6 Odd Antiques Our Editors Love Collecting—And Why You Might Too

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Understanding the small details that bring you joy is an essential part of fully developing your personal decorating style. We're not talking about the larger design elements, such as sumptuous wall colors and eclectic patterns—instead, it's the quirky antiques or knickknacks that unify the space and make it feel uniquely yours. We all have that odd item we can't help but collect—including those of us here at VERANDA.

Through playful conversations, we've discovered that our editors possess quite a collection of unique antiques (some of which may even be considered weird). While personal to each collector, we do think they will inspire you to go on your own treasure hunt. Here, the oddest vintage and antique items our editors collect.

Fish Motifs

Underwater motifs are making a splash at this season's hottest design shows, captivating both design enthusiasts and our editors. There are numerous ways to weave the aquatic aesthetic into your home decor, but Sara Clark, our associate style and market editor, encourages diving head first into this trend. As a matter of fact, she discovered her own fondness for sea creatures in a rather unexpected way.

Clark jokes, "I kept buying fish-themed antiques and accessories for my husband, only to realize I was really buying them for myself."

While you might not be prepared to commit to a full-fledged fish plate just yet, you can still embrace the trend by seeking out antique pieces featuring shells or coral motifs.

Sculptural Ashtrays

You can fully appreciate the sophistication and visual interest that an ashtray can bring to a study or office without being a smoker—just ask VERANDA's Editor in Chief Steele Marcoux. Although she has never smoked, Marcoux has always been attracted to vintage ashtrays for their elaborate designs and the allure of hand-blown glass.

Besides, they serve as incredibly chic and unique catchalls that can be artfully placed around your home. Whether you want to use them to hold jewelry or your car keys, they can be a fun alternative to small bowls. For a whimsical touch, consider adding a few Murano glass cigarettes to one!

Footed Accents

There's no denying our team's fondness for all things animal-related—in fact, we've predicted that antique dog statuaries will become hugely popular this year. However, Deputy Digital Editor Jaime Milan prefers a more playful take on animal themes in her living space.

Milan says, "This sounds weird, but I love anything with little feet. No human feet, though, just paws and claws, please!"

Some favorite items in her collection include an antique brass planter and a footed bamboo side table. To adopt this whimsical style in your own home, try planting an orchid or houseplant into a footed urn or planter discovered at your local antique store.

Duck Decoys

It's easy to see why some people are drawn to duck decoys—even those who aren't hunters. Often, these decoys are meticulously painted to mimic the real plumage of ducks and showcase impeccable craftsmanship in woodwork. They also offer a playful and minimal way to introduce a touch of nature indoors.

While she has not yet begun her own collection, Mary Alice Russell, our assistant style and market editor, has found inspiration from her father to start acquiring a few feathery friends for herself. Russell says, "My dad collects vintage decoys, and I've become fond of them too. I've always found them to be so interesting and whenever I see one, I feel like I'm at home."

Animal Figurines

It may not be surprising to learn that our staff photographer, Becky Luigart-Stayner, owns a noteworthy collection of vintage cameras. However, she also collects a "menagerie" of miniature animals. Luigart-Stayner shares, "Not all from the same manufacturer—a menagerie. Plastic, iron, porcelain, wood. The largest ones, two iron cows, are about 4-5 inches long and 3 inches tall. The smallest, a lamb, is about a half inch long."

You can, of course, keep your collection of animals together, but we love the idea of sprinkling them throughout, waiting for guests to stumble across them during your next dinner party.

Colorful Pyrex

Vintage Pyrex has garnered a cult-like following with Instagram and TikTok accounts devoted to featuring these retro treasures. It's popularity is no surprise, given the durable glassware's spectrum of colors and a myriad of patterns that effortlessly complement various china patterns and tablescapes.

Even Managing Editor Amy Mitchell has taken notice, proudly curating her own impressive collection of pyrex. Mitchell says, "It’s so nostalgic and useful, and I have a unique dish for every occasion."

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