My younger self would never believe that my older self is saying this, but the thrift store is where it’s at for home decor essentials. If you’re not already a believer, trust me and take a few trips to different thrift stores in your area and see what I mean. There are so many home decor essentials to buy at the thrift store, and your wallet will thank you every time you shop there instead of somewhere else! 
So what are the best things to keep an eye out for while shopping the thrift store? Here’s my list of the top 8 home decor essentials to pick up secondhand.
Baskets
Every thrift store I’ve ever gone to is overflowing with baskets! Every shape and size you can imagine. And they are SO cheap! If you don’t like the exact look of the ones you find, remember you can always change the color with a chalky paint wash or spray paint, add a pretty liner, or dress them up with some cool hang tags or labels. 
Dishes & Glassware
Get that “collected over time” look instantaneously by picking up a random collection of dishes and/or glassware at the thrift store. Hang mixed and matched plates on the wall, display milk glass in a china hutch, or set out a pretty vintage tea set on a table. The prices on these items are unbelievably low! 
Furniture
At most thrift stores, furniture is priced so much less than you will find it on Craigslist or other resale websites. Granted, you may not want to buy a nasty old couch with worn upholstery, but quality wood furniture is a thrift store staple. And, it can almost always be quickly and easily refreshed with some wood polish or some coats of paint. If you need some furniture painting ideas, be sure to check out my Painted Furniture Gallery! 
Picture Frames
The thrift store is a treasure trove of picture frames, and they usually range in price from .99 to $3. That is SO much less than you pay in a regular store! If they don’t match the decor look you’re going for, paint them or give them a gilded look with some Rub ‘n Buff, one of my favorite tricks! 
Wooden Accessories
You can find almost any wooden home accessory at the thrift store! From candle holders, to crates, to storage containers – it’s all there. As with other home decor items at the thrift store, a fresh coat of paint can turn any of these wooden accessories into beautiful accents for your house! 
Lamps and Lighting
So many lighting choices at the thrift store! They’re usually pretty ugly, if I’m being perfectly honest, but they can be given a whole different look with a pretty new shade and some spray paint. Make sure to test any lights out before leaving the store. You don’t want to purchase one that doesn’t work if you can’t (or don’t know how to) repair it easily. 
Serving Trays
Apparently people who donate things to thrift stores do not like to use serving trays. There are always a ton of them there! Sometimes they’re beautiful silver serving trays, and other times they’re kind of ugly (like the one pictured below). But, as you guessed it, you can beautify any ugly ones with paint, or even by decoupaging paper or fabric to them and using waterproof Mod Podge. If you paint or decoupage a serving tray, make sure the supplies are food safe if you plan on serving anything edible on the trays. If they’re just for decoration, that’s not an issue. 
Books
Books are a fabulous home decor essential! Use them to fill gaps in your bookcases, to add height to a table vignette, or to make yourself appear more educated than you are. I stocked up on awesome home decor and design books at the thrift store and used them to add color and interest to my television stand. You can also cover books in pretty paper or fabric for an added pop of color or pattern. 
So there you have it – my list of eight home decor essentials to buy at the thrift store. Do you buy any of these things there? What would you add to the list?
-Bre
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Christine H. says
I have had great success finding silk flowers and silk plants. Most are not dusty, but if they are, a bit of swishing in a sink of water and liquid dish detergent does a great job. I hang them upside down to drip dry. Wreath forms and garlands can be found at low prices. Look at the little bags of stuff for fun accessories to add to your craft projects. Thrift store shopping goes best when you stop by often, the inventory turns over quickly. When you find something great, do not delay, it probably won’t be there tomorrow!
Bre says
Christine – that is great to know about the silk flowers! I’ve always overlooked them because they look a little grimy. So that is really good to know! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Dayna says
I never have to buy styrofoam brand new. I always find a good bunch of it at thrift stores. I use it mostly for my mother’s flower vase at the cemetery. Thanks for all of your tips. I’m excited about the chalk spray paint.
Bre says
Hi, Dayna! Thank YOU for the styrofoam tip! I am going to start looking for that at the thrift store! 🙂 Also, good luck if you try the chalky spray paint. It really is amazing for smaller or intricate projects. I hope it works great for you! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Helen says
I would add candlestick holders to the list. You can find some really great candlestick holders of all sizes to mix and match with your current collection. Our fireplace no longer works as we removed the chimney when we did our addition. We have so many Spare the Air days in California that using a fireplace will soon be obsolete. So, we’ve transformed our fireplace with candlestick holders of all sizes and we light the candles. The fireplace becomes a light source for the whole great room. I wish I had more time to spend at thrift stores. Thanks for sharing your list!
Bre says
Helen – I LOVE this addition to the list! You’re so right that you can go for the eclectic, mix and match look, or you could even get a more uniform look by painting them! My fireplace is not functioning so I may even give this a try the next time I want to update the decor I currently have in there. Thanks for the ideas!
Trisha says
To clean silk flowers use baking soda. Put flowers in bag big enough to tie or clip shut.add baking soda and shake bag several times. Washing silk flowers should be last resort.
Bre says
Such a great tip – thank you!
Deb Henry says
Metal cookie tins, glass canisters (with or without lids), glass cloches, old glass salt and pepper shakers, chippy, rustic kitchen tools and sometimes old quilts. Little porcelain figurines (paint with ivory, shimmery glitter paint for Christmas or glossy black with red eyes for Halloween.
Bre says
YES to all of these! Thanks, Deb!
Melissa says
I would add fabric, either repurpose bedsheets, or I’ve found old drapes or table clothes to use for pillows etc.