For thousands of years, the owl has represented wisdom. According to ancient Greek lore, the nocturnal bird is able to hunt at night because the light of its inner wisdom illuminates the path ahead of it. That’s how the bird became a symbol for Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and battle strategy.
Since then, the owl’s wide-eyed, thoughtful face has become a universal icon. They’re mainstream birds now—starring in roles like Hedwig from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and Owl from A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. It makes sense that we want to see these friendly birds in our home décor too!
There are many spots in your home ready for some vintage feathers to grace the space. Owl décor is perfect for desk tops, open shelves, wall galleries and anywhere else you’d like to decorate. So we went on Etsy and found some of the cutest and quirkiest vintage owl motifs out there. See for yourself!
At Flea Market Decor, we love to curate and share our favorite finds from across the web with you. Some of the products you’ll see on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, FMD will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!
Birds of a Feather
These two little love birds are salt and pepper shakers from the 1960s. Add some love and fun to the kitchen table with these vintage cuties!
Hoot-iful Prints
Neutral prints complement a wide style palette. Hang these above your desk, in the living room or add them to a gallery.
Three Little Neighbors
These three ceramic owls want to help keep your sink and counter space free of dried soap suds. Plus, it's a vintage dish from the 1970s—bonus points!
Scrub-a-Dub
Wash away the day's dirt with a helping hand—or should we say feather? Handmade and totally adorable, these beauties are ready to go.
Just Hatched
Snuggle your chickadee in a sweet crocheted baby blanket adorned with owls. They'll fall asleep while wrapped in wisdom.
Wisdom in the Pages
Pair wisdom with knowledge! These vintage-inspired bookends would be a perfect addition to any flea marketeer's bookshelf.
Bold and Brass
This mini brass owl is no bigger than your thumb, but it's as cute as a sunbeam. It's a vintage piece from before 2000.
Snow who?
Snow owls know how to blend in, but this one definitely stands out. What a beautiful vintage piece to add to a ceramic collection.
Cross-Feathers
Two birds of a leather flock together. This leather satchel depicts a wide-eyed owl that's just as excited to go shopping as you are. Take him with you on your next flea market adventure.
It's Whom, Not Who
Throw some laughter in with your owl motif collection. When you don this wisecrack, you'll be a real hoot!
Penny Saver
Save some coin for your next flea market splurge in a vintage owl coin bank. Not only is it practical, it's a stunning piece of art.
Cast Eye-ron Skillets
Protect your table and countertops from heat damage with these vintage cast iron skillets. It's the wise thing to do.
It's Who O'clock
This vintage clock helps people learn how to read an analog clock. The eyes even open and close to reveal the hour and minute of the day.
Bejeweled Just Beak-cause
Spruce up an outfit with this vintage pendant necklace from the 1960s. Wisdom is beautiful.
Who is That Down There?
Ah, a hand-carved vintage art piece that is just too cute. The real perk of wooden wall art is that raw, natural beauty never goes out of style.
