You never need to buy all new furniture and decor. In fact, you shouldn’t When you can save a ton of cash (and help the environment!) by going the second-hand route, do so. Plus, who wants their home to look like someone else’s? Finding furniture to save on is a great way to make yourself stand out and show off your personal style.
Here are 10 items better suited to thrift stores. (That is, if you’re lucky enough to find them.) While you most likely won’t find all of these items at once, you’ll want to add them to your long-term thrift shopping list!
Featured image is from Michelle Nash’s interview with Claire Zinnecker.
Bar carts and bar supplies
Nothing adds character to your living room or dining room like a vintage bar cart. While there are many stylish modern bar carts and cabinets on the market, I find that vintage styles are always the most visually appealing and unique looking. Bonus points if you come across brass pieces with wheels that can bring a traditional European feel to your space.
Once you find the perfect cart, keep an eye out for vintage glassware and bar accessories. I bought some of my favorite drinking vessels at the thrift store and like that they are visually appealing but not too precious. If a $4 wine glass breaks in the sink, it’s not the end of the world.
photo frame
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of seeing the same few mass-produced big box store frames in everyone’s home. It doesn’t matter if the art in it isn’t your style. If you look for quality frames in the thrift store art section, your perspective will completely change. My favorite type of frame to save on is an ornate gold frame with beautiful engraved details. You can still put a more modern piece of art inside for a nice juxtaposition.
tray
I love a good thrifting tray. I have pallets all over my apartment. I have one on my coffee table, one on my bar cart, another on my dresser, etc. All of these pallets are of very different styles but were found second hand. You can never go wrong when buying a tray, in terms of materials there are many different styles to choose from, whether you prefer a tray made of wicker, glass, silver or wood.
Don’t hesitate to purchase several pallets in multiple sizes. Small ones look great on your bedside table, larger ones can be used to organize everyday items in the bathroom, and the list goes on.
desk lamp
I’m a lamp junkie and every time I go to a thrift store or flea market I can’t help but look at the different lamp bases and shades for sale. Brand new lighting fixtures cost quite a bit of money, so if you can find a base that works for you and decide to order a new shade online, you can still save money. Note that some lights will need to be rewired if they are really old. Of course, you’ll need to plug the light into an outlet (many thrift stores allow you to do this) before taking it home to double-check that it’s to your liking. Don’t forget that even the smallest lights can make a difference in your home. There’s nothing cuter than a little table lamp on your kitchen counter. It creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
books
My built-in bookshelf is filled with an assortment of coffee table books, and I’m proud to say that I purchase at least half of them (if not more) secondhand. Every time I’m in a thrift store, I make a beeline for the book section to find a title that’s right for me. Pro tip: If you’re not happy with the look or condition of your paper cover, take it off and see what it looks like underneath the spine. Unfortunately, many of the books in thrift stores have torn or weathered covers, but I was surprised to find some great looking spines that actually ended up on my bookshelf.
While I find plenty of contemporary books at thrift stores, I love reading vintage books about design, entertainment, and more. It’s so fun to look through them for inspiration, and they add so much charm to any space.
Mirror
A living room or bedroom is incomplete without a mirror. If your style leans toward Parisian, eclectic, or mid-century, you’ll want to head to a thrift store to find a mirror or two for your home. It’s always good to be able to view a mirror in person to evaluate its quality before purchasing it. (Is the reflection distorted? Is it big enough for you to take an OOTD photo?)
I also like the idea of having an old mirror in the bathroom. In one of my past apartments, I was able to remove the bland medicine cabinet mounted above the sink and chose to hang a gorgeous, frugal mirror there. My bathroom looks so much more elegant as a result! Don’t shy away from mirrors that have a bit of a period feel, either. I love a little patina on the mirror,” says content creator and vintage enthusiast Sarah Horton. “It gives it an old-world feel.”
Container goods
Many people believe that furniture was simply better in the past, making it a key item to look for when thrifting. Amy Courtney, founder of Amy Courtney Design, agrees that cabinets, including dressers, cabinets and side tables, should be at the top of your second-hand shopping list. These items, she said, “are often overlooked in thrift stores but can be real treasures.” Plus, she adds, “Solid wood pieces with good bones can be refinished or repurposed to fit your style!”
candlestick
Laurie Jones is always on the lookout for candlesticks in thrift stores, especially brass ones. “Unlike the imitation brass sold in stores today, vintage brass looks beautiful when polished or retaining its natural patina,” says the founder of vintage store House 15. Plus, she points out, candlesticks really can shine just about anywhere. glow. “They can be used almost anywhere in the home — on the fireplace, dining table or coffee table,” Jones says. “Don’t let just finding a menorah stop you from getting it.”
vintage oil painting
Get a museum quality look for a fraction of the cost! “Vintage oil paintings are a great opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind piece of art,” Jones said. “The materials and frames used are often of better quality than today’s mass-produced art.” This strategy also makes it easy to own one-of-a-kind pieces without the budget of a museum. Whether you lean a painting against it, display it on a gallery wall, or prop it up on an easel, it’s up to you.
Featured chair
Jones found the savings on accent chairs to be a great deal. “They are cost-effective and their craftsmanship is superior to their price,” she said. “Finding a product in an interesting fabric can add personality and a one-of-a-kind piece to your room. It will last for years and can be easily refreshed with reupholstery. Even if you don’t stumble across a pair of chairs, a chair is still worth bringing back home, but by no means everything in your space needs to match.
