We all have different reasons for collecting antiques. Some look for pieces that can be used, like jadeite and iron ore, while others look for memorabilia related to their favorite pastimes. (Tennis or beekeeping, anyone?) Then there are those of us who just do it for fun. We love wandering around flea markets and antique stalls, not yet knowing what we want, but knowing we’ll know it when we see it.
If you’re still looking for a way to narrow down your search, might we suggest collecting vintage pieces by your favorite color? Below are some suggestions in all shades of the rainbow to get you started.
Even more ways to add color to your home:
Red, orange and yellow collectibles
Red
Seen on everything from bandanas to bottles, this iconic country color warms up a room. Some red collecting ideas to get you started: Founded in 1878, Hills Bros. Coffee (1) was a pioneer of the vacuum packaging method with telltale red cans. Pincushion with tomato motif (2) became popular in the Victorian era as a substitute for real tomatoes, which were given as gifts to ward off evil spirits. “Red Medallion” Ceramic (3) is just a sought-after line from the closed factory.
RELATED TOPICS: The 100+ Best Places to Buy Antiques and Vintage Online
Orange
A dash of the lemony hue is said to boost energy. Some orange-themed collectibles to consider: MMission Orange (4) was the flagship drink of the California Crushed Fruit Company. The Mac and Muff Foundation (5) was the first (and orangest) in Gertrude Hildreth’s reading series. Before the Chicago-based Sanford Ink Company invented the Sharpie in 1964, its orange label was Ink and eraser products (6) were basic equipment for the desk.
RELATED: 30 orange flowers that will brighten up your garden
Yellow
A ray of sunshine can brighten up any room. Some popular yellow collectibles include: Lemon colored rulers (7) were one of many items touting Smokey Bear’s fire safety slogan. Kodak’s iconic gold-decorated canisters (8) were used in the 1950s to store their Kodachrome films. Pattern “Butterfly Gold” (9) was released twice, in 1972 and 1979, as a counterpart to Corelle’s 1970 pattern of the same name.
RELATED: These yellow shades are recognized by designers
Green and blue collectibles
Green
This fresh, woodsy hue colors everything from Monopoly game pieces to salt shakers. Start your collection with these green ideas: Originating as an alternative to sugary sodas during the Depression, Squirt’s grapefruit drink (1) boasted of a deep green bottle. Naturalist Roger Tory Peterson’s Field Guide (2)first published in 1934, are still in print – although old green covers are harder to find. Avon sold cosmetics in Collector bottles (3) like this series of vehicles from the late 1960s. They are often found at flea markets.
RELATED: Green shades that enliven any room
Blue
The country classic is a favorite of coastal residents. And the possibilities for blue collectibles are almost limitless: KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) released its first Mini Delft Houses (4) in 1952 and expands its offering every year. Glass insulators (5) The idea was to separate wires from telephone poles and multiplied in the 1920s when electricity reached rural areas. The blue-bound Hardy Boys Books (6) were written by ghostwriters under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon.
RELATED TOPICS: The Best Blue Colors for Every Room in Your Home
Indigo, purple and pink collectibles
indigo
Denim lovers rejoice. This transitional shade is as timeless as jeans. A few deep blue-violet pieces to consider: Violin bottles or “Viobots”, (1) date from the 1930s. Cobalt versions are the easiest to get hold of. Transferware (2) is a must for indigo blue dining table displays. The Morton Salt Girl (3) has been the brand’s emblem since 1911. (Her yellow dress appeared in 1914 and changed the all-blue label forever.)
Violet
From lilac to grape, these royal hues add depth and dignity to a collection. Our most popular purple collectibles include: Plum stamps (4) with Queen Elizabeth II were sold in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s. AG Smalley designed the “Nu-Seal” mason jar (5) in 1912. Lavender and Old Lace by Myrtle Reed (6) The first illuminated bookshelves were built in 1902.
RELATED TOPICS: 28 purple flowers to beautify your garden
Pink
Extremely dainty musical scores are a cute object on a daughter’s desk. Fun pink vintage finds include: These pink hats (7) which surpassed the bottles of Nehi Bottling Co.’s peach lemonade from the 1970s. Introduced by Bell in 1959, Princess Phone (8) was sold in a variety of colors, including the popular baby pink. Lettuceware’s long-lost cousin, Cabbage products (9) was manufactured in Portugal by Bordallo Pinheiro.
RELATED TOPICS: In Defense of the Retro Pink Bathroom
Many of these colorful finds belong to Margaret Schlecht (@mmmoxiegirl) and Katherine Martin (@lalunedesigns).
Natalie Schumann is a former Associate Editor at Country Living, where she managed CL’s social channels and covered country music and entertainment news.
Alison Allsopp is Style and Markets Editor at Country Living.
