Love the idea of thrifted home decor but want to avoid the “thrift store aesthetic”? Good news: you can find incredible heirloom quality pieces at the thrift shop that look high-end and elegant if you know what to look for.
Since January is PRIME THRIFTING SEASON, I’m sharing my top ten thrifted home decor items that are sure to fool your friends into believing you spend your time and money shopping at designer boutiques and not digging through dusty bins at thrift shops for your home decor.
Ready to score some luxe pieces for less? Let’s get into it!
1. Picture Frames
Picture frames can be shockingly expensive, especially larger ones. However, thrift stores are a treasure trove for unique and affordable frames. For example, I like to hunt for high quality wooden frames with good glass. You can even find some with non-glare glass if you’re patient! (Read more about how I created the layered mantel gallery collection pictured above from thrifted frames and FREE artwork here)
Pro Tip:
If you find a frame at the thrift store with an overall design you like, but you dislike the color, spray paint it! Additionally, you can even update the color of the mat (if it has one) with a little spray paint as well! Also, never be deterred by a frame where the back is sealed by paper. This is easily removed.
Lastly, you will always use a good picture frame. So don’t wait until you need one to be on the lookout. Always keep an eye out for a good one any time you go and start collecting them now.
2. Glassware
Many people think of “thrifted glassware” and picture a jumble of mismatched items. But you can find stunning complete sets of vintage glassware at thrift stores! It may take time, but with patience, you can build a cohesive collection perfect for entertaining.
Pro Tip:
Struggling to find a large complete set at your local thrift shop? Try a few estate sales where its much easier to find complete sets of home decor items like glassware!
3. Lamps
I think we have an upcycled thrift store lamp in just about every room in our house at this point. I love
the warmth and character they bring to any space, and I always find the most unique lamps while I’m out second hand shopping for home decor. (P.S. You won’t believe what that thrifted gold lamp in the photo above looked like when I bought it from the thrift shop before I upcycled it!)
Pro Tip:
Don’t let an ugly shade or wobbly base deter you. After all, shades are replaceable, and minor repairs are simple to fix. Just ensure the lamp works and is structurally sound.
4. Candlestick Holders
Can one really have too many candlestick holders? I think not! Adding a classic timeless touch to any design, candlestick holders are one of the most versatile pieces of home decor you can collect. From lush tablescapes, to decorating fireplace mantels for the holidays, you can never have enough candlestick holders. I like to thrift only brass ones for a more sleek cohesive look.
Pro Tip:
Double check what size candlesticks your candle holders takes before you make your purchase. (Some only hold much smaller candles that are harder to find.) And never worry about wax. That’s easy to clean off by dipping them in some hot boiling water.
5. Stone & Marble Decor
Marble and stone pieces, such as bookends, bowls, end table and platters exude sophistication. Additionally, these materials are packed with texture and natural tones that lend a sense of quiet luxury to any space. Best of all, you can find them at most thrift shops for a fraction of the price!
Pro Tip:
Inspect your item for chips or cracks before purchasing. Small imperfections may be acceptable as long as they don’t compromise the piece’s integrity. I personally love the sense of story and history imperfections can lend to an item.
6. Dinnerware, Silver Platters & Bowls
Ya’ll my basement is starting to look a bit like Ali Baba’s cave of wonders with all the thrifted silver platters, bowls and dinnerware I’ve collected from thrift shops over the years. But there’s something so magical about pulling out the silver for special occasions. They add instant elegance and charm to even the most mundane of food fare. I can’t even express how satisfying it is to dump a bag of crackers into a pretty silver bowl and instantly have them look fancy.
Pro Tip:
If you want to collect higher quality silver pieces, be on the lookout for what are called “makers marks” stamped into the bottom of the item. “Sheffield, England” is a common one you’ll find in many thrift stores.
And if you’re not into the look of tarnished silver like I am, silver is incredibly easy to clean and have bright and shiny again in no time, so don’t let it deter you.
7. Servingware & Utensils
Touch is such an important part of creating a more elevated luxury experience in your home. Which is why beautiful serving pieces can subtlety add a high-end feel to your tableware. For example, keep an eye out for cocktail forks, cake servers, and other unique utensils to add to your next gathering. (I love this set of vintage celluloid Harrison Fisher Trafalgar Tea Knives I found recently!)
Pro Tip:
Estate sales often have better selections than thrift stores for these items. Check https://www.estatesales.net/ to discover upcoming estate sale listings in your area!
8. Books
Books are a versatile home decor staple. Whether you prefer antique novels, coffee table books, or beautifully bound classics, your local thrift store is sure to have you covered. I personally have really loved collecting vintage mystery novels lately.
Pro Tip:
Every thrift store prices things differently. So if you’re on the hunt for books and you don’t care what they are about per se and just want to fill a shelf, take the time to track down a thrift store that will sell you books for the best price.
9. Furniture & Rugs
Finding quality furniture and rugs can be tricky but rewarding. So my rule of thumb is to look for pieces with solid construction and timeless appeal. Like this leather armchair I scored for $30. Or these vintage thonet/bent wood chairs that retail for close to $100 each that I snagged for $7 each.
The key is to keep and eye out for quality materials and craftsmanship and see past the thrift store setting and envision the item styled in your home.
I mean… look at the glow up on this old radio cabinet from where I found it at a second hand shop, to updated, styled and living it’s best life in my bathroom…
Pro Tip:
Always check furniture and rugs for signs of bug infestations before taking them home. No deal is worth bringing bed bugs or carpet beetles into your house.
10. Brass Items
Brass decor never goes out of style and is easy to find at most thrift shops. Candlesticks are an obvious buy for a lot of people, but don’t forget to lookout for brass planters, picture frame easels, cups, vases, coat racks and other home decor items too!
Pro Tip:
Brass tarnish is easy to clean. So don’t shy away from dingy-looking pieces—a bit of polishing can make them look new.
Want a quick and easy way to know if the item you are purchasing is solid brass (and therefore more valuable than something that is brass plated or painted to look like brass)? Try the magnet test. Brass is not magnetic, so if a strong magnet sticks to your item, it’s not solid brass.
What about you? What are your go-to items to hunt for at the thrift store? Are you into the more eclectic “thrifted home” aesthetic or do you prefer something a little more elegant? Let me know in the comment section below!
Want more thrifting tips and ticks!? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Thrifting Home Decor!
If you struggle with thrifting and are looking to get the most return on your time investment when you go, this post is for you! Click the link below to read My Ultimate Guide To Thrifting: Tips & Tricks For Scoring Beautiful Second Hand Home Decor! It has all the tips and tricks you need to jump start your thrifting adventure!
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