What to Buy At a Thrift Store and What to Leave Behind

There’s something magical about walking into a thrift store. The smell of old things, the shelves packed with mismatched treasures, and the quiet thrill of wondering what you’re going to rescue that day. Thrift stores are my happy place. But over the last few years of working with clients, I’ve noticed that not everyone knows what to buy at a thrift store.

I’ve been thrifting since I was in high school. There’s just something about making a discovery and getting a good deal that lights me up inside. But, over the years, I’ve learned that not all secondhand finds are created equal. Sometimes you find the perfect item, or something ready to be transformed with a little DIY love. Other times, you come across a bunch of things that should probably stay right where you found them.

Thrifting is part art, part adventure, and part education. You start to develop an eye for quality, for potential, for what can be saved and what’s destined for the landfill. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just dipping your toe into the world of secondhand décor, here’s my ultimate guide to what to buy at a thrift store.

What to Buy At a Thrift Store

1. Solid Wood Furniture
If there’s one rule I live by, it’s this: never walk past a solid wood dresser without at least giving it a once-over. These pieces are the backbone of great DIY transformations. A little sanding, paint, and new hardware can completely change the look.
Older furniture tends to have craftsmanship you just don’t find anymore—dovetail joints, hardwood construction, and heavy, durable frames. Even if it’s a little scratched or the color isn’t your style, you can fix that. What you can’t fix is particleboard that’s falling apart. So, when you find real wood, grab it and run.

2. Mirrors with Character
Mirrors are like shiny jewelry for your home that add sparkle and light and can make a space feel larger than it is. Interesting frames tend to draw my attention. I really love ornate gold details, unique shapes, or thick wooden borders that can be sanded and refinished.
A mirror can instantly brighten a dark hallway or make a small room feel twice its size. And the best part? With a coat of paint or rub-n-buff, you can rescue even the most boring-looking mirrors.

3. Vintage Frames and Artwork
If vintage art isn’t your style, it’s often worth purchasing thrifted pieces just for the frame. The older, heavier ones tend to be beautifully made and perfect for repurposing. I’ve used old frames for chalkboards, corkboards, and even as trim pieces for gallery walls. However, if you find art that you actually do love…bonus! You might just score a piece that gives your home that “collected over time” feel that no big box store can replicate.

4. Lamps and Lighting
Lamps are a secret weapon for adding personality to a room. Thrift stores are overflowing with ceramic bases, brass bodies, funky shapes, and everything in between. You can easily rewire them (or hire someone to do it) and add a new lampshade to take it from dated to designer in a heartbeat.
Don’t overlook ceiling fixtures, either. A quick spray paint job and some fresh wiring can turn a tired brass chandelier into something stunning over your dining table.

5. Dishes, Glassware, and Vases
You can never have too many tea sets, right? (Don’t tell my husband I said that.) Vintage glassware, pottery, and even random mix-and-match dishes are a thrift store goldmine.
Layering different textures, colors, and styles gives your home an effortless, curated look. Plus, older dishes are usually higher quality than what you’d find new for the same price.

6. Baskets and Storage Pieces
Wicker, rattan, and woven baskets are not only practical but also very cute. Baskets add warmth and texture to any space, and they’re perfect for organizing throws, plants, or even bathroom supplies. Actually, one of my favorite uses for thrift store baskets is creating custom thrifted gift baskets. They’re perfect for teacher gifts, hostess gifts, and last-minute holiday parties. Sometimes, thrifted baskets may be a little dusty, but a good cleaning will breathe new life into them!

What to Leave At a Thrift Store

1. Upholstered Furniture (Most of the Time)
It is so hard to resist a beautifully upholstered chair or love seat at the thrift store. And, they probably shouldn’t be in the “never buy” category. But it’s important that you proceed with caution. Upholstery can hide all kinds of mysteries like odors, allergens, and sometimes worse. If you find a high-quality piece of furniture that you really love, it’s worth the investment to reupholster it. However, reupholstering can cost more than buying a brand-new piece of furniture. So, unless it’s a truly special or antique frame that you’re willing to completely redo, it’s safer to walk away.

2. Mattresses and Pillows
This one’s non-negotiable. These items can harbor bacteria, bed bugs, or allergens that you can’t see—and definitely don’t want to bring into your home. There are plenty of other beautiful things to buy secondhand, but textiles that can’t be thoroughly cleaned are not among them.

3. Cheap Modern Furniture
Just because something looks new doesn’t mean it’s good quality. A lot of recent furniture is made from particleboard or laminate that won’t survive another move, let alone a makeover. Look for pieces with real wood, metal hardware, and sturdy joinery instead.

4. Strong Smells or Mystery Stains
Trust your senses. If a piece smells musty, smoky, or like it’s been sitting in a damp basement since the 1980s, walk away. No amount of cleaning or airing out will make it feel fresh again. The same goes for anything with visible water damage or deep stains. Those issues rarely stay “just cosmetic.”

5. Artwork That Doesn’t Speak to You
It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the hunt and grab art just because it’s cheap. But your home should reflect you. Buy pieces that make you smile, tell a story, or spark a memory. You’ll love your space so much more when it’s filled with things that resonate on a deeper level.

Why I Thrift

Thrifting is one of my favorite ways to decorate. Not just because it’s affordable, but because it makes your home personal. Every piece you bring home has a story, and when you breathe new life into it, it becomes part of your story too. When you know what to buy at a thrift store, it can feel like winning the lottery!

Remember, the best thrift finds are the ones that make you see potential. A scratched-up dresser can become a statement piece. A dated lamp can shine again. And sometimes, the perfect treasure is waiting just behind a row of dusty knick-knacks. You just have to look closely enough to see it.

So grab your tote bag, your coffee, and your curiosity, and get ready for your next thrifting adventure. You never know what magic you’ll find waiting for you in the aisles.

If you find a great piece and need help reimagining it, reach out for a design consultation!