How To Thrift Home Decor: What I Look For And What I Leave Behind

Today I am sharing how to thrift home decor with practical tips, real thrift store examples, and budget-friendly finds I actually use in my home!

Hey friends! Last week I shared blue entryway ideas, and I ended up taking that color that I fell in love with, Coastal Jetty by Valspar, in the entry and painting my entire living room. Our house is still kind of a mess and I’m still putting it back together; however, getting a new couch and adding a new paint color really got me in the mood to thrift for some new pieces to help tie the space together. I thought I would take you along and share how to thrift home decor today!

This was my first thrift haul of 2026, and I feel like it was fairly successful. You can watch the full haul below! I wanted to share how I shop and the kinds of things I look for when I’m thrifting for home decor!

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How To Thrift Home Decor: Start with Sections You Always Check First

Glassware & Everyday Basics

When I first visit a thrift store, I always like to check the glassware section. I found some beautiful glasses right away. I already own these same glasses in my hutch in the dining room, and I found five more of them for about 50 cents each.

They’re very simple, heavy-bottomed glasses, and we had so many mismatched cups in our cupboard that I was really happy to find exact matches. I already have both short and tall versions, so finding more just made sense for everyday use.

I love to thrift for matching pieces or pieces that I can add to already existing collections. For example, if I find a Pfaltzgraff piece that I don’t already own, it’s so exciting to be able to expand my Heritage collection. It’s practical and makes sense for my home!

Look for Pieces with Multiple Uses

Baskets, Vases, and Unexpected Finds

While thrifting, I came across a tall basket in the floral section that really caught my eye. It had faux ivy in it, but what I loved was the height. I immediately thought it could make a great umbrella stand in an entryway. I have so many baskets, so now when I thrift, I only look for baskets that are unique shapes I don’t already have or that are really good quality.

I also saw some vases that would be really pretty for holiday decorating. Even when I don’t need something right away, I like to think about how an item could be used seasonally or styled in different ways throughout the year. However, if I am not going to use it right away, I always make sure the piece is special enough for me to take home and put in storage!

Some baskets initially excited me, but after inspecting them more closely, they were torn on the sides, so I decided to leave them behind. Even though they would have looked great on a coffee table, condition always matters. While I’m not exactly a minimalist, I do try not to over-consume or let clutter build up.

How To Thrift Home Decor: Pay Attention to Quality (and Weight)

Ironstone, Lamps, and Heavier Pieces

Goodwill was incredible this time around. I found a gorgeous ironstone set with beautiful green floral details. I also came across an ironstone platter that was incredibly heavy and verified England, but I already have so many platters and simply didn’t have room for another one, so I left it behind.

One piece that really had me going back and forth was a cast iron table lamp. It was super heavy, very textured, and had a sort of English cottage vibe. There wasn’t a shade with it, but I could tell it was solid and well made.

Even though I wasn’t sure where it would go, I ended up getting it. It was originally marked $5.99, but when the sticker came off, they sold it to me for $3.99. Sometimes quality pieces like this are worth grabbing if the price is right; even if you don’t have an exact spot for them yet.

How To Thrift Home Decor: Be Honest About What You’ll Actually Use

Knowing When to Leave Things Behind

There were several beautiful items I passed on, even though I loved them. I’ve learned that just because something is pretty doesn’t mean it needs to come home with me.

I left behind:

• A beautiful stand I already had several of
• Ironstone platters I don’t have room for
• Baskets that were damaged
• Items I couldn’t realistically store or style right now

This has helped me keep my home from becoming cluttered while still enjoying the thrill of thrifting.

Don’t Be Afraid of Newer Pieces: Just Be Intentional

Artwork & Thrifted “New” Finds

One artwork I picked up was absolutely beautiful, but after flipping it over, I realized it was a newer piece. I was a little bummed because I love finding one-of-a-kind vintage artwork that not everyone has.

What’s funny is that later I saw the exact same artwork at Marshalls in a smaller size. Even so, it was only $4.75, and I still felt like it was too pretty to leave behind. I may use it upstairs or even pass it along to someone else who could use it.

I also found Magnolia scalloped plates for $1.49 each; the exact same plates I admired during Christmas shopping but didn’t want to buy new. Finding them secondhand made them feel so much more special!

Dig Through the Artwork (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

My Favorite Thrift Find

The last find is probably my all-time favorite. There was a massive pile of artwork at Goodwill, and at first, I didn’t want to dig through it. I was bundled up and sweating in my winter coat, and when I started pulling frames, the whole pile collapsed on me.

It was chaotic and hilarious, but completely worth it. I found an amazing vintage print with beautiful blues and greens that I plan to hang in my living room. This is a reminder that sometimes the best thrift finds require a little extra effort.

How To Thrift Home Decor: Thrifting with Future Projects in Mind

Sconces & Small Architectural Details

I also thrifted a pair of sconces a while back for $12. I loved the scalloped detail but wasn’t sure about the shiny wood portion. My husband suggested removing the wood, saving the bottom detail, and reattaching it.

Without the wood, they feel completely different and much more my style. I’m thinking they could be really beautiful above the couch with the right shades. This is where thrifting really shines; you can customize and adapt pieces instead of settling for something brand new.

My home is truly a collection of secondhand finds from years of thrifting, garage sales, and antique shops. I don’t always know exactly what I’m doing; I just like to play around with decor and see what works.

Thrifting is a process, and it’s meant to be fun. You don’t have to bring everything home, and you don’t need a perfectly styled space right away. Little by little, things come together.

Hopefully this post gives you a better idea of how I shop for home decor at thrift stores and what I look for along the way. If you’re new here, I’d love to have you sign up for my free mini homemaking course below for more thrifting and home decor tips!

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