Affordable Finds from Thrift Shops to Elevate Your Home'spricey Appearance without Breaking the Bank
Revamped Article:
Thrift stores are treasure troves brimming with affordable gems, not just clothing and knickknacks. You'll find a plethora of stylish decor upgrades that can make your living space sophisticated and chic without draining your wallet. So next time you're sifting through the racks, remember these hidden delights can turn your humble abode into a lavish-looking oasis.
Start with the classic, decorating with vintage finds. While vintage and antique stores are chock-full of pieces, the thrill of thrifting is in the hunt — like stumbling upon one-of-a-kind objects that can completely transform your home without making a dent in your bank account. Look closely, and you'll see decorative mirrors, collectible ceramics, and a myriad of other decorative treasures hiding among the unassuming items.
To help you out, we asked designers which pieces to seek, the ones guaranteed to make a home appear more polished and elegant. Here are eight must-have items:
1. Tableware and Glassware
Discovering unique tableware or glassware at a thrift store is a breeze. Plus, vintage tableware is often produced by renowned makers, making it a worthy investment. Want to liven up a table arrangement or fill your kitchen shelves with some sophistication? Look no further.
Designer Jacu Strauss, creative director of Lore Group, shares his tips on scoring vintage glassware: "My favorite finds at thrift stores are real crystal glassware and silverware (cutlery in particular). I don't usually buy new crystal for myself, and I often opt for used silver or silver-plated cutlery. It feels so much nicer and requires nothing more than a bit of polishing twice a year."
If you come across a set that needs some TLC, follow these steps to shine it up:
- How to polish flatware
- How to Remove cloudiness from drinking glasses
2. Artwork
Artwork at thrift stores can range from hand-drawn prints to vintage posters, catering to various interior design styles. Unusual art pieces in vintage frames can elevate a space, whether they're subtly moody, expressive, or thought-provoking.
In the words of Sophie Salata, head of brand at Vinterior, "Thrifting is all about finding hidden gems, pieces that carry history and subtly elevate a space. The key is to pick something that catches your eye, focusing on the size and scale rather than cost."
Designer Rachel Leonard Kennedy has a history of thrifting art for her home: "When guests walk into my home, the first thing they ask about is all the elegant painted portraits I assume are my relatives' on my walls! It's a great conversation starter when I tell them I've rescued these pieces from thrift stores! If you can find original paintings and frame them similarly, you can create a gallery wall that looks like it belongs in a museum. I've found paintings at thrift stores for as little as $2, and the most expensive one I've ever purchased cost $120."
3. Stoneware
Pottery such as jugs, vases, and bowls fills thrift stores, ensuring you find an artisanal piece that exudes rustic charm. Decorating with vintage ceramics offers a surprisingly chic way to style your home — whether you're showcasing ceramics on a shelf or placing a vintage vase in the center of a table.
Rachel always seeks out one specific style of pottery at the thrift store: "Stone and travertine vases, trays, or trinket bowls are very trendy right now, adding an air of luxury to coffee tables, bedside tables, dining tables, or countertops. Grab a natural stone bowl, fill it with fruits like lemons or clementines, and place it as an instant centerpiece. It's a budget-friendly, on-trend design move."
She adds, "The best part is that this trend is timeless, having been around for decades. This means you can easily find stone or travertine pieces from the 80s and 90s that look just as stylish as modern decor boutique finds today. To take advantage of this natural stone style, there are countless uses for an attractive stone bowl. I once found a scalloped travertine bowl at a thrift store locally for just $7, which I use on my entryway table to toss my purse contents in when I get home."
4. Picture Frames
While decorating with vintage art is a classic way to make your space feel unique, don't forget the power of vintage frames, which can elevate a simple piece and make it feel older and more expensive.
Thrift stores often stock an array of vintage art, so if a painting doesn't speak to you, the frame might just do the trick. Opt for ornate gold frames or intricately painted styles for a touch of elegance that sets your art apart from the run-of-the-mill.
5. Trinket Dishes
Trays and dishes can transform a living room, so keep your eyes peeled at the thrift store. These small yet mighty accessories can lift an empty surface and elevate even the simplest of arrangements.
For a refined look, Annie Harrison from Fare Inc. advises searching for "Silver trinket dishes can be used to hold keys or arranged on top of coffee table books for a layered, storied look." Look for silverware with a hallmark, as this indicates the piece is made of authentic silver and will last for years.
Alternatively, for a less traditional look, consider a rustic rattan tray, which will offer an eclectic, curated feel that harmonizes with current trends while still exuding a chic and timeless vibe. Simply fill it with magazines and a bud vase to create a cohesive, stylish arrangement.
6. Ceramics and China
From china to porcelain, you're sure to find a wall's worth of pieces at the thrift store. While some may align with the Grandmillennial decor aesthetic, don't be deterred; you can find pieces that feel timeless and sophisticated, thanks to their designs by established makers.
Consider these dishware brands for second-hand shopping, among others:
- Spode
- English Creamware
7. Wooden Furniture
Finding antique furniture at a thrift store might seem improbable, but keep an open mind, especially at larger branches. Quality pieces are often donated rather than discarded, so take a trip to the thrift store when shopping for a vintage armchair, coffee table, or console.
Wooden furniture lends a room a classy and opulent feel compared to modern synthetic materials and is more likely to last for years.
8. Mirrors
Thrift stores offer a variety of mirrors, from vintage styles to dramatic floor-length mirrors. Not only do mirrors add depth and create the illusion of space, but they can also quickly elevate a room's style.
Remember, don't dismiss aged pieces – in fact, interior designer Rebecca Hughes encourages embracing them: "A large, decorative mirror can open up a room while adding a sense of history. I'm especially drawn to the unique patina and gentle foxing that naturally develops in old glass - it adds such charm."
Annie Harrison from Fare Inc. advises always looking out for "Bronze patina-framed mirrors or mirrors that are heavily foxed: they look far more sophisticated and authentic than hand-painted metal finishes and factory-applied antique finishes."
Many of these treasures, when selected thoughtfully and skillfully integrated into your decor, can help create a home that is well-curated and appears far more upscale. Happy hunting!
Insights:Some designers recommend the following pieces from thrift stores to make your home look more expensive and sophisticated:
- Vintage tableware and glassware
- Artwork and prints, especially original art in vintage frames
- Stoneware and travertine vases, trays, and trinket bowls
- Picture frames
- Trinket dishes
- Unique ceramics and china, especially pieces created by established makers
- Vintage, antique, or wooden furniture
- Vintage or decorated mirrors, including floor-length styles, mirrors with bronze patina frames, or mirrors with heavy foxing
Thrift store items like these can make your living space feel more characterized, highly-curated, and refined.
- Refashioning your home with vintage finds can give it a sophisticated and chic appearance, without breaking the bank.
- To achieve this, designers suggest focusing on specific items such as artwork, picture frames, and ceramics, which can be found at thrift stores. Unique tableware and glassware, vintage or antique furniture, and stoneware are also recommended for making a home look more polished and elegant. Furthermore, vintage mirrors, especially those with bronze patina frames or heavy foxing, can help create a sense of history and add charm to a room.
