The Classy Piece Of Decor You Should Look For At Your Next Estate Sale

Estate sales, which exist on a spectrum that ranges from affordable garage sale varieties to extravagant antique bazaars, are always great for a treasure hunt. Sometimes you can even split the difference and save money on incredible estate sale finds. Whether you're looking for shiny little items like silverware, or big distinguished pieces like heavy wooden desks and wardrobes, you might just find that what you're looking for is also surprisingly unique. Estate sales are the physical manifestation of the head-shaking notion that they just don't make 'em like they used to. And, while they can be great for those kitchenware and furniture necessities, they're also tops for finding some of the decorative extras that make your home even lovelier.

Do not overlook objets d'art or even larger sculptural pieces at your next estate sale. For one, you are likely to find something distinctive. Consider all the times you've moved, maximized your spring cleaning routine, or just purged items that are no longer worth the dust they collect. That should, theoretically, leave only the most special sundries you've collected here and there. Estate sales are often similarly situated, plus they're frequently coordinated by neutral companies, so it's likely enough they've edited the collection down to things they actually believe will sell. And, while we have our favorite sources, there are plenty of places you can pick up more general home furnishings. Unless you are a dedicated collector, objets and sculptures are not quite so easy to come by.

Effectively placing these accent items around your home is all about scale. Creating balance, in fact, is one of the most important ways to incorporate sculpture art in your home. Larger pieces intended for floor placement like oversized vases or animal figures still need a decent amount of clearance around them to signal intentionality and not just an absence of storage. Smaller things are obviously easier to place, and you want to make sure they're still pronounced enough to catch notice. Dedicated bookcase space is an obvious choice, and some works will make for beautiful dining table centerpieces that look good all year long.

You'll also want to take some time to see how these items will truly feel at home in your home. A bust can be a great find, for example, and it can actually work with several different existing design aesthetics. But maybe don't place it somewhere you'll be startled by apparently peering eyes in the middle of the night. You'll also want to be cognizant of natural light, which will fade certain materials over time. And be sure to keep anything fragile out of reach of kids and pets.