This post gives you the best thrift store decorating ideas for your home.
Have you ever walked into someone’s home and felt an immediate sense of comfort and belonging? Each decor piece has a story to tell, whispering tales of adventures and memories. But here’s the thing: You don’t need to break the bank to create that same cozy atmosphere in your own space.
With thrifted home decor, every item tells a story and every purchase feels like a treasure hunt. Seriously, sometimes it’s a treasure hunt! But thrift shopping is guaranteed to become one of your favorite things to do whether you’re with friends or on your own. Let’s dive into the art of thrift shopping and discover how you can transform your home with budget-friendly finds.
Thriftcore or Thrift Store Chic is a decor style based on finding quality items to display from thrift stores. Decorating your home with pieces of thrifted finds that reflect your personality and interests is truly what makes your house into a home. Each room you walk in becomes a reflection of your unique story and provides a plethora of conversation starters for guests.
Thrifted home decor is much more interesting than generic home decor pieces you can buy at your local big box stores. Look for great pieces with much character and in good condition at a great price. Below is a list of items you will want to keep an eye out for while you’re thrift shopping!
Where to Find Thrift Store Home Decor
- Local thrift shops, or secondhand stores
- Vintage shops, or antique home goods stores
- Facebook Marketplace
- Garage sales, or flea markets
I highly recommend investing in furniture moving blankets to help cover and protect heavy items like dressers, tables, and bookshelves. Click here for a durable set of blankets.
If you’re looking for a real adventure and want to make a major haul of thrifted finds, you could also shop the Roller Coaster Yard Sale from Kentucky to Tennessee. After all, the best-thrifted finds often come from the most unlikely places!
Top Seven Best Tips for Thrift Shopping
1. Visit Frequently and Be Patient: Thrift stores constantly receive new inventory, so regular visits increase your chances of finding unique pieces. Patience is key; sometimes the perfect item takes time to appear. If you go enough times, you may just find the perfect piece.
2. Know Your Style and Measurements: Have a clear idea of your home’s decor style and keep essential measurements handy. This helps you quickly identify pieces that will fit well in your space and match your aesthetic. Click here for a handy on-the-go measuring tape that fits perfectly in your purse!
4. Look Beyond the Surface: DIY projects offer a unique opportunity to infuse your home with personality. A little spray paint can give your favorite pieces a fresh look.
A coat of paint, new hardware, or some upholstery can transform a seemingly worn-out item into a stylish piece. Sometimes that is all that is needed to breathe new life into a piece. See minor flaws as potential and focus on the item’s structure and character with its worn out edges and rich patina.
(Patina refers to the natural surface appearance that develops on materials like metal, wood, or stone over time. It results from oxidation, weathering, or other chemical reactions, lending a unique character and depth to the object’s surface. Patina often consists of subtle variations in color, texture, and sheen, creating an aged and weathered look prized for its beauty and authenticity.)
4. Shop With an Open Mind: Be open to unexpected finds. Sometimes the best pieces are those you didn’t plan on, adding character and uniqueness to your home.
5. Learn to Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to ask if the cost of an item is the seller’s best price, especially if an item has visible wear. Many thrift stores are willing to negotiate prices, helping you get even better deals on your finds.
6. Shop Midweek: The middle of the week is best for shopping at thrift stores because vendors can restock their shelves after a weekend of shoppers. If you’re shopping a secondhand store, stop in earlier in the week to find new items added over the weekend.
7. Buy an Odd Number of Each Decor Item: Decorating in odd numbers is a design principle based on visual balance and harmony. Odd numbers create a more dynamic and visually interesting composition compared to even numbers. Odd-numbered groupings are thought to create a sense of movement and spontaneity, while even-numbered groupings can feel static and rigid.
Additionally, odd-numbered groupings provide a central focal point, as the eye tends to gravitate towards the center item naturally. This helps draw attention to specific areas or objects within a space. Overall, decorating in odd numbers is a widely used technique in interior design to create visually pleasing arrangements that feel balanced and cohesive.
Thrift Store Decorating Ideas to Get Started
Once you’ve amassed a collection of thrifted treasures, it’s time to begin decorating your home. Mix and match vintage items with modern pieces, experiment with different textures and shapes, and don’t be afraid to showcase your unique style. Reupholster worn-out furniture with fresh fabrics and unique patterns. Give furniture a fresh coat of paint and new knobs to continue its legacy as a timeless relic.
Click here for the best chalk paint for painting furniture.
Click here for glass knobs that will give your furniture that vintage charm.
Decorating with thrift store finds is one of the best ways to achieve a unique and personalized home decor without breaking the bank. Last year, I discovered that vintage thrift store finds and antique stores are some of the best places to score good stuff. One of my favorite ways to incorporate these thrifty finds is by heading to the book section, where I often find timeless classics and decor items of all different shapes and sizes.
Mixing thrifted items with brand new items can prevent a cluttered look and instead create a simplistic look that is both stylish and functional. Similar items found in thrift hauls can be used in fun projects that will keep you busy for a long time creating one-of-a-kind pieces.
Next time you go thrifting, consider how these great examples of thrifted treasures can transform your space, offering a more personalized touch than simply purchasing everything new.
Whether you’re sprucing up your living room with statement pieces or adding a touch of whimsy to your dining room shelves, thrifted decor offers endless possibilities for personalization.
Thrift Store Decor Ideas
I recently visited a local store with the best thrift store finds. Check out your local thrift store for all things vintage, great deals, and unique items.
Here is a list of the 41 best thrift store items to look for to decorate your home:
1. Vintage Mirrors
They add character and can make a space feel larger. I found these at my local thrift store.
2. Artwork
Look for paintings, prints, or posters that resonate with your style.
3. Ceramic Vases
Great for displaying fresh or dried flowers. Pick your own to add an extra touch of personalization!
4. Picture Frames
Mix and match for a gallery wall. This is a great way to highlight your family photos or show off your new art prints. Click here for a battery-operated picture light to illuminate your print and warm up your space!
5. Rugs
From small accent rugs to larger area rugs, they can add warmth and texture.
6. Throw Pillows
Easily update the look of a room with different patterns and textures. Be sure to look for both indoor and outdoor pillows!
7. Lamps
Floor lamps or table lamps can provide both light and style. Mix and match lamp shades and light fixtures to create your perfect pairing.
8. Candles
Create an ambiance with various shapes, sizes, and scents. Taper candles are both long and narrow, elegant and timeless.
9. Candle Holders or Candlesticks
Add a touch of elegance or whimsy. These make great decor pieces on fireplace mantles.
10. Decorative Baskets
Use them for storage or as decorative accents. A large basket is handy to have next to an exterior door.
11. Trays
Organize items on coffee tables or ottomans. Add a candle, vase, book, coasters, and decorative object. Style the tray with items of varying heights.
12. Vintage Books / Old Books
Stack them for a decorative touch. Place them pages out for a different kind of look.
13. Curtains or Drapes
Change the look of a room with different patterns or colors. These may not be thrifted, but click here for windowpane plaid curtains to help tie together your room of thrifted items.
14. Plant Pots
Display your greenery in unique containers. The front porch is a great place to display your vintage finds.
15. Plants
Faux plants are a wonderful way to make your home feel vibrant and welcoming without the extra maintenance of natural plants. Flowers are perfect additions to your front porch during the Spring season.
16. Tapestries
Hang them as wall art or use them as a makeshift headboard.
17. Decorative Plates
Hang them for wall decor or display them on shelves. Find plates that tell a story or represent a place you’ve visited.
18. Wall Clocks
Functional and decorative. Wall clocks add vintage charm to your home.
19. Sculptures
Small sculptures or figurines can personalize a space.
20. Tchotchkes (yes, it’s a real word!)
Unique knick-knacks can add personality.
21. Wicker or Rattan Furniture
Chairs or baskets can add a bohemian vibe. Click here for super stylish rattan storage baskets with handles. I have yet to find these at Pottery Barn!
22. Bar Carts
These stylish carts display drinks and glassware. They also make great coffee centers, makeup stations, or islands for food displays.
23. Antique Cameras
Display next to black and white photographs for added interest.
24. Binoculars or a Monocle
Add a vintage flair to a shelf or mantel.
25. Wall Sconces
Illuminate hallways or add ambiance to a room.
26. Vintage Globes
Decorate shelves or desks with a worldly touch.
27. Tins or Canisters
Use them for storage or display. Also look for tin watering cans for outdoor landscapes.
28. Woven Wall Hangings
Add texture and interest to walls. This one was handmade by a local artist.
29. Vintage Linens
Tablecloths, napkins, or doilies can add a nostalgic touch.
30. Framed Maps
Decorate with maps of your favorite places. Use a whiteboard marker on the glass to show where you’ve traveled.
31. Antique Keys or Key Holders
Hang them on walls for a rustic look.
32. Vintage Suitcases
Stack them for storage or use them as side tables. Add mid-century modern-style table legs to elevate them to your desired height.
33. Unique Tables
Add a fresh coat of paint and make it into a statement piece. This was one of my recent thrift store finds. I like the mid-century modern legs and prefer the wood, but a little paint on an old piece of furniture will give it a new look and make it the perfect piece in an entryway or foyer.
34. Old Ladder
Lean it up against the wall and add blankets or quilts.
35. Brass or Copper Decor
Add warmth and shine to a room. Click here for modern-looking brass knobs that will enhance any DIY furniture piece.
36. Wooden Crates or Boxes
Use them for storage or display. Wooden crates also make excellent bookshelves.
37. Vintage Kitchenware
Display colorful dishes or utensils.
*Tip: If you take a picture of an item and use Google Image Search, you can find similar dish sets for comparison.
38. Chalkboards
Stay organized while adding a functional decor element to any nook or cranny.
39. Throw Blankets
Cozy up with different textures and patterns. I highly recommend washing them as soon as you are home, unless you find them new from a vendor.
40. Cork Boards or Bulletin Boards
Stay organized while adding visual interest. These are becoming more of a nod to the past.
41. Lanterns
Indoor or outdoor, they add a touch of charm. Here is the perfect example.
Decorating your home doesn’t have to mean spending much money. With a little creativity and DIY, thrifted finds is one of the best ways to transform your space into a reflection of your unique personality and decorating style (plus you’re guaranteed to have the best times!)
Click here for the handy on-the-go measuring tape to help you get started!
Remember, the key to thrift store shopping is to keep an open mind and be willing to see the potential in items that may need a little love and creativity to shine in your home. Wishing you a successful thrift store shopping trip. Happy decorating!
