Never Leave The Thrift Store Without Buying These 12 Home Decor Steals

We all want to design our homes in a way that reflects our own unique personal style. Although shopping for new decorations can be exciting, finding home decor steals at the thrift store is one of the best options for several reasons. Because decor is such a broad category, it's hard to say exactly how much is thrown away. However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that over 80% of furniture and furnishings wind up in the landfill. Trends change by the year, and our styles evolve over time, so it's no surprise that we're constantly looking for ways to update our spaces.

Thrifting your home decor isn't just better for the environment, but it's also a fun way to find unique pieces that add personality. Much of what is currently in retail stores isn't built to last, and it can all start to look the same. By purchasing secondhand, you have the opportunity to snag vintage finds, one-of-a-kind pieces, and well-crafted items built to stand the test of time. Before you head to the thrift shop, take some time to think about the aesthetic you're trying to create in your home. Make a list of areas of your home that feel a bit bare or could use a refresh, so you'll have a better idea of what you're searching for. To make your next thrift store outing even easier, the list below will detail some of the best home decor finds you don't want to skip.

Mirrors are a decorative element that never goes out of style. They aren't just a beautiful accent; mirrors can make small rooms look larger, add more depth to a space, and even maximize natural light, if positioned correctly. Unfortunately, even basic mass-produced mirrors can come with a steep price. By thrifting, you can find unique pieces that have a lot more character than those mass produced. Some vintage mirrors have hand-carved details, metal frames with patina, or other elements that will stand out and create a more interesting look.

When browsing the thrift store, look for mirrors that are of high quality, rather than being in perfect condition. Look for solid, well-made frames in interesting shapes. Because it's second-hand, the glass may be a bit dusty, or there may be slight chipping on the frame. Sometimes, all it needs is a good scrubbing, a little sanding, or a fresh coat of paint to make it look display-worthy. Once it's in your home, styling options are virtually endless. Hang it on a wall across from a small window to brighten up a room, place it at the end of a hallway to visually expand the area, or feature it in a gallery wall. 

Not all thrifted baskets are created equal, but if you can find a high-quality woven one, you may want to add it to your cart. Hand-woven baskets are made from renewable materials like bamboo, rattan, jute, or wicker. So, not only are you recycling by purchasing them second-hand, you're also choosing something more eco-friendly than many alternatives. Plus, they're naturally beautiful, making them perfect for taking those cluttered areas you want to look intentionally styled. You can use a thrifted wicker basket for kitchen storage, to keep blankets organized, or even place a few around the house as catch-all baskets. Once you start thrifting baskets, it's hard to stop. If your collection starts to outgrow your storage space, repurpose them as gift carriers as a low-cost way to elevate any present.

When trying to determine whether you've found a hand-woven or factory-made basket, taking a closer look at the details will give you some clues. You can spot poorer-quality baskets by loose weaving, as handmade products will be tightly woven. Additionally, look for handles that are thoughtfully made and securely attached. They shouldn't shift or slide when you grab them. Check the bottom to see if there is an artisan signature. If you find one, it's a good sign you've scored an authentic piece. If you're still unsure, naturally-made containers have a bit of weight to them, so a heavier basket is usually a sign of quality.

Although area rugs are made to protect the integrity of hardwood floors, it's hard to deny their aesthetic value. They take up a lot of space in a room, so the colors and design can make a big impact on the overall look. The downside to shopping for large rugs is the cost, which is where thrifting comes in. Secondhand rugs will be significantly cheaper than purchasing new, and you can even find some vintage pieces that are unique or handmade with better quality.

Vintage rugs are one of the best decor finds you can acquire when thrifting. Between kids and pets running around and the usual wear and tear, many modern rugs will need to be replaced every few years. Now, most of them are made in factories with machines, while older rugs were hand-woven and made to last for decades. Plus, they're woven into interesting patterns that will immediately elevate any room. Don't be discouraged if they have a little bit of damage. A few frayed threads can add to its charm, and oftentimes, vintage rugs are repairable when taken to a professional.

If you feel like something is missing in your living room decor, you may just need a few hardcover books to fill out those empty spaces. Coffee table books don't just look chic, but they can also make great conversation starters. Lining shelves with a few novels with bold colors or a beautifully designed cover is an easy way to add warmth and personality to any room in your house. Books can be pricey, especially if they're decorative or hardcover copies, but you can easily find secondhand alternatives under $5. So, if you find a stylish hardcover book at a thrift store, you won't want to pass it up.

Next time you head to your favorite thrift shop, make sure to take a moment to look through the book section. Pay attention to hardcover books, and look for any colors or styles that pique your interest. Don't skip books with torn or tattered sleeves; sometimes, you'll be surprised to find it's even more beautiful with that protective paper removed. When decorating a coffee table, large, hardcover books with visual content work best. Choose options that fit in with your style or interests that allow your personality to shine. If you just want to fill up an empty shelf, you can focus more on colors and patterns than the content of the book. 

Houseplant lovers know the thrill of finding new greenery to add to their collection, especially when stumbling across a discounted plant rack. As you get home, excited to display your new find, you may notice how the black nursery pot it came in doesn't exactly add to your overall design. Containers can be decor pieces themselves and are great for adding more color, texture, and character to the entire plant. Unfortunately, decorative pots can be pricey, sometimes costing more than the plants themselves. Donated pots are just as beautiful, but they're much more cost-effective.

Depending on where you thrift, you may have to spend some time in the home decor section before you see any plant containers. However, half the joy of buying secondhand is the thrill of the hunt, so have some fun looking for unique containers for your plants. Many items can be repurposed into pots, like bowls, tea cups, baskets, or basically any object that can hold soil. Once home, you can stick the plastic container inside or add a few drainage holes yourself. However, make sure you scrub your new pots first. Even if they look clean, there could be lingering diseases or pests that could spread to your plants.

Globes go back centuries, back to when people first began modeling the world around them as a way to better understand geography and navigation. Globes rose in popularity as decorative objects during the 16th century, and they remain just as valued as timeless home decor pieces today. Large globes with elegant stands make stunning focal points, and they add a touch of sophisticated charm, whether you stick them on a shelf or the desk in your home office. While the classic blue globe from your high school science class might not seem all that appealing, you should seek out valuable vintage globes at thrift stores.

Next time you see a globe sitting in the miscellaneous home decor aisle, look for clues to help you determine when it was made. An easy way to identify its manufacturing date is to see if there are any countries or regions labeled under their former names. For example, a globe made before 1922 might still show Russia instead of the Soviet Union, or one before 1930 might feature Constantinople rather than Istanbul. You'll also want to see if you can find the manufacturer's name, which can help you pinpoint when it was made and how collectible it might be. Some vintage globes can be worth a pretty penny, so it's always worth giving them a closer look before passing them by. Even if it's not, an older globe is great for adding an interesting touch to nearly any room.

The artwork at thrift stores can be hit or miss, so many of us just quickly sift through it and move on to the next aisle. However, you may want to spend a little more time examining each piece. While the painting inside could be a potential DIY project you'd prefer to pass up, the frame itself could make a beautiful addition to a bare wall. If you've ever ordered a new picture frame, then you already know just how expensive it can be. By purchasing secondhand, you can often find stunning vintage pieces or sturdy, well-made frames for a fraction of the cost.

If you want a vintage frame, look for signs of aging. Older wooden frames will likely be hand-carved and may have some warping or wormholes. Although patina on gold frames may seem like a vintage trait, true gold leaf doesn't lose its luster over time. Typically, it's actually newer designs that add the discolorations for an aged effect. Additionally, gold on newer frames may be painted on, so look for faint brushstrokes. Aside from vintage frames, you may want to grab any that fit your aesthetic and are well-made. Secondhand frames are perfect for displaying a family portrait or for collecting to make a gallery wall. 

Cut flowers look gorgeous in any home, but placing them in a crystal vase is an easy way to take them to the next level. Crystal contains lead oxide, which refracts light more dramatically than plain glass, giving it a pretty, sparkling effect. The added lead also helps to eliminate impurities, so vases made of crystal will be much more transparent than other glass alternatives. Items made with crystal can also have more intricately cut patterns. It's a softer material than glass, making it easier to create beautiful designs. All of its unique qualities make even inexpensive store-bought bouquets feel more luxurious, so make sure you don't skip over it when in the glassware section.

Because the glassware can be dusty, all of the items may blend together. To distinguish valuable crystal from cut glass at the thrift store, turn on your phone's flashlight and aim it at the vase. If it's crystal, it'll prism, creating faint rainbow hues that glass won't produce. You can also do a sound test, but do so with caution. Gently flick the edge of the vase with your fingernail and listen to the sound it creates. Glass will ding, whereas crystal will make more of a ringing sound. Crystal is typically thinner and more delicate, so if you flick it too hard, you can risk breaking it. Some crystal pieces will have a maker's mark, so check the bottom for a logo, name, or signature.

Although some ceramics can be worth a lot more than you pay for them, these creations are valuable in another way. With handmade ceramics, each bowl, vase, mug, or other decorative object will have the artist's individual touch. Between the brushstrokes, glaze variations, and uniquely made shapes, no two pieces are ever exactly alike, so you'll have a truly one-of-a-kind find. When you incorporate ceramic art in your home, you effortlessly add a warm and cozy feeling. Plus, buying ceramic secondhand benefits the environment two-fold; you're not just repurposing something, but also adding decor to your home that was likely made with more sustainable, locally-sourced materials.

Not all ceramics are handmade, so there are a few signs to look for to tell if it was created in a factory or by an individual. Ceramic pieces crafted by artisans aren't going to be perfect, and their imperfections are what give these objects their character. You may notice a bit of glaze dripping, a shape that's slightly off, some brushstrokes, or other quirks to hint that it was made by a person, not a machine. When in doubt, you may be able to spot the artist's signature or stamp located on the bottom. 

While some of us could spend hours looking through each of the thrift store shelves, for many, it can be overwhelming. Thrifting for lamps is one of the easiest ways to dive into secondhand shopping, and you'll still save money compared to buying new. When we think of lighting, our brains tend to consider the overall purpose, rather than all the ways it can elevate a space. Wall sconces can instantly shift the mood of a bedroom, while a quirky floor lamp adds personality. Some lighting is designed to brighten the whole space, while other fixtures are better for creating a soft, cozy glow. Keep your design goals in mind while thrifting, and you might just spot the perfect lamp.

It's easy to write off a light fixture if you love the base but aren't a fan of the shade. Instead, try to look at the colors, textures, and design to make your decision. Lamp shades are typically inexpensive, so even if there aren't any catching your eye, you can find a cute new top that pairs beautifully with the base. You'll also want to check the bottom of older-looking lamps to see if there is a maker's mark. If you're lucky, you may stumble upon a unique and valuable vintage lamp, which can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

When you think of secondhand candles, you may assume they're all half-used with little to no wax left. Surprisingly, you can find deliciously-scented candles in beautiful containers, an entire set of candlesticks, or brand new decorative pieces for way less than you would anywhere else. Candles are a common gift, especially when shopping for someone you don't know very well. If they don't get used, many people add them to their donation pile, leaving you with a selection of beautiful options that won't give you sticker shock. Make sure to keep an eye out for glass candles at thrift stores, as you may even score an expensive, high-end brand.

There isn't a room or a home that candles won't look great in, and they never go out of style. In addition to the fragrance and color, see if you can find any that are in interesting containers. Once you finish using the candle, the pretty glass it came in can be repurposed into a chic container for small items, a pen holder, a planter, and so many other things. Because they're small and usually added to shelves lined with a variety of different objects, you may have to move things around and pay close attention to find the steals. Once you see one you like, inspect it to make sure there aren't any damaged wicks or cracks in the glass. 

As trends shift, holiday decor can start to feel more commercialized than cozy. If you're missing that feeling of being a kid on Christmas morning, you can add a little nostalgia by decorating with thrifted decor every season. When people clean out their attics, thrift stores fill up with decorations you may recognize from your childhood. For example, many people have been searching for trendy vintage items, like the beloved green ceramic Christmas tree with lights that nearly everyone had in their home in the '70s. Even if you aren't trying to rekindle old memories, shopping secondhand is one of the best ways to save on decor that will likely go into storage after a month.

There are typically entire aisles or sections dedicated to holiday items, though not all of them will be worth purchasing. So, first, choose a color scheme or theme you want to stick with to make hunting for the best pieces a little easier. Keep an eye out for holiday items that are usually more on the expensive side. Some examples include lawn inflatables, artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, or holiday dish sets. Popular retro items, like vintage sleds or ceramic Santas, can also be worth more now, especially with nostalgia Christmas decor trending in recent years.