Vintage Maps and Metal Baskets and Card Catalogs - Oh My!

I love all things vintage (well for the most part) and am always on the hunt for something old, rusty, and worn to add to the newer more modern things we have in our home. 
Three things I have been looking for lately are vintage pull down maps (think elementary school), wire metal baskets (called gym lockers back in the day) and library card catalogs. 

Decorating with maps is hugely popular now and you don't have to look farther than the latest Pottery Barn catalog to see that EVERYONE is using them in one way or another.  I guess I am no different except I want one that is old, with a rip or two and that smells like an old book that hasn't been opened in decades. Weird?

Here is one photo has has given me tons of inspiration for our family room - love the colors, pillows  - all of it:

Here is a vintage Maryland Map that I bought on Etsy but haven't decided what to do with it yet - it's not the pull down kind I have been coveting but thought it would look nice framed or even hanging from an old wooden hanger:

Tons of cool vintage finds here.

Vintage metal baskets with metal number plates are second on my list.  Have no idea what I'm talking about? 

This is what I'm talking about! Found this one on Etsy.



Pottery Barn, Land of Nod and other similar sites are also carrying their own versions of the above classic.

And lastly - the vintage piece I have been looking for the longest - an old, wooden card catalog like the ones we used in the school libraries.  The fact that these are not only beautiful but functional storage makes them very appealing as decorator pieces. And after seeing how they can be transformed it only makes me want one more.

Amazing what a little paint and patience can do.

I have done hours of searching on etsy, ebay and craigslist, but most  sellers seem to know just how popular these are now and are selling them accordingly - for lots of money that I'm not ready to spend. 

$800? Nope!

Oh well. The search for a deal continues. That's the best part any way! Pin It

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