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How to Thrift for Home Decor

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I am sharing tips on How to Thrift for Home Decor and why you will find so many people, including myself, excited about the thrill of the hunt. You will find that thrift stores also offer new and brand-name items inexpensively. Furthermore, you can find things without retail markup prices. 

I have been thrifting for many years, and if you have been following me for a while, you know my home is filled with thrifted finds, whether it be decor, books, or furniture. However, How to Thrift for Home Decor is one of those things you will love to do, just as I do!

How to Thrift for Home Decor is just what I need to decorate this beautiful small secretary desk with vintage finds, such as an oil lamp, teacup & saucer, magnifying glass,  2 old small books, photograph stamp, milk glass lamp, with a little brass photo of a gal with her grandmother.

I enjoy thrifting so much, not because I am going shopping and know I can get a bargain, but because it’s the thrill of the hunt! So every now & then, I will casually say I have the “itch to thrift” and that those who know me know that I am on the hunt for something spectacular! 

How to Thrift for Home Decor?

My motto is always to be intentional when thrifting. The one thing I learned many years ago, just because it’s a bargain doesn’t mean you have to get it. Instead, think about items you are on the hunt for, for example, candy dishes, vases, candleholders, etc. Then, think about using the thrift find in your home. The last thing you want is to buy stuff that you will only wind up hoarding in your home with no intentional use or place to go.

A blue & white vintage style lamp with  a white lamp shade, green fenton half bowl, milk glass potho planter, oil lamp & a basket is what I  Thrift for Home Decor

What is a must to buy at Thrift Stores?

This may vary depending on your home decor style or needs; however, these are just some items I am always on the lookout for.

  • Baskets
  • Ironstone
  • shelves
  • mason jars
  • Books
  • Candleholders
  • Oil Lamps
  • Vintage Bowls
  • Linens
  • Pictures/Frames
  • Chairs
  • Tables
  • Trays
  • clothes

What not to buy at Thrift Stores

This may vary to your needs, but there are items I will not purchase in thrift stores, ever!

  • Upholstered Furniture
  • Stuffed Animals
  • Electronics
  • Car Seats
  • Pet Furniture
  • Pillows
  • Vacuum Cleaners
  • Undergarments
  • Appliances

Why should I thrift for home decor?

You should thrift because it’s affordable, and secondhand items can be repurposed in your home. Also, if you find things that you no longer want or need, you won’t feel bad donating them back to the thrift store for someone to purchase and use. 

A bookcase with a thrifted decor & filled with books.

What is Thrifted?

Thrifting means going shopping at a thrift store, flea markets, and garage sales, where you’ll find gently used items at discounted prices. Usually, thrifted items that someone once owned are generally in good shape with enough life left to be useful to a new owner.

How to go thrifting?

  1. Decide what thrift stores you are going to check out.
  2. Have a list of items you are looking for.
  3. Avoid impulse purchases by only using cash.
  4. Scan the aisles where you want to start first.

Why do people thrift?

Thrifting allows you to find items such as home decor, clothes & furniture at a fraction of the cost. 

How do I know what to thrift for?

There are moments when I would hit the thrift store without planning it on my way to running errands, and there are times I just have the itch to thrift. But whatever that may be, sometimes just going into the store just to browse, you will find something so cool & unique, and you have to it. However, if you are looking for a particular item such as vintage decor for your home decor, why not go to a thrift store and see if you can find it at a fraction of the price. You will be surprised at what you can find that people get rid of.

What are the tips for thrifting?

  1. Have a list handy. This will help you remember what you are looking for.
  2. If you are on the hunt for furniture, make sure you have a list of measurements of spaces in your home.
  3. Have a realistic budget set to keep you from impulse buying.
  4. Don’t forget to negotiate the price with the thrift store; it never hurts to ask!
  5. If you are looking for oversized items such as furniture, bring a friend with you. However, the store has someone to help load large pieces in your vehicle for you most times.

There you have it! I hope this post helps you with your trip to the thrift store. Are you a Thrifter like me? Let me know in the comments below 😉

Name image for Dusty at Linen and WildflowersIf you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

9 Comments

  1. This is a very helpful guide for thrifting. Baskets and chairs are also on my must have list! Shopping with cash is such a good idea to help you resist those impulse buys.

  2. As usual, you hit the nail right on the head! Great tips — sound advice. Unfortunately, my children do not agree with you on the stuffed animal bit haha, but don’t worry we wash very thoroughly before they get any love in this house! Thanks for another great post and beautiful pictures!

  3. Yes! Give me a thrifted item over something brand new any day! I think it adds so much more personality to a room but yes you are right about intentionally thrifting, so many times i’ve brought something on impulse because I thought it was a bargain and then lived to regret it.

  4. Thanks for the handy tips! I’m fairly new to thrifting, only a couple of years in. It’s nice to get insight from a more experienced thrifter.

  5. I love this! I don’t think I have much in my home that isn’t thrifted because I am too cheap to buy much at full price!

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