Thrifted Home Decor: Must Have Finds

I’ve never been a big one for decor hauls. Sure, it’s fun to grab some new items every now and then but buying endless decor to fill our homes leads to inauthentic, confused, and cluttered spaces. Instead, I like to be a little more intentional. Not just choosing what the space actually needs but also finding thrifted pieces for more charm and interest. Over the years, I’ve found some real treasures and have a list of thrifted home decor I always keep an eye out for. I’m sharing my list and some tips below!

entryway shelf and bench with plants and pillows and thrifted home decor basket for planter — Entryway styling with thrifted basket use for a planter

Thrifted Wood Stools

One of my all time favorite thrifted home decor finds are wood stools. These are the work horse in a lot of my rooms. Sure, they’re great for extra seating but they also add height, warmth, and function. From small to tall, I often use wood stools as plant stands and side tables.

Typically, they just need a good wash with warm soapy water but I often give them a quick sand and paint. For furniture, I love Rustoluem Milk Paint in Eclipse – a rich, lush black for lots of contrast.

kitchen wood shelves with new and thrifted decor including bowls, baskets, plants, and artwork with white quartz countertop and black cabinets — kitchen shelf styling with thrifted woven trays

Woven Baskets & Trays

Another one of my favorite thrifted home decor items is woven baskets and trays. These make all the difference in my styling – not only are they functional but they also add lots of texture and and warmth.

I look for all kinds of baskets; ones that can serve as trays in the kitchen, waste baskets in the bathroom, and larger catch alls for blankets or pillows. Worried about whether thrifted baskets are sanitary or how to clean baskets? They are surprisingly easy to clean. I just use warm soap water and then air dry. If it’s sunny outside, even better – a nice airing out in the sun often does the trick. For tightly woven baskets, I spray with a water hose to get into all the grooves.

Free Shelf Styling Guide

Want more information on how to include thrift store items and other home decor items into your shelves? Get my tried and true tips for easy, simple styling. Just download and get styling.

Thrifted Vases & Bottles

Thrifted ceramic vases and glass bottles are another home decor item that are easy to find at second hand stores and sales. With so many lovely options out there – buying new vases is really not as necessary. (Ok, there are a few modern options I might splurge on but still….)

I look for small glass bottles that I can group together for little bouquet styling or that I might gift to a friend with flowers in it. I also use these for shelf styling decor.

living room with vintage Wood dresser and wood stool with black and white art work above

Vintage Wood Dressers

While I don’t purchase them often, solid wood dressers are on of my favorite thrifted finds. Usually, they need a little love – maybe sanding, paint, or replaced hardware but always well worth the effort.

I found my all time favorite wood dresser at a barn sale, beautiful wood hiding beneath some grime and completely reformed after a quick sanding and replaced hardware. This kind of piece add history and warmth to a space unlike anything new could ever bring.

What should I look for to spot quality?

For thrifted home decor you can spot quality items by looking for solid wood, heavy glass, solid brass and details like dovetail joints, and maker’s marks.

How do I style thrifted pieces so they feel modern, not cluttered?

When styling thrifted home decor, keep it minimal and mix in with new and functional pieces. For example, with shelf styling, I mix in thrifted woven trays and glass bottles with newer serving ware and utensils.

How do I clean and sanitize thrifted items?

Most items can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Glass items can be sanitized with hydrogen peroxide. Baskets items can be washed and set in sun to dry. Textiles and pillow covers can usually be put in the washer and dryer.

entryway with rug, table, baskets, and mirror — entryway with thrifted table I painted black

Thrifted Home Decor Finds

Finding treasures is one of my favorite ways to create an authentic, layered home. Plus, it’s super rewarding to find a treasure. Here’s my complete list of items I keep an eye out for:

Wood stools
Woven baskets and trays
Glass bottles and vases
Vintage wood dressers
Solid wood chairs
Coffee Table Books
Wood side tables

Final Thoughts on Thrifted Home Decor

While there are so many other wonderful thrifted home decor finds, like artwork and chairs (ooh, I almost forgot chairs!), these are some of my very favorite items. Pieces I look for again and again that really create a solid decor foundation in my home. And, let me tell you, finding a gem like these is a million times more rewarding than a haul from a big box store.

While I love incorporating thrifted pieces into my organic modern style, it also works well for other styles like Mid Century Modern and in specific areas like my Small Home Office where I use baskets for organizers and trays.