Here is your guide to finding vintage items at thrift stores! Unearth those hidden, one-of-a-kind gems that add character and charm to your home!
Thrifting has become more than just a frugal way to shop. It’s a treasure hunt for unique, one-of-a-kind vintage items that add character and charm to your home.
As someone who has done a lot of thrift shopping in their days and has become insanely addicted to the hunt, you’ve come to the right place! There is nothing quite like a thrift shopping high!
Majority of the decor in my home has come from a thrift store. Some of my favorite pieces in my home are ones I found on a thrift shopping trip with my mom. Not only was I able to find vintage thrift store items at an affordable price, but I was able to create a fun memory with my mom! A win-win situation!
Because of my positive experience, I’m the biggest advocate for thrift shopping. I will be your biggest cheerleading when it comes to finding vintage thrift store items for your home.
Whether you’re a seasoned vintage enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of thrift store shopping, here’s a guide to help you uncover hidden gems that tell a story!
This post is all about vintage items to look for at thrift stores.
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Finding Vintage Items At Thrift Stores
Timeless Furniture Finds
Start your thrift store adventure in the furniture section. Look for well-built, solid wood pieces with classic designs. Mid-century modern dressers, vintage rocking chairs, or ornate side tables can add a touch of nostalgia to your living space. Inspect for quality craftsmanship and unique details that set these pieces apart.
If you’re wanting a unique space, then bring vintage into your home. Vintage furniture finds will make the biggest difference in your home. Avoid your home looking like a department store show room by searching for those unique pieces.
One of my favorite thrift store finds to date is this item pictured above that I styled in my dining room. The details are stunning and it’s so unlike anything you would find at a Home Goods or Amazon. I fixed it up with a good cleaning, some paint, and new hardware.
Vintage Kitchenware
Take a stroll down the aisles dedicated to kitchen items. Vintage Pyrex bowls, retro coffee mugs, or antique silverware can infuse your kitchen with a sense of history. Keep an eye out for vibrant colors and iconic patterns that were popular in past decades.
Another vintage thrift store item that looks stunning styled in a kitchen setting are various types of metals. Metals like copper or brass are a must to look for when thrift shopping. They can be expensive at home decor stores but they’re so affordable when thrifting!
Copper and brass are staples of traditional decor and will give you that unique, collected look. Pictured above is one of my favorite ways to display my thrifted vintage metals throughout my kitchen.
Quirky Decorative Items
Embrace the eclectic charm of vintage decorations. Seek out old-timey picture frames, antique mirrors, or vintage clocks. These items not only make for great conversation starters but also add a distinctive flair to your home decor. Look for unique shapes, intricate details, or signs of wear that give each piece character.
Each vintage thrift store find in your home should show your personality and tell a story. My goal is for people to walk around my house and ask “where did you get this?” I then get to explain that it was found at a thrift store and the reason behind buying it.
Again, it’s the detailed, one-of-a-kind pieces that will make the biggest difference in your home and stand out from the rest. I’m an advocate for buying the “weird” stuff. The weird stuff makes your home more interesting and special. Whether it’s new or used, the weird stuff is fun! Dare to be different!
Everything pictured above including the bamboo shelf itself, was thrifted. This is one of my favorite spaces in my home. From the blue and white china, classic books, and shell boxes, you can gather a great understanding of who I am and some of the things I love!
Classic Vinyl Records
Dive into the music section and explore the vinyl records. You might stumble upon classic albums from your favorite artists or discover hidden gems from the past. Vinyl records not only serve as a nostalgic throwback but can also be framed and displayed as art.
This is a great vintage find to display in your home. Again, this is another way to show off your personality and make your space unique. Thrifting vinyl records is also a great way to save yourself some money rather than paying full price for this classic vintage find.
My favorite way to display this particular vintage find is on a bookshelf in a home library, living room, or office space. This is a great way to add personality and character into your home.
Retro Clothing And Accessories
Don’t forget to explore the clothing racks for vintage fashion treasures. Look for timeless pieces such as leather jackets, silk scarves, or vintage band tees. Incorporating retro fashion into your wardrobe adds a touch of individuality and style.
Just like adding character and charm into your home, the same rule applies to your wardrobe. Look for the unique pieces that you won’t find at your average Target store. My favorite part of thrifted clothing is the amount of money you can save on vintage or name brand items. What would be considered a splurge in an ordinary department store, can be turned in to a major deal when thrifted.
I highly recommend looking for vintage accessories like belts, handbags, scarves, or jewelry. These are the items that can completely transform an outfit and add some flair to your wardrobe!
Collectible Books
When searching for vintage items at thrift stores, head to the bookshelves and search for vintage or first-edition books. Classic literature, vintage cookbooks, or books with unique cover designs can become both functional and decorative elements in your home.
I love incorporating collectible and vintage books into my home decor. I have so many different books scattered throughout my home. There isn’t a single room that doesn’t contain some form of book or literature.
Books add so much character into your space and are a thrift store find you should never pass up! For more information on thrift store finds you should never pass up, you can read my post on it here!
When buying vintage books, I look for ones that are in my color palette. I stick to mainly red or blue books for my own home. I love hunting for books with unique or interesting titles! But fair warning, the hunt becomes quite addicting in the best way!
Antique Art And Prints
The last vintage item you should look for when thrift shopping is antique art. Wander through the art section and keep an eye out for vintage paintings, prints, or framed photographs. Art from different eras can bring a sense of history to your walls. Look for pieces that resonate with your personal taste and style.
Vintage artwork is the best way to add character into your home. Thrifted artwork can elevate your space at a completely affordable price. Artwork and vintage prints can be extremely pricey. However, thrifting these pieces makes this design element possible while sticking to a budget.
This entire gallery wall pictured above was styled from thrifted finds. The prints as well as the frames are so unique and helped transform this blank wall into an eye catching space.
Vintage Items At Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are treasure troves waiting to be explored. The thrill of finding unique vintage items not only adds a touch of history to your home but also allows you to express your individuality through curated pieces. So, put on your detective hat, and embark on a journey to unearth the vintage gems that await you at your local thrift store. Happy hunting!
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