Op Shop Homewares That Can Transform Your Space
Walk into almost any op shop in Australia and you will find more than just racks of second hand clothing.
Lining the shelves are pieces that can genuinely transform your home. While brand new furniture or décor can sometimes feel flat or predictable, op shop homewares bring a kind of charm that is hard to fake.
They tell a story, carry a bit of history, and when chosen well can elevate your interiors in ways that make friends ask, “Where did you get that?” Interior designers have been in on the secret for years. They know that style is not about how much you spend but how you bring different textures, shapes, and materials together. And often the best starting point is an unexpected find from a local charity shop.
So, what should you keep an eye out for and how do you actually style it at home? Let’s dive in.
Why Choose Op Shop Homewares?
There are three big reasons interior designers love op shop treasures: character, affordability, and sustainability. Character matters because homes should feel lived in. A row of brand new coffee table books can look staged, while a pile of old hardbacks with faded spines feels genuine. Affordability is obvious, why pay hundreds of dollars for décor when you can pick up a piece with more personality for under twenty? And then there is sustainability. Every platter, basket, or dish you give a new home to is one less item heading for landfill. That is a win for your house and the planet.
Op Shop Pieces Worth Hunting For
Not every second hand item deserves a place in your lounge room. Some are best left on the shelf. But there are certain categories of homewares that regularly make interior designers smile.
CorningWare Dishes
These vintage dishes often white with small blue floral patterns are more than just practical. Designers love using them as everyday serveware or stacking them neatly on open shelving. They add a retro charm to modern kitchens and are surprisingly tough. If your nan had them, you will know they last forever.
Wicker Baskets
The humble wicker basket is a workhorse in both design and practicality. Use them in bathrooms to hold towels, in the living room to store throws, or in kids’ rooms to hide away toys. They soften spaces, add texture, and stop your home from looking too clinical. Plus, they are almost always available in op shops.
Vintage Books
Even if you are not much of a reader, old books have styling power. A stack of vintage novels on a coffee table makes the room feel layered and thoughtful. Hardbacks with coloured covers or embossed lettering look especially good. And if you do happen to flip one open, you may even find an old note or inscription that adds a little mystery.
Wooden Platters and Boards
Wooden boards are the simplest way to make food or décor look intentional. Place one on a dining table with candles and fruit, or use it to serve bread and cheese when guests come around. Designers like them because they ground a table setting and make everyday life look a bit more polished without trying too hard.
Quirky Glassware
Op shops are often filled with mismatched glassware and ceramic cups. While it may not seem like much, styling open shelving with a mix of shapes and colours can make a kitchen feel like it has grown over time rather than being bought in one go. A splash of coloured glass on a shelf also catches light in a way plain white mugs never will.
How to Style Them Like a Designer
Finding the right pieces is only half the battle. The magic happens in how you use them. Interior designers are not afraid to blend old with new, and that is a lesson anyone can apply.
Mix eras by pairing a modern lamp with a stack of vintage books. The contrast makes both pieces stand out. Layer textures by putting a wicker basket next to smooth tiles or glossy cabinetry, which balances hard and soft finishes. Use repetition by stacking three wooden platters of different sizes together so it looks deliberate rather than random. Think practical too. CorningWare dishes are not just décor, they can go straight into the oven or onto the table. Designers love beautiful pieces that earn their keep.
Most importantly, do not worry about perfection. Homes that feel interesting usually have a little mismatch built in. That is where the warmth comes from.
The Joy of Discovery
One of the best parts about shopping for homewares at op shops is the thrill of the hunt. You do not always know what you are going to find. Some days you might come home empty handed. Other days you will score a platter or set of glasses that feels like it was waiting just for you.
Designers thrive on this unpredictability. It keeps their work fresh and unique. But the same joy is available to everyday shoppers. Unlike buying décor from a chain store, your op shop finds will not be sitting in a hundred other homes down the street.
Realistic Tips for Everyday Shoppers
Take your time. Do not expect to find treasures every trip. Regular visits pay off. Check condition carefully look for cracks in wooden items and smell ceramic pieces to make sure they do not carry lingering odours. Stay flexible. Go in with an open mind. You may not find the platter you were hoping for, but you might leave with a beautiful basket instead. Blend rather than replace. You do not have to throw out everything you own. Just introduce a few op shop pieces and see how they shift the feel of your space.
Why It Works in Australian Homes
There is something about Australian interiors that makes op shop finds particularly effective. Our homes tend to lean toward relaxed, practical styles, nothing too fussy. A bit of rattan here, a vintage platter there, and suddenly a home feels grounded and approachable.
We also love a good bargain. Let’s be honest, there is a sense of pride in telling guests that the “designer looking” centrepiece on your table cost five dollars from the Salvos. It is that mix of sustainability, style, and a cheeky bargain that makes op shop homewares fit perfectly into the Aussie way of living.
Our Final Thoughts
If you want to transform your space, you do not always need to shop new or spend big. Op shop homewares offer a practical, sustainable, and stylish way to bring your home to life. From wicker baskets and vintage books to CorningWare dishes and wooden boards, these everyday treasures can make your space feel curated without trying too hard.
So next time you pass by your local op shop, pop in and wander the homewares section. You might just find the missing piece that gives your living room or kitchen a whole new personality.