How to collect antiques on a budget
If you want to begin collecting antiques but are on a budget, there are still plenty of wonderful things you can buy for less than $20 that can be very rewarding to own and display. It’s a great way to scour antique shops and begin your love of antiques without breaking the bank. And one great place to shop is Antique Allure in Southampton, PA!
Below are some great ideas to get you started on your new venture and love of antiques!
Old buttons
The vast majority of button collections are made up of fairly inexpensive pieces. There are some very pricey buttons out there as well. Rare items come in all shapes and sizes and buttons are no exception. There are still many more inexpensive buttons to be found and enjoyed. Beginning small can turn in to a truly vast hobby and you may start finding yourself spotting every button imaginable even on your daily trips to local thrift stores. Whether you are a seamstress yourself or just remember someone in your family sewing, clothing buttons can bring back a lot of great memories for a small investment. Some really great examples of vintage buttons can include hand-painted porcelains and metal military buttons and can even stretch to glass and bone.
Vintage aprons
Vintage aprons are a great collectible on a budget but beware. This trend is catching on and vintage aprons are already starting to rise in price. However, there are still some great bargains to be had. These little pieces of nostalgia can be found if you take the time to look. Full body aprons from the Victorian era up to the 1930s probably won’t be found for $20 or less, but you can find some great mid-century aprons in that price range.
Vintage postcards
Holiday postcards seem to fetch a pretty penny these days but starting with other genres in postcards is an excellent way to start your love of collecting. You can find vintage postcards that celebrate birthdays or even travel. There are a ton of genres out there; you just need to find the ones that intrigue you.
Old handkerchiefs
If you decide to begin collecting vintage hankies, there are many to choose from. Vintage handkerchiefs are not only pretty but are really fun to display. You can tuck ones with lace trim into your jacket pockets or find nicely embroidered ones to frame as wall hangings so that you can display them for everyone to see while still protecting them from the elements.
Old sheet music
Long before the radio, playing instruments was the popular form of home entertainment. With these instruments came sheet music. Today great pieces of sheet music have survived over time because so many were produced. They range in age from the early 1900s into the 1940s. They look beautiful framed and are an instant conversation starter. This is a lovely way to start a vintage collection and be able to display them as well.
When it comes to antique collecting, your local antique shops like Antique Allure in Southampton can hold the key that will unlock your collecting habit. Before you know it you will have your eye on everything you come across!
