Creating a beautiful, traditional home is like curating an art collection—it takes time, patience, and a lot of love. At Love of Luverne, we believe that the soul of a home is found in the details, and often, the most meaningful pieces aren’t the ones that come out of a box with instructions. Instead, they’re the treasures you stumble upon in the wild: a gem buried in a thrift store corner, a listing that catches your eye on Facebook Marketplace, or an antique shop find that sparks joy.
Our home is filled with these stories—pieces that have been discovered, restored, and loved into something that feels truly ours. Today, I want to share some of the favorite thrifted and antique finds that grace our space, proving that with a little effort and an open mind, you don’t have to settle for mass-produced, disposable furniture.
A Coffee Table with Character
Let’s start in the living room with one of my most exciting finds: our marble, metal, and glass coffee table. I stumbled upon this beauty on Facebook Marketplace after weeks of searching for the perfect centerpiece. It’s a piece that checks all the boxes—sturdy, elegant, and unique, with a mix of materials that feels modern but timeless.
It wasn’t pristine when we picked it up, of course. It had a few scuffs and smudges, but nothing that couldn’t be polished out. Carrying it into our home was another challenge. I swear Carlton and I almost got a divorce trying to get this heavy piece through the door.The effort was worth it; this table brings a sense of sophistication to the room without feeling stuffy. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded that good things come to those who wait (and who obsessively refresh Marketplace listings).
Dining Room Treasures: Table and Buffet
The dining room is another space where thrifted finds shine. Our solid wood dining table and matching buffet were a Facebook Marketplace miracle. When I first saw the listing, I couldn’t believe my luck—beautifully crafted, matchbook design, in excellent condition, and priced well below what you’d pay for something similar at a big-box store.
We brought them home, gave them a deep clean and a little TLC, and now they’re the heart of our dining room. These pieces feel like they’ve always belonged in this house, as if they were waiting for us to come along and give them a second life. Their classic lines and rich wood tones add warmth and gravitas to the space, perfect for family meals and holiday gatherings.
A Side Table with a Story
Sometimes, the best finds are the unexpected ones. Case in point: the solid wood side table I discovered at a thrift shop. I wasn’t even looking for a side table that day (isn’t that how it always goes?), but when I saw it tucked in the corner, I knew it had potential.
It’s a simple piece, but its quality is unmistakable. The craftsmanship, the weight of the wood, the little details in the carving—it’s the kind of thing you just don’t see in today’s mass-produced furniture. A quick coat of polish brought it back to life, and now it sits proudly in our living room, usually holding remotes, a Hot Wheels Car, or a glass of wine.
Let There Be Light: A Gold Floor Lamp
Lighting can make or break a space, and our gold floor lamp is proof that thrift stores are treasure troves if you’re willing to look. I found this lamp during a routine thrift shop visit, and it was love at first sight. Its elegant curves and warm golden finish make it a standout piece, but it’s also practical, casting a soft, inviting glow that makes the whole room feel cozier.
Sure, it needed a new shade and a little polishing, but that’s part of the fun. There’s something satisfying about taking a piece that’s been overlooked and making it shine again—literally, in this case.
An Antique Lampshade for the Kitchen
Speaking of lighting, one of my favorite finds is the antique glass lampshade we discovered for our kitchen. We came across it in a small antique store in Minneapolis, and it was one of those “meant to be” moments. Its delicate etching and vintage charm add a touch of history to a space that’s otherwise quite functional.
Installing it was a small change with a big impact. It ties the kitchen’s aesthetic together, blending old and new in a way that feels intentional. Every time I turn it on, I feel a little burst of happiness—it’s the perfect reminder that even small details can make a big difference.
Why Quality and Time Matter
All these pieces share one thing in common: they weren’t instant purchases. They took time to find, patience to restore, and a bit of elbow grease to make them shine. But that’s the beauty of creating a home—it’s not about rushing to fill a space with whatever’s easiest. It’s about curating a collection of things that tell a story, that reflect your values and your vision for your home.
In a world where fast furniture and disposable decor dominate, hunting for high-quality pieces in unusual spaces feels like a small act of rebellion. It’s about rejecting the idea that everything has to be new and perfect and embracing the charm of something with a little history, a little character.
Hunting Tips for Thrifted and Antique Finds
If you’re inspired to start your own treasure hunt, here are a few tips:
- Be Patient: The perfect piece might not show up right away. Check regularly and be willing to wait for something that truly speaks to you.
- Look Beyond the Surface: A scuffed table or tarnished lamp might seem unimpressive at first glance, but often, a little cleaning or minor repair is all it takes to reveal its beauty.
- Know Your Space: Measure your rooms and know what you’re looking for. There’s nothing worse than finding a gorgeous piece only to realize it won’t fit.
- Trust Your Gut: If something catches your eye and feels like “you,” go for it. You can always find a way to make it work.
A Home That Feels Like Us
Every piece we’ve brought into our home through thrifting or antiquing has contributed to a space that feels uniquely ours. These aren’t just objects—they’re reminders of the joy of the hunt, the satisfaction of restoration, and the love that goes into creating a home.
At Love of Luverne, we believe that a home isn’t built overnight. It’s a living, evolving thing, shaped by the choices you make and the treasures you find. And if those treasures happen to come from a thrift shop or an antique store, so much the better.
Because in the end, a beautiful, traditional home isn’t about following trends or filling a space with brand-new furniture. It’s about taking the time to find what you love, to honor the craftsmanship of the past, and to create a space that feels timeless, warm, and full of life.
So here’s to the thrill of the hunt—and to homes that tell our stories.
Love of Luverne 
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