Classic Patriotic Mantel Decor with Vintage Thrifted Finds

Vintage Patriotic mantel decorating ideas using thrifted finds. Get inspired to use your thrifted vintage finds as Patriotic home decor to celebrate all things red, white and blue. These Patriotic decorating ideas harken classic nostalgic style, perfect for the USA’s 250th!

This year the U.S.A. is celebrating it’s 250th birthday! What better time to embrace everything nostalgic and red, white and blue. Every summer an area of my home gets decorated with Patriotic vibes. This year I’m going all out and will be spreading it all over! Hope you are inspired with this Classic Patriotic Mantel Decor with Vintage Thrifted Finds.

Classic Patriotic Mantel Decor with Vintage Thrifted Finds

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Recent Thrifted Finds

This Spring has been a treasure trove of acquiring vintage finds; so much that I’m a little overwhelmed, honestly! I have a lot of free furniture and accessories to process-clean and scrub and organize and store.

Besides having a successful four days of Spring junking (see my finds HERE), church sales and estate sales have kicked in. And then there are the friends and acquaintances who know I’m a lover of old things and will say yes to orphan old furniture;) Yep, the buildings are bursting!

In one week I went to three estate sales, one church sale, a good garage sale and picked up a whole trailer load of free vintage furniture. Several “new” finds inspired me to decorate our mantel with Patriotic vintage style for the big 250th. Here’s how it all came together:)

Patriotic Mantel Decorating Ideas

One of the antique cupboards from the trailer load had the most amazing patterned glass doors with art deco style. I would like to revive the whole cupboard, but for now, we took the doors off so I could enjoy the beauty (and keep them safe).

I simply leaned them against my green bedspring backdrop (that allows me easy seasonal switch ups).

A couple years ago I picked up two yard long military photos while curbside junking. I was squealing with excitement when I spotted them standing in a garbage pile. I leaned them against the pretty cupboard doors.

(find military yard long photos HERE)

At a local estate sale last week, I spotted an impressive antique clock. It wasn’t priced, so I made a an offer-“Would you take $25?” It was a family sale and they were wanting everything to go away. Yep, it was a steal, and exactly the centerpiece I needed for the Patriotic mantel scene.

Shop vintage mantel clocks HERE.

I’ve used these fun wispy flags in the large silver floral frog every year. (and sorry, I don’t know where you can find them) But had to get creative with a couple of books underneath it to sit evenly on the top of the clock.

Vintage Collections for Patriotic Style

To fill out the Patriotic mantel (and built-ins on either side) I rounded up several vintage collections from around the house. I wanted it all to have a time-worn, subtle vibe to coordinate with the sepia-toned photographs.

Here’s what I gathered (and links to where you can find similar for yourself):

• Milk glass that looked like it had stripes or stars or dots
• Rustic stoneware jugs and crocks for that primitive vibe
• Silver and pewter platters and pitchers
• Brass candlesticks
• Brass music-themed items
• Red, blue and tan old books
• Red flowers
• Faux grass
• Old cameras and clocks (great graphic punch)
• Antique sheet music
• Wooden cigar boxes with brass latches
• Old bibles

Easy Patriotic Centerpiece

At one of the estate sales there was a whole box full of old sheet music that said “free”. I had so much fun looking through it all. I was happy to find a couple Patriotic-themed sheets. They’re in rough shape, but add a nostalgic touch simply laid on the coffee table.

Milk glass vases with stars and stripes line up in a galvanized trough with little flags.

Venmo, A Thrifter’s Friend

Yes, the Venmo app on my phone has become my new best friend. If you don’t have enough cash in your pocket, many sales will now let you pay with Venmo. It’s pretty slick. Also know there is a messaging option under the name of the person you’ve purchased from.

After buying from one estate sale, I regretted not buying the florist’s stash of red flowers. I simply messaged the person I’d bought from and asked her if they were still available. A week later I went back and more thoroughly went through the florist’s workroom. And she was happy I spent more at the sale!

Classic Patriotic Mantel Decor

All these “new” thrifted vintage finds came together perfectly to style the Patriotic Mantel. Just like some people love to wear their new clothing outfits-I love to decorate with my new thrifted finds:)

For more Patriotic decorating inspiration and DIY ideas, see HERE.

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Thrifting with the Gals

My Thrifting with the Gals friends are joining me today. See how Ann, Rachel and Robyn are decorating with their thrifted finds from Vermont and Maine, North Carolina, and Florida!

Rachel, The Ponds Farmhouse, “Antique Festival Shopping Guide Tips”

Robyn, Robyn’s French Nest, “How to Recover Thrifted Chairs in a Coastal Cottage Serena & Lily Style (on a budget)”

Ann, Dabbling and Decorating, “Blue and White Amish Quilt”

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