The 9 Weirdest Things Designers Have Found at Thrift Stores—and How They Used Them

Rosy-Cheeked Straw Holder

There is a slew of whimsical second-hand ceramics to get your hands on. For stylist and vintage expert Kate Pearce, a man's head with asymmetrical features and a powder-white complexion did the trick—and offered a perfect spot to stow straws.

"It's a kitschy midcentury ceramic that I don't know anything about, but I was so drawn to his rosy cheeks and the earthy color palette," she says. "I sometimes use it as a bud vase, too."

Quirky Painted Glassware

Nick and Nora glasses are charming in their own right, but creative director and event designer Beth Helmstetter once found a particularly unique pair at an antique shop in upstate New York.

"They’re hand-painted with a thin red rim and feature whimsical illustrations of Revolutionary War generals clinking glasses, which I found to be such an unexpected and playful detail," she says.

"I use them to serve mini martinis when I host, but they’re also styled on my bar cart year-round because they spark conversation. They’re a perfect example of how a well-sourced vintage piece can bring personality into the home."

Wavy Milk Glass Tray

Designer Allison Prior adores thrifting vintage milk glass for dining spaces. "They are so sweet and add an heirloom flair to a space," she says.

So, it's no surprise that a wavy tray made from the milky material caught her eye. "What stood out about the milk glass piece was its versatility," she says. "It can be used in a display look on a dining room chest or used as a serving dish for some nuts or candy."

A University's Locker Room Rug

Locker rooms may not be the first thing that comes to mind for design inspiration, but when designer Margaret Carroll stumbled on a carpet remnant from the University of Maryland locker room—her alma mater—it was like striking gold.

"Think: black and a repeat pattern of large red 'M's. I found it at a local salvage spot and knew it would be perfect for a client’s son who’s a huge Terps fan," she says. "It’s bold, personal, and way more fun than a standard area rug."

Lion's Paw Catch-All

Some designers' most treasured items also happen to be some of their most strange, serendipitous finds. For Pearce, that was a lion's paw made of cast iron.

"I just love how whimsical it is, and the patina gives it so much character," she says. "I use it as a holder for small spoons on my open kitchen shelf."

Worn Wooden Ladder

Designer Linda Hayslett saw an old wooden ladder's weathered rungs as an asset rather than a flaw. Instead of using it to reach high corners, the rungs became an opportunity for storage.

"I leaned it against the wall in a guest bathroom and used it to hang extra towels and a few magazines. It added a rustic, functional layer that felt more artful than a standard towel rack," she says. "I always tell people: Don’t just look at what something was—think about what it could be."

Vintage Science Beakers

Carroll similarly transformed a set of vintage science lab beakers into bud vases—although she didn't initially know she would use them that way.

"Buying vintage is all about keeping your eyes open and keeping an open mind. You never know what you're going to find, so give yourself time to really look around and explore," she says. "If the shape is great or the finish speaks to you, grab it—you can always figure out the 'how' later."

Weathered Books

Vintage book collections aren't weird per se—but they can be truly one of a kind, and used in unconventional ways. One of Hayslett's favorite thrifted treasures is a rare collection of Shakespeare’s titles.

"I styled them inside a glass armoire I have in my own home, letting the vintage spines and worn textures become a focal point," she says. "It turned a simple hallway corner into something that feels storied and collected."

Silver Condiment Trio

Silver pieces are some of Helmstetter's favorites to thrift. One example that stood out was a vintage condiment trio, which featured three petite silver bowls connected on a shared base with a delicate handle. Plus, it had some unexpected but handy uses—beyond just food.

"I love to use it when entertaining, filled with marcona almonds, kettle chips, or popcorn and olives. It makes the simplest snacks feel elevated, almost like you're enjoying an aperitivo in Italy," she says. "When I’m not hosting, I keep it on my bar cart filled with matchboxes."