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It can be challenging to know what brands are worth immediately snapping up when secondhand shopping. To steer you in the right direction, we asked a few vintage-loving interior designers to share the brands they’re always scouting for when shopping secondhand. From legendary barware to prestigious pottery, put these five brands on your radar before your next thrifting excursion.
Meet the Experts
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Anne Coyle is the founder of Anne Coyle Interiors.
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Meghan Jay is owner and princial designer of Meghan Jay Design .
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Leah Bolger is the founder of Leah Bolger Design.
Wedgewood Jasperware
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Wedgwood Jasperware, an unglazed stoneware created in 1774 and renowned for its pastel hues, is Anne Coyle’s, founder of Anne Coyle Interiors, pick for thrifting thrills.
“There is always room for one more piece of Jasperware in my home,” Coyle says. “Beautiful and useful, with a classical form, Jasperware looks good everywhere.”
Among the things Coyle likes best about Jasperware is its wide breadth of colors. Royal blue Jasperware might be the most iconic—and plentiful—but keep an eye out for shades of celadon, lilac, and the ultimate showstopper: basalt black.
If Wedgwoof Jasperware feels a little too fancy for you, Coyle encourages you to keep an eye out anyway—a repurposed Wedgwood canister filled with tea sachets or a trinket tray paired with decorative hand soap makes for a thoughtful and rave-worthy gift.
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Waterford Crystal
Coyle also keeps her eyes peeled for Waterford crystal at auction and estate sales, noting that the fabled Irish glass isn’t just collectible because of its quality, but its beauty as well.
“There are so many wonderful Waterford patterns, and it’s lovely to see them reflecting light at the table in different ways,” Coyle says.
Another reason Coyle loves thrifting Waterford is that it’s the kind of barware that lends itself to mixing and matching.
“When I was married many moons ago, I received a full collection of Waterford Crystal in the Castlemaine pattern from my aunt and uncle,” Coyle explains. “Over the years, goblets and clarets have broken, and instead of replacing them with Castlemaine, I’ve opted for any Waterford pattern to create a more interesting tablescape.”
Vintage Fabric
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It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of ready-to-use items like vases and barware when thrifting, but don’t sleep on vintage fabrics, Meghan Jay, owner and principal designer at the firm Meghan Jay Design, says.
Surplus fabric can often be found at thrift stores, as can textiles that may not immediately seem like raw fabric—think tablecloths, napkins, or even clothing like shawls or dresses with voluminous skirts.
Consider repurposing items like tablecloths as fabric for your next DIY project. With a bit of ingenuity, they can be fashioned into unique home decor like pillows, chair cushions, or even cafe curtains.
Murano Glass
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Murano, a storied Italian glass best known for its rich, saturated color and sculptural forms is another item Jay breaks for when thrifting.
“I have a soft spot for unique vintage pieces—anything that’s had a long, story-filled life,” she says.
Given its prestige, it might seem like a long shot to stumble across Murano when you’re thrifting, but Jay encourages you to stay optimistic. While it remains unlikely you’ll cross paths with a price-slashed Murano chandelier, decorative bowls and paperweights are likely to make an appearance.
Rosenthal Plates
Leah Bolger, founder of Leah Bolger Design, routinely keeps an eye out for Rosenthal plates when thrifting—but her vision extends beyond their use as table settings.
“These pieces are more than just dinnerware; they’re small works of art that bring culture and vibrancy to any space,” says Bolger. “Whether framed as wall art, propped up on open shelving, or used as styled decor pieces in your kitchen, they balance nostalgia and modernity.”
Rosenthal, a German porcelain manufacturer, has produced plates in a wide array of styles over the years, ranging from traditional to mid-century modern, making them perfect for just about anyone. Bolger, for instance, keeps an eye out pop art-inspired plates, including the designs art icon Roy Lichtenstein made for the brand in the 1980s.
Read the original article on The Spruce
