Senior Living News

Why Antiquing Makes a Great Hobby

The blend of adventure and creativity you experience when browsing through antique and thrift shops benefits you by engaging you mentally to enhance cognitive function and providing physical activity that keeps you moving. When you discover old objects you adore, they often make perfect jump-off points for researching collections and reminiscing about things you love with others online or in person. In fact, you just might make some personal connections and new friends in retirement who have similar feelings of nostalgia when you're checking out flea markets or digging through boxes at estate sales.

Strategies for Antiquing in Small Spaces

If you want to showcase your favorite finds in small spaces, it can often prove challenging. These strategies, however, can help you make the most of the space you have so you can display items on your terms.

• Set a theme for your collection. Focus your antiquing efforts on specific pieces or categories. Instead of collecting a little of everything, choose pieces that reflect your interests or your favorite aesthetic. For instance, you might collect vintage figurines or antique books and showcase them on a single bookshelf.
• Think small and practical. Look for antiques that serve a purpose or fit well into your living space without overwhelming it. For example, you might use cute magnets to display vintage postcards on your refrigerator or wear your collection by picking antique jewelry that suits your overall style.
• Rotate your collections. If you like variety but don't want to clutter your space, highlight only part of your antique collection at a time. Store items in clear bins or labeled boxes for quick retrieval, and rotate pieces in and out seasonally to keep the look of your space dynamic and fun.
• Embrace wall space. When you're showcasing antiques in a limited space, think upward, not outward. Keep your floor free for furniture by mounting collectible plates along the tops of kitchen cabinets and hanging framed artwork in your living room or bedroom. Floating shelves work well for highlighting vases and small sculptures.
• Get creative with storage. Smart storage solutions let you enjoy your antiques without letting them take over your living area. For instance, use under-bed storage boxes to tuck away collections, put stackable bins to work stowing items in closets or incorporate furniture like ottomans or benches with hidden compartments.

Making the Most of Antiquing Adventures

‍More than just about the treasures you find, antiquing lets you enjoy the thrill of the chase while staying active as you age. You can fully embrace the joy of hunting down hidden gems, even if you live in a small space like an assisted living community, with these handy tips.

• Plan your shopping trips. Be mindful about your antiquing outings and intentional with your purchases. Before you head out, have a clear idea of what you're looking for by asking if the item fits with your theme, if you have space to store it and if it will bring joy or purpose to your home.
• Visit a variety of shops. Mix up your shopping venues to keep the antiquing experience exciting and help you discover unique finds. Don't stop at visits to antique shops, estate sales and flea markets — spend some time shopping online on eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Etsy, hit local thrift stores and check out weekend garage sales.
• Learn to negotiate. Bargaining for the best price is part of the fun of antiquing, so learn the art of respectful negotiation to make your purchases even more satisfying. If you know what you're looking for, research typical prices before you shop. Also, be polite and friendly when making offers, and if possible, bundle multiple items to make sellers more likely to give you a discount.

Living in smaller spaces like assisted living communities shouldn't stop you from indulging in your favorite hobby and keeping memories alive of times gone by with your favorite antique objects. In fact, a little creativity and planning lets you explore antiquing while keeping your home comfortable and well-organized. Uncover those small treasures and let your small space in Creve Coeur, Missouri, shine with the charm and character your favorite antiques add.