Thrift store home decor can bring character and individuality to a room without the cost of buying every piece new. With a little patience, you may find useful furniture, decorative accents, and everyday items that can be cleaned, refreshed, or repurposed. Use this list to guide your search, and check each item’s condition and suitability before bringing it home.
Why Shop for Home Decor at Thrift Stores?
Secondhand decorating makes it possible to find distinctive pieces at a range of prices. Pre-owned items can also be adapted to suit your space: a frame can hold new artwork, a lamp can get a fresh finish, and a sturdy table can be refinished rather than replaced.
Thrift stores are especially useful when you have a specific need but are flexible about color, style, or minor cosmetic flaws. Decide what you are looking for before you shop, but leave room for unexpected finds. That balance can help you avoid buying items that do not fit your home or budget.
How to Find Thrift Store Home Decor and Furniture
- Visit regularly: Inventory changes over time, and frequent visits can help you learn when your local store tends to put out new items.
- Keep a list: Note the sizes, functions, or types of pieces you need. Measure spaces at home so you can compare dimensions while shopping.
- Look beyond the current finish: Paint, new hardware, or a different use can update some items. Focus first on sound construction and a shape you like.
- Inspect before buying: Check for cracks, missing parts, odors, stains, pests, and signs of water damage. For furniture, test drawers and joints.
- Consider online secondhand listings: Compare the total cost, including shipping or collection, with the price of similar items nearby.
30 Best Home Decor Items to Buy at Thrift Stores
1. Lamps
A lamp with a sturdy base can often be refreshed with paint or a new shade. Before using it, check the cord, plug, and socket; have damaged electrical parts assessed or repaired by a qualified professional.
2. Light Fixtures
Distinctive ceiling fixtures and chandeliers may be worth considering if their style suits your space. Check for damage and missing components, and arrange safe installation rather than treating electrical work as a simple paint project.
3. Picture Frames
Frames are easy to adapt: replace artwork that is not to your taste, repaint the frame, or group different sizes into a gallery wall. Look for secure corners and glass that is intact.
4. Mirrors
A secondhand mirror can add light and visual interest. Inspect the reflective surface and frame, then leave the finish as it is or update the frame to coordinate with your room.
5. Christmas Villages
Small ceramic houses can be grouped on a mantel, buffet, or dining table. A consistent finish, such as white paint, can help pieces from different sets look cohesive; use paint suitable for the material.
6. Figurines
Figurines can add detail to shelves and decorative groupings. They may also be painted or attached to stable wooden blocks to make bookends; check that the finished pieces will not tip easily.
7. Trays
A tray can organize remotes and books on a coffee table or hold a simple centerpiece. Clean it well, and make sure the handles and base are secure before carrying food or drinks.
8. Vases
Vintage vases work with fresh or dried flowers and can also be displayed on their own. Check for chips or cracks, especially around the rim and base, before using one to hold water.
9. Pitchers
A pitcher can serve as a vase or, if it is clean and suitable for food use, remain a kitchen item. Check for chips and cracks, and keep decorative vessels separate from food use when their materials or history are uncertain.
10. Suitcases
An old suitcase can add vintage character while storing photographs or other keepsakes. Check the lining, hinges, and closure, and clean it before storing anything inside.
11. Books
Books can add height to a display or provide an inviting stack on a coffee table. Some stores price paperbacks at 50 cents and hardbacks at $1.00, though prices vary; choose titles you would enjoy reading as well as displaying.
12. Dishes
Look for individual pieces or matching sets of vintage dishes. Check for chips, cracks, and worn decoration, and confirm that a piece is appropriate for serving food before using it at the table.
13. Coffee Tables
A coffee table with a solid frame can be a practical refinishing project or a useful piece as-is. Inspect its joints and surface, and measure the room so the table leaves enough space to move around it.
14. End Tables
End tables are useful beside a sofa or bed, and nesting tables can provide extra surface space when needed. Test stability and check that any drawers or shelves work properly.
15. Baskets
Baskets can corral blankets, toys, shoes, or household odds and ends. Check the base and handles for damage, and choose a size that fits the shelf or floor space where you plan to use it.
16. Toys and Play Items
Pre-owned play kitchens, doll strollers, and dollhouses can be worthwhile finds. Inspect them for broken parts, loose pieces, and sharp edges, and clean them thoroughly before use.
17. Table Linens
Table runners and placemats may need laundering and ironing before use. Check fabric for stains or damage, and consider repurposing clean, sound linens as decorative accents or fabric for small sewing projects.
18. Jars and Canisters
Jars, tins, and canisters can hold craft supplies or other small items. Clean them before use and check that lids fit; if repurposing a container for candles, use a vessel designed to handle heat.
19. Old Rugs
A vintage rug can bring color and pattern to a room. Inspect it for odors, stains, worn areas, and signs of pests, then clean it appropriately before placing it in your home.
20. Old Calendars or Sheet Music
Interesting calendar pages or sheet music can be framed as wall art. Choose pages that are in good condition and use a frame that protects the paper from dust and handling.
21. Headboards
A headboard can be cleaned and reused as intended or adapted for another project, such as a bench. Check its structure and finish, and confirm that it can be safely secured wherever you plan to use it.
22. Dressers
A dresser can gain a new look with fresh paint or hardware. Test every drawer, inspect the back and underside, and make sure the piece is stable before deciding whether it is worth refinishing.
23. Desks
Secondhand desks can quickly create a home office or homework area. Measure the available space and check the desktop, legs, and drawers for damage before arranging transport.
24. Cigar Boxes
Small boxes can organize remote controls, stationery, or other tabletop items. They can be painted or covered with suitable paper or fabric; check that the lid closes and the box is clean and odor-free.
25. Dining Tables
A solid wood dining table may be a good candidate for refinishing. Check the legs and joints for stability, and follow the product directions for any finish you apply, including drying and curing times.
26. Cutting Boards
Used cutting boards can suit a rustic kitchen, but inspect them carefully for deep grooves, cracks, or warping. Clean and condition a sound board with food-grade mineral oil before use.
27. Wreaths
A worn wreath can be refreshed by adding usable artificial flowers, leaves, or ribbon. Check the base first, remove damaged pieces, and secure additions so they stay in place.
28. Seasonal Decor
Shopping for holiday decorations out of season can reveal items that are less in demand at that time. Store purchases in a dry, labeled container so they are easy to find when the holiday returns.
29. Candlesticks
Candlesticks can add height and warmth to a table or shelf. Check that each one stands level and securely holds its candle; paint or another suitable finish can update its appearance.
30. Servingware
Platters and serving bowls in different vintage patterns can create an eclectic table setting. Inspect each piece for damage and verify that it is suitable for serving food before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you avoid buying at thrift stores?
Be cautious with items where age, hygiene, or safety is difficult to verify. This can include mattresses, used car seats, cribs, dated baby gear, upholstered furniture, bedding, stuffed toys, vacuums, and electronic equipment. Inspect any secondhand item carefully, and avoid products with damage, missing parts, or uncertain safety histories.
What thrift store items can resell well?
Resale value depends on condition, demand, and local prices. Furniture, books, picture frames, brand-name clothing, vinyl records, construction toys, vintage video game consoles, stereos, and cameras may attract buyers. Research recent sale prices and account for cleaning, repairs, fees, and delivery before purchasing an item to resell.
Conclusion
The best thrift store home decor finds are pieces that suit your space, fit your budget, and are in a condition you can confidently use. Keep a practical shopping list, inspect items before buying, and consider simple ways to refresh or repurpose what you find.
