If you’ve ever admired the effortless aesthetic of a well-known A-lister’s home in Los Angeles or that influencer’s fabulously styled loft in New York, chances are that at least a few key items came from the secondhand world. The trick is understanding what to search for and the best way to identify pieces that have merit-in both quality and style. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your space or find that perfect celebrity-level home feature, these are 12 finds all designers- and their high-profile clients- swear by.
Vintage Persian and Oriental Rugs
“If you want vintage quality, these are worth spending time hunting for: vintage Persian and Oriental carpets,” revealed a stylist in Hollywood recently; indeed, all these rugs can also be found in this major film star’s Beverly Hills estate: layered with vintage Persian rugs, some pieces brought from wonderful thrift stores. A well-made rug will last for decades, and many patterns and colors the modern fake cannot duplicate. Look for natural material including wool or silk and check its knotting by hand at the underside.
Antique Gilded Mirrors
This actress, who is most A-list in terms of style, recently bought an oversized, ornate gilded mirror from a vintage shop in New York. These mirrors can create an instant upscale and larger feel to any space. Check to verify when searching for an investment-worthy treasure: signs of real gold leaf, multiple details, and aged patina.
Murano Glass Chandeliers & Sculptures
Murano glass pieces are things that famous trendsetting celebrities flaunt inside their homes because of the bright colors they are made with and unique craftsmanship they avail. Recently, a luxury designer revealed that in a famous musician’s Miami penthouse, there is a hand-blown Murano glass chandelier bought from a high-end thrift. Authenticity is based on having a “Made in Italy” stamp and distinctive swirls of colors.
Mid-Century Modern Seating.
One of the biggest home trends that influencers are following is that of finding mid-century vintage seating like Eames chairs, Barcelona loungers, and sculptural wood-framed armchairs. A hit tech entrepreneur’s San Francisco office may be filled with these gems, refurbished for a modern touch. Solid wood frames and original upholstery mark a wise investment.
Handmade Quilts & Textiles
Today, homemade quilts decorate East Coast high-rise lofts as well as Manhattan and Los Angeles penthouses. The international fashion icon who put them there couldn’t even find a place to hang them: as wall art. Adds warmth and character to the space, and each quilt has something unique to tell. Look for hand-sewing, interesting color combinations, and natural fibers.
Ornate Bar Carts
Nothing says Hollywood glam more than a vintage bar cart. One top designer shared that there was this antique brass and glass bar cart that came from a vintage dealer in the Manhattan townhouse of an iconic talk show host. Instant sophistication, functional display of cocktail essentials.
Crystal and Geode Accents
Many celebs now tend to natural elements like large quartz crystals and geodes to ground energies in their homes. Recently, top interior designers pointed out that oversized amethyst geodes are signature decor items in one A-lister’s Malibu mansion. Thrift stores and antique shops often hide such natural treasures that can pass for art.
Rephrase here to make it low perplexity with the burstiness increased within the same word limits and HTML elements.
Art Deco Style Lighting
Lighting can change the whole mood of a room, and vintage Art Deco lamps have their popularity and are now being highly sought after in luxurious homes. A design insider once mentioned that the library of a best-selling author is outfitted with sleek table lamps dating back to the 1920s. Look out for brass finishes, geometric shapes, and frosted glass details.
Sterling Silver Flatware & Serving Pieces
A-list celebrities enjoy hosting extravagant dinner parties, and many choose to set their big bash using antique authentic sterling silver flatware sourced from vintage shops. One designer found a complete set of silver plate serving trays from such a known estate of a film producer. Authentic silver consists of a hallmark stamp, usually marked “925”.
Architectural Salvage Pieces
Reclaimed architectural pieces such as antique doors and mantels are entering into most of the homes of design-forward celebrities. An LA-based musician transformed an antique pair of French doors into a magnificent headboard. Look for solid wood pieces with intricate carvings and somehow original finishes when shopping.
Vintage & Leather-woven Baskets
Storage can be quite stylish, and vintage leather trunks and woven baskets are often cited by many influencers as effective means for achieving effortless curation. A well-known fitness buff was seen using vintage baskets for organizing linens in their minimalist dwelling. Natural materials like rattan, jute, and aged leather tend to maintain their value through the years and are beautiful with age.
Statement Art & Frames
One insider trick of achieving a designer look is collecting unique-access art pieces and vintage frames, which consists of a rumor about a famous TV host finding one $5 thrift store painting and showcasing it in their million-dollar home. Original paintings, even unsigned, can be worth a lot-money; just look for texture, hand-painted brushstrokes, and aged canvas.
Celebrity Standards for All
The thrill of finding a unique and valuable piece of home décor isn’t for the celebrities or the high-end designers alone. If you know what to look for and are patient, anyone can recreate magic in the home using thrift and vintage finds. Whether it’s a Murano glass lamp, handwoven Persian rug, or elaborate mirror, these timeless antiques bring depth, history, and character to any space, even without that celebrity budget.