Interior designers share 17 things that they won’t pass up at thrift stores

Thrifting offers an excellent opportunity to enhance your home decor affordably. One of the remarkable aspects of thrift stores is their diverse selection of items, which can be either used as they are or modified to match your home’s style.

This not only provides you with extensive creative freedom when selecting home decor but also makes designing a uniquely personalized home an enjoyable experience.

1. Big furniture

Thrift stores can offer fantastic deals on items like dressers, dining tables, chairs, and more.

Occasionally, these pieces may require a bit of refurbishing or some additional components to become fully functional, but that’s not always the case.

For instance, you might stumble upon a quality wooden dining table at a Goodwill store, even if it doesn’t come with chairs. Alternatively, you might get lucky and find a complete dining set that includes chairs.

Therefore, it’s essential to exercise patience when searching for larger furniture items while thrifting, as you never know what might be available when you visit the store.

You can also come across additional furniture pieces such as coffee tables, nightstands, and even ottomans while thrift shopping.

2. Mirrors

Mirrors play a crucial role in enhancing the decor of any home. They can be placed in various locations, including the bathroom, hallway, master bedroom, guest room, or even the living room.

When it comes to finding a wide variety of designs and shapes, thrift stores are a reliable choice. Depending on your preferences and the condition of the mirrors, you may need to polish or repaint the frames to achieve the desired look.

3. Lamps and light fixtures

Lamps and other lighting fixtures are not only readily available in thrift stores but also offer an enjoyable means of decorating your home.

You can frequently discover straightforward table lamps or floor lamps, but your neighborhood thrift shop might surprise you with playful or unconventional choices featuring a range of colors and shapes.

4. Artwork

When thrift shopping, you’ll come across a diverse array of art, spanning from clay bowls to acrylic or watercolor paintings to figurines.

Regardless of your preference, thrift stores often stock various forms of artwork that you won’t encounter elsewhere.

5. Picture frames

Picture frames can often be quite expensive, particularly when shopping at major retailers like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. The price can vary based on factors such as the frame’s size and material.

For instance, a basic 5-by-5-inch picture frame from Michael’s might cost around $5, while larger frames or those crafted from premium materials tend to carry a higher price.

However, if you opt to visit thrift stores like Goodwill, you can usually save money on picture frames. This can be especially advantageous if you have numerous photos requiring frames or if you’re seeking frames with unique styles.

6. Holiday-themed decorations

Thrift shops are a valuable resource for locating items meant for holidays that have already passed.

Rather than paying the full retail price for things like Christmas lights, an artificial tree, or holiday-themed decorations, you can visit a local thrift store and start getting ready for the next holiday season.

Similarly, thrift stores often stock off-season items, including home decor and other goods. For example, you might come across a winter-themed tablecloth in the spring or a kitchen mat with a fall motif during the off-season.

7. Pitchers and vases

Thrift shops frequently offer a variety of vases, ranging from hard plastic to glass and ceramic, with some exuding a distinctive vintage charm.

Additionally, some thrift stores may have pitchers available, which can serve multiple purposes such as watering plants or displaying flowers and other small household plants.

8. Dishes and kitchenware

Whether you’re in search of a stylish new coffee mug or planning to upgrade your current set of serving dishes, your local thrift store is worth a visit. You’ll encounter a wide range of options, from vintage designs to more contemporary styles.

Additionally, when you go thrift shopping, consider exploring other types of kitchenware such as cutting boards, coffee pots, plates, bowls, glasses, and various kitchen appliances and accessories.

You never know what unique and useful items you might discover for your kitchen.

9. Bags and suitcases

When considering home decor, suitcases and other forms of luggage might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, you can infuse a significant amount of style into any room by strategically placing suitcases and bags.

These pieces can serve as both decorative and functional elements in your space.

You can use them to store old mementos or sentimental family items, or you can open them up and use them to showcase your cherished keepsakes.

10. Bins and baskets

Bins and baskets are available in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and styles, making thrift stores a great place to discover something that suits your taste.

For instance, you might come across a set of wicker baskets that can be used to store towels, pillows, or sheets.

Alternatively, you could find a few bins that are perfect for organizing your child’s toys or your pet’s belongings.

11. Mats and rugs

Few things can complete a room as effectively as strategically placed rugs and mats. When acquiring these items second-hand, it’s essential to perform a thorough cleaning to ensure they are in good condition.

Additionally, keep an eye out for any stains, holes, or signs of wear and tear. Despite these considerations, thrift shopping can work wonders for enhancing your home decor.