When it comes to decorating our homes, the lure of brand-new furniture, decor, and household items is tempting. However, thrifting has quickly become a popular, sustainable, and budget-friendly alternative. By opting for secondhand items, not only can you create a uniquely styled home, but you also help reduce waste, extend the life cycle of items, and support local charities.
For those who may be new to thrifting, it’s an adventure in itself. With a little patience and persistence, you can find hidden gems that fit your aesthetic and bring character to your space. In this post, we'll explore ten home items that are absolutely worth thrifting instead of buying new. These are practical, stylish, and often better quality than some of the new items you’d find in stores. Let’s dive into it!
1. Wooden Furniture
Why Thrift It: Solid wood furniture is often more durable than the mass-produced particleboard or MDF furniture commonly sold today. Older, thrifted pieces have often already stood the test of time, making them likely to last longer than some new, flat-pack alternatives.
What to Look For: When thrifting wooden furniture, focus on the craftsmanship. Look for dovetail joints, sturdy legs, and solid wood construction rather than plywood or veneer. Whether it’s a dining table, a dresser, or a side table, many secondhand furniture pieces can be refinished or repainted to suit your personal style. Plus, the vintage charm adds instant character to your home.
Pro Tip: Even if you find a piece that has a few scratches or signs of wear, it’s easy to sand down and refinish. This also gives you the opportunity to customize the item to match your home decor.
2. Picture Frames
Why Thrift It: Picture frames can be surprisingly expensive when bought new, especially if you're looking for high-quality materials like wood or metal. Thrift stores often have a wide selection of frames in various styles and sizes for a fraction of the price.
What to Look For: When thrifting picture frames, check for durability and solid construction. Avoid frames with major damage to the glass or backing, but minor imperfections on the frame itself can often be touched up with a bit of paint or polish. Don’t just focus on the artwork inside the frames—many times, it’s the frame that holds the real value.
Pro Tip: Use mismatched frames to create a gallery wall that feels curated and eclectic. You can unify them with a coat of paint or keep them as they are for a more eclectic, vintage vibe.
3. Glassware and Dishes
Why Thrift It: Vintage glassware and dishes have a timeless appeal and are often made from thicker, more durable glass than what you’d find today. Thrift stores are filled with unique sets of glassware, plates, and bowls that can elevate your dining experience at a fraction of the cost.
What to Look For: Seek out high-quality materials like lead-free crystal, pressed glass, or stoneware. Check for any chips or cracks before purchasing, but don’t worry too much about minor scratches on the bottom of glassware—these are often inevitable over time.
Pro Tip: Mix and match vintage glassware and plates for a whimsical, boho-inspired dining table. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, colors, and textures—this creates a beautifully curated, yet intentional, look.
4. Mirrors
Why Thrift It: Mirrors are both functional and decorative, but they can be one of the most expensive home decor items to buy new. Thrift stores often have large, ornate mirrors that would cost a fortune in a retail setting.
What to Look For: Look for mirrors with solid, sturdy frames. The glass should be free of major cracks or warping, though minor scratches can often be polished out. Decorative mirrors with intricate frames or vintage detailing can make a bold statement in any room, and you’ll likely find them for much less than their modern counterparts.
Pro Tip: A large mirror can make a small space feel much larger, so consider placing thrifted mirrors in entryways, bedrooms, or living rooms to reflect natural light and open up the space.
5. Lamps and Light Fixtures
Why Thrift It: Lighting is an essential element of home decor, but high-quality lamps and light fixtures can be pricey. Thrifted options often have unique designs that can’t be found in stores today, and they add a layer of warmth and personality to your home.
What to Look For: Pay attention to the wiring, especially if you’re buying a vintage lamp. Rewiring an old lamp is relatively simple and inexpensive, but it’s important to ensure it’s safe to use. If you're thrifting light fixtures, make sure all the parts are intact, and don’t be afraid to get creative with mixing old and new.
Pro Tip: Vintage lamps often have much more character than modern, mass-produced versions. You can easily swap out the lampshade or add a coat of spray paint to the base for a custom look.
6. Books
Why Thrift It: Books can serve dual purposes as both reading material and decor. Whether you're curating a personal library or styling a bookshelf, thrift stores are full of gently used books that often sell for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
What to Look For: When thrifting books, don't just look for bestsellers or recent titles. Vintage hardcovers, unique book covers, or even old textbooks can add character to your space. Many people buy books for their aesthetics, using them to style coffee tables or shelves.
Pro Tip: Look for books that match your home’s color scheme or themes that resonate with you. Stack them on coffee tables, nightstands, or shelves for an instantly polished and thoughtful touch.
7. Rugs
Why Thrift It: High-quality rugs can be incredibly expensive when bought new, but thrift stores often have beautiful, well-made rugs for a fraction of the price. Plus, older rugs are often made from natural materials like wool, which are more durable and sustainable than synthetic options.
What to Look For: Pay attention to the material and condition of the rug. Wool and cotton rugs are durable and easy to clean, while synthetic rugs may wear out quickly. While some wear is expected, avoid rugs with heavy stains or tears.
Pro Tip: Even if a thrifted rug has minor imperfections, professional cleaning can often make it look brand new. Rugs with vintage patterns or colors can add warmth and texture to any room.
8. Baskets and Storage Solutions
Why Thrift It: Baskets and storage solutions are not only functional but can also be a stylish way to organize your home. Thrift stores often carry a wide variety of wicker baskets, vintage crates, and storage boxes that are perfect for organizing while adding a rustic or boho touch to your space.
What to Look For: When thrifting baskets, check for durability and look for natural materials like wicker, rattan, or wood. Even if the basket is a bit worn, a coat of paint or stain can give it new life. Vintage crates and boxes can also serve as unique storage solutions.
Pro Tip: Use thrifted baskets in the living room to store blankets, in the bathroom to hold towels, or in the entryway for shoes. They’re both practical and decorative!
9. Artwork
Why Thrift It: Finding original artwork to decorate your home can be both challenging and expensive. However, thrift stores are often a treasure trove of unique pieces—paintings, prints, and photographs—that can bring a lot of character to your walls.
What to Look For: Keep an eye out for art that speaks to you, whether it’s vintage paintings, abstract art, or retro posters. Check for any significant damage, but don’t let a slightly worn frame deter you—frames can be replaced, and often, it’s the art itself that’s the real find.
Pro Tip: Thrifted artwork can be used to create a gallery wall, and the mix of styles and periods can make your home feel personalized and eclectic.
10. Vases and Decorative Accents
Why Thrift It: Decorative accents like vases, candleholders, and trays add the finishing touches to your space, but they can be expensive if bought new. Thrift stores are full of unique decor pieces that can add personality and charm to your home for a fraction of the cost.
What to Look For: When thrifting vases or decorative accents, focus on the material—ceramic, glass, or metal pieces tend to last longer and look more high-end than plastic alternatives. Minor imperfections can often be cleaned up, but avoid items that are significantly damaged.
Pro Tip: Thrifted vases can be used as-is or transformed with a coat of paint or a DIY glaze effect. Use them to display fresh flowers, dried arrangements, or even as standalone decor on shelves and tables.
The Joy of Thrifting: A Home with Character
Thrifting home decor is more than just a way to save money; it’s an opportunity to create a space that feels unique, personal, and sustainable. Each thrifted item carries its own history, and by giving it new life, you’re contributing to a more eco-friendly, waste-conscious lifestyle. So, the next time you’re considering a home decor purchase, take a trip to your local thrift store—you never know what treasures you’ll find!
What’s your favorite thrifted home item? Share your finds and let’s celebrate the beauty of secondhand style!
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