Top 7 Things To Look For At Thrift Stores

If you don’t know where to start when walking into a thrift store, I got you!

Here are my top 7 things to look for at thrift stores.

I was on Instagram the other day talking about thrift shipping.

One of my favorite things to chat about and why not, it’s a blast.

Anyways, I was shocked because several home influencers admitted they had never been thrift shopping or even in a thrift store before.

Whaaaaat?!

No judgment at all, I just can’t imagine not being curious as to what all the fuss was about when it comes to thrift stores.

If this was five years ago comments like that wouldn’t surprise me, but it’s 2024.

Thrifting and thrift stores are all the rage now.

Of course I had to highly encourage these thrift store virgins to go for it, and also give them a few tips.

So you’re welcome. You can thank me after you haul home that first amazing treasure.

Top 10 Things To Look for At Thrift Stores

1. Pottery

My heart kips a beat when I find some really beautiful pottery.

Pottery is expensive and the deals I’ve found at thrift stores keeps me coming back for more.

The artisanship and process of crafting a piece of pottery is something I deeply respect.

If you’ve never tried to throw a pot treat yourself and get behind a pottery wheel. It’s so relaxing and fun.

2. Wood Furniture

It doesn’t matter if it’s a small or large piece of furniture, wood is where it’s at! I’m always looking for high quality wood furniture at thrift stores.

Wood is extremely versatile and can be painted, sanded, glued, repaired, stained or cut. Change your thrifted wood furniture into whatever you want.

Not only will it last, it doesn’t hold any nasty chemicals that leach out over time like plastic.

The natural quality of wood can’t be beat.

 

3. Hardcover Books

Oh books, how I love thee. Vintage books can be beautiful home decor objects as well as good entertainment and educational.

What more can you ask of a thrift store find?

Not only vintage book, but new hardcover books are great in the home for decor as well. Take the paper cover off to revel what the book looks like. I’ve been known to paint hardcover books the color I need at the moment. No regrets!

I often freshen mine up by putting them in a plastic bag filled with baking soda.

I collect all different colors and use them throughout the year. When not in use for seasonal decorating they still look stunning on a bookshelf.

Vintage book also make great gifts.

4. Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light, and make your home appear larger.

You can come across all different kinds of mirrors at thrift stores. Modern, vintage, wood metal. Collect them all because they will come in handy.

A mirror collection on the wall can be a stunning arrangement. We’ve done this several times for clients and they always love them.

5. Vintage Silverware

If you’re willing to look a little harder and pay a little more vintage silverware should be on your thrift list.

It’s on mine, and although I haven’t found a lot, what I have found I treasure.

Store your good vintage silverware in a silverware box. If you’re lucky enough to find silverware that comes in a box grab it.

If you come across an empty box grab that as well because it’s just a matter of time before you’ll find that dream vintage silverware and you’ll need to store it well.

6. Artwork

I may or may not have once had an addiction to vintage artwork.

Yes, it’s addicting! Just call me an art collector please, it’s make me feel better.

Vintage art is so precious in that someone once put their heart into creating something lovely, just because they could.

I’ve paired down my collection knowing my thrift store paintings went to homes that appreciate artwork.

You should start collecting and hanging art in your home if you haven’t already.

Again, art makes for great gifts.

7.Wool or Wool Blend Blankets

Does this one surprise you?! I can’t be the only one who gets excited when I see a great looking wool blanket for a few dollars.

Wool blankets when bought new are costly.

Even if a thrift store wool blanket isn’t in the best shape, don’t walk past it. Take a closer look and see if mending and dry cleaning would fix it’s problems.

Maybe it’s because we have cold Winters, but I honestly can’t get enough wool blankets. If I don’t us them as blankets and throws I’ll upcycle them into pillow covers or chic ponchos or jackets.

Wool is a valuable fabric made of natural fibers. Grab it when you see it!

Ok, here’s your list of 7 things to look for in thrift stores.

This list is a good starting point, and a way to not be overwhelmed when you walk in a thrift store.

You’ve got your assignment, now it’s time to go shop sustainably.

Enjoy sweet friends!

It’s never certain if you’ll find what you’re looking for at a thrift store. That’s why I also have learned to find a great deal on new home decor and clothing.

Here are some super budget-friendly deals from my thrift store shopping list.

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MORE THRIFT STORE GOODNESS

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• How We Transformed a Thrifted Bed Into an Upholstered Masterpiece
• Adding Thrift Store Finds to a Classic Modern Home