Design inspiration is everywhere, from magazines to Pinterest. However, the best inspiration comes from treasure hunting. Going to charity shops and estate sales to buy things second-hand will save you money and help you discover unique items that will make your smartest friends wonder where you found your pieces. From small accent items to large-scale purchases, here are ten things you should buy thriftily instead of buying at a chain store, experts say.
Glassware
A selection of clear glass could be a selection of items such as vases, drinking glasses and candle holders. But according to designer Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design in Gainesville, Georgia, you can score big in the glassware departments of antique centers and thrift stores. “Bold colors, pretty details and unusual designs always add interest and personality to a tabletop,” she says. With many migrating across the Sea of Glass, you may even find high-end brands. This way, you can accessorize your bar with Waterford crystal stems or purchase unique blown drinkware.
Original art
It's an easy solution to go to a retail store and grab wall art to fill an empty wall, but buying second-hand paintings can give your home a more luxurious feel. Plus, you'll be surprised at how inexpensive it can be to thrift original art. “I love sparing an unknown or naïve still life, landscape, or portrait painting,” says Jen Bienvenu of J. Bienvenu Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky. “This ensures that you don't have the same big box store of printed and framed art as your neighbor.” Additionally, if you have an original piece of art, the resale value is higher than a mass-produced piece.
Chairs
Vintage chairs are another unsung hero that lurks in most charity shops. Whether you need a sturdy office chair, an upholstered accent piece, or a pair of wing chairs, the sight of a variety of chairs can seem overwhelming. However, gemstones await you if you are willing to look for them. “Chairs quickly bring vibrant and rich history into your home,” reveals Audra Samnotra, owner of Social Swan Decor in Tampa, Florida. She also says that you shouldn't ignore upholstered seating because you don't like the fabric. “You can reupholster them, which is a fantastic way to get a unique, bespoke piece that is very special.”
Conversely, Bienvenu draws inspiration from fabric chairs when designing. “My favorite thing to do is build a room around a chair with original upholstery,” she says. If the seating is made from vintage fabrics in good condition, consider this a bonus as restoration can sometimes come at a high cost depending on the piece. “Most of the time I spend as much time on the chair as I would have to spend on the fabric or the work alone,” adds Bienvenu.
Rett Peek Photography, courtesy of Jen Bienvenu
Decorative accents
It can be frustrating to go to a resale store and see a ton of decorative items. Not only are there a lot of parts, but depending on the level of organization in the business, it can seem like junk at first glance. But with some willingness and the ability to imagine objects in your space, you can find interesting pieces for your home.
Designer Stephanie Calderon of Stephanie Calderon Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina, enjoys browsing resale stores for items to create bookshelves and coffee tables. “Our treasured finds include decorative accents like exquisite candlesticks, elegant vases and charming thrift store bowls,” she says. Calderon also looks for hardcover books, paying attention to the spines, not the fragile covers. When you remove the paper covers, decorative books instantly become an inexpensive way to add color and interest to a room.
Mirror
Bienvenu has a big savings secret: second-hand mirrors for your home. From accenting an entryway to becoming a bathroom essential, these reflective pieces come in all shapes and sizes at thrift stores. “I spend at least 50% less on beautifully carved wood and gilded mirrors than if I had to buy the mirror new,” reveals Bienvenu. Aside from costing less, there are the added benefits of mirrors being of higher quality and of course having antique finishes on the glass and frame – all of which are characteristics new mirrors attempt to emulate.
Vintage bedding
If you are looking for bed linens, familiarize yourself with the stores in your area as each store carries them differently. Some lay them flat, others hang them, and the last set throws them in a trash can. No matter how they're marketed, pay attention to these household staples. “Look at vintage linens to see if there are vintage monograms that resemble your own, pretty embroidery on the hem, or unique patterns that will elevate your next dinner party,” recommends Griffin. Imagine finding a beautiful monogrammed pillowcase for yourself or, even better, a gift for a loved one.
Tiles
Although they are rarer, you can score big by buying vintage tiles. Not only can you use them as coasters or small pieces of art, but if you find enough, you can also incorporate them into bathrooms, backsplashes, and outdoor focal points. “Vintage tiles “are eye-catchers,” says Samnotra. “Once installed, they add instant character and richness to any room.” Either try a small DIY project or ask your contractor to enhance these antique beauties during a tiling project in your home.
Roy Hawke: Hawke & Rock Productions, courtesy of Audra Samnotra
Lamps
Oh, the lamps waiting at the thrift store. Lighting is readily available and often inexpensive, from glass and brass to wood and ceramic. “Classic lamp bodies like urn, pumpkin and glass shapes are hidden everywhere in second-hand stores,” reveals Bienvenu. Although these gems are sometimes paired with outdated or dirty lampshades, replacing a shade is an easy solution. When you go shopping for lamps, take a bulb to test at the store, but also consider rewiring any non-functional parts. Another secret is to look for specific manufacturers. Bienvenu looks for brands she calls “the big ones,” like Frederick Cooper, Chapman or Marbro.
Dishes
When it comes to adding personality to kitchen and dining areas, Calderon looks for unique kitchenware—like plates, cups, bowls, and utensils—that add charm. “Thrift stores offer a wide variety of options accumulated over generations, offering unmatched selection not found in retail stores today,” she adds. Collecting plates and cutlery from thrift stores can add an heirloom feel to your gatherings, even if the pieces are new to your collection. And if you love an eclectic vibe, you can purchase individual pieces individually for a more ornate look.
Furniture
Of course, any savings list would be out of place without furniture, as that's what our Southern experts mentioned most often. Side and accent tables, dressers, buffets, desks and dining tables are all pieces that will stand the test of time and are easily available second hand. And if you go to an auction or check Facebook Marketplace, you'll often come across people selling large pieces at a bargain price. “We often discover incredible deals on well-crafted solid wood pieces that would otherwise command high prices,” says Calderon. Getting more bang for your buck – in quality or quantity – is a fantastic way to fill your home.