National Thrift Shop Day: 6 Things to Look for When Thrift Shopping
If you love the thrill of finding something you weren’t looking for, thrift shopping is probably already one of your favorite pastimes. There’s nothing quite like walking into a thrift store with no idea what you’ll find! After working with everything from vintage furniture to collectibles and home décor, we’ve learned that some of the best finds aren’t always the ones that immediately catch your eye. Here are six things we recommend looking for the next time you’re out shopping secondhand.
1. Solid Wood Furniture
We’re big fans of looking past the finish.
A piece of furniture might have an outdated stain, an unfashionable color, or hardware you wouldn’t choose today, but if it’s made from solid wood and has good construction, it may be worth a second look.
Pay attention to things like dovetail drawers, sturdy joints, wood grain, and the overall weight of the piece. A little refinishing or a change of hardware can completely transform an older piece of furniture.
Solid wood furniture can serve as the “anchor piece” in any room of the home!
2. Original Artwork
When you’re browsing, don’t automatically skip over artwork just because you don’t recognize the artist.
Look closely at the signature, frame, subject matter, and quality. Original paintings, prints, sketches, and photographs can add personality to a home. Sometimes you can find something really special without spending a fortune.
And honestly, sometimes the best reason to buy a piece of art is simply because you love looking at it!
3. Quality Brands You Recognize
Thrift shopping is a great time to keep an eye out for furniture and home brands known for quality.
If you see a name you recognize, take a minute to do a little research before passing it up. A well-made piece from a reputable manufacturer can be a much better find than a brand new piece that only looks good in the showroom.
This is especially helpful when shopping for furniture, lighting, cookware, and other household items.
4. The Things Everyone Else Walks Past
The best treasure hunting usually requires a little patience.
Maybe it’s a box of old photographs, a stack of vintage books, an unusual piece of pottery, or a collection of mismatched frames. These smaller items are easy to overlook, but they can be some of the most interesting things in the room.
Take your time. Dig through the shelves. Open the drawers. Look in the corners.
5. Pieces With a Story
There’s a reason secondhand shopping feels different from shopping at a traditional furniture store.
An antique desk may have been in someone’s home for decades. A collection of travel souvenirs may tell you where someone has been. A set of dishes might have been used for family dinners for generations.
You may never know the entire story behind an item, but that’s part of what makes secondhand shopping so interesting. You’re finding something that has already had a life, and giving it another one.
6. Potential, Not Perfection
This might be our biggest piece of advice: don’t expect everything to be perfect.
A scratch doesn’t necessarily mean a piece is a bad buy. Neither does an outdated fabric, a little tarnish, or a finish you don’t love.
Instead, ask yourself: Does this have good bones? Can I work with it? Do I LIKE IT???
Sometimes all it takes is new upholstery, a coat of paint, different hardware, or simply placing the piece in a different room to make you fall in love with it.
You Never Know What You’ll Find.
That’s what keeps us coming back to thrift shopping. There’s always another piece of furniture, piece of art, collectible, or completely unexpected treasure waiting to be discovered.
So the next time you’re out shopping, slow down, look a little closer, and don’t be afraid to pick up the things that make you wonder, “What is this?” That just might be the best find of the day.
HAPPY NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY! :)