolutely love their whole staff. The shop is in the old Canton cotton mill. It still has it’s exposed brick, hardwood floors and beams. It’s such a beautiful atmosphere to shop in. I have bought a couple of furniture pieces here, including my gate leg table and lots of décor items.
- The Green Bean Exchange – Cumming, GA (I have been going to this shop for years. It’s a smaller sizer shop but the staff is super fun and the prices are great if you’re looking for budget-friendly items. I have found a number of things here over the years, too many to count.
- City Antiques – Roswell, GA (They have a large sectional of different styles and items. There’s something for everyone’s price range. I found my secretary’s desk, nightstands, the fishbowl planter, baskets, magazines, artwork and lots of décor pieces over the years.)
- Queen of Hearts Antiques – Alpharetta, GA (Beautiful antiques with sweet owners, a little more pricey than other stores.)
- Soul Sisters Antiques – Dawsonville, GA (A smaller shop, great if you don’t have a ton of time to look around. The owners are very sweet. I’ve found a number of things over the years there, including my European pine chest, iron stone, dishes and artwork.)
- Cobb Antique Mall – Marietta, GA (A large store with a great variety of items and styles. Step by when you have plenty of time to look.
- Lakewood 400 Antique Market – Cumming, GA (Indoor & outdoor antique market. Held the 3rd weekend of every month. Lots of different things with a wide price range. Makes for a really fun day trip.
Favorite Thrift Stores & Second Hand Sites
- Facebook Yard Sale Page – This is the only thing I use FB for these days. I have purchased and sold so many things here over the years. It’s a great place to find a deal. I also look for estate sale announcements here.
- Goodwill – Hickory Flat in Canton, GA & Johns Creek, GA locations. (I’m not a huge fan of Goodwill but I have found some great things over the years at these two locations.)
- America’s Thrift Store – Marietta, GA (Not a ton to shop for here, but I have found several antique furniture pieces for very cheap.)
- Pickens County Community Thrift – Jasper, GA (I don’t visit this location often because it’s not super close to home, but I have found antique copper cookware in the past as well as an antique furniture piece or two.)
- Etsy & ebay – I love to look for designer fabrics and vintage artwork here.
If you live locally to some of these shops, you should stop by and take a look around. If you’re fellow antique and thrift shopper, like myself, you probably already know about a few of these. I hope that it helps any of you that are wondering where to start your hunt. Even if I don’t find anything on a particular day, I love getting to poke around and look at pretty, old things. Happy hunting!
Renee says
I also have a vintage drop-leaf table – mine has the barley twist legs. We use it in our sunroom and love that we can pull up the sides and have extra seating when entertaining!
I’m glad you listed those antique stores. We live in TN and have visited a few of those (love Queen of Hearts!) when in the area. I’ll have to print this out to have on hand!
I love antiquing and have recently started buying and evening selling a couple of things on FB Marketplace. I don’t do thrift shops as we really don’t have ones with good inventory here.
glenda lafont says
I love your home. I have a gateleg table and use it in the guest room as a night table. I would never part with it.
Amanda says
Thank you 🙂 They’re such versatile tables. I bet it’s beautiful as a bedside table! I might have to give that a try down the road!
Hey there! I found your blog on a suggestion from Andrea at Pine and Prospect Home. I love your style and found your home very inspiring. You have a wonderful perspective on making a classic design feel approachable and very comfortable. I have signed up for your newsletter and am also looking forward to following on Instagram. So glad I stopped by!
I’m so glad you’re here and thank you so much for the kind words! Andrea is such a sweet friend. I’m so glad you stopped by. I’ve learned so much over the years, on what I like and don’t like and what makes this home of ours feel cozy. Creating home is such a fun journey, so glad you’re here!
Hi, Amanda!
I just came from Andrea’s vlog and so enjoyed your post!
Now you have another new subbie, as you’re a girl after my own heart🤗.
I’m so pleased to join you here. Be blessed this day!
Many hugs, Susan🌺
I’m so glad you stopped by! Thank you so much <3 That means the world to me! Andrea is such a dear friend. I'm so happy you found my little corner in the blog world. Have a great week, Susan!
I was introduced to your blog by Andrea’s vlog. So glad I was introduced to you. I will be an avid reader and admirer of your tasteful and warm design.
Thank you so much Val! I’m so glad you stopped by 🙂 Andrea is such a sweet friend, so happy you found my little corner in the blog world!
I found a small gate leg end table at Salvation Army for $7.00. It sits nicely next to a wing bank chair. I much prefer shopping 2nd hand stores.
Wow, what a great deal! That’s my favorite kind of shopping too. My budget can go much further!
Thanks for the shopping suggestions. I live near Atlanta so I’ve been to some of these spots but not all of them. I’ll have to check them out when I’m in your area again. Thanks for your lovely blog!
Your table is stunning! What a find. There is nothing more fun than to go treasure hunting. Happy spring!
Thanks Renae! I couldn’t agree more. Of course I would finally find the perfect one once I gave up! Best of spring to you!
I have had several drop leaf tables over the years. I have scaled down from three to one with our last move. It is oak and came from England in a large container shipment in the 80’s. It has served as a puzzle table and server behind my couch, a small dinette table for 15 yrs beside a kitchen window with an outside flowerbox, and presently as a small distance sidewalk beside our loveseat. One of the most versatile pieces I have ever owned especially when entertaining. Love the simplicity and freshness of your site.
Have you been to Mountainside Antique Mall in Jasper? It has been my favorite for a few years.
It has probably been at least 10 years since I’ve been! I actually had forgotten about it. I need to make a trip up there! The last time I went I did purchase a couple of things.