The TikTok Thrifting Rule That Ensures You're Only Going Home With Pieces You'll Use

So, you've perused thrift store aisles for hours, scanning the shelves for the most interesting pieces, only to bring them home and realize there's just no place for your new treasures. Perhaps the excitement over your new item has worn off, or maybe you've ended up stashing it in a bin to pull out and use at a later date. The truth is, many thrifted finds, though exciting at first, often go unused and forgotten – leading to a cycle of overconsumption. If this is your struggle, there is a TikTok thrifting rule that could revolutionize your thrifting game. The rule? A thrifted piece should either tell a story, act as storage, or do both.

Sure, many of us have set rules to follow that help us thrift better treasures, but actually using those pieces in our homes is a different dilemma altogether. By choosing pieces that either tell a story — and thus add charm to our home — or opting for items that provide a useful function like storage, we can be more intentional about the thrifted goods we invite into our spaces. There are plenty of expert tips for thrifting home decor, but this one could prevent you from piling up forgotten thrift finds into the furthest reaches of your garage or attic.

As one TikToker puts it, thrifted home decor should either tell a story or offer storage — bonus points if it does both. Thrifted storage is a go-to for many and is one of the more practical thrift tips. You can often snag great deals on baskets, side tables, storage bins, and antique boxes at consignment shops. Likewise, bowls, vases, and various odd containers can add a bit of charm and character to your home while serving a functional purpose. 

When it comes to pieces that tell a story, these can come in an array of sizes, shapes, and textures. Every piece in the thrift store has some kind of history, so keep your eyes peeled for the ones that call out to you or feel personal. Consider elegant artworks in ornate frames to create a custom gallery wall that exudes luxury. Whether handmade or store-bought, each art print will hold its own unique story. Alternatively, some thrifting connoisseurs use vintage candle wall sconces to enhance a room's ambiance while also highlighting wall decor. Others source quirky baskets that may not be the best for storage but add a decorative element to bookshelves. There are also several vintage decor items you should definitely snag if you see them at the thrift store, ranging from small dishware like depression glass to larger ornate pieces made of onyx and stone.