Discover 10 summer thrift store finds that add charm, color and cozy cottage style to your home on a budget this season…
Hi friends! Don’t you think there is just something extra fun about thrifting in the summertime? I think maybe because the pace it a bit slower on sunny days or the fact that we are all looking for easy little ways to freshen up our homes without spending a fortune. Whatever the reason, summer is a wonderful time to wander the aisles of your favorite thrift store and look for pieces that feel light, cheerful, useful and full of charm. I also have to add that thrifting right after the big Holidays is great because a ton of good stuff comes in during that time!
The best part is that you do not need a huge budget to bring home something special. Sometimes a $3 basket, a pretty glass pitcher or a colorful little tray can make your kitchen, porch, entryway or dining table feel brand new again. Oh… if you need an excuse to buy something at the Thrift Store and you don’t really need anything… start a little collection. I collect little vases or color bottles… they always seem to be there lol! So grab your tote bag and let’s go thrifting together… here are 10 summer thrift store finds to keep an eye out for this season.
Summer Thrifting Favorites
10 Thrift Store Finds To Look For This Season
Woven Baskets
Woven baskets are always a good idea, but they feel especially perfect in the summer. They add texture, warmth and that easy breezy cottage feeling we all love so much. Look for baskets that are sturdy, clean and not unraveling too badly. A few little imperfections are totally fine because they add character, but you want them to still be useful. Use them for rolled towels, flip flops by the door, picnic supplies, garden gloves, dog toys, magazines, sunscreen or even as a pretty planter cover. A nice basket can go from storage to styling in about two seconds, and that is my kind of decorating.
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Glass Pitchers
If you spot a pretty glass pitcher, especially one with a sweet shape, grab it. These are wonderful for summer entertaining, but they are also beautiful just sitting on a shelf or kitchen counter. They are perfect for lemonade, iced tea, infused water or a big bunch of garden flowers. I especially love the ones with little details like ribbed glass, scalloped edges or a simple farmhouse shape. Before bringing one home, just check for chips around the rim and handle. If it is in good shape, it can become one of those pieces you reach for over and over again.
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Colorful Linens
Summer is a great time to look for tablecloths, napkins, tea towels and pretty fabric pieces. Even if you do not find a full matching set, that is ok. Mixing patterns and colors can make a table feel relaxed and collected. Look for florals, stripes, checks, soft pastels, blues, yellows, greens or anything that feels happy and fresh. Vintage napkins can be used for picnics, basket liners, bread baskets, place settings or little kitchen accents. Just give everything a good wash when you get home. If there is one small stain but you love the fabric, you can always fold it creatively, use it under a tray or turn it into a simple craft project.
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Serving Trays
A thrifted tray is one of those pieces that can work in almost every room of the house. In summer, trays are especially useful for lemonade glasses, snacks, candles, flowers or corralling little things on a coffee table. Look for wood trays, metal trays, wicker trays or even colorful painted ones. If the color is not quite right, that is an easy makeover with a little paint. A tray instantly makes a collection of items look styled instead of scattered. Add a little vase, a candle and a stack of books, and suddenly you have a sweet summer vignette for just a few dollars.
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Pretty Plant Pots
Summer and plants just belong together, so thrift stores are a great place to look for pots and planters. You can often find ceramic pots, terra cotta pieces, little urns, basket planters and even unique containers that can be repurposed. Look beyond the original purpose too. A small crock, pitcher, bowl or tin can become a charming plant holder if it works with your style. If there is no drainage, use it as a cachepot and simply place a nursery pot inside. It keeps things easy and still gives you that collected cottage look.
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Outdoor Lanterns And Candle Holders
Lanterns, candle holders and hurricanes are wonderful thrift store finds for summer evenings. They add such a cozy glow to a porch, patio, picnic table or mantel. Look for pieces made from glass, metal, wood or ceramic. You can use real candles, battery candles or even little fairy lights, depending on where you plan to place them. A pair of thrifted lanterns on an outdoor table can make a simple dinner feel special. Add a few flowers from the yard and you have instant summer magic.
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Coastal Or Cottage Artwork
Summer is the perfect season to look for light and cheerful artwork. Keep an eye out for beach scenes, sailboats, florals, landscapes, fruit prints, birds, cottages and simple nature inspired pieces. Even if the art itself is not your style, the frame might be fabulous. Thrift stores are one of the best places to find frames for printable art, family photos or your own DIY projects. Look for frames with good shape, nice detail and solid construction. A little paint can work wonders if the color is dated. This is also a great way to decorate seasonally without spending a lot.
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Small Side Tables Or Stools
A little table or stool can be such a useful summer find. You can use one next to a chair on the porch, beside a cozy reading spot, as a plant stand or even as a small nightstand. Solid wood pieces are always worth a second look. Even if they are scratched or the finish is not great, can often be sanded, painted or refreshed pretty easily. Just make sure the piece is sturdy before you bring it home. A little wobble can sometimes be fixed, but if it feels like it is ready to collapse, leave that one behind for someone who loves a bigger project.
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Bowls, Platters And Serving Pieces
Summer is full of salads, fruit, snacks, sandwiches and simple meals, so pretty serving pieces are always handy. Thrift stores often have shelves full of bowls, platters and dishes that are just waiting for a second life. Look for white dishes, floral plates, blue and white pieces, glass bowls, wooden bowls and anything that feels fresh and useful. You do not need everything to match. In fact, a mix of thrifted dishes can make a table feel charming and personal. Just check carefully for cracks, chips and crazing, especially if you plan to serve food on them.
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Picnic Baskets And Totes
If you see a sweet picnic basket, market basket or woven tote, take a closer look. These are such fun summer finds and they are useful too. A picnic basket can hold paper plates, napkins, outdoor dishes, craft supplies, books or seasonal decor. A woven tote can hang by the door for market trips, beach days or simply to add a little cottage charm to an entryway. Even if you do not actually go on picnics very often, these pieces still bring that relaxed summer feeling into your home. Sometimes the look alone is enough to make a corner feel sunny and happy.
Visit the SourceA Few Quick Thrifting Tips For Summer Finds
Before you check out, take a moment to look each piece over carefully. Check for cracks, strong odors, peeling finishes, missing parts like lids or anything that feels unsafe. I always ask myself if I know exactly where I will use it or if I am just buying it because it is inexpensive. That little question has saved me from bringing home a lot of clutter. I think you will be very happy if you click onto this source and see what Rachel did with many not so perfect finds but gave them amazing homes with cozy style!!!
Wish List
It also helps to keep a small wish list on your phone. Maybe you are looking for baskets, frames, china, a small table, color glassware, outdoor lanterns or pretty linens. A list keeps you focused but still leaves room for those wonderful surprise finds that make thrifting so much fun.
Final Thoughts
Summer decorating does not have to be expensive or complicated. A few well chosen thrift store finds can bring so much warmth, color and personality into your home. The secret is to look for pieces that are useful, pretty and easy to mix with what you already have. So the next time you pop into your favorite thrift store, keep your eyes open for baskets, pitchers, trays, linens, planters, artwork and those sweet little pieces that make a house feel loved. Happy thrifting, my friends… may your next trip bring you something charming, useful and wonderfully unexpected.
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