Hello! My name is Ashley and I’m such a thrift store lover! Here’s the thing- if you add one vintage or worn item, it’ll add character to your whole space. Plus, it really helps with decorating on a budget! Here are my top thrift store shopping tips:
finding a thrift store
Search Google Maps for “thrift stores” and see what comes up close to you. Then read the reviews and make sure they sell home decor. I’ve been enjoying shopping at local church thrift stores. The prices are SO good and there’s a big variety of goods.
Location is everything!
Shop in the expensive areas of your town. The donated items will be better there! Also pay attention to prices from location to location. I’ve noticed that in better parts of town, the prices are more expensive. When I want books (that I can find anywhere), I go to the location I’ve noticed they are cheaper.
Demographic is key.
Shop in retirement towns- when old people donate their awesome stuff, you win! Living in Florida has been so fun for thifting- I’ve found some gems! When you’re on vacation, hit up a thrift store! Its fun to see what you’ll find in a new city and is a fun way to remember your trip. This is how I built up my record collection.
Know your location.
When do they put out the new goods? Mine does on Mondays so that is when I shop because the merchandise is fresh. Go right when they open so you can have first pick on the items that were just donated.
Shop sales.
Savers has awesome sales so I make sure to stop by on those days. Ask the employees when they have sales so you know when to stop by and stock up. I recently got a desk for $20- it was an extra good deal because we went on a 1/2 off day!
Timing
When you want to clean out your house (usually when the seasons change or at the New Year), go to the thrift store because others will be donating during that time. Stop in frequently and have fun. Sometimes you won’t find anything and sometimes you’ll luck out. Be patient and keep trying.
Stay focused
Have a list so you can be focused on finding what you need. If you are looking for it, you won’t be distracted by all of the junk and buy something you might not use.
When shopping at thrift stores, I have my favorite items to look for:
kitchen goods
I’ve had great luck finding cute dishes and glassware. Gold rimmed dishes can look modern and are pretty easy to find at the thrift store. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and find a whole set of dishes that you love! Above is a picture of my summer soiree where I bought all of the dishes, glasses, and vases from a thrift store!
accessories
I love the thrift store for finding accessories! From brass figures to vases to books, its one of the best finds. This floral vase was dirty and filled with the ugliest flowers. I got it for $10 and love the pattern it adds to my table!
furniture
As far as furniture goes, I like buying solid wood pieces from the thrift store. Look at the lines of the piece to make sure it has character and worth it to paint it or refinish it. Make sure the quality is good and that the drawers open and close easily.
I’m not a big fan of buying upholstered pieces at the thrift store unless I can easily recover them (like a bench or dining chair). This bookcase was a $20 thrift store find that came beautifully weathered! We now use it to store books in my son’s room.
art
The bulletin board, frames, and shelf in the picture are all from the thrift store! With a fresh coat of paint they look beautiful! P.s. more on how I decorated my living room on a budget here.
Art is one of the best things to get! Think vintage landscapes or embroidery. You can always repaint the frame or replace it. I also love buying frames for $0.50 and painting them and framing my own art. Another option that I can usually find is shelves- I can practically guarantee that you can find an oak shelf that needs a little paint. Last, I like buying bulletin boards at the thrift store- cheap and easy to redo.
Ok guys, there are my best thrift store shopping tips! Please tell me this has you wanting to go out and find some treasures?! It is so fun to see what you can find and then have unique decor that you got for a steal! Happy shopping!
