Have you ever wondered how to shop in thrift stores? More than likely, you aren’t alone in that thought and question! Don’t let the thrift store term scare you, because I am here to tell you that spending your money wisely in decorating your home can have huge payoffs! I’ve always loved the thrill of the hunt in thrift stores, and in saving money by shopping for certain items I have more cash for other things. High-end things!
How To Shop In Thrift Stores For A Beautiful Home
I’ve been shopping in thrift stores since my dirt poor college days. And between me and you, I have no intention of stopping anytime soon!
Money wasn’t available for me to buy anything new for my little apartment (or clothing). With 3 kids to send to college there just wasn’t a lot of expendable cash for us. But thrifting was something that I have always loved. I have proudly passed this method of shopping on to my daughters:-). Admittedly I don’t go thrifting for clothing any longer but the girls do and have found some incredible name brand deals!
Here is a quick overview of what are the most abundant and best things to shop for in thrift stores for your beautiful home. Tips and tricks for thrift store shopping included! Trust me, you’ll love these tips on how to shop in thrift stores!
DINNERWARE – Flatware – Bottles – Jars
I not only love to create a beautiful home, but I love to design an elegant table setting as well! Head for the dishes when you are shopping and you are sure to find lots of choices. Something that you’ll almost always find in your local thrift store is white dinnerware pieces. Keep in mind that you don’t need an entire set for a tablescape.
Mix and mingle is my mantra when it comes to table setting and that goes for pattern and color as well. I’ve had my eyes on this antique Haviland Limoges in my favorite thrift store for several months, but the price was way more than I was willing to spend for a partial set. I pop in often, so when the thrift shop had 50% off all items this weekend I was thrilled to buy it! Talk about a steal of a deal!
Thrift Store Shopping *TIP*
Most items that are well priced, to begin with at thrifts and sell very quickly, but I have learned over the years that when items are overpriced they generally do not. If you feel that is the case with something that you covet, wait it out and see if it eventually is on sale. Most thrift stores have sales every day, so ask at the front desk when you walk in.
FURNITURE – Sofas – Chairs – Tables
How to Shop in Thrift Stores *TIP*
WALL DECOR – Art – Mirrors
Thrift Store Finds *TIP*
Aren’t these mirrors beautiful?
LIGHTING – Chandeliers – Lamps
Thrift Store Secrets *TIP*
Please check the wiring for safety, especially if you find a vintage piece. I would recommend rewiring anything vintage and if you aren’t comfortable doing that yourself take it to a shop that can do it for you.
BASKETS – Bins
Valuable Things to Look For at Thrift Stores *TIP*
Thanks for the tips š I love going thrift store shopping as it is always such an adventure.
I am fortunate to volunteer at our church thrift store which supports our food bank. Not only do I help those less fortunate than myself but also feed my own thrift store addiction. Just redid our powder room and found the perfect mirror for over the new vanity. Even my husband was impressed. I am always bringing home some treasure I find for my own home or my daughter’s houses. Such fun.
Church thrifts are wonderful, good finds and great support system too!
I have a favorite consignment shop I go to….the items are juried and come with great prices. Antiques, vintage and beautiful furnishings all displayed beautifully….I go there when I am in the area and have come home with lots of treasures…like my 1850 Louis XVI mirror for a fabulous price! I recently went to our local Habitat and noticed that antiques, etc that come in are now in an area for a “silent auction”…now that’s not fun! Have a great week Janet!
Iām off the next two days (my first pair off since early November) and may just have to hit a thrift store or two! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you for all the great tips for shopping at thrift stores. Great information and ideas. Love your photos and love the Limoges China. Jean
Love your style ! and your tips for shopping area just Awesome. Thanks
Much appreciated Daisy…enjoy your week!
We are full-time Rvers, but that doesn’t stop me from deorating I am a quilter and have donated about 100 lap quilts to friends. I put one on the back of my sofa and one at the end of my bed. I love thrift stores and have a passion for crystal things especially hearts..
I love silk flowers and have 3 bouquets in lovely thrift store vases. I love thrift stores so much. I have always said I would love to decorate a home with just thrift store furniture and decor. I may get to do that in the future.
Your RV is your home, so why not make it a beautiful place to be! Sounds like you’re doing just that Barbara!
Great tips! I love finding new items and use all my dishes when entertaining. However, I have so many that I am going through and getting rid of the ones that I haven’t used in a good while. I know someone will love having them as much as I have. I plan to take them to the Humane Society Thrift Store but when I go I always bring home more than I drop off!! Have a nice weekend. Peace and Joy
I’ve donated many dishes and it justifies me picking up more that way. Haha! Enjoy your day Cecelia!
I was told that one should offer 10% less than the marked price at thrift stores. What is your view on this? Thanks for the tips and for your answer!
Thanks for stopping by Devonna. No, I definitely would not ask for a better price at any thrift store. Prices are generally set and they do often have specific days where certain categories are discounted for that day. At a flea market you can usually strike a deal with a vendor, but I ask “Can you do any better” or “is the price negotiable”? Something like that…
Love thrifting and my house is a show place because of it.
I can actually comment this time! I am not good at all on computers, but have followed you for years and shopped on your Shabbyfufu before. I have wanted to ask questions so many times, but could never figure out how to. I have always loved the white shabby chic look and finally in my late years am getting there. Thank you for all your ideas and help. I go through your emails every day and love the suggestions. Thanks from Mary, now living in NC as a California native and loving it.
Mary…it’s not entirely you, as I’ve had to turn off commenting on occasion with sooooo much spam! It’s back on now, and I am here for you…
Janet we learn from each other and I am so happy you are empowering women on beautiful things for their homes with less to worry about.
Thank you so much for sharing.
You have exquisite taste.
Sandy
Awww, thank you Sandy and we do learn from each-other!! Have a wonderful week..Janet
I just love your tips on thrift shopping! I used to do that years ago, and loved decorating our home with great finds! It took me back to such a great time in my life. Thank you so much, Janet!
I’m glad that this post made you happy Carol! I just love thrifting, even if I don’t necessarily need anything. It’s so fun to see what’s out there…
Thank you for all your hints and inspiration!
Ladybug
Well I thank you Ladybug for stopping by! Happy weekend!
Janet,
Janet, I love this post on Thrifting!! I learned to thrift from my Mother and have passed the skill down to my son and daughter. As a volunteer at my local Assistance League Thrift Shop for 13 years, I have met wonderful people and have seen amazing donations. Not only does Thrift Shopping save money, but this fun form of recycling raises money for local charities and lets useful merchandise find a new life, instead of going to a landfill. My favorite thrift store finds are dishes, crystal and decorative accessories. You never know what treasures you might find!!
Mary, I’m sure that we would have fun thrifting together…lol! I definitely have a favorite thrift store that I go to and all of the proceeds to help veterans. Happy weekend!