Setting up your home to make it look unique and personal is a rewarding task—but it can also be quite costly. Luckily, thrift stores are a great option to help you save money. Shopping at a thrift store is like a treasure hunt for grown-ups! You can find incredible functional and timeless pieces that will make your home a masterpiece in its own right that can help your unique personality shine through.
This is precisely why interior design experts recommend thrift shopping as an excellent way to amp up your home decor without breaking the bank. Not only does shopping at thrift stores give you creative freedom, but it’s also a fun way of decorating your home in a unique way.
However, thrift shopping can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start, and you might end up with a lot of useless junk and clutter. Below are the top items design experts recommend that you buy from thrift stores.
Furniture
Buying brand-new furniture is expensive, but you can find some great deals at thrift stores. You can find all types of furniture, from dining tables and chairs to coffee tables and dressers. Of course, these pieces might sometimes require polishing and refurbishment, but it is worth it, considering that you’re saving money and ensuring that you’re buying a pre-loved piece that is perfect for your interior.
Mirrors
Mirrors are a prominent element of any home interior design – they’re versatile and come in various shapes, designs, and sizes. You may have to repaint the frames and touch them up here and there, but if you want that antique and rustic touch, you can let them be as they are. In fact, many people specifically hunt for aged mirrors set on intricate frames to add a rustic charm and personality to a space.
Lamps
Lamps have the magic of adding instant character to any space. You’re likely to find a variety of lamps in pretty much any thrift store, but sadly, they’re often overlooked because people assume that they’re broken. But did you know you can pick up an antique lamp and rewire it easily yourself? It might take some time to figure it out, but once you do, it will be worth it, given that you’ve managed to spruce up your interior with an inexpensive but magnificent lamp.
Delicate China
Vintage china, plates, and teacups are considered precious collectible items. Most people love to flaunt their dinnerware extravagantly as they bring it up to beautify the dinner table on special occasions. If you’re very lucky, you can get a complete set of delicate china, but otherwise, you can settle with individual plates, platters, and teapots, too.
Artwork
Thrift stores are home to artwork you won’t see anywhere else, so when you buy a piece of art from a thrift store, chances are you’re picking out a piece that no one else has. This way, you can add depth and distinctive character to your home. You can buy one-of-a-kind artwork that ranges from figurines and acrylic paintings to clay bowls and much more.
Vases
Whether you’re looking for glass vases, dainty ceramic ones, or hard plastic vases, thrift stores offer an incredible selection. You can even secure a vase or pitcher with a distinctly vintage look that you could use to arrange some fresh flowers or potted plants.
Kitchenware
Cooking aficionados spend a fortune on kitchenware, and it’s no wonder why – kitchenware is expensive, and one can never own enough. Rather than overspend on brand-new kitchenware, it’s wiser to shop for it from your local thrift store. You can grab some fantastic kitchenware items with neat designs ranging from modern to vintage. Don’t limit yourself to just pots and pans, though – keep an eye out for bowls, glasses, coffee pots, cutting boards, and other kitchen accessories and appliances.
Bins And Baskets
Baskets are an excellent way to hide clutter and junk, such as your kid’s toys, towels, sheets, pillows, etc. Not only are they handy, but they also add a homey vibe to any space. You can find baskets in various styles, sizes, and shapes at thrift stores.
Mats & Rugs
With well-placed rugs and mats, you can bring the entire ambiance of a space alive. You can find some stunning mats and rugs at thrift stores, but they may need to be cleaned thoroughly before use. In fact, if you’re lucky, you can get your hands on antique quilts that have been lovingly cut and stitched. They can add a rustic and homey appeal to any interior. Keep an eye out for holes, stains, and wear and tear, though.
Picture Frames
Buying brand-new picture frames from big retailers can set you back quite a bit more than you may have anticipated. The price tag will depend on the size and material of the frame, but you can save a lot of money on pre-loved frames at your local thrift store. You can find frames in all designs and sizes to suit your style. These frames can be used for a piece of art, family photographs, or as a frame for a mirror.
Final Thoughts
The age-old saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is very accurate regarding thrift stores. When you shop right, it can feel like playing the lottery. From antiques and accessories to electronics and much more, the options are virtually endless!
