Vintage Finds I’m on the Hunt for This Fall
There’s something about fall that makes me crave the hunt. Maybe it’s the way the air shifts crisp and cool, or how the trees seem to whisper slow down as they scatter leaves across the sidewalk. Whatever it is, this season always pulls me back into antique shops and thrift stores with a renewed sense of curiosity—like there are treasures waiting just for me if I look closely enough.
If you saw my recent reel, you know I came home with a handful of vintage finds that feel like they’ve been part of our home forever: the worn-in tiny brass vase with just the right amount of patina, a glass cloche for simplified tabletop charm, a brass hurricane candlestick holder that has already found its place on our buffet. I love that these pieces aren’t just décor—they hold stories, secrets, and whispers from someone else’s table, kitchen, or shelf.
But if I’m honest? There are still a few “holy grail” pieces I’m quietly hunting for this fall. Think of this post as a little peek into my running mental list—the one I usually keep scribbled on the back of receipts in my bag, the one Guy rolls his eyes at but always somehow helps me track down. And since you’re here, you’re officially “in on it” too.
1. A Well-Loved Quilt
The kind with slightly faded florals or patchwork squares stitched by hand. Not perfect, not pristine—just cozy, layered, and begging to be draped across our sofa for cool evenings with the kids. I imagine finding one tucked into the corner of a small-town antique shop, priced like the shopkeeper forgot how valuable it really is.
2. Ironstone Pitchers
I’ve collected a few over the years, but I’m still holding out for one with a delicate, curvy spout. Perfect for fall branches or for serving cider at our next family gathering. Here’s my secret: I never pay more than $25, and somehow, patience always pays off.
3. A Vintage Landscape Painting
Preferably one with moody skies and golden fields—something that feels like Illinois in October. I’ll hang it above a bookshelf, where it can quietly anchor the room and remind me of homegrown roots.
4. Rustic Baskets
I use baskets everywhere—for corralling mittens in the entryway, hiding toys in plain sight, or gathering clippings from the garden. This season I’m searching for one of those extra-large, sturdy woven ones that looks like it’s already carried firewood a hundred times.
5. Brass Taper Holders
Okay, I may already have a small collection, but brass is my weakness. I’m especially on the lookout for pairs—there’s something about symmetry on a fall tablescape that makes it feel complete.
The beauty of hunting vintage is that you never know what’s waiting. Sometimes I walk away with nothing but dust on my jeans, and other times I score the exact piece I’ve been dreaming about—like it was hiding there just for me.
So here’s my little tip (my “secret,” if you will): write down what you’re hoping to find, but keep your eyes open for surprises too. Because nine times out of ten, the piece you didn’t know you were looking for becomes the one you can’t imagine living without.
This fall, I’ll keep you posted on what I bring home. And if you happen to spot one of these treasures in your own hunting, think of me—I’ll be right there with you in spirit, digging through the shelves and stacks, heart skipping at the thought of discovery.
