Lara Spencer's Top Tips For A Successful Thrift Store Haul

Today, thrifting is not just an affordable way to obtain new stuff; it has evolved into a whimsical, rewarding activity — especially for those looking for their next treasure in shelves full of pre-loved items. In fact, most Americans enjoy thrift shopping not just to score a good deal, but to find novelty items they can bring home. If you're a first-time thrifter looking for the best strategy for your shopping spree, HGTV star and thrifting guru Lara Spencer shared some great tips for a successful thrift store haul.

There are indeed a lot of valuable items to seek out at a thrift store. However, if you tend to feel overwhelmed by aisles and racks full of possible items to take home, Spencer highlighted a few items you can start adding to your cart with confidence, along with some easy and simple tips on how to incorporate your thrifted finds into your home decor.

In her guest appearance on "Live with Kelly and Mark," Spencer expressed, "Art is the easiest way to make a room feel more expensive." Most thrift stores hold artworks that either have a vintage feel to them, or feature interesting textures and colors that can elevate a room. Bring home a few pieces that suit your personal taste and create the perfect gallery wall that showcases your personality.

A stack of thrifted books is another great way to make your space feel more homey and curated. Gather a small, cohesive collection — like art books or first editions — that you can place on your coffee table or on your shelf to make the space feel slightly more sophisticated.

Smaller items at the thrift should not be overlooked, either. Find decorative containers such as baskets, bowls, and certain types of pottery that can serve as centerpieces, accent decor, or quirky organizers for smaller trinkets. If a unique, "weird" piece is calling out to you, then maybe it's worthy of a place in your home as well. Vintage ceramics and figurines, for instance, can help bring a little kitsch into your kitchen, and might serve as a conversation piece for your next batch of guests.

After a successful thrift store haul, your next task is to incorporate your finds seamlessly into your home. In her YouTube feature, Spencer shared that 'layers are life,' suggesting that thrifted boxes, bowls, and even candlesticks can help assemble a great-looking tableau. To do this, group different-sized objects together and create a shape or a formation that helps establish visual hierarchy, like a pyramid structure or a rectangular composition.

Spencer also suggested that we 'mix, don't match.' Instead of thinking in terms of monochromatic schemes and matching sets when it comes to interior decor, experiment by mixing different types of furniture or decor into your living space. You can start small with a thrifted lamp with an intricate design and work your way up to larger pieces of furniture, like dining tables and chairs.

As Lara Spencer spills the tea on her best thrifting advice, it is essential to take your time and find items at the thrift that work with your style and your interiors. Ultimately, this decor is for you.