An online lifestyle magazine for Christian women
If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you probably know that I love shopping at thrift stores! There are so many benefits of thrift store shopping. You save money, you get access to a range of both newer and vintage styles, and it’s sustainable and good for the environment. If you’ve never thrifted before, you may be wondering what to buy at thrift stores. This handy guide was created for you!
Here, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite home decor items to buy at thrift stores. These are all commonly found items that aren’t difficult to score at your local Goodwill (or whatever thrift stores are near you). Happy shopping!
Vintage and even newer lamps can be found at the thrift store for a fraction of the price of a new lamp. Plus, you’ll get a greater variety of styles to choose from to get a unique look. Most thrift stores test their lamps, but you can always ask to test yours before making a purchase to be sure it’s in working order.
Artwork is a great thing to thrift! I’ve thrifted gorgeous original oil paintings by local artists for a low cost! These always add a special touch to a room. More commonly, you can also find a variety of art prints that could work in your home. Even if you don’t find art that you love, keep an eye on the frames. You can always thrift a frame and replace the artwork with an inexpensive printable piece of artwork from Etsy. Buying frames new is so pricey, so thrifting them can help you save.
Mirrors can be expensive , so finding one at the thrift store is a great option! Vintage mirrors are so on trend right now. Look for ornate designs in pretty gold or silver finishes.
Vintage glassware is plentiful at the thrift store! You can find drinking glasses, cocktail glasses, wine glasses, mugs, and even vintage decanters for a low price. If you pick a popular pattern, you may even be able to build a collection by shopping multiple stores for that pattern or finding more of them online. Use Google Lens (Google’s tool to help you search by taking a photo of something) to see if they are listed on Etsy, eBay, or another site.
I never buy new vases because they are so inexpensive and plentiful at the thrift store! Vases are something that I actually like to pick up whenever I find a nice one and keep a small collection. If I’m ever in need of a simple hostess gift, I pick up some fresh flowers at Produce Junction and place them in one of my pretty thrifted vases.
Faux florals can be pricey when you buy them new. I like to keep an eye out for nice ones at the thrift store! A few tips are in order. First, keep an eye out for pretty floral pieces, even if the arrangement or vessel they are in doesn’t suit you. You can always pull them apart and rearrange them! Second, give them a good cleaning with soap and water to remove any dust.
I’ve found so many gorgeous hardcovers at the thrift store! Vintage books are always in style. Keep an eye out for them and not only will you accumulate a stunning collection, but you’ll have saved them from the landfill.
There are always so many baskets at my local thrift stores! Keep an eye out for pretty baskets that can be used in your home. They can hold flowers or be used as storage. They also can be great gift baskets for birthdays or holidays.
Furniture is a wonderful thing to buy at the thrift store. Besides being cost effective, you will also have access to classic vintage and antique pieces that will add a unique touch to your home. You can then refinish them to match your taste. The key is to look for solid wood pieces. These are sturdier and higher quality. They are also easier to sand and refinish than laminate pieces.
Save on seasonal decor by purchasing it at the thrift store! Keep an eye out for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Fall, and more all year round. Avoid spending too much on decor that only sits out for a small amount of time by thrifting it!
Hopefully this guide gives you a starting point for what to buy at thrift stores. What are you most excited to find for your home? Tell me about it in the comments!
Lauren Magazine is an online lifestyle magazine for Christian women.
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