Ask almost any home decor enthusiast, and they’ll tell you: The secret to finding unique, high-quality home decor on a budget is thrifting. Thrift stores are gold mines for furniture and decor at prices you’d never see at traditional retailers. Plus, you can often find vintage pieces and one-of-a-kind items that aren’t sold anywhere else. I am a pretty avid thrifter myself and have snagged some amazing thrift store finds over the years. However, I’ll be the first to admit that you have to sift through a lot of junk (and sometimes come home empty-handed) to find the real gems. If you want to get into thrifting home decor but aren’t sure where to start, here is everything I always look for (and avoid) at thrift stores.
Shop: Artwork and Frames
One of my favorite things to look for at thrift stores is artwork. You will likely have to look past a few ugly landscape paintings and “Live, Laugh, Love” prints, but thrift stores often have tons of beautiful art at deeply discounted prices. Even if you don’t find any art you like, pay attention to the frames. It’s generally very easy to remove the existing art inside and replace it with a print or photo of your choosing. This is a great trick for finding large-scale frames (which are typically very expensive) for cheap. Just beware of any broken glass or damaged hanging hardware, which can be a pain to fix or replace.
Skip: Pillows and Throws
This might just be my inner germaphobe showing, but soft goods like pillows and throws are a hard pass for me at thrift stores. I know that these items are generally washable, but the thought of bringing home someone else’s dust mites (or worse) is a big ick. If you do find a throw pillow you really have to have, I recommend taking off the cover and discarding the original insert. Then wash the pillow cover on hot before adding a new insert inside. This will reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs or bacteria into your home, but again, that risk is generally not worth it for me.
Shop: Vases and Decorative Bowls
Items like vases, trays, and decorative bowls are typically dirt cheap at thrift stores. I love looking for unique vessels to use for fresh flowers or to fill space on a shelf, and I can often find them for just a few dollars apiece. Since these pieces are often breakable, check carefully for any cracks or chips so you don’t bring home something damaged.
Shop: Candlesticks
Candlesticks (and all manner of other candle holders) are another thing I can always count on thrift stores to have. I have a bit of a collection of brass candlesticks and thrifted all of them for just a few bucks each. , but the low price point and unique character are worth a little elbow grease.
Skip: “Project” Pieces
Plenty of people love a project and look for thrifted furniture with the intention of flipping it, but I know myself better than that. I’m unlikely to have the time or motivation for furniture flipping, so I generally avoid things that need work before I can use them. This includes but is not limited to: wood furniture that needs refinishing, lamps that don’t work, chairs with bad upholstery, and anything that’s already broken. I’d rather hold out for a high-quality piece than spend money on something I might never get around to fixing.
Shop: Mirrors
As with artwork, thrift stores are a great place to find large mirrors at really affordable prices. However, be sure to inspect the piece before you buy it. A little smudging and dust are easy enough to clear away, but I’d pass on anything with scratched, speckled, or cracked glass. Also, make sure you can transport it safely so it arrives home in one piece.
Shop: Books
Whether you’re looking for your next read, a coffee table book to inspire you, or just some hard-covered volumes to fill up space on a shelf, thrift stores usually have a huge selection of books to choose from. You might need to comb through quite a few battered copies, but if you do find something you like, you’ll likely only pay a few dollars for it.
Skip: Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture is another place where I draw a hard line. IMO, it’s just not worth the risk of bringing home bed bugs or other pests. If you want to take that gamble, I wish you good luck, but I’ll stick to the new stuff myself.
Shop: Case Goods
Although I don’t recommend buying upholstered pieces at thrift stores, that doesn’t mean I advise against thrifting furniture altogether. Case goods—AKA pieces like bookshelves, desks, dressers, and tables—are some of the best pieces to look for at thrift stores. This type of furniture is typically made from hard materials like wood, metal, or glass, which are all relatively easy to clean and are less likely to introduce pests into your home. Plus, you can often find some absolute steals in this category of furniture, making it a great way to furnish your home on a budget.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
