The best home decor items that you should always consider buying secondhand and what to look for!
I love decorating and redecorating my home, but I don't love spending a lot of money to do so. Lucky for me, I also love thrifting and hunting for secondhand deals, which makes swapping out decor and redecorating both fun and affordable.
I've previously shared my favorite sources for buying used furniture and decor and I thought it would be helpful to share what I look for while thrifting. The thrill of the hunt is the best part of thrifting and I often visit thrift stores, auctions, estate sales, and flea markets in search of the next home decor item.
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Shopping often, having a plan, knowing what to look for, and going in with an open mind is the best way to be successful when thrifting and shopping secondhand!
HOME DECOR ITEMS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSIDER BUYING SECONDHAND
1. DRESSERS
A well-built, good-quality dresser can easily cost several hundred dollars. Unfortunately, most modern dressers are constructed of cheap particle board and aren't built to last. The sad part is, even marginal-quality dressers can still be expensive. Buying used, solid wood furniture not only saves money but guarantees the furniture will stand the test of time.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Solid Wood
- Dovetail and Knapp drawer joints
- Smoke-free
- Smooth functioning drawers
Recently, I found this gorgeous Bassett dresser at my local Goodwill for around $60.00. The same exact dresser also happened to be listed on ETSY for $600. That's a HUGE saving for a solid dresser that will last for generations.
Another great find was this free Facebook Marketplace server that I easily updated with new paint and hardware.
2. DESKS
Good quality used desks that don't need updating can be few and far between, but don't underestimate the power of painting or refinishing to bring one back to life.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Solid wood
- Dovetail drawers
- Smoke-Free
The mid-century modern desk that I use in my new office was bought secondhand for $15.00 and is one of my favorite secondhand finds. Similar desks can run anywhere from $600-$1000, so I consider myself fortunate to have found a solid wood desk for a fraction of the price.
3. FRAMES
Frames are so easy to find at yard sales, thrift stores, and flea markets. They're inexpensive and easy to update with paint and stain.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Wood frames
- Glass (as opposed to plexiglass)
- Solid backing with hooks for hanging (skip frames with cheap cardboard hooks for hanging)
Many of the frames in our home have been bought secondhand or from vintage markets, including the white distressed frames above my bed and the gold hexagon frames.
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4. BOOKS
Books are one of my favorite home decor essentials and are so easy to find secondhand. I love using books to style bookcases and tables and tend to look for ones in various shades of blue and green. I've even been known to buy books in different languages simply because I liked the look of the binding.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Old books with unique and interesting bindings
- Smoke and old Free
- Bindings that match the color scheme in your home
- Books that would make great coffee table books
5. TABLES
Like dressers and desks, tables are another furniture item you can save hundreds of dollars on simply by buying secondhand. Auctions, estate sales, and Facebook Marketplace are flooded with all different styles of solid wood tables for very affordable prices.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Solid Wood
- Smoke-free
- Smooth functioning drawers
- Sturdy legs
6. BASKETS
Why buy baskets new when you can get them for a fraction of the price used? Most thrift stores have a wide variety of baskets, so you're bound to find what you're looking for. I particularly like searching for vintage wicker laundry baskets and round flat weave baskets that I can hang on the wall to create super cheap wall decor.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Round flat weave baskets
- Low flat baskets with handles (these are great for corralling clutter or anchoring decor on a coffee table)
- Unraveling of twine or broken wicker
- Smoke-free
- Vintage wicker
- Handwoven
7. BRASS CANDLESTICKS AND DECOR
Vintage brass is something I always look for and often find while out thrifting or auctioning. Brass animals, candlesticks, planters, trays, and other decorative home decor are my go-tos.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Solid Brass or a heavyweight
- Made in India
- Little to no wax drips and/or corrosion
8. WOOD WALL DECOR AND HOME ACCENTS
Wood is one of the most accessible materials to refinish, paint, repair, cut, and transform into beautiful, reimagined home decor. Have an open mind when browsing wood decor aisles at thrift stores. Curvy and dated details can be removed, hardware can be replaced, holes can be filled, damage can be repaired and the color can be changed.
My favorite wood decor to keep an eye out for are wood wall calendars, accordion racks, wall shelves, storage boxes, and drawers.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Solid wood
- Smoke-free
- Easily customizable
9. SUITCASES
Suitcases are fantastic in that they're perfect for tucking under benches or tables and double as storage and stylish decor.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Smoke and smell free
- No broken clips or buckles
- Clean and free from rips and tears
10. BLANKETS, THROWS, AND BEDSPREADS
I don't typically put a lot of effort into browsing textiles, but I do tend to glance through the throw blankets and bedspreads.
A few years ago, I got lucky and scored a vintage Bates bedspread from a local auction. I love the feminine vintage vibe it adds to our bedroom and that it's something you typically don't see in big box stores.
I also found a beautiful green velvet quilt from one of my favorite thrift stores. It was half off, originally from Crate and Barrel and one of my best secondhand buys.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Clean and free of stains, tears, holes, or pulls in the fabric
- Washable
- Smoke-free
- Name Brands (Bates is my favorite antique bedspread brand)
11. MIRRORS & ARTWORK
I'm not well-versed in artwork value, so I primarily stick to looking for antique or vintage mirrors with wood frames and beveled or convex glass. It can be hit or miss, but I have come across some pretty incredible deals.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Vintage or antique
- Wood frames
- Free from cracks and damage
- Oil on canvas
- Signed artwork or sketches
12. POTS, PLANTERS & POTTERY
I love vintage crocks and planters and am particularly drawn to anything green. They're perfect for succulents, displaying faux greenery, or used as a catch-all dish. Inexpensive and mass-produced vases and pottery are ideal for updating and turning into vintage-inspired textured stoneware.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Marked Hull, USA, McCoy, Roseville, UPCO, Shawnee, Haeger, ironstone, etc.
- Earthware, stoneware, porcelain
- Free of cracks or chips
- Inexpensive mass-produced vases or pots with a great shape (for updating)
13. GLASSWARE
I don't buy a ton of glassware secondhand, but I do keep an eye out for vintage Indiana White Hall cubist glassware. I have a set displayed on the open kitchen shelving and alternate between green and amber depending on the season.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Vintage or antique glass
- Free from chips, cracks, flaking, and missing gilt or paint.
- Pontil marks
- Pink, blue, and green glassware (they are more valuable)
- Embossed markings
- Heavy thick glass
14. UNIQUE DECOR
Hunting and finding unique decor is one of my absolute favorite aspects of thrifting and buying secondhand. Auctions and flea markets are my go-to places when I'm in search of vintage decor or one-of-a-kind pieces. I've been able to find some really great pieces that you just can't find in big box stores. Everything from cameras and crocks to card catalogs, hymn boards, and old doors.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Unique items
- Collectibles
- Vintage decor
- Items that reflect your style and personality
I gravitate towards card catalogs, vintage clocks, cameras and suitcases, and anything unique that I don't often see. You just never know what I'll find and buy!
Have you heard the saying, buy used and save the difference? Not only does buying secondhand save a ton of money, but it also helps create a home that's unique and personalized. Amazing treasures can be found simply by having an open mind and exploring local auctions, thrift stores, and flea markets.
What are your favorite items to buy secondhand?
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