9 Valentine's Day Decorations You Should Always Thrift, From Vases to Vintage Love Notes

Tableware

Whether you're planning a Galentine's Day party or a romantic dinner for two, elevate your table settings with thrifted glassware, plates, and serving pieces. "Thrift stores are often packed full of these items and can highlight a lovingly cooked meal," says Joachim-Smoot.

Note: Look for contemporary brands you already know. If you find antique treasures you want to use, first perform a simple lead test. Pieces made before lead regulations could have unsafe levels.

Linens

Check your local thrift stores and estate sales for napkins, tablecloths, and runners to decorate your table with for Valentine's Day. "Tablecloths and napkins are great finds at thrift stores," says Willow Wright of Urban Redeux. "A good wash (or a little bleach to brighten up whites) is all they need to refresh a dining table. Look for pastels that can be reused in spring for Easter or Mother’s Day. You might also find lace dresser scarves that work well as table runners."

Vases

Gift a Valentine's Day bouquet in a thrifted vase for an extra special touch. Auctioneer and appraiser Bene Raia especially likes cranberry milk glass, featuring a pink-and-white palette you can incorporate into your home décor year-round. She also says to look for hobnail pieces from Fenton Art Glass Company, such as vases and pitchers, which you can use as display pieces or for floral arrangements.

Craft Supplies

The thrift store is an excellent place to source pieces for DIY Valentine's Day crafts. "I especially love Victorian-inspired tussie-mussies or Valentine’s cards," says Wright. "These use items like crepe paper, doilies, wrapping paper, lace, buttons, etc., all can be sourced pretty easily at thrift stores. Additionally, you can often find scrapbook paper and construction paper in floral patterns or shades of red and pink."

Candle Holders

Set the mood with an array of candlesticks, votives, and hurricanes displayed in vintage holders. "Whether you prefer clear glass or brass, there’s no shortage of candlestick holders out there—you can often find candles, too," says Wright. "You can create a stunning Valentine’s table using candlesticks of varying heights and pink, white, or red candles. Be sure to (carefully) run your fingers over glass and crystal to feel for chips that may not be visible to the eye. Tarnished brass or silver can be appreciated for its patina, or give it a polish for a shiny look."

Artwork

If you're a seasonal decorator who swaps out small frames, wall art, and other décor every holiday, check your local secondhand stores for images that nod to Valentine's Day. Think: Art Deco-era prints of moonlit dates, vintage photographs of people in love, or sophisticated florals. Raia looks for antique art showing off garlands of peonies, roses, and other flowers. "In pink, white, and red, you could fill a whole wall with that during Valentine's Day," she says.

Vintage Love Notes

If your local thrift or antique store has a section dedicated to vintage postcards and letters, search it for love notes and old valentines. "You'll see old valentines that soldiers would send to their sweethearts at home, with writing on it," says Raia. Frame the notes to create a charming piece of custom artwork (or a memorable gift).

Red-and-Pink Ornaments

Unpack your red Christmas décor and thrift ornaments in Valentine's Day hues to create a sparkly centerpiece or focal point. "Here in our shop, we leave up a rose gold tree from the holidays and swap out the ornaments for pink-and-red baubles," says Wright. "At home, these would look just as great in a punch bowl or strung with ribbon from a chandelier. Don’t be afraid to get creative!"

Small Dishes

Look for small jewelry and candy dishes in pinks and reds to add to your home's holiday atmosphere. Fill them with heart-shaped candies or simply set them by the sink or bedside table for a convenient place to put jewelry.