Thrift stores* are great places to buy so many things! There's really no downside in my opinion -- you save money, help save the planet, get something unique and possibly one-of-a-kind AND you get to have the thrill of the hunt (perhaps my favorite upside)!
*In favor of transparency, "thrifting" in my world consists of shopping not only at thrift stores, but also estate sales, barn sales, consignment shops, antique malls, etc. So join me as I share my thrifting starter guide based on years of serious thrifting, where I reveal my 5 most favorite things to buy at "thrift stores" -- and why they're my favorites!
5 Things to Buy at Thrift Stores
.png "Dried flowers are perfect for filling baskets.")
1. Baskets
Baskets have been a staple décor accessory in my home since forever. And why not? They’re useful for both storage and display -- and many are beautiful in their own right.
How to Make Yarn Tassels for a Cozy Fall Throw
Some baskets, especially large ones, can be quite expensive when purchased new. Honestly, I've rarely purchased a basket new (not counting my Longaberger baskets from days gone by that were purchased for me as gifts). This vintage French laundry basket cost me $6.00 at a pop-up estate sale. It's absolutely huge and I love it.
One of my oldest thrift store baskets helped create a gorgeous dining room fall decor vignette.
I can fully attest to the myriad uses for baskets all around the house -- laundry baskets, magazine racks, corrals for coffee table decor are just a few examples. I've purchased all shapes and sizes of baskets. Sometimes I paint them, but I usually leave them as is.
It's a good idea to clean your thrift store baskets by either placing
them in the shower and running warm water over them and letting them air
dry, or vacuuming them with a crevice tool, or both, depending on their
condition when you purchase them.
2. Tableware/China
Tableware is abundant at thrift stores and other discount outlets like estate sales and consignment shops. Whether you're looking for a specific pattern, or you're open to whatever the thrifting gods present to you, there is no lack of plates, saucers, tea cups, serving platters, sugar bowls, creamers, pitchers, vases and so much more!
Over the years I've collected ironstone, chinoiserie, Blue Willow china, Delft china, various colors of transferware and most recently Rose Medallion china.
Vintage French Farmhouse Ironstone Plate Rack
I wrote a greatest vintage finds blog post nine years ago about great things to buy at thrift stores which included ironstone. I don't see as much of it today, but when I do I grab it right up.
My rule of thumb is that if the piece has cracks or crazing, but I know I'll only be using it for display, then I'll buy it. However, if I'm buying it for practical use, I steer clear of china pieces with imperfections. I also make sure there's no lead or other undesirable elements making it non-food safe under today's health requirements.
DIY Distressed Farmhouse Riser with Beaded Trim
3. Books
I've been purchasing thrifted books for many years. I'm sorry to say that our local Goodwill stores don't carry anywhere near as many books as they used to. However, the Salvation Army store has a pretty nice selection.
I like using books as risers, or bases if you will, for various vignettes (like the coffee table vignette shown above).
I also might purchase a vintage book for the color of the cover, or the subject matter, or both. They're fun to display by color depending on the time of the year. Think red and green books around Christmas time, green books for spring vignettes, red for Valentine's Day, red and blue for Fourth of July, etc. Sometimes it's fun to display a particular color book just because it matches your decor.
Back in the day I purchased soft cover books so that I could take the covers off, giving them a vintage-style look, and then display them as decor. I still do that today.
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I've also added my creative vision to them by creating hand-stamped book bundles.
I don't pay more than $2.99 for hard covers and $1.99 for soft covers. Most recently, I've started hunting down hard cover home decorating and gardening coffee table books. Even the largest ones are still sold for $2.99, which is a total steal!
One of my latest additions is a copy of House Beautiful The Home Book. Look out, because I think I'm obsessed with collecting these inexpensive, gorgeous books!
4. Picture Frames
The retail price of picture frames can be astronomical, no matter the shape or size. But thrifted picture frames are priced oh-so-reasonably!
I've been buying picture frames from Goodwill for many years and have used them for photo and graphic displays as well as other craft-related projects (e.g., pressed flowers) and my free printables (sign up for my weekly newsletter in the sidebar and get free access to my printables library).
Thrifted Barn Wood Picture Frame and Botanical Prints
This $3.99 thrifted barn wood picture frame is one example of a frame I painted, then filled with free promotional botanical prints I received in the mail. Once you find a frame you love, the possibilities really are endless.
Paint-By-Number Floral Still Life
You can even purchase a framed piece of art just for the frame, then remove the art and replace it with your own. as I did with my paint-by-number still life.
5. Mirrors
Mirrors are another one of those exorbitantly priced home decor items such that I only buy them at thrift stores. And I must say that I've been very lucky over the years.
Sadly, the price of mirrors, even in thrift and consignment stores, has risen -- but they're still much cheaper than retail prices! And, needless to say, the mirrors are much more unique - like this French trumeau mirror I gave a makeover . . . .
and this HUGE 20-plus pound vintage gilded Windsor mirror I scored many years ago for a song. For tips on how to hang heavy mirrors visit How to Use 3-M Claw Drywall Picture Hanger.
My list is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully it will get you started if you're not already a veteran thrifter. I look forward to putting together another list of things to buy at thrift stores -- goodness knows I have more than enough examples to share!
Well, that's it until next time, friends!
I hope you enjoyed reading about
5 Things to Buy at Thrift Stores:
A Thrifting Starter Guide
and that I've inspired you in some way.
Be sure to stay in touch:
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