How I source unique gems on Vinted to make my home stand out – and how you can, too
While a quick high-street fix is always tempting, a truly interesting home thrives on eclecticism
Home decorator and content creator Grace H is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on colourful home design, mixing vintage pieces with new and making personality-filled spaces. See the rest of her articles here.
My absolute superpower has always been walking into any shop and immediately honing in on the most expensive item in the room. My eyes naturally wander toward things that feel a little different, unique, and annoyingly, usually costly.
The good news is you can use those luxury items as pure inspiration, then head online to source something similar for a fraction of the price. Let’s look at how to make your home look elevated and luxurious on a budget.
I am constantly trawling through Vinted (I’ve perfected my algorithm now so that it serves me absolute gold on a silver platter). While eBay is still a great backup, listings have slowed down, making Vinted the ultimate treasure trove in my eyes.
Here are some of the best secondhand secrets I’ve found, along with a few pieces I’m consistently coveting.
1. Lamp love
There are designer lamps that have sat on my wish list for five years. The reason being that they are beautiful, but painfully expensive. Because of this, large statement lamp bases are always at the top of my search list on auction and reseller sites.
A vintage, oversized base can make a bold statement in any room. If you can snag the base at a bargain price, you can then justify investing in a high-quality lampshade. I recently purchased a peach oversized 1980’s spherical lamp base for a steal and am still searching for the perfect shade but I love that fact that it feels unique and not everyone will have the same. The result will hopefully be a high-end, custom look for way less.
Top Tip: Be hyper-specific with your search terms. Instead of typing "pink lamp”, try keywords like ceramic, vintage Italian, glazed, ribbed, cylindrical, or oversized. The more specific the better!
2. Gallery-worthy artwork
There are so many talented artists selling original pieces on Vinted now. You can often pick them up for a steal, supporting budding talent while elevating your walls. A quick reframe, and a secondhand piece can look gallery-worthy in no time.
I always hunt for original oil paintings rather than prints; they catch the light beautifully and can look incredibly high-end.
Top Tip: This is where I recommend going vague. Keep the search simple, like "colourful oil painting” and just scroll until something catches your eye. Don’t focus in on a dodgy framing choices; look at the art itself. Save anything you like to train your algorithm to do the hard work for you next time you log in.
3. Bespoke cushions
Custom cushions elevate a room instantly, however, buying them can seem like a real luxury. I wish I had the sewing skills to whip them up myself, but alas, I wasn't blessed with the patience for a sewing machine.
Luckily, plenty of talented sellers online do have the know-how. You can find incredible makers online creating cushions from deadstock, vintage, or designer fabrics for a fraction of the high-street price.
Top Tip: Never leave the flat, pancake-like inner cushion that comes with secondhand buys. Switch it out for a feather insert that is 5cm larger than the cushion cover. You’ll get that plush, plump and interior-designed look instantly.
4. Statement ceramics
I have waxed lyrical about my love for ceramics for years, and there are just so many unique, soulful pieces out there looking for a good home. It’s very rare that I buy a vase from the high street these days; they tend to look mass-produced, and the good ones go viral so fast that everyone ends up with the exact same decor.
Searching for vintage ceramics yields gorgeous colours and organic shapes that add instant texture to your styling. I recently picked up some vintage colourful ceramic ice cream cups and I love the interest that they add to my kitchen shelf. All for the price of a couple of takeaway coffees!
Trinket dishes are always on my hit list too – they are super useful and look gorgeous placed on top of coffee table books on my ottoman.
Top Tip: Always check or ask for measurements! I’ve learned this the hard way. I’ve had pieces arrive that look like they belong in a dollhouse, and others massive enough for a stately home.
5. Curated tableware
I’m talking plates, tablecloths, cutlery, water jugs and candlesticks. One person's junk truly is another's treasure. It amazes me how reasonably priced beautiful tableware is on Vinted. A quick run through the dishwasher or washing machine, and it’s as good as new.
I recently pressed 'buy' in record time on a stunning, hand-embroidered tablecloth. When it arrived, it was even better than I’d hoped. I also have a few serving platters on the way that cost less than a tenner each – way cheaper than buying mass-produced off the shelf.
Top Tip: Good cutlery can be eye-wateringly expensive. Keep an eye out for vintage canteens or sets that are missing a few pieces; people sell them cheap, and if you are patient, you can usually source the replacements online later.
The mix is the magic
While a quick high-street fix is always tempting, a truly interesting home thrives on eclecticism. The magic happens when you source pieces that have a past and a story to tell.
For me, the thrill of the chase, that late-night scroll, the unexpected find, and the anticipation of the postman arriving, is half the joy of interior design.
By blending high-street staples with secondhand gems and a splash of designer luxury, you’ll curate a space that feels beautifully layered, personal, and completely original.
