Thrift Store Shopping Tips for Home Decor
Quick answer
The best thrift store finds for home decor are solid wood furniture, brass and glass pieces, frames, baskets and lamps. Shop often, go early in the week, check every piece for damage, and look past ugly finishes, since paint and new hardware fix most of them.
Thrift stores are one of the easiest ways to decorate on a budget and give a room character. The trick is knowing what to look for and what to leave behind.
What to look for
- Solid wood furniture. Dressers, side tables and chairs made of real wood are worth painting or refinishing. See how to paint wood furniture.
- Picture frames. Swap the art for your own prints or family photos.
- Brass and glass. Candlesticks, vases and trays look high-end with a quick clean.
- Baskets. Great for blankets, toys and plants.
- Lamps. A new shade can make a dated lamp look current.
- Mirrors. Large framed mirrors are often a fraction of retail prices.
What to skip
- Upholstered furniture with stains, odors or signs of pests
- Particleboard furniture with water damage or swelling
- Cribs, car seats and safety items that may not meet current standards
- Electrical items with frayed or damaged cords
How to check a piece before you buy
- Open every drawer. It should slide smoothly and the joints should be solid.
- Wiggle tables and chairs. A small wobble can be fixed, a broken leg is harder.
- Look at the back and bottom for labels, water damage and wood type.
- Smell it. Odors in wood can be very hard to remove.
- Measure it. Bring your room measurements and a tape measure.
When to shop
- Shop often, since inventory changes daily.
- Early in the week is often less crowded than weekends.
- Ask staff about color-tag sales and senior or student discount days.
- Also check estate sales, yard sales and Facebook Marketplace.
Give it a fresh look
- Clean everything first with mild soap and water.
- Swap old hardware for new knobs and pulls.
- Paint or spray paint frames, vases and lamp bases in one color for a matching look.
- Add new lampshades and pillow covers.
Want more ideas? See our list of high-end looks for less.
