Top 10 Things To Look For At Thrift Stores
Check out these top 10 things to look for at thrift stores, charity shops, Goodwill stores, and more! From timeless home decor to unique finds that’ll add character to any room, thrift stores can be a treasure trove of amazing finds.
Shopping at thrift stores (“thrifting”) has been one of mine and Brian’s favorite things to do throughout our relationship.
When we were dating and first married, it was a cheap date and way to spend time together.
After we bought our first home, it was a way to furnish and upgrade our old house (my $10 chandelier remains one of my best finds from that era!).
Now thrifting is a fun activity that we like to do on a random Saturday or when we’re traveling – visiting thrift stores in a new city is always fun!
So I thought I’d share the top 10 things I look for in thrift stores as a way to help cut through the “it’s too much” sight that often greets you when walking in a store.
MyĀ hope is that you will check out thrift stores (or estate sales, garage sales, tag sales, orĀ wherever else you can find used items) and will be inspired toĀ look at all the junk items there in a whole new way!
Two Important Things To Think About When Thrifting
Before we get to the top 10, there are a couple of guiding points to have in mind that I want to share with regards to thrift shopping:
- It’s important to have a running list of things to look for in your mind because the amount of stuff can be overwhelming if you feel like you have to look at everything.
- BUT this list should be generic – like “old books” and not a specific title, because if you go to a thrift store with something specific in mind you will come up empty-handed. Really- it’s like an unwritten rule or something! I’ve learned this lesson many times.
Having this generic running list in my head (or on a phone note, etc.) allows me to walk the aisles with intention – quickly if I’m in a hurry, or a little more slowly if I’ve got more time.
Top 10 Things to Look for in Thrift Stores
1. White Pottery
I’m not particular – it can be a platter, urn, vase, whatever – but I do look for a classic or fun shape that I can use somehow.
All of the pottery I have or display is used at some point as vases or for serving food. I rarely buy anything that can’t be used.
2. Vintage Boxes (or suitcases, etc.)
Talk about useful – I use old boxes, crates, and suitcases to hold everything from recipes, to photos, to blankets, to craft supplies. And they add a unique decor look at the same time.
3. Flatware & Utensils
I’ve collected cheap stainless that I keep in a caddy to use at large gatherings instead of plastic, and I always look for vintage bone-handled pieces as well as cool silverplate to add to mismatched place settings, as well as use for photo props.
My favorite serving utensils are almost all thrift store finds.
4. Decor Items
I’ve been collecting amateurĀ oil paintings for years to inexpensively add fun art to our walls, like the landscapes pictured above. Some of these were found while traveling because a small painting is something I can easily fit in my carry on.
I think it’s accurate to say that most of my decorative items like candle holders have some from the piles of junk you find at thrift stores.
5. Garden Items
Cement statues and urns, metal watering cans or tools – they all have a wonderfully worn patina that we just can’t get if we buy new.
These aren’t as easily found as some of the other things on this list, but I’m always keeping my eye out for them.
6. Clothes
Admittedly, I don’t have as much luck with clothes like others seem to, but what I’ve found I really love – especially the prices.
I have the easiest time finding sweaters, coats, and shoes – and less luck with pants and skirts.
7. Red Transferware
My addiction collection has grown slowly but surely with pieces I pick up here and there at thrift stores because I won’t pay the Ebay prices (cough…).
I’ve also been gifted some of the pieces shown above. I use the little plates often for salads and desserts and use the more of them to set our holiday tables.
8. Lamps & Lighting
If you’re looking for single lamps or floor lamps to use as-is or to makeover, you should find something fairly easily. Finding a good pair of lamps is another thing, though, and they are harder to come by.
The key with lamp bases is to look for a classic shape that you can paint AND to note the type of shade it can hold (harp, on a lightbulb, etc.) to make sure you can find a shade for it.
9. Old Books
What’s a shelf without a book? And if it’s old books with wonderful bindings, it’s that much better.
(Yes, I like a good green color scheme on some shelves – no I haven’t read The Republic of Plato, lol.)
I’ve also use old reader’s digest or romance novel (meaning, a dime a dozen) books to make book-page decorations for holidaysĀ and to cover a thrift store wooden tray.
10. Furniture
We found most of our furniture at thrift stores in the first years of our marriage and I still always look, even though I don’t need a lot now, because there might be that one item- kind of like this one (pictured above in it’s thrift store cover, which you can guess I made over!).
Oh, here’s a bonus because I couldn’t keep it to just 10!
11. Appliances
We have purchased a lot of small appliances like the almost-new panini maker shown here and of course, cappuccino makers, but we have also occasionally bought larger appliances like a freezer. It’s definitely something to check out, though you want to plug in to make sure it works.
That’s it for me – now I’d like to know, what do you like to look for at thrift stores?
And if you’d you like to see how I transformed lots of thrifted things into home decor, gifts or something new, head to the “Makeovers” section of the site that shows all kinds of things that can be made into something else, many of which are thrifted items!
This article has been updated- it was originally published in September of 2012.
I love this whole concept……you are doing an awesome job and I find great inspiration in what you suggest…..thank you for sharing:-) Deb
Thanks, Deb! So glad you are being inspired to look at thrift items in a new light. š
What an awesome topic for 31 days! I’m so glad I discovered you on the Nester’s link party! I’m semi-new to the thrifting world and often feel overwhelmed. I agree with most of the items on your list and would just add “footed items” to it. I’m really trying to get better at staging and I think a part of that may require finding some footed things to shake up my flatter displays! Thanks for sharing this list!
I love your blog!! I always look for canning jars/ supplies, pretty tea cups with saucers, picture frames I can paint, and jewelry.
its funny because i am a fan of thrifting but my list would be totally different to yours….vintage boxes and colourful plates, jewellery, clothes…i buy everything, bags, toys, old pictures
….looking forward to following along and adding to my own list!
And I’m so glad your list is different, Jane, ’cause that means you don’t want my stuff (and I don’t want yours!). Makes the whole thrift-store-world turn, don’t you think? š
I’m am very excited about your 31 Days Series. I love thrift stores but I will admit that I often get overwhelmed and wonder the store aimlessly. I can’t wait to see your transformations!
Thanks! I hope you’re able to see the stores – and all the stuff in them – in a different light after this series. š
White pottery, hmm. SOmething new to keep my eyes out for! I will be following along…
Cookbooks are the first thing I look for at the thrift stores. Then I glance at the rest of the books.
Candles
Jeans for myself and hubby. I’ve found flannel-lined jeans for both of us for $3/each. LL Bean! but also normal jeans. Actually, I do quite well with clothes at the main thrift store I go to.
Cookware and kitchen stuff. Sometimes dishes, but I have too many as it is. š Found an All-American Canner for $35 one day.
Towels and washcloths.
Lately, I was looking for long, white curtains. I think I’m done now.
Didn’t think about the vintage linens – will have to keep my eye out.
Thanks Jami,
This will be fun to follow along. I love shopping thrift stores and go at least once a week.
You read my mind. Sweaters to up-cylcle, socks , frames, furniture, dishes some I use for gifts like platters at Christmas for cookies with a little message on the bottom in gold paint to refill the platter and pass it on to another. Half price days are great for towels. And books, great books. Many are like new and I often use them in gift baskets for donations or silent auctions. Keep checking those shelves….J.
I just bought the most gorgeous oil painting at my local flea market this weekend! I love your tips on what to look for and am excited to follow your 31 day series š Though, I’d have to add teacups and ceramic elephants to you list because those are always on the top of my list š
Teacups used to be on my list, too – until I reached about 30+ with space to store them running out! Elephants…no, though you’re giving me a new idea… š
Men’s button down Oxford shirts, I like to make things put of them and glass bottles, clothes too!
Oops, I meant to say make things out of them not put.
Yes and yes – it was hard to keep to 10 (and well, I didn’t, did I?), as there are always other things to look for. š
Buttons….I find the most beautiful buttons at thrift stores! Many older garments have fantastic buttons.
I love thrift stores, and appreciate the encouragement to make the most of my time there. I’m looking forward to your series!
thrift stores in this state are so over shopped anymore……the flea mkts.
have lots of stuff to go through, and the prices beat any thrift shop
any day of the week….plus, how fun! a lot of great food and natural
drinks too……so many shop in these little gems š try it!
Year ago (1990’s) I found a large slow cooker with the ceramic bowl that comes out for easy serving and washing. I love it and use it to this day. $2 or $3 dollars for a cooker that has served me and my family well. That’s a great bargan.
Loved you top ten most of them are mine too. I will be following along.
Dishes that match ones I already have
Clothes
Christmas glassware to match what I have (started with Goodwill years ago)
kids’ books, games, puzzles (i.e. big bags of duplo blocks for $1)
missing parts
I found one thrift store that has hundreds of cast iron pans….I do mean hundreds! They also specialize in pet cages,and aquariums-too pricey to buy new. I look for camping supplies,dishes, and even jewelry. Once you know which stores carry which items-you are on your way! One of my local Salvation Army stores has great designer fashions and one local thrift store has clothes just for teens! Life is good!
Hi, there,,, found your blog from the Nester’s site.. Ill be following along with you for the 31 days series. I love thrift stores.
I actually own the bread box you showed in the photos ( it was my grandmothers), plus I have the cake tin too! One of my BFF’s has the coffee, tea, sugar, flour ones that match that belonged to her grandmother…
Cool! I’m actually using it to store my clipped recipes for the current week’s menu (plus others I haven’t filed yet…) – it’s so retro. š
I look at anything as you never know what’s hiding on that low shelf, that you have to be an expert yogi to reach to. Few weeks back I found a hand mixer for a very good price. It’s not only working, but also has this vintage look. I love it!
I’m discovering you and your wonderful blog through The Nester’s party tonight. I’m so excited about your 31 days series topic. I’ll be reading and learning from you. You seem like a repurposing pro! I’m so looking forward to your inspiration and ideas.