From Forgotten To Sought-After: 11 Thrift Store Finds Everyone Is Searching For In 2026

For the last decade or so we've seen a notable trend towards thrifting for furniture and decor, and it looks like the secondhand market is set to continue gaining popularity in 2026. And for good reason too! Not only can you save loads of money on thrift store antiques, but you can also find some truly unique pieces while showing a little love to the planet too. The fast fashion industry gets a bulk of the criticism when it comes to its negative impact on the environment, but fast furniture is another industry with harmful, unsustainable practices. With planet-conscious interior design trending in 2026, it makes sense that thrifted and antique items will continue to be an intrinsic element to include in your interior design. This year, be on the hunt for hot ticket pieces such as vintage China, wood furniture, and textile wall hangings.

Whether you're new to shopping secondhand or you simply want to formulate a game plan before you shop, it's important to know what to look for. This year, don't walk in blind. Take the time to really understand how to spot valuable, high-end items at thrift stores. As you're sifting through the endless stacks of decor and furniture, maintain an understanding around what to pass on versus what to snatch up. There are plenty of top-tier trending items just waiting to be discovered at thrift and antique shops. We compiled 11 forgotten, soon-to-be-sought-after home goods worth searching for in 2026.

If you're hesitant to buy new authentic leather and hide, a more tolerable option may be adopting secondhand furniture and decor. It's undeniable that these materials add depth and energy to a space.

 "There are seemingly endless options with leathers and hides in terms of texture and color. All of our designs are rooted in materiality, and working with leathers and hair-on-hide allows us to add texture and dimension to a room, while maintaining clean lines often lost with softer upholstery fabrics," Hommeboys designers Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter-Rottmayer explained to Livingetc. Don't pass up quality leather at the thrift.

Why go with the same mass-produced art from Target everyone else has when you can score an original art piece at an antique shop? While you may have to sift through the stacks before you encounter a truly worthwhile piece, that time is well spent if you uncover a gem. 

"When identifying valuable items, I look for quality craftsmanship, materials, and unique designs that stand out," Hailey Covington, the founder of Gulf Coast Grandmillennial, shared with Southern Living. You can also search for an artist signature or marking to confirm authenticity.

Elegance and elevated decor is back on the table with vintage China trending once again. But in lieu of the stuffy, formal standard of the past, we're embracing a more eclectic array of dinnerware today. Instead of matching sets, modern design invites you to mix and match your China. 

You can also opt to repurpose China into decor instead of using it as dinnerware. This is great news for avid thrifters, as there's virtually endless shelves of antique dinnerware to peruse at your local thrift or antique store.

Designs are continuing to reflect our desire to connect with nature and move towards more sustainable homes. Organic materials such as wood, natural stone, and metal patina finishes will play a major role in that mission. 

"In 2026, we'll continue to see a strong movement toward authenticity in material selections," designer Jerel Lake shared with House Beautiful. Thrifting is already considered an eco-friendly practice in and of itself. Amplify the spirit of sustainable design by opting for thrifted goods composed of natural materials to bring the joy of the outdoors into your home.

Brass and bronze have certainly carved out a lasting place in modern interior design. However, it seems like this funky, 1920s finish is set to make a nostalgic comeback. Chrome is a reflective, futuristic material synonymous with the Art Deco movement. 

However, in 2026 chrome will maintain a more subtle role in our interior design. Instead of appearing as flashy, completely chrome pieces, this finish will work best as an accent. Look for thrifted decor with subdued chrome elements. If you do go for a completely chrome piece, make sure it melds into the overall design softly.

Wood furniture will never go out of style. And luckily there's plenty to go around at thrift shops. You can find sought-after pieces from prominent vintage brands if you're willing to do some hunting. Wood furniture created by Thomasville and Drexel Heritage are just a couple brands of vintage wood furniture to look for at the thrift store. 

Even if these pieces are a bit roughed up, the beauty of solid wood is the option to refinish it. With a little elbow grease and perhaps some updated accessories, antique wood is a fabulous addition to the modern home.

Don't make the mistake of brushing off the value of vintage Pyrex dishes while thrifting. While modern pieces aren't necessarily anything to write home about, vintage pieces are a treasure. These pieces can be worth anywhere from $30 to $400 and, in some cases, even $600. 

Not only are these collectibles fiscally valuable, but they're also extremely sturdy, lasting a lifetime. This is thanks to the borosilicate glass used to produce these products before the late 1970s. You can distinguish vintage pieces from contemporary ones by looking for the vintage all caps "PYREX" logo.

Vintage silver is timeless and romantic. From trays to pitchers to candle sticks, these pieces are a beautiful addition to the modern home. Silver decor is extremely versatile and can find its place just about anywhere. 

Some antique pieces can be a little worse for wear, but don't overlook tarnished silver. You can spruce up silver pieces by buffing them out with baking soda or silver cream. If the base metal on silver plated decor is peeking through, you can restore it by buffing it out with silver liquid such as Nushine Plating Solution.

Cast iron is one of those items that you should actually seek out secondhand instead of new. These incredibly sturdy kitchen staples only get better with age when properly kept. Over time, they build up a layer of carbonized oil that aids in making them nonstick. 

While new cast irons come pre-seasoned, it's often not as robust as the built up seasoning on a vintage piece. Vintage cast irons also offer an array of shapes and sizes that aren't manufactured anymore. If you find a dingy piece that you love, consider restoring it.

This year we're gravitating tangible textile wall art. These once-prominent pieces are finally making a comeback. 

"The '70s and '80s were full of that tactile energy, from bold macramé to hand-woven rugs. A vintage rug or wall hanging from those decades brings instant warmth and personality, and at thrift store prices, it's an easy way to create a more textured, character-rich space," Nicolas Martin, the founder of Flea Market Insiders and Fleamapket, shared with Martha Stewart. Tying in closely with the trend towards organic material, textile wall hangings offer a grounded comfort in a space.

Another excellent treasure to lookout for at the thrift this year in lacquered furniture and decor. Recently upgraded from passé to right back on trend, this finish offers a distinct pop of color and texture to inject your home design with visual interest. 

"It adds another texture to the room. And when you place lacquer alongside wood grain, or linen, or velvet, or seagrass, it creates contrast," director of architecture studio De Rosee Sa Claire Sá explained to Livingetc. In moderation, lacquered furniture and decor is a refreshing addition to serve as a bold accent.