12 Items That Are Better Bought From The Thrift Store Than Paying Full Price

Home goods are getting more expensive all the time, and it can be hard to save money when you need to replace things at home, want to redecorate, or are planning a remodel. If you're looking for a way to save some money while still picking up quality pieces for any room in your home, then the thrift store should be at the top of your list for finding what you need. That's because shopping at a thrift store can be a great way to save money and find hidden gems for your home. Thrifting offers an opportunity to find unique pieces that will make a statement in any room.

One of the fun things about shopping at the thrift store is that there are always new items trickling in every day, making your trips to the thrift a treasure hunt that can land you everything from furniture to books and even the perfect glassware for an elevated dinner party. It's all about knowing what to look for and what's actually worth picking up. While shopping at the thrift store can be fun, there are things to watch out for, as well as things you should be on looking to snag when you find them. Although you might be able to find a lot of affordable pieces at the thrift store, it's always a good idea to have a list of items to be on the lookout for.

Baskets are not only decorative, they are also functional. Woven baskets can be used to add a natural element in any room while also being a great way to store a wide range of items. You can use baskets to organize shelves, pantries, and even to store linens. These items add texture to a space and are very easy to find at the thrift store. Instead of buying a new basket at a home goods store, it's always a good idea to check the shelves at the thrift to get a deal, as many stores will have these pieces under $5. It's easy to clean a basket simply, with soap and water.

Books can be the perfect decor for a coffee table, but new coffee table books by big publishers are usually over $50 apiece. These are often oversized hardcovers with gorgeous imagery throughout. Coffee table books can be a great way to get people talking, while spotlighting your interests. They're also used specifically as a decorative anchor in a room. And with how much they cost new, heading to a thrift store is a great way to find these hardcover books for a fraction of the price. If you're lucky, you can often find these books for under $5.

If you love displaying fresh flowers in your home, it's a good idea to have a vase or two on hand. And if you're looking for vases that are a certain size or have a unique design or color scheme, then the thrift store is a great place to start. This is an item that is frequently donated, so they're easy to find on the shelves in secondhand shops. Typically, you can find vases for under $5, even in high-quality materials like glass and ceramic.

If you're looking to add some color to your decor, glass bottles are a solid decorative choice. They can be used in a variety of rooms to create a light-reflecting display when placed in a window or make a fabulous montage on a fireplace mantel. At the thrift store, you can find a wide range of colorful glass bottles, in unique shapes and sizes. While glass bottles abound at bargain stores, the thrift is a great option for an eco-conscious approach, and it's the best way to find a cool, vintage bottle that is unique. You might even come across some valuable antique glass gems that can start a conversation.

Picture frames, especially larger ones, can be very costly — especially if you're framing something that is an unusual or non-standard size. If you want to pick a more unique frame with a lot of decorative details, then you're going to pay even more money. If you're looking for a more cost-effective way to frame your pictures or any posters you might have, the thrift store is the place to look. Even if there is already a picture in the frame, checking the shelves and aisles for unique options can save you money in the long run, with plenty of pieces available under $20 — and you can always just replace the artwork in any frame and reuse it.

Cookware is expensive no matter what material it is made out of, but it seems like copper can be especially costly. However, copper cookware and dessert molds often pop up at the thrift store for less than you would be able to purchase it new or even at an antique shop. Not only can you use the cookware for practical purposes, but it's also a great addition to your decor. If you love the look of copper, check the aisles of your thrift store for everything from small pots to unique mugs. Anything under $50 is a great deal, as copper is valued at about $6 per ounce.

The thrift store is a great place to find unique, wooden boxes that can be used for a wide range of storage and DIY projects. You can find vintage boxes like old cigar boxes that can be used as decor, as well as newer pieces that might just need to be cleaned up before using them. Smaller boxes are perfect for jewelry and trinkets, whereas larger boxes and chests are great for blankets and linen storage. As with anything at the thrift store, the prices will vary, but you can typically find smaller to medium-sized boxes under $10.

Furniture can get expensive, especially when it is made with real wood. At many thrift stores, you can find valuable vintage wood furniture for so much less than at a regular store. Not only does it often cost less at the thrift store, but you can find unique vintage and antique pieces that not everyone will have. While some of the objects will be in ready-to-use condition, other pieces of wood furniture will need some work done, like waxing, reupholstering, or polishing, before they are ready to be added to your home decor.

Skip the mass market artwork and the prints that can be easily found retail, and look for more unique art and paintings on your next trip to the thrift store. The thrift store can be a great place to find quality vintage artwork and unique pieces in a variety of sizes that fit your aesthetic for less, which can also allow you to create a space that is truly your own. Often, the artwork at the thrift store is less expensive than what you would find for a print at stores like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx. 

If you are a tea lover, having a vintage tea kettle is a great way to elevate your tea drinking experience. At the same time, these can also be used as decorative pieces in a kitchen or dining room. Thrifting a tea kettle is all about finding a piece that costs less than retail, but that is still in good enough condition to be functional or add a striking aesthetic appeal to your decor. If you plan to use the kettle, carefully inspect it for rust and cleanliness, and also note that some early tea kettles use lead solder, which is poisonous. If you are unsure if the kettle is safe to use, repurpose it as a piece of decor for your stovetop.

If you are looking for quality pieces of holiday decor, the thrift store can be a jackpot. Not only do a lot of people donate excess items after parties and gatherings, but you can often find new pieces donated by retail stores as well. While it's always important to check to make sure you are getting a good deal, holiday decorations at thrift stores are often half the cost of retail, and it's amazing what you can find, including vintage pieces that are on the rarer side, like feather trees.

Cast-iron cookware sometimes gets even better with age. While some cast iron might look damaged or rusted on the shelves of the thrift store, it's actually pretty simple to salvage and restore a cast-iron pan. When thrifting, it's always a good idea to check the home goods shelves to see if there is any cast-iron that needs a good cleaning and seasoning, as you could end up getting amazing cookware for a quarter of the retail price.