Thrift shopping for home decor can be intimidating and frustrating. It can seem like it takes forever. Finding quality pieces that fit your home can be such a hit or miss, which can be discouraging and often times keep you from going back - I get it! But don’t lose hope! Thrift shopping for your home is such a rewarding feeling knowing you’re re-using and re-purposing items. And of course, it’s a very cost effective way to bring character and personality to your space. I’ve been doing it for years and I find so much joy knowing the countless time and energy pays off in creating a home that fits my family's needs and style.
I want to give you some tips on how to thrift for home decor that will help fight any discouragement and make this process fun!
Be patient. Furnishing your house with thrifted items will not happen over night (unless you get super lucky). It will be a process that may take some time. With this process, you never know what you’re going to find. Sometimes I find the best pieces when I’m not specifically looking for them. So, snag em’ when you see em’.
Know your style. What do you want your home to look and feel like? Figuring out those two questions will help you shop with a purpose and help your eye see those pieces easier when you’re browsing.
Be open for potential. Don’t be scared to give a piece of furniture some TLC. If you see good bones and can look past the present state it’s in, you’ll be able to put your own personal touch on it. When you put some elbow grease into something, you love it a little more and it’s a little more satisfying. Seeing pieces I’ve redone makes me smile every time I walk past them in my home.
Keep going! You have to keep going back. Even if you didn’t find anything the time before or the time before that. Inventory changes so much that you never know when you’ll strike gold. I find the best stuff because I’m persistent and willing to invest time and energy in the hunt.
Thrifting has been such a joy in my life and I love being able to spread that joy to others by giving tips and tricks that have helped me in my search. Happy thrifting!
This article was written by Jess Spruill, an avid thrifter. See more of her personal style and home design from Goodwill finds at @jess.spruill on Instagram.
Here are some examples of Jess's finds displayed in her home: