You don’t have to buy all your furniture and decorations brand new. Shouldn’t Buying secondhand can save you a ton of money (and help the environment!), so you should. Plus, who doesn’t want their home to look like everyone else’s? Finding secondhand furniture is a great way to set yourself apart and show off your style.
Below are 10 items worth buying at thrift stores (if you’re lucky enough to find them, that is.) While it’s unlikely you’ll come across all of these items at once, you’ll probably want to add them to your long-term thrift store shopping list.
Featured image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Claire Zinnecker.
Bar Carts and Bar Supplies
When it comes to adding personality to your living or dining room, nothing beats a vintage bar cart. While there are plenty of stylish and contemporary bar carts and cabinets on the market, we find that the vintage style always has the most aesthetically pleasing and unique look. Extra points if you can find one made of brass with wheels to 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 got some of my favorite drinkware from thrift stores and I love that they’re aesthetically pleasing but not too expensive. If a $4 wine glass breaks in the sink, it’s not the end of the world.
Picture Frame
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of seeing some of the mass-produced big-box store frames in everyone’s homes. It doesn’t matter if the art inside isn’t your favorite; just look at the art section of a thrift store with the intention of finding a great frame and your perspective will change completely. My favorite types of frames to look for at thrift stores are ornate gilded frames with beautiful carvings. You can also fill them with more modern artwork to create a nice contrast.
Tray
I love secondhand trays. I have trays all over my apartment: one on my coffee table, one on my bar cart, one on my dresser, etc. All of these trays are pretty different in style, but they’re all secondhand. You can’t go wrong when buying a tray. As far as materials go, there are many different styles to choose from: rattan, glass, silver, wood, etc.
Don’t hesitate to get a few trays in different sizes: small ones to keep on your nightstand, large ones to keep your household items organized in the bathroom, and more.
Table lamp
I’m a lamp fanatic, so whenever I go to a thrift store or flea market, I can’t help but look at the different bases and shades for sale. New fixtures can be quite pricey, so if you can find at least a base you like and order a new shade online, you can save money. Keep in mind that some lamps may need to be rewired if they are really old. Of course, you should plug the lamp into an outlet (many thrift stores can do this) before you bring it home and double-check that it works the way you like it. Don’t forget that even the smallest lamps can be useful in your home. Nothing is cuter than a little lamp on your kitchen counter. It creates a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Books
My built-in bookshelves are filled with coffee table books of all kinds, and I’m proud to say that at least half of them were purchased second-hand. Whenever I go to a thrift store, I head straight to the book section to find a book that speaks to me. Pro tip: If you’re not happy with the look or condition of the paper cover, remove it and see what the spine underneath looks like. Unfortunately, many books at thrift stores have ripped or weathered covers, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find a great-looking spine that really stands out on my bookshelf.
I’ve found a lot of modern books at thrift stores, but I also love finding vintage books about design, entertainment, etc. They’re so much fun to flip through for inspiration and they add a lot of charm to any space.
mirror
No living room or bedroom is complete without a mirror. If you love the Parisian, eclectic or midcentury style, head to a thrift store and find a mirror or two for your home. It’s helpful to be able to see the mirror in person and assess its quality before you buy (is the reflection distorted? Is it large enough to take OOTD photos in?).
“I also love the idea of incorporating a second-hand mirror in the bathroom. In my last apartment, I removed the boring medicine cabinet above the sink and hung a decorative second-hand mirror instead, which made the bathroom look much more elegant. Don’t shy away from mirrors that look a little dated; I love them,” she says. Sarah Hortona content creator and vintage enthusiast. “It really brings a vintage feel to my work.”
Case Goods
Many people believe that furniture was simply better made in the past, making it an important item to look for when buying second-hand. Amy Courtney Designagrees that cabinetry like dressers, cabinets and side tables should be at the top of your second-hand shopping list. These items “often get overlooked in thrift stores, but can be real treasures,” she says, adding, “Solid wood furniture with good bones can be refinished or reused to suit your style.”
Candle holder
Laurie Jones is always on the lookout for candlesticks at thrift stores, especially those made from brass. “Unlike the imitation brass sold in stores today, vintage brass looks beautiful when polished and left to develop its natural patina,” says the vintage shop’s founder. House 15Plus, she points out, candlesticks can brighten up any space: “They can be used on the fireplace, dining table, coffee table, just about anywhere in your home,” Jones says. “Don’t put off buying one just because you can only find one candlestick.”
Vintage Oil Painting
Get museum quality for a lot less! “Vintage oil paintings are a great opportunity to acquire unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art,” says Jones. “The materials and frames used tend to be of higher quality than mass-produced artworks today.” This strategy makes it easy to own a unique piece, even if you don’t have the budget for an art gallery. Whether you choose to prop the painting up, hang it on a gallery wall, or prop it up on an easel is up to you.
Accent chair
Jones considers used accent chairs a bargain. “They offer great value for money and great craftsmanship for the price,” she says. “Finding an accent chair in a fun fabric adds personality and creates a unique piece in the room. It’s a piece you can keep for years and easily refresh by reupholstering.” Even if you can’t find a pair, just one chair can be worth bringing home. You don’t have to match everything in the room.
