101 Fascinating Objects From The Past That Should Be Kept In A Museum

There’s something about items from the past that just makes them so much more magical than what we have in stores today. The quality is often much better, there’s a charm that most antique items possess, and even simple objects like toasters seem to be artifacts when they look nothing like what we use nowadays.

Not to mention the fact that shopping vintage is much better for the environment. And you’re likely to take home high quality items that were made to last if you buy something that’s been around for decades. Unfortunately, we don’t all have access to amazing thrift stores and fabulous estate sales in our area. But with the internet at your disposal, I promise you can find amazing old items with just a little bit of digging!

Now, you probably don’t want to buy everything gently-used. Socks and underwear should be purchased brand new, and if the item you’re looking for didn’t exist decades ago, it’s unlikely that you’ll inherit one from your grandmother. But according to Veranda Lifestyle and Design Group, there are some objects that we should always try to purchase vintage if possible.

First up on the list is oil paintings. These can be great conversation starters, and they’ll always stand out from pieces that are being painted today. Plus, if you find something you love that’s not in perfect condition, there are plenty of art restoration services that would be happy to fix it up for you.

Veranda also recommends shopping vintage for rugs. Rugs from the past are likely to be made from much nicer materials than newer ones, as they were probably handwoven and dyed with vegetables. They’re usually also stunning and can completely transform a space. Rugs are often expensive anyway, so if you’re going to shell out, you might as well find a unique piece that you love, rather than buying the same one from IKEA that all of your friends own.

If you’re on the hunt for a wooden table or bed frame, Veranda recommends that you search for a vintage one first. The materials used today are often lower quality, and if you buy something new, it’s probably not going to be made from solid wood. A classic, old piece that has stood the test of time will likely be much more beautiful and durable than what’s on the market today.

Light fixtures are also pieces that you might want to shop vintage for. This is another thing that they just don’t make like they used to! Vintage light fixtures often have so much charm, and they’ll be one of a kind. They can be the perfect way to spice up a space, and even if the wires connected aren’t working anymore, a professional electrician should be able to fix that in no time.  

If you already have a dining room table but you’re in need of chairs, Veranda says vintage is the way to go. You can find funky, upholstered chairs that you’ll never see in shops today. Or you can keep the wood frame and swap out the cushions for something with a more modern pattern. Either way, these chairs should be durable, beautiful and perfect for hosting dinner party guests.

Finally, if you are in need of cute glassware, look no further than your city’s antique shops. There are countless designs with cute, whimsical patterns, colored glass and more that will look adorable in your glass cabinets. These fun glasses are perfect for entertaining or bringing some sunshine to your morning glass of orange juice. Plus, you can usually still find these in sets. And if you take great care of the glass, they’ll look as good as new!

We hope you’re enjoying this list of items from the past, pandas! Keep upvoting all of your favorites, and let us know in the comments below what the best antique find you’ve ever taken home was. Then, if you’d like to check out another Bored Panda article featuring similar old objects, we’ve got another list for you right here!