I’m a proud thrift store shopper.
Way before it was chic, my favorite way to get some ‘retail therapy’ was thrifting.
In high school, to avoid the eye roll from our parents, my friends and I would tell them we were going to the mall, but we’d hit the thrift stores instead.
Even then I knew each trip would be an adventure because we never knew what we’d find.
It wasn’t isle after isle of the same thing in 12 different colors. Instead, there was one thing that was irresistible and that’s what made it so appealing.
It’s impossible to be bored in a thrift store.
There’s a feeling of exploration that you can’t get in other stores.
It’s a delightful combination of unbelievable prices and the sheer thrill of the hunt, you know?
If you want to see the evolution of furniture and décor, a thrift store is practically a furniture history museum. It’s literally free education.
You see the good, the bad and the ugly and as soon as you peg something as ugly, it’s right back to good in a snap.
Want to know what the next “big thing” in home décor is? Visit a thrift store.
Why?
Because home interiors, like fashion, is cyclical and the best place to see what’s gonna be hot again is to check out the thrift shops.
Every influencer, taste maker and trend spotter know this.
For instance, 1970’s inspired décor is back in a HUGE way.
You can drop a thousand at the big brand stores for a new ‘70’s looking buffet or you can check out the originals at the thrift store and save a ton.
For sure, you’ll probably have to clean it up, strip it down or paint it, but the pride of creatively transforming a piece is addictive, trust me.
And don’t worry, there’s plenty of furniture and décor that doesn’t need any more work than a good wipe down with a dust rag - if you’re not into reimaging it.
Most importantly, thrift shopping is good for the environment.
It keeps things out of landfills, gives people jobs, and funds worthy organizations that help people.
In my opinion, there is no downside to thrifting.
So, here’s my 14 NEVER miss items I seek out every time I visit a thrift store.
Seriously… I never leave a store without at least one of these things.
Baskets
They come in every size, shape, and color.
The obvious benefit of baskets is that you can store things in them.
I’m a macro-organizer, so baskets are my #1 go to for keeping all my stuff in them. I don’t have to think about it, I can just stick stuff in the baskets.
If they have lids, that’s a bonus, it’s better to conceal the chaos.
Stylistically, they’re perfect for adding in texture or color to a shelf or table.
If you find the perfect basket, but it’s the wrong color, give it a coat of spray paint so it goes better with your existing décor.
I never let an amazing basket sit on the shelf. You must snag it before the next person does!
Books
You can’t beat thrift store books! I’m telling you, the deals are amazing!!!
If you’re an avid reader, you will find a book to love.
As for decorating with books, they are ideal for adding height to a shelf display.
I stack them horizontally on credenzas to add color, height, and dimension.
Tip: if you find a hard cover book with a paper cover, sneak a peak underneath too see what color the hard cover is underneath.
It may be the perfect color to go with the rest of your stuff.
Often, the hard covers are solid colors without pictures, which works great for styling the book with other things because it will blend in better.
Picture Frames
The first place I scope out in any thrift store is the picture frame area.
That’s because I horde them.
Seriously, I have many bins of picture frames in my storage area at the house because I like to change them out A LOT.
I’ll go from flat, no detail frames to ornate and carved frames on a whim…
I’ll spray paint them to make them match.
Honestly, I’d be totally broke if I had to buy $20 picture frames when I get the itch to redecorate.
Best part of all, you can usually find very LARGE picture frames for a couple of bucks at the thrift store.
Stack that against a big box store’s pricing and I will guarantee that you’ll be saving close to $100.00 on one comparable big frame at the thrift store.
Large Canvas Art
Near to the picture frames is the art section.
I’ll spend a chunk of time in this area because I’m looking for big pieces.
I can sometimes find a wonderful piece of art that I like but, more often I’m just looking for the canvas itself.
I like to create my own art every now and again and the price of a thrift store canvas that I can paint over is way less expensive than a big canvas at an art store. I’m talking, $50 to $100 in savings easily.
So, spend a minute and flip through that thrift store art the next time you want to try your hand at painting a masterpiece.
Brass Anything
Right now, I’m digging brass accents.
You might love polished chrome accents.
You might be into iron décor.
My point is, whatever metal décor you like to decorate with, it’s at the thrift store.
Shopping for table-top décor or metal accents is fun because you can’t go in to the thrift store with a specific list and expect to find that exact thing.
If you keep an open mind, you’ll find some excellent candidates on your trips.
Chances are you’ll find better quality, more ‘expensive’ pieces and far more interesting things at the thrift store.
Tip: for all you bass lovers, don’t pass up a tarnished piece because it lacks the shine you’re looking for.
True brass can be brought back to it’s shiny glory with a clean rag and a bottle of ketchup.
Pour the ketchup on the rag and wipe it firmly all over the brass.
In a few seconds of rubbing, you’ll see the shine come back. Works every time!
Glass Bottles & Vases
I will toile in the glassware isles for a good chunk of time because I’m always on the hunt for interesting shaped pieces that can serve as flower vases, bud vases, decanters and more.
I’ll fuss around on thrift store shelves trying to find all the matches for a set of wine glasses, tumblers, martini glasses.
As for bottles, I like clear ones because you can never go wrong with a clear vase.
It won’t complete with anything else that it’s grouped with and whatever you put in it becomes the star of the show.
Throw Pillows (Zipper Covers)
Pillows, pillows, pillows! They are a staple in any living room or bedroom.
They are the glue to the design scheme.
Colors, textures, different sizes, pillows make it all come together.
If you’re a serial decorator and you love to switch all the fine details of your home’s décor around with every season, holiday and whim, then you know how expensive investing in pillows can be.
When I sold furniture, some accent pillows ran $250 or more for a pair. That’s a lot of cheddar for a pair of pillows.
The reason I love thrift store pillows is because you can buy covers for the pillows you thrift and then when you want to decorate for whatever, all you do is zip on a new cover and you’re good to go.
I always buy thrifted pillows that have a zip on or button on cover.
It’s a good way to save on having to buy the inserts at a retail store. Those suckers can cost $10, $20, $30 or more depending on the size and fill.
You can find down filled thrift store pillows for under a dollar or not much more.
Yarn & Material
This is a relatively new thrift category for me, but I love the idea behind it.
If you’re a sewer and you want to make your own home décor: pillows or window treatments, make sure you check out the section for crafts.
You might have to ask an associate where they keep all this kind of stuff, but I’m telling you it will be worth it.
A lot of times the stores will place these kinds of items on an end cap, bagged in together with similar colored materials or yarns.
If you love the idea of making a macrame or string wall art piece, you have to hit the thrift store and check out what they have for crafty stings and yarns.
Lamps
I can’t even remember how many thrifted lamps I’ve purchased over the years.
Sometimes I love the lamp itself and I don’t do a thing to it.
Other times I love the shape and know that I’ll paint it and add a new shade.
And other times still, I’ll buy a lamp because the lamp is hideous but the cord is perfect and I can rewire another lamp with the guts.
A $3.00 lamp can get you the color, texture or functionality you want.
Bottom line, why spend hundreds on a statement lamp when you can create your own for pennies?
Sets or Pairs of Décor
This idea is broad but, stick with me.
A pair of lamps that you love is a find.
A pair of brass candle sticks that will be perfect for your décor is a find.
Pairs of anything that can be used ‘as is’ or modified in some way to make them special, is a find.
I found these 2 matching mirrors 10 years ago at one of my favorite thrift stores and they have found their way to the walls of every house I’ve lived in since.
Think bookends, artwork, etc.
Now, sets are another thing to keep an eye out for.
I’ve found sets of beautiful china and dinnerware for pennies.
I’ve found corning ware that I’ve been collecting because of my grandmother in thrift stores and I’ve been able to add to the set for years.
I’ve found pairs of crystal buffet lamps that have finished off installations.
Pairs of things and compete sets are tougher to find but when you do snag them, because a savvy someone else will be right behind you to do it instead.
Small Wood Furniture
Another area I spend a lot of time in is the furniture section.
I have bought big pieces, but it can be a PITA to get a large sofa or upholstered chair home from the thrift store.
If I really love something, I will hire a mover to get it for me and I’ve done that A LOT.
However, small end tables, shelves, accent pieces that can fit in any compact car is something I’m always down to get.
Think drink side tables, small cabinets, shelves, etc.
These things are compact enough to get in your car and home without calling for reinforcements.
I happened across this gate leg table that was perfect for my small kitchen. I had a limited amount of space and when I found it, I knew immediately that it would fit.
I didn’t like the red wood tone and it had some surface damage, so I sanded it down, refinished the top and painted and distressed the legs for a casual look and I LOVE it so much!
That’s the beauty about real wood pieces, you can refinish it and it’ll always turn out great. Plus, thrift stores have these kinds of pieces all-the-time.
Decorative Boxes
These can be simple or elaborate.
Whatever your taste, you will find a decorative box that will suit your decorating needs.
Like baskets, if they don’t jive with your decor, paint them, refinish them, Mod Podge them with paper, fabric, etc.
The point is, they are superb space fillers on shelves. They provide storage for would be clutter.
They’re functional décor, which is a win all-day-long!
You can stack them, stack other items on them and adorn them with beads, crystals or anything else you fancy.
Boxes are a must have décor item and you’ll find loads of them at the thrift store.
Plant Pots
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a plant menagerie on display in your house.
I have plants in every room, and I add to the collection way more than I probably should.
Now, I happen to like my plants to be in different pots: textured pots, round ones, squared off ones, rattan ones, just to name a few in my current vantage point.
I like differentiation and getting my pots and planters from the thrift store allows me to explore all those style vibes.
If you prefer a more cohesive over eclectic look, then I still recommend looking for pots in a thrift store.
Spray paint a bunch of different color and shape pots to create your own ‘matching’ set.
Embellish different pots with jute cord: wrap it all around the pots and secure it with hot glue for a nautical or coastal look.
Cover random pots or containers with spackle form the hardware store for an ‘old world’ type texture.
You can’t go wrong with thrifted pots because you can change them any way you want to get the look you want.
The savings will be significant, you can count on it!
Pottery
Pottery is another very versatile décor element.
I’ve been able to find giant pottery to flank a fireplace at the thrift store.
I had a client years ago with a high niche on a vaulted ceiling wall. You bet I found the ideal piece of pottery to fit in that niche at the thrift store.
Any size, shape or color, you can find it at the thrift store.
Put things in them: dried grasses, reeds, etc. Or leave them empty so they will stand out on their own.
Pottery is a staple at the thrift store.
There you go, my 14 all-time favorite thrift store finds:
Baskets
Books
Picture Frames
Large Canvas Art
Brass Anything
Glass Bottles & Vases
Throw Pillows (Zipper Covers)
Yarn & Material
Lamps
Sets or Pairs of Décor
Small Wood Furniture
Decorative Boxes
Plant Pots
Pottery
What else do you love to hunt for at the thrift store? Tell me about it in the comments below. I love to learn new things to keep an eye out for when I’m thrifting.
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“Michael Helwig was top-notch, very professional and responsive to my needs. He allowed me time to explore ideas and try out a variety of combinations until we found the perfect fit. Michael provided detailed information and offered beautiful ideas to make my dream living room become a reality. The furniture he sourced has totally transformed my living room space. Everyone that has seen my new living room has one word, WOW! A special thank you to Michael for a wonderful experience.”
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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.
