How To Identify Authentic 70’s Vases While Thrift Hunting?

Posted on February 4, 2025 

The first thing that strikes you is the kaleidoscopic display of vintage treasures, each piece seemingly whispering stories from another time. Here, it’s all about forming connections with these timeless relics, understanding them, and letting them weave seamlessly into your modern life. You wander through aisles filled with artifacts from eras gone by, and it feels like a dance through history where each step leads you to another surprise. Amongst this curated chaos of yesteryears, a key attraction frequently awaits the discerning thrifter: that perfect 70s vase, a true artifact from the disco decade. This particular quest is akin to piecing together a rich tapestry, where colors, textures, and shapes narrate a story as bold and diverse as they were back in the day. And what's most thrilling? This journey doesn't require a time machine—just an enthusiastic spirit and a keen eye! 

The allure of the 70s is undeniable. It was a time when boldness was celebrated, and expressing individuality through every possible medium was a cultural mandate. Everywhere you turned, whether in home decor or personal fashion, there was a celebration of vivid hues and whimsical designs. Spotting an authentic piece from this time while thrifting is akin to finding a hidden gem that can spark joy and nostalgia in equal measure. Walking into a thrift store with the goal of unearthing a genuine 70s vase is half the fun—it's where history buffs and design enthusiasts alike get to indulge in the pleasures of discovery. But let's not kid ourselves; navigating through the winding paths of a thrift store's offerings can be tricky yet thrilling. It's like playing a delightful game of hide and seek, where the prize is a gloriously quirky piece of history to call your own. There's something about the chase that keeps the heart of every thrifter beating a little faster. And just imagine the delight in knowing you've found something truly special, a testament to design that so distinctly reflects its vibrant era. 

No two thrifting adventures are ever the same, and that unpredictability is part of what makes the experience thrilling. One day, you'll find yourself sifting through stacks of mundane, unassuming glassware, and then, suddenly, your eye catches the glint of something with character—a vase that possesses the undeniable aura of 70s verve. It’s not just about the vase itself; it’s about the stories it holds, the homes it’s graced, and the eras it’s survived. Each piece is a fragment of the past, awaiting to become a part of someone’s present. The key lies in knowing what to look for. With each trip, as you begin to spot distinctive features—the earthy color palette, the explosive glaze techniques, the playful forms—you get better at this modern-day treasure hunt. It transforms a simple afternoon out into a journey back in time, where each item you select carries a narrative and a bit of the vibrancy that defined an era filled with transformative art and style. And honestly, the more you dive into this charismatic dance with history, the more it spins you around, leaving you hungry for more. So, button up your retro-inspired thrift coat, ready your senses, and step into the enchanting mosaic of the past where every thrift store adventure promises a new chapter and every find has the potential to be the start of another cherished story. 

Decoding the Aesthetic: Colors and Patterns 

Jumping right into the brilliant kaleidoscope that was the 70s, the colors and patterns of this era in vintage decor, particularly in vases, will make your heart sing a retro anthem. Picture this: you’re in a thrift shop and you spot vibrant earthy tones like avocado green, burnt orange, and mustard yellow. These hues scream 70s louder than a Bee Gees disco track. Of course, it doesn't stop at just colors. Pattern was paramount — think psychedelic swirls, floral explosions, and geometric galore. You can almost hear the tunes of the time just by resting your eyes on these visuals. But how do you distinguish these from another era’s offerings, especially when thrifting can feel like navigating a vintage labyrinth? Well, often those vibrant 70s palettes are distinct because they combined nature’s borrowed shades with unique techniques like dripping glazes or speckled finishes that just invite you to appreciate their texture. 

Moreover, the 70s had their share of fun with a technique known as fat lava, prevalent in West German pottery. These vases boast tactile, explosive glazes that bubble like erratic volcanic surfaces. You can recognize them by their contrasting vibrant colors over deep and moody bases, which truly make them stand out on any vintage shelf. Now, this brings me to a sweet anecdote from a memorable thrift hunt in San Francisco. There was this little shop, cozy with the charm of a bygone era, where nestled among some rather mundane pieces was a bold, dripping tangerine vase. It called out across the room with its textural quirkiness, a true relic of 70s glory. The glaze literally seemed to be alive, capturing the essence of that period's daring design ethos. I snatched it up quicker than you can say, "Stayin’ Alive." So, when out and about, don’t shy away from peering close and feeling the textures. They tell stories the eyes might miss. 

When spotting 70s vases, you also want to keep an eye out for their unique shape compositions. The decade embraced the unconventional with enthusiasm. You'll find vases with bold, bulbous bases, long necks with flared rims, or even cylindrical forms with a touch of whimsy in their outlines. This playfulness in form was matched only by daring splashes of color — bronze and blushing pinks sometimes paired with earthy browns. Another entertaining aspect of this feature is knowing not only what to spot but how it integrates into decor narratives of today. Picture setting such a vase as a centerpiece. It’s like bringing a slice of time-travelled pizzazz into your living room. But here’s the thing: while rare finds are gems, discovering common patterns is also part of the thrill because they connect you with the broader historical tapestry. It's like all these vases are there, patiently whispering to you tales of a vibrant era as if you’ve found a dozen time capsules waiting to be unfurled, each a potential star of your decor saga. And honestly, once you’ve got the hang of it, spotting these 70s gems is as addictive as playing a vintage record — you simply want to keep flipping through that bin for another round. 

Thinking back to any memorable thrift hunting experience, it's evident that every vintage object holds a unique story, waiting for someone curious to give it a voice. This journey teaches patience and a knack for engaging with history in vivid colors and striking textures. The magic of uncovering a genuine 70s vase is in both the discovery and the opportunity to breathe new life into it, blending the past with the present, creating a harmonious decor balance. These vases, with their distinct shapes and colorful personalities, not only serve as aesthetic focal points in your space but also as reminders of a dynamic period that wasn’t afraid to push boundaries. From the velvety hues to the textured surfaces, each piece feels like a lively artifact, carrying whispers of eras gone by while promising fresh stories nestled into today’s spaces. 

And, where does this bring us? To the concept that vintage is vast, constantly changing, and layered with narratives as intricate as the patterns we adore. While acquiring these treasures is one-half of the thrill, bringing them home, understanding their stories, and creatively weaving them into the tapestry of modern life is a satisfying journey. Imagine having a delightful fat lava vase occupy a prime spot on your mantle, its bubbling glaze a conversation starter at every gathering. Or, perhaps, a boldly patterned piece as your dining room centerpiece, inviting stories from guests as appetizing as the meal itself. It’s like setting the scene for a continuous dialogue between the decades of decor. This is what vintage should do — connect you not just with the item in its raw beauty, but with the essence it embalms. If you're keen on expanding your own collection or diving deeper into this world, we regularly update our offerings to match discerning tastes. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or a curious newbie, remember that there's support if you need guidance or inspiration. Whether browsing through a trove of vintage objects or hunting down the perfect piece, we're here to bring you the kind of treasures that make your space sing with personal charm and historical magic. If you’re ever in need of more curated advice, have questions, or simply wish to share your vintage excitement, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or ring us up at (212) 558-1014. The stories are endless, and we're thrilled to help you write yours through this captivating art of time-traveling decor.