Thrifting has become a popular trend for those seeking unique and affordable treasures. Thrifting offers a multitude of advantages over buying from big box stores. Not only does it promote sustainability by giving pre-loved items a second chance, you actively contribute to reducing waste and minimizing the demand for new production. Thrift stores help extend the lifecycle of products, reducing the strain on natural resources and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transportation.
But the more selfish reason to thrift is the chance to discover unique items that cannot be found in mainstream stores. Each thrifted piece carries its own history and character, adding a touch of individuality to your style and home decor. By incorporating thrifted or second hand decor finds in your home you’ll curate a home that cannot be duplicated and is truly unique.
I personally love the mix of old and new. I like the idea of slightly reducing my environmental impact, yet not sacrificing a beautifully decorated home. Thrifting is a win-win: it enables you to curate a more sustainable lifestyle while enjoying the thrill of discovering truly unique home decor.
Best Thrift Store Finds
ANYTHING BRASS
When in doubt… scope out the brass! Whether it’s candle holders, decorative figurines, or ornate trays, brass pieces add a touch of elegance and charm to any space. Look for intricately engraved brass vases or vintage brass utensils that can be repurposed as unique decorative pieces. Even if the brass looks a little worn, it’s no task that a little Bar Keeper’s Friend can’t handle.
PICTURE FRAMES
Finding picture frames at secondhand stores is like finding a blank canvas waiting to be transformed. You can uncover a wide variety of frame styles, ranging from ornate vintage designs to sleek modern ones. There is always the option to paint them or sand the down wooden ones and retain them to match your style.
Over the bed I thrifted this large frame of ronly $10. I took out the original art and replaced it using my Customized DIY Vintage Art Hack.
WOODEN FURNITURE
Solid wooden furniture is one of my favorite things to thrift. They just don’t make furniture the same anymore. You can stumble upon well crafted, solid wood furniture often at a fraction of the original cost. Dovetail drawers and solid wood construction are signs of a well build piece. Look out for well-known brands like Drexel, Broyhill Sculptra or Brasilia, Dixie, Kent Coffey, White Furniture Co. to name a few.
Furniture doesn’t have to be in perfect condition – as long as it’s solid, clean with operating drawers I say it’s a good find! You can always spruce it up when you get home using my How to Refresh Wooden Furniture Without Sanding tips.
Don’t over look the unassuming hutch top. Snag that beauty and purchase from new legs like I do this for beauty.
I found a set of matching nightstands on FB for just $400! You can’t even get one nightstand for less than that at retail stores. I highly recommend keeping your eyes peeled for matching nightstands. They can be hard to come by.
Want to do a little research on vintage furniture? The Vintage Furniture Guide has a great extended list of big names and more details on the value of certain vintage furniture brands
ART
Thrift stores often have a vast selection of artwork. at my local thrift shop, most are pretty ugly, but don’t skip the art section! Keep an open mind when browsing through the rows of art because there might be some great finds! It may take some digging at the local thrift store, but you could find a masterpiece. Look for pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s a stunning landscape, an abstract painting, or something a little weird. Thrifting allows you to build an eclectic art collection that can’t be bought at a big box store.
The set of vintage floral art I hung over the guest bed were probably one of my best thrift store art finds yet for only $20/piece. I shared some similar style downloadable prints over in my Free Printable Art Domain.
LAMPS
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance of a room, and thrift stores are a great place to find unique and affordable lamps. From vintage table lamps to mid-century floor lamps with sleek lines, you can discover a vast array of lighting options.
Even if you don’t love the color or style of the lamp, as long as it has a nice shape you can always create a DIY ceramic lamp or refresh it with some spray paint! Top it off with a new, fresh shade and voila! (just double check it works first)
CANDLE STICKS
Adding a touch of elegance to any space, candlesticks are timeless decorative items. Thrift stores often carry an assortment of candlesticks in various materials, including brass, silver, and ceramic. Grouping different heights and styles of candlesticks together can create a visually appealing centerpiece for a dining table or mantle.
I’ve used this set of candlesticks in SO many staged photos. They go down in the top 5 best thrift store finds.
GLASSWARE & TABLEWARE
Second hand shops are a treasure trove for glassware! It’s often easy to find sets of old glasses or large serving dishes. I personally like to look for large platters – great household items that’s not often needed so I don’t want to spend the big bucks on a new one. Keep an eye out for seasonal pieces to add character to your dining table or become conversation starters during gatherings. Heck, maybe even grab some china to up the anti at your next Thanksgiving dinner.
WICKER ITEMS
Wicker items, such as baskets, are another delightful category of treasures commonly found thrift store shopping. The natural and rustic charm of wicker adds a touch of warmth and texture to any space. Thrift stores often have a wide assortment of wicker baskets in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small storage baskets to larger picnic baskets. These versatile pieces can serve both decorative and practical purposes. Use them to organize magazines, store blankets, display potted plants, or even hang them on your walls.
Next time you visit a thrift store, don’t skip the wicker section. Best part – they are usually just a few dollars.
BOOKENDS
A unique set of bookends is a must for any household, in my opinion. Tehy are just so darn cute and practical! One of my favorite finds of all time are these brass duck books. I’ve been praying to get my hands on a set of horse head bookends, but the thrift store gods have responded, “Not yet, my child.”
BOOKS
Books are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered at thrift stores. Whether you’re an avid reader or just use them to decorate around the home like me, there are tons of great options! I love to take off the jackets are gather a bundle of complimentary colors.
The great thing about using books for staging is they don’t even have to be in great condition – I like to threw in some with a worn look for that extra cozy feel. They are a great way to add some height to any space like I did next to this chest of drawers.
Tips on Making Thrifting Less Overwhelming
While thrifting is an exciting and eco-friendly way to find unique treasures at affordable prices, it can be overwhelming esp if you’re new. Fear not! I will provide you with a few tips to make thrift store shopping less overwhelming and help narrow down some items to look for. With a little preparation and a focused mindset, you’ll be able to enjoy the thrill of thrifting without feeling lost in a sea of possibilities.
SET INTENTIONS & MEASURE FIRST
Before heading to the thrift store, take a moment to define your goals. Are you looking for specific items, furniture, home decor, or books? Maybe you don’t have a particular item you’re on the hunt for but an area you need to decorate or a wall to fill. Take measurements of the area and maybe even a few photos to set clear intentions. This will help narrow down your focus and reduces the overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by endless options. Don’t forget to pack your measuring tape!
START SMALL
If you’re new to thrift store shopping or feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to start with smaller thrift stores or sections within larger stores. This allows you to acclimate to the environment without feeling completely inundated. Next we’ll also help pair down my personal favorite things to look for in thrift shops – hunting for certain items can make it feel like less of a disorganized cluster.
DON’T GO IN A HURRY
Thrifting is a treasure hunt, and treasures aren’t discovered in a rush. Don’t go when you’re in a hurry (esp for your first few outings). Give yourself ample time to browse through the aisles, patiently inspecting each item. Thrift stores often have hidden gems tucked away, so taking your time ensures that you won’t miss any special finds.
Pro Tip: Grab a coffee before hand and pop in your favorite podcast to make it a relaxing browsing experience.
EMBRACE THE THRILL OF SERENDIPITY
One of the joys of thrifting is stumbling upon unexpected treasures. Embrace the element of surprise and be open to new possibilities. Well start with a list of great items to hunt for, but allow yourself to explore items outside your usual comfort zone, as you may discover unique pieces that perfectly fit your style or home decor.
Approach thrifting with an adventurous mindset, and you’ll be amazed at what you find. When in doubt, I say buy it! What’s the worst that can happen? You get it home and it doesn’t work? whoop-de-doo! You’ve donated to a (probably) good cause and can always re-donate it back. Otherwise you risk someone else snagging treasure you could have potentially loved!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SALES AND DISCOUNTS
Thrift stores often have sales or discount days. Keep an eye out for these promotions to get the best deals. Some thrift stores also have designated days for restocking, so inquire about their restocking schedule to have a chance at first dibs of the good stuff.
DONATE AND GIVE BACK
Thrifting is a two-way street. As you enjoy the thrill of finding new treasures, remember to donate items you no longer need or use. Clearing out your space not only declutters your home but also provides opportunities for others to discover something special. Giving back through donations completes the cycle of sustainable shopping.
Thrifting Party Bus, Anyone…?
One of these days for my birthday I’m going to plan a party bus. but instead of stopping at bars we’ll stop at all the best local thrift stores. If this sounds fun I want to be your friend! If this sounds horrible to you then perhaps I can change you mind in this article.
Thrifting is a win-win! You can get like-new items for a great deal, you aren’t contributing to the consumerism of fast fashion or fast furniture, vintage finds add SOO MUCH more charm to a space than what can be found at big box stores and you can carefully curate a home that reflects you! Remember, the key to successful thrifting is to keep an open mind, be patient, and enjoy the process of exploring unique items from different eras and styles.
So, grab your best thrifting buddy and get out there. You never know what treasures you might discover to add to your home décor or the stories they may hold. Happy thrifting and good luck! I’m wishing you all the best thrift store finds at your local store!
Places I avoid: I don’t usually waste my time with yard sales or Facebook market – I’ve found they just aren’t worth my time digging or haggling or arranging pick-up times.
Best Raleigh/Durham thrift stores: Cause for Paws, Salvation Army, TROSA, Raleigh & Durham Rescue Mission, Habitat Restores, Retails Thrift Shop, PigFish Antiques
Online stores: HiBid.com (estate sale bidding site with no negotiating, haggling or pick-up coordinating like Facebook market)
Girl Behind the Blog
I’m Jess, the creator of Oak & Grain. A mid-west girl at heart who now resides in Raleigh, NC. I love finding old things and giving them new purpose by way of refinishing or incorporating unexpected, overlooked thrift store finds in the modern home. I work full-time in medicine and I love dipping into my creative side and in the process, keeping my sanity. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more behind the scenes action.