Thrift stores are a treasure trove for unique home decor, but it takes a discerning eye to know what’s worth the investment and what will just collect dust. In the midst of a thrifting frenzy, making the right choices can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve tapped a home decor expert to share the items she always skips when thrifting. With her tips, you’ll skip the duds and zero in on the pieces that’ll truly transform your space.
Meet the Expert
Sarah Bronstein is the founder of Sukkha Interior Design.
Throw Pillows
Cavan Images / Getty Images
While Bronstein isn’t totally against thrifted linens like sheets and tablecloths (as long as they can be washed), throw pillows are a hard pass for her. Even if they look fine on the outside, soft decor items are prime suspects for trapping dust, stains, bacteria, and even bedbugs. Better safe than sorry, she says.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!
Leaded Glassware
Bill Boch / Getty Images
Leaded glassware, while beautiful and vintage, can be a risky find at thrift stores because of the potential health hazards posed by lead. Popular from the 1800s until the 1970s, its production was ultimately halted due to safety concerns. Since it’s hard to know the age or treatment of thrifted pieces, opt for glassware labeled lead-free for a safer choice.
Upholstered Furniture
Sohl / Getty Images
Upholstered pieces at thrift stores may seem like a steal, but they’re a gamble, Bronstein says. You never know what’s lurking inside—old stains, allergens, or even pests. It’s best to leave them behind and invest in quality, easy-to-clean pieces that you can trust.
Bronstein’s one exception is pieces she plans to reupholster.
”When hunting for upholstered pieces to reupholster, focus on the bones. Look for solid, hardwood frames and intact springs—the sturdier, the better,” Bronstein explains. ”The fabric and cushions are easy to update, but the structure is what’ll make or break the piece. Think: good structure and timeless potential.”
Light Fixtures
Isabel Pavia / Getty Images
Bronstein explains how it’s vital to check the wiring details when picking up lamps or light fixtures at thrift stores. She points out that you never know how old the wiring is or if the fixture has specific wattage restrictions, like 40 watts or lower.
Retro Appliances
svetikd / Getty Images
Used retro appliances may have that bright, sunny aesthetic that’s hard to resist, but they’re not always the best buy.
”While they look charming, older appliances often lack the energy efficiency and safety features of newer models, and the wear-and-tear on the mechanics can lead to costly repairs—or needing to simply toss the piece down the line,” Bronstein says.
3 Items Actually Worth Thrifting
Baskets
loonara / Getty Images
Whether it be a traditional woven wicker basket or a Chinese wedding basket, baskets are one of Bronstein’s favorite items to thrift since they’re super functional. They’re also greatly cheaper to thrift rather than buy new ones at stores.
Vintage Art
Ivan Pantic / Getty Images
Another favorite hunt of Bronstein’s is frames. She notes that even a less-than-perfect frame can quickly be DIY-ed to fit any space or style.
”Consider treating a frame with a matte spray paint or a metallic finish like Rub’n’Buff,” she says.
Even with the cost of paint, the cost savings can be vast compared to buying new. Alternatively, if you like the frame, but not the art, simply swap in a print or photo of your choosing.
”If it’s a canvas frame that can’t be removed, I will actually paint over the existing imagery and create my own design or collage,” Bronstein says.
Brass Tchotchkes & Handmade Ceramics
Cyndi Monaghan / Getty Images
As a designer who specializes in small spaces and vacation rentals, Bronstein knows that it’s the little details that make all the difference.
Bronstein personally loves thrifting knick knacks like handmade ceramic vases and vintage brass objects.
”These treasures may have a bit of wear, but they all carry stories and styles that elevate a space in ways mass-produced items can’t match.”
As you’re thrifting, keep an eye out for items that can be cast to function in ways beyond their original purpose. For instance, a handle-less tea cup can be recast as a pencil cup, or a ceramic cake plate can be used to display jewelry or perfume on a vanity.