Thrifting can be overwhelming – most stores are aisles and aisles of cluttered pieces. BUT thrifting can be very rewarding if you keep a few key tips in mind while shopping. I’ve filled my home with beautiful pieces for a fraction of the price you’d pay at a retail store. To me a piece feels a bit more special when it’s not mass produced. I hope these tips help you find treasures for your home! And check out the bottom of the post for a bonus tip.
- Look for shape and size – ignore color and pattern. Everything, I repeat, EVERYTHING can be painted or covered. Train your eye to look for shapes that appeal to you. The vase below is a perfect example – I’ve been loving large vases with smaller openings on the top. Before, the vase had an aztec feel and bold colors. I knew with a quick coat of white spray paint I’d have a vase I could use in multiple spaces.
- Create a wish list. Creating a list is helpful on a few different levels. This will help you have a clear goal before even stepping foot in a thrift store and removes potential distraction. This also helps when looking for specific pieces that need to be a certain size. For example, I keep a note on my phone with dimensions for a nightstand I’ve been hunting for. Make sure to keep a small tape measure in your bag!
- Shop often! It’s likely you have a thrift store in close proximity to your home. If so, I recommend you stop by frequently. I try to stop by once a week and spend on average 30 minutes per trip. First browse the most cluttered aisles, then finish with the larger pieces and furniture. Shopping often will train your eye and allow you to find fresh pieces.
BONUS TIP: Donate while you’re there! I find that I don’t continue to hoard decor items when I’m constantly evaluating what I actually use in my home.
