Tips for Thrifting for Home Decor
Over the years, home decor thrift shopping has evolved from a niche hobby into a fully fledged interior design strategy. You could be finishing a brand new home, looking to refresh your current space, or just trying to save money without sacrificing on style.
No matter which way you look at it, thrift store Home Decor can provide creative and affordable solutions for you.
In this guide, we’re going to look at some tips for thrifting that will help you to design both interior and exterior spaces in your home with charm, personality, and a unique flair for something different.
Why choose thrift store home decor?
Most people think that thrift shopping is just about saving money, but it’s not. Of course it’s a huge bonus, but it’s also a sustainable and rewarding way to find one-of-a-kind pieces that are not available in the big box stores anymore.
It’s a good way to repurpose and upcycle items to fit your taste and reduce waste and support sustainability. You get a chance to add vintage charm and character to your living spaces and stretch your decorating budget without compromising on your style.
Plus, it’s super fun. There is a thrill in the hunt and the satisfaction of finding a $5 treasure that transforms your entire space.
Start with a vision, but keep an open mind
Before you go to your local thrift shop, have an idea generally of what you’re looking for. Are you decorating a specific room? Do you have a current aesthetic or vibe that you want to achieve? Are there colour schemes that you’re working with specifically? You can bring inspiration with you, such as Pinterest boards, Instagram posts or magazine clippings, but also stay flexible. One of the golden rules of home decor thrift shopping is to expect the unexpected! One of the perfect items you find may not be what you originally envisioned, but could absolutely set off the space.
Know what to look for
Thrift stores can be overwhelming, but knowing what items are worth the hunt makes your trip more efficient and enjoyable. There are some high value thrift decor fines and these include:
- Picture frames that are easily repainted or refinished to match your theme.
- Mirrors that are often high quality and decorative. They can make the smaller rooms feel large.
- Vintage lamps and light fixtures. A quick rewire or a new lampshade can modernize something old.
- Vases, jars and vessels. These are great for shelf styling or floral arrangements.
- Art and wall decor, which are sometimes quirky, sometimes surprisingly valuable.
- Small furniture, night stands, coffee tables, side tables. These are easy to refinish or repaint.
- Baskets and trays that are ideal for organization and layering texture.
Of course, in thrift stores, there are some items that you do need to be careful with. Upholstered furniture could be difficult due to potential allergens or pests, so they need to be inspected and cleaned thoroughly. Items with water damage, mold, or a persistent odor also need to be looked at. If you’re going to get electronics, you need to be very careful unless you’re prepared to test and possibly repair them.
Visit the thrift shop often and shop strategically
Thrift stores have a constantly rotating inventory. If you go often, you’ll increase your chance of finding exactly what you want. If you shop midweek, you’ll be able to find more because weekends are often picked over.
You could ask the team at the shop about restocking schedules so you can time your visits for new arrivals. You could even sign up for loyalty programs or e-mail lists because many thrift stores offer sales or coupons to new people.
The best part is that you can visit multiple types of stores. Traditional thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets, and more. There are even garage sales out there.
Go beyond the obvious
Being creative in your thinking is one of the most rewarding aspects of a thrifted home decor piece. Ask yourself whether it can be repainted, repurposed, or reupholstered. Could this object serve a different function? Could it become outdoor decor with a weatherproof sealant? Vintage ladders could be turned into a blanket rack or a plant stand. Ornate silver trays could be used as wall art or catch all trays.
Carefully inspect everything
Just because something is a bargain doesn’t mean it’s a good find. Take time to check for cracks, missing parts, or loose joints. Plug in the electronics or lamps before you buy, just in case. Examine for smells, water damage, or mold. These are things that you need to be doing for every piece of furniture or electronics you buy in a thrift store.
Bring the essential tools
Stay prepared on your thrift adventures with a mini Decor toolkit. You’ll need a measuring tape to know whether or not things will fit in your space. It helps to bring paint and fabric swatches so that you can match or coordinate items. You can also bring a notebook or an app to track dimensions, shopping lists, and style ideas.
Mix the old with the new
Thrift store home decor doesn’t mean your entire house has to be second hand. In fact, mixing old and new as a core interior design tip that adds depth and richness. You compare your thrifted fines with Modern furniture or lighting for contrast, new textiles like curtains, rugs or throw pillows, fresh paint to unify different styles or eras. This is a balanced approach that keeps your space feeling curated, not cluttered.
Home Decor Thrift shopping is so much more than a budget friendly way to decorate. It’s an opportunity to express creativity and embrace sustainability at the same time. With the tips we’ve given you, you’ll be well equipped to turn off, turn the cast offs into cherished focal points and create spaces that reflect your style.
