Summer brings on many fun and lazy day activities, and one of my favorite is thrifting! Today I’m sharing what to thrift for cottage lake house decor.
Our little lake cottage is all about relaxing and “peace, love, and happiness”. Part of keeping that as the theme is not having anything too precious so I never have to worry if someone is sitting in a wet bathing suit or has sand all over them.
Thrifting for cottage treasures is something I do regularly, so if I find something amazing that I can switch out, or if something breaks from too much wear, I have an immediate replacement.
Each year, I also like to shift things in our outdoor living space, which includes a cute little cottage shed, a screened-in porch, an open front porch, and surrounding spaces near the garden and the lake.
These are the items that I am always searching estate sales, flea markets, and garage sales for:
Metal bread boxes
Vintage storage containers are the perfect places to store more than bread in a cottage kitchen. Made of metal, their age usually comes with lots of fun patina.
I have two in my cottage kitchen. One holds sweet treats, and the other savory, like nuts.
But if storage is what you need, they are great for keeping large utensils, small dishes, or any other items that don’t fit in your drawers.
Nautical lobster buoys
Nautical lobster buoys pack the best patina punch for a lake cottage. Made from wood, and decorated with a variety of colors and striped patterns, they were once used by lobsterman to locate where their traps were placed.
I use mine inside and outside, hanging them single or in pairs. And I have many in groupings, piled in a basket, and even adorning an exterior light fixture. Their patina and bright striped designs make them at the top of my list for vintage nautical finds.
Coastal decor is so relaxing and conjures up memories from many a beach vacation. Since I am originally from Los Angeles, I do love anything that provides a coastal beachy vibe.
Small stools and benches
For cottage life, small stools and benches are not just for decor. They are meant to be pulled into activity whenever needed.
I have one I bring outside and use while I am working in the garden. Another that sits outside the bathroom, and gets used when someone little needs a boost up to the sink. And several more that get used for seats, perches for weekend overnight bags, and that serve as side tables around the space.
Decorative mirrors
When you have small bathrooms, or maybe even one bathroom in a tiny cottage, it’s important to provide other areas in passing where someone can check their reflection.
I like to find smaller ones, with some detail, that can be hung or leaned on a taller dresser. They are also excellent for reflecting light in small spaces.
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Wood oars
Wood oars make great lake house decor, as most have been retired from service. They can be used for curtain rods, hooks added for hanging personal items, or as simple wall decor as themselves.
Found in a variety of sizes, patinas, and colors, old wooden boat oars are a great lake cottage decor piece to keep an eye out for.
Lake house signs
Signs welcoming you to the beach or lake are always fun to see, but legit old signs can make for great decor too.
One of my favorite finds was this ‘beach cottage for rent’ sign that I found on Cape Cod over 30 years ago. It’s clear that there must have been a variety of months that were added to the bottom of the sign. But I love, that the last change was made for the month of September.
Other vintage pieces have been added to the sign decor. Particularly the small picket pice, and the fish that were made from old wood on Cape Cod.
Seashells and items covered in shells
Whether you are near the ocean or a fresh water lake, shells make a great addition to cottage decor.
Look for items covered in tiny shells, like boxes, frames, and decorative pieces. Large shells or jars of shells, can also add to the beach mood in any beach cottage.
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Sturdy chairs
Sturdy old chairs are often found as singles, since their mates may have long been broken or out of commission.
I love the peely and chippy variety that add lots of character and color. And if they ever get too worn and tired, we’ve burned a few in a campfire and added more to the rotation.
Don’t forget about child size chairs as well. Great for decor, as a perch for plants or other decor, and a quick seat for any visiting little.
Anything gingham
What other pattern has stood the test of time? And not just for cottage decor.
I am always looking for gingham items. From pillows, to glasses, to blankets and more, gingham is the perfect pattern to accent your lake house cottage home decor.
Nautical vintage art
Whether you find single pieces, or can create a whole gallery wall, nautical vintage art will look great in any cottage decor.
If your cottage is more garden focused, collect flower prints and landscapes. Nothing adds that casual patina quite like vintage art.
Wicker and not just chairs
Vintage wicker is the ultimate in cottage living. But don’t just look for chairs.
Large upright laundry baskets make great side tables. And painted wicker will have just the right patina.
Look for wastebaskets, wicker trays, wall baskets, and regular baskets to organize all the things you’ll need in your cottage decor.
Fabric with a faded look
Whether it got that way from being used before, or came with a faded look, search for fabric choices that will add comfort without being too pristine.
Mix prints for a casual cottage vibe, and enjoy not having too worry about anything being too precious to enjoy and relax around.
Thrifting for cottage finds
Thrifted pieces are the things that make cottage decor so comfortable and approachable. And summer is the perfect time to hit the flea market and search for cottage home decor that you can enjoy all year long!
Follow along for more inspiration.
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Great finds! I love the whole look and feel of the cottage!
Thanks Susan. It is fun to have a place to relax where I don’t have to worry about damaging anything, since it already looks worn! Hahaha