12 Things Smart Thrifters Always Look For at Thrift Stores and Antique Shops

Baskets are one of those thrift store finds that are almost always worth a look. They add warmth, texture and function to just about any room in the house.

You can use them for blankets in the family room, towels in the bathroom, magazines by a chair, extra pillows in a bedroom or even pantry storage in the kitchen. Small baskets are wonderful for organizing little things that always seem to wander around the house.

When you are shopping, look for sturdy handles, tight weaving and a shape that feels useful. A few signs of age or wear can actually make a basket look even better, especially if you love cozy cottage or farmhouse style.

A good basket can be cleaned up, lined with fabric, filled with flowers or simply tucked on a shelf for instant charm.

Visit the Source

Never pass by the frame section too quickly. Some of the best thrift store treasures are hiding there.

Even if the artwork inside is not your style, the frame might be beautiful. Look for wood frames, gold frames, carved frames, oval frames and anything with interesting detail. You can always remove the old print and add your own family photo, free printable, pressed flowers, fabric, wrapping paper or even a little piece of vintage wallpaper.

Frames are also wonderful for DIY projects. You can turn them into trays, chalkboards, memo boards, wreath bases or layered gallery wall pieces.

A quick coat of paint can completely change the look too. White, black, soft sage, warm wood tones or antique gold can make a thrifted frame feel fresh and special again.

Visit the Source

If you love classic cottage style, ironstone and white dishes are always worth checking for. They are timeless, easy to mix with other pieces and beautiful in every season.

Look for pitchers, platters, bowls, gravy boats, creamers, sugar bowls and simple white plates. Even one small piece can add charm to a shelf, hutch or kitchen counter.

Pretty plates are another wonderful find. Floral plates, transferware, blue and white dishes, scalloped edges and delicate little dessert plates can be used in so many ways. Hang them on the wall, layer them on open shelves or use them under candles and small vignettes.

Just check for cracks, chips and staining before you buy. A little crazing can be charming, but anything that feels unstable is probably better left behind unless you are using it strictly for decor.

Visit the Source

Wood brings instant warmth to a home, which is why thrifted wooden bowls and cutting boards are such good finds.

Old cutting boards look beautiful leaned against a backsplash, layered behind a pitcher or used as a base for a little kitchen vignette. Wooden bowls can hold fruit, pinecones, ornaments, acorns, small pumpkins or just sit beautifully on a shelf.

When shopping, look for solid wood, nice shape and pieces that feel sturdy. Avoid anything with deep cracks, strong odors or questionable stains if you plan to use it around food.

Even if a wooden piece looks a little dry, it may only need a good cleaning and a little food safe oil to bring it back to life. These pieces are simple, useful and always cozy.

Visit the Source

Vintage books are one of my favorite thrift store finds because they add instant character.

You can stack them under a lamp, place them on a coffee table, tuck them into a basket or use them to add height in a vignette. They make everything feel a little more collected and lived in.

Look for books with pretty covers, faded colors, interesting spines, floral designs, old cookbooks, gardening books and classic titles. Even worn books can be beautiful if the colors and texture work with your home.

If the dust jacket is not pretty, take a peek underneath. Sometimes the real treasure is hiding under there.

Vintage books are also great for seasonal decorating. A stack of warm brown books looks lovely in fall, red and green books are perfect for Christmas and soft pastels are wonderful for spring.

Visit the Source

Good thrifters know that lamps are worth checking because lighting can be expensive when you buy it new.

Look for classic shapes, solid bases and pieces that have good bones. Brass lamps, ceramic lamps, glass lamps, ginger jar styles and even simple wooden bases can be beautiful with a new shade or a little makeover.

Always inspect the cord and socket before buying. If anything looks unsafe, skip it or plan to have it rewired by someone who knows what they are doing.

A thrifted lamp can completely change a room. It adds warmth, height and that cozy glow that makes a house feel like home.

Sometimes all it needs is a fresh lampshade and a good cleaning.

Visit the Source

Mirrors are another item that can be very expensive new, so thrift stores and antique shops are great places to look.

A mirror can make a room feel brighter, larger and more finished. Look for pretty frames, interesting shapes, beveled glass, vintage gold finishes, wood frames and small mirrors that can be layered into a gallery wall.

Do not worry too much if the frame color is not perfect. Paint can work magic. A dark frame can become soft white, a dated gold can become antique brass or a plain wood mirror can get a gentle refresh.

Before buying, check that the mirror is not too heavy for where you want to hang it and make sure the glass is not badly scratched or cloudy.

A beautiful mirror is one of those pieces you can move from room to room for years.

Visit the Source

Small furniture can be a wonderful thrift store or antique shop find, especially if you enjoy a good makeover.

Think little side tables, stools, benches, plant stands, nightstands, small cabinets and chairs. These pieces are often easier to fit into your home and easier to redo than big furniture.

Look for solid construction first. Wobbly legs can sometimes be fixed, but major damage may not be worth the trouble unless the piece is truly special. Open drawers, check joints and make sure it feels sturdy.

A small table with a dated finish can become a sweet bedside table. A stool can become a plant stand. A little bench can be placed near an entryway or at the end of a bed.

These are the pieces that make a home feel collected over time.

Visit the Source

The linen section can be a hidden treasure spot.

Look for tablecloths, napkins, pillowcases, quilts, curtains, embroidered linens, lace pieces and pretty fabric. Even if you do not use them in the traditional way, textiles can be wonderful for DIY projects.

A vintage tablecloth can become pillow covers. Pretty fabric can line a basket. Lace can be used in crafts. Embroidered linens can be framed as art. Old quilts can be folded over a chair or displayed on a ladder.

Always check carefully for stains, odors, holes and wear. Some pieces can be cleaned beautifully, but others may be too far gone unless you are using small sections for projects.

Soft, pretty textiles bring so much warmth and charm into a home.

Visit the Source

Seasonal decor is always worth a peek, but the key is to look for pieces with good bones.

Skip the overly glittery or broken things unless you have a clear plan. Instead, look for wreath forms, ceramic pumpkins, brass candlesticks, wooden trees, vintage ornaments, little houses, candle holders, baskets, bells, trays and classic pieces you can use year after year.

A dated Christmas village house might look darling with a little paint. A plain wreath can be refreshed with new ribbon and greenery. A ceramic pumpkin can be softened with chalk paint. A set of candlesticks can work for almost every season.

The best seasonal thrift finds are the ones that can be used in more than one way. That is where the savings really shine.

Visit the Source

Trays are one of those thrift store pieces that are always worth a second look because they are useful, pretty and so easy to style.

Look for wooden trays, metal trays, wicker trays, silverplate trays, painted trays and anything with handles or a sweet shape. Even if the finish is not perfect, that can actually add a little character. A tray can be used on a coffee table, kitchen counter, bathroom vanity, bedside table or entryway table to make everyday things look a bit more gathered and intentional.

They are also wonderful for seasonal decorating. Add a candle, a little vase of flowers, a stack of books and a few small accents and you have an instant little vignette.

Visit the Source

You can find glass vases, ceramic vases, little bud vases, stoneware pieces, milk glass, colored glass and sometimes even beautiful handmade pottery for just a few dollars. They are perfect for fresh flowers, faux stems, branches, dried grasses or simply sitting pretty on a shelf.

When you are shopping, look for interesting shapes, nice weight and colors that work with your home. Soft white, clear glass, blue and white, earthy pottery and vintage floral pieces are always good ones to check.

Small vases are especially wonderful because they can be tucked anywhere. Place one on a nightstand, windowsill, bathroom shelf or kitchen counter with a few little blooms and it instantly feels charming.

Just give them a good wash and check for chips or cracks before bringing them home. A beautiful thrifted vase can make even grocery store flowers feel extra special.

Visit the Source