The Common Thrift Store Find That's Getting A Lot More Popular In 2026

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Have you ever wandered around a thrift store and bypassed the furniture section entirely because there didn't seem to be anything worth looking at? Well, in 2026, you may just want to keep your eyes peeled for some pine pieces. That's right: Both design experts and hard data have been coming in strong to declare that pine furniture is enjoying a definite rise in popularity. In fact, Vogue reports that used furniture site Vinterior has experienced a 500% jump in pine furniture sales, with that number staying high throughout the last year. And as Vinterior's head of brand, Sophie Salata, told Country Living about pine, "Once considered humble, it's now celebrated for its warmth, honesty, and quiet charm ... From solid kitchen dressers to bold, sculptural coffee tables, beautifully crafted pine pieces are being rediscovered and reappraised — especially those with character and provenance."

One of the reasons that this type of wood is experiencing a renaissance could be because of how sustainable it is. In recent years, shopping with the health of the environment in mind has become more widely popular, and thrifting pine furniture fits in perfectly with this for multiple reasons. First, pine itself is one of the most sustainable woods to harvest in the first place because it grows quickly, meaning it can be harvested more often without emptying entire forests, particularly if new ones are planted along the way. When pine that is already sustainable is also purchased secondhand from thrift stores or estate sales, the wood becomes an even more environmentally-friendly option because the item is being repurposed rather than thrown away in favor of a newly-made product. So, what should you look for when thrifting your own pine furniture?

Next time you see pine furniture at the thrift store, should you grab it? Well, you may first want to check on the item's condition to see if it is a viable piece for your home. Because the pine typically used to make furniture is relatively soft, it can be susceptible to dents and scratches, so it is always a good idea to examine any pieces you are considering purchasing for damage that is too severe. In addition, pine can warp if exposed to too much moisture or if stored in an area without decent ventilation. Checking for signs of warping is important because the uneven surface can result in drawers that don't close correctly or joins developing gaps, thus making the piece less usable and attractive. And, while the natural texture in this wood adds charm, any knots that are too deep can create holes and compromise the integrity of the piece. It is a good idea to look out for these imperfections or signs of damage to ensure you are buying a piece in the best condition possible. 

Finally, when thrifting pine furniture, it may be helpful to consider which type of pine is best suited to your needs. For example, white pine is durable and has a less noticeable grain, making it good for cabinets, tables, and chairs. On the other hand, Southern yellow pine has a distinct yellow tint but is easy to varnish or stain to achieve different looks. So, once you've found some wooden furniture accent pieces made from pine in good condition, how should you style this popularized material in your own home?

Due to the natural wood grain and knots that are prominent in this wood, pine can be a great way to add life and character to a space. And thrifting these pieces means you can achieve this effect without breaking the bank, too. If you like the idea of having a farmhouse or ranch-style design, you may want to check thrift stores and secondhand shops for pine pieces that feature a live wood edge to add a rustic touch to your home. To further enhance the sense of warmth and comfort that pine offers, try layering in soft furnishings like seat cushions, pillows, and blankets to help the furniture feel settled into the space and homely.

If you don't naturally lean toward a more rustic interior style, however, you don't need to discount pine furniture just yet. While the natural grain, knots, and imperfections in pine aren't always a good fit for modern interiors that focus on sleek lines and sharp edges, this type of wood can be styled to suit an industrial-inspired home. To do this, try incorporating different materials like glass and metal directly in with the pine furniture. For example, if you've thrifted a pine dresser, you could swap the existing handles for something like these Rok 5 Pack Matte Black Industrial Pipe Style Kitchen Cabinet Pulls, which will create a nice visual contrast to the soft, warm wood.