Hidden Gems: Home Decor Pieces I’ve Thrifted and Tips For Thrifting To Score Big

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Welcome to my world of thrifting adventures! As an ardent home decor enthusiast, I’ve discovered some hidden gems in thrift stores that have truly transformed my living spaces. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my top thrifted home decor finds, when you should thrift, when should you buy new, and my secrets for finding furniture that is valuable. From vintage to antique pieces to charming decor accents, there is a delicate dance between sourcing quality pieces. Dive into the beauty of thrifting and learn some tips on how you too, can score big on your next search!

Jump Quickly To:

Vintage 80’s Round Dining Table

I’d been looking for a dining room table for months when I walked into my local estate warehouse store on Mother’s Day. And that’s when I saw it. The most beautiful round vintage dining table in the exact color and tone I was dreaming of. I had recently sold my World Market Hairpin dining table which I loved so much but once you live in your space for some time you realize what does and doesn’t work and it was just too long for the space we had now. I snagged the table for only $400 and after I put it in the room it was that “ahhh” moment that was worth all the wait.

Arteriors – High End Vintage Brass Pendant Lights

Our kitchen originally came with two silver and glass globe pendant lights that’s the only job I swear was collecting dust on the glass. I actually command my brother who accidentally knocked into it and broke them one day or I probably would have never got the kick in the butt to start searching for something that fit our recently renovated kitchen better.

While scoring Facebook Marketplace I found these beautiful brass pendants that turned out to be the Arteriors- Edith Pendant- 8″ Vintage Brass. You guys…they were only $200!! For TWO! Surely I’d thought they would have been picked up before I messaged the seller but fate was on my side that day and they were available and ready for pick right away! At a whopping $820 a PIECE originally, these have been by far the best thrift score I’ve found to date. See my tips for thrifting on Facebook Marketplace below.

Hobart M. Cable Satin Oak Piano

When I first saw this piano I will not deny it was not love at first sight. Technically not a thrift I purchased myself, It was a thrifted gift from my grandmother and I didn’t have the heart to tell her at first that it wasn’t quite…my style. But I kept it and throughout the years it has really grown on me. As you can see when the light hits it just right it really looks amazing against the dark IKEA picture ledge accent wall. It still sounds incredible and I play it often 🙂 This is a great example of how using something antique can look elevated into time surrounded by more modern decor. Read on for tips for thrifting pieces that will match with modern decor.

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Antique Angel Table Lamp

“If there is one thing that I feel can truly elevate the look and
feel of your home, it’s lighting.”

This vintage lamp isn’t merely an object; it’s a storyteller, a curator of feelings, and a testament to the profound role lighting plays in orchestrating the harmony of home decor. The gentle glow of a well-placed lamp can soften the edges of a room. When we saw this beauty at an antique store it was love at first sight. The emerald green flower details glow so beautifully when it’s on and the little angel hugging the lamp was adorable. Consequently, they really don’t put this much detail into many things anymore.

The PINK Chair

This chair is the reason my love for thrifting all began 💗. When I was about to have my third daughter I finally had enough room in our new home to give her her own room and decorate my very first nursery. We lived in Arizona at the time and I really fell in love with all the Cactuses so it seemed only fitting to give her a Cactus Themed Nursery 🌵. It still to this day is one of my favorite rooms I’ve ever designed.

I scored Offer Up and Facebook Marketplace for weeks before I found the one I knew would fit the vibe I was going for. Finally, about two weeks before she was due, I came across a whole antique mall that had collectors from all over selling their pieces. When I walked in and saw this beauty sitting glamorously on the side of the store surrounded by old books and faux plants I was SOLD. It was only $150 and not a flaw could be seen. In addition for reference check out the prices of other designer ones similar HERE and HERE. My baby is now FIVE so today it sits pretty in our office because I just don’t have the heart to part with it yet.

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Tips for Thrifting: When You Should Thrift & When to Buy New

When deciding between thrifted and new purchases in home decor you should approach with a selective eye and an understanding of various factors. Thrifting is great for those seeking distinctive, one-of-a-kind pieces with historical charm. It’s an opportunity to embrace sustainability by giving pre-loved items a new lease on life, reducing the demand for new production. On the other hand, investing in new items can be a critical component when purchases demand durability and modern functionalities, such as mattresses or essential appliances. New purchases often come with warranties and the latest technological advancements.

Striking a balance between the two is key; while vintage finds contribute character and sustainability, new pieces ensure practicality and longevity. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual preferences, budget constraints, and the intended purpose of the item. Always keep in mind these factors with each purchase and have knowledge of whether or not your purchase is an investment piece that will give you an ROI down the road if needed.

Mixing Thrifted Items With New

Mixing vintage furniture with new pieces is like orchestrating a fabulous reunion between your grandparents and your trendsetting cousin. Embrace the quirkiness by pairing that mid-century coffee table, a relic from another era, with your ultra-modern sofa that’s all about comfort and sleek lines. It’s like hosting a family gathering where everyone’s quirks add to the charm.

Create a symphony of design by allowing each piece to shine – let the vintage piano regale tales of the past, while the contemporary artwork on the wall adds a splash of present-day flair. Just like we did here with this IKEA picture ledge accent wall.

Additionally, other ideas include: mixing texture with throws on antique furniture; showcasing a stunning antique dresser against a clean minimalist wall; decorating shelves with a mix of antique trinkets, modern sculptures, and minimalist decor items; or hanging a vintage mirror on a wall with modern art.

Tips for Thrifting: How To Tell Which Furniture Pieces Are Valuable

Unlocking the Treasure Trove – How to Determine the Value of Vintage Furniture to Score Big While Thrifting:

1. Inspect the Craftsmanship – Examine for Dovetails

Examine the piece for intricate details, quality joinery, and hand-carved embellishments. Fine craftsmanship often indicates higher value. Look for dovetails like the above. These special cuts are joints that hold together the furniture. When a furniture piece is older it will have hand-cut dovetails instead of manufactured machine-generated dovetails. Hence your goal is to look for irregularly shaped joints. If the joints are irregular it’s highly likely the piece is older and has a high potential for value.  

2. Check for Markings:

Conduct a comprehensive examination of the entire piece to uncover potential indicators of its age. Scrutinize the surface for engraved dates, attached labels, or even imprinted stamps – stumbling upon these can be an exhilarating find. Even though it’s less common for antiquated items to possess such unmistakable cues, don’t allow that to discourage you. Dedicate a moment to meticulously inspect the vintage item, leaving no detail unnoticed.

3. Material Matters:

Solid wood, especially hardwoods like oak, mahogany, and walnut, tends to hold more value than veneers or engineered woods. The use of solid wood’s density and workability provide a canvas for artisans to showcase their skills. Furthermore, solid wood is not just a material; it’s an investment. Its quality and appeal contribute to its desirability, and this often leads to an appreciation in value over time. Collectors recognize the essential worth of solid wood pieces, positioning them as sought-after treasures in the world of interior decor.

4. Keep An Eye Out For The Screws

Handmade single-slot screws give hints to the age of your furniture. Therefore, when scoring pieces take some time to inspect the screws that are securing the hardware to the furniture or keeping the furniture itself together. In old furniture, no two handmade single-slot screws will be identical. The pitch, the thread’s orientation concerning the shaft, demonstrates significant variation across threads, much like the depth of the groove etched into the shaft, responsible for shaping the thread. The edges, a result of meticulous filing, frequently exhibit a flat profile.

Tips For Thrifting: How To Score on Facebook Marketplace

Navigating the realm of thrifting on Facebook Marketplace can be a rewarding treasure hunt with the right strategies in place. To score remarkable finds and hidden gems, consider these valuable tips:

1. Utilize Specific Keywords & Save or View Posts – hone your search skills by utilizing specific keywords and filters that align with your desired items. Save posts that are even similar to the item(s) you are searching for to train the algorithm what you like and are looking for.
2. Timing is key – regularly check listings and be swift to respond when a promising item emerges. Exercise caution by meeting in safe, public locations when arranging pickups. Embrace the thrill of the hunt.
3. Browse often – My top tip for scoring the best things is to quickly and frequently check in on the app throughout the day. Good deals go super fast so it helps to reach out to sellers early.
4. Personalize The Conversation – What I mean is don’t send over the automated prompt of ‘Hi, is this available?’ (It annoys sellers) If you see something you love, use your own words. The first message I try to send is a personalized note on why I feel a genuine connection to the item being sold. Sellers will prefer an invested buyer and someone who shows genuine interest and not someone who will ask and then never respond.
5. Remember, persistence and patience pay off!

There you have it! I hope these tips and tricks can help you the next time you are thrifting and you too can reel in the value of thrifting quality pieces that bring some character and value to your home.