Shopping for second hand or thrifted decor is such an easy way to add style to your home. It’s also extremely cost effective and eco-friendly!
On the other hand, navigating the second hand market takes a bit of patience and skill. Today, we are sharing the knowledge and expertise that we have honed while furnishing Content.
While visiting Content, guests always say, “You find such great stuff!” And I always say, “You can too!”
By using The Insider’s Guide to Second Hand Home Decor, you’re getting exclusive intel so you can shop the second hand, home decor market like a pro!
Tip 1 - Research
The first step in procuring second hand home decor is to identify the shops and resources located in your area. With that, second hand home decor can be found in a variety of places. Here are a few of our favorites:
Thrift stores (organization, community, church)
Goodwill (retail and outlet stores)
Flea markets
Antique shops and malls
Craigslist/Let It Go/Facebook Marketplace
Tag/garage/estate sales
Trash day, bulk pickup
Start by Googling the following search terms and make a list of the results. For storefronts, limit your search within a 20 minute drive which I’ll discuss more in Tip 6:
“Thrift stores near me”
“Flea markets near me
”Second hand near me”
Then, do a search for the towns and cities that surround you, and consult their community calendars. Make a note of their bulk pickup days.
Similarly, garage sales are a treasure trove of used home decor and you’re going right to the source. Garage/tag sales are more seasonal (on the East Coast) but great estate sales, with houses full of goods, are hosted year round by estate sale companies. Many estate sales are still listed in the Classified section of regional newspapers.
Finally, do a bit of research into your local Facebook Marketplace and private “buy/sell” groups. Consider which groups are currently active and have a solid membership. Only request membership to the groups that meet your needs. Too many alerts can be annoying!
Tip 2 - Get To Know the Goods
Now that you have a list of possible second hand resources, take a trip (remotely or physically) and scout them out. Take notes. What day and time did you visited? How busy was the store/market? What types of items do they seem to specialize in?
For instance, if you’re looking for furniture, consider, “How much space does this store set aside for furniture?” or “Does this market carry more clothes than home decor?”
During your initial visit, the store may be picked over, but if the space they have designated for certain items is obvious, you can assume the inventory is abundant but the turn over may be quick.
Similarly, if you’re looking for home decor, and the store is primarily filled with clothes, you’re time may be better spent elsewhere.
Tip 3 - Pricing
Getting to know the second hand market, means learning the pricing structures of different sellers.
During your initial research, make note of pricing structures, and familiarize yourself with different sellers and how their inventory compares to other stores you’ve visited.
For instance, great bargains can be found at flea markets by individuals that resell full house/estate sales and offer Dollar Bins. Where as, antique dealers are passing on their expertise and curated finds to you at a premium.
Consider your budget and shop at locations that won’t leave you disappointed.
Another great question to ask: Is there potential to negotiate? Online marketplaces are filled with sellers that need to get rid of things quickly, so their willingness to haggle may be welcomed. Before you haggle, make sure you know what the item is worth to you. Everyone wants a deal, but don’t insult a seller by lowballing a great item.
My advise with online marketplaces is to negotiate prior to scheduling a pickup. Unless there is something unexpectedly wrong with the piece, that warrants a reduction, pricing should be agreed upon, well in advance.
Tip 4 - Shop Without Expectations
One of my favorite beginner tips for finding second hand home decor, is to shop without expectations. There has NEVER been an instance we’re I’ve gone looking for a rug and found one… I wish. But that’s not the nature of thrifting.
If you want a rug, today, go to Home Goods. If you want an opportunity to find a vintage, Turkish rug for 1/3 of the price, in the next 3-6 months, shop second hand.
Shopping for thrifted home decor takes patience and the best finds are discovered when you are least expecting them!
Tip 5 - Customize a “Buy” List
Now, shopping without expectation doesn’t mean buying frivolously. On the contrary! I suggest creating a list of items that you’re on the hunt for. I keep a running list on my phone of “things” and areas in the house that “need” help.
If you’re anything like me, you have lots of big ideas for your home. This list helps me keep an eye out for the items that will directly satisfy an item on my list.
However, in general terms, I am always on the look out for the following because I know these items and materials could be easily incorporated into our interior design style:
Mirrors (wood or gold frame)
Vintage Rugs (primary colors)
Ceramics (earth tones)
Baskets (flat trays or tall double handled; plants and blankets)
Wood (small accessories)
Brass (candlesticks, vases, trinkets)
Customize a list that compliments your home’s style. Think about colors and textures that would work well with the current style of your home.
Tip 6 - Shop Often
Remember when I said to limit your resource list to locations within a 20 minute drive? I suggest this because the most successful second hand shoppers visit their favorite shops and markets, all the time.
Obviously, this is relative to your availability, but thrift stores are restocking inventory HOURLY. The more you visit, the more likely you will be to get your hands on something really special.
Tip 7 - Search Alerts on Craigslist
Similar to shopping often, I suggest letting the internet work for you! One of my favorite tricks is to setup search alerts, in different online marketplaces, with keywords for items I am actively on the hunt for.
Try not to be too specific and use alternative search terms. Some of the best bargains I’ve found online have been sold by people that either do not know or care about current decor trends.
For instance, I scored a beautiful set of walnut, mid-century, Danish bedside tables for $40. The seller was a family member of a relative that had passed away, and had simply listed them as “nightstands”.
Tip 8 - Say “No” To Big Projects
There are plenty of blogs dedicated to refinishing and crafting thrifted finds into new, amazing items. In fact, I’ve shared plenty myself.
But, for thrifting newbies, these projects are often better in theory than execution. My suggestion is to find second hand decor that does NOT need to be fixed extensively (i.e. put in your garage/basement for 6 months while you think about what to do with it). We’ve all been there!
Yes, of course you can update the hardware on a piece of furniture, GO FOR IT! But, if you’re intentions are often better than your follow through, pump the brakes.
Similarly, old items may contain lead. Refinishing old furniture, that may contain harmful materials, requires a separate set of safety standards.
Consider the time and DIY skill that will be necessary to use your purchase. The most satisfying second hand buys are those that you can immediately take home and enjoy!
Tip 9 - Trust Your Gut
I still remember the morning, at the flea market, I found a brass, wall mounted key organizer with three monkeys covering their eyes, ears and mouth; acting out “see no evil”, “hear no evil” and “speak no evil”.
I bring it up because my gut instantly told me it was a great vintage piece, but I didn’t react. I browsed the next table, and decided to go back to look at it again, only to find another shopper had (within the span of 25 seconds) purchased it.
Moral of the story is, if your instincts draws you to a second hand piece, take the time to consider why:
Is it your style?
Could you use it today?
Is it the perfect color?
Is it purely nostalgic?
Does it bring you joy? (Yes, Marie Kondo it!!)
Is the size right?
Do you already have something similar?
Adding to this, when at Good Will (specifically), I always grab a cart. This simple step allows me to trust my initial instinct, by putting items I’m drawn to in my cart, and provides me the extra time to consider why I like it, as I continue to browse.
Just because a second hand item is in your cart doesn’t mean you have to buy it, but the act of holding onto it for a bit will help you work through the buying process.
Similarly, at a flea market, hold the item in your hands. Pick it up, look at it, turn it over. There’s something truly tangible about the way an item can make you feel, which can also help decide if it’s a “must have”.
Tip 10 - Keep An Open Mind
Bring your imagination with you while you’re shopping second hand.
Consider the intended use of the product, but then consider how YOU could use it differently to enhance your home decor.
For instance, I recently purchased a set of wood salad bowls for $3.49. We already own some, but I loved the square shape of this particular wood set. Instead of using them in the kitchen, I tried to think outside the box.
I ended up adding the small bowls to our guest rooms as bedside, catch-all trays for keys/change and I used the larger serving bowl as a centerpiece filled with seasonal decor.
Tip 11: What To Skip
There are healthy limits to second hand home decor. I steer clear of the following items entirely:
Bedding and linens with the exception of new, in the box/bag inventory.
Mattresses
Pillows
Baby furniture (unless you can verify safety standards and the make/model for potential recalls)
Tip 12: Cleaning
Once you’ve found a great used item, consider the cleaning steps you’ll need to take before bringing it into your home.
Quarantine may seem like a aggressive term, but it’s an important step in the cleaning process. Leave the item outside of your home for a few days. Then, all cleaning should be done in the driveway or garage so you don’t bring dirt or allergens into your home.
HARD SURFACES: For hard surfaces, wear gloves and wash used items with warm soapy water and let the item air dry.
RUGS: We start by vacuuming rugs on the oscillating setting to remove any loose dirt using our can’t live without Kenmore canister vacuum. Then, use a natural pretreat, stain remover to address any noticeable spots or odors.
For smaller rugs (max. 2x4), textiles or upholstered furniture, we use a portable steam cleaner on the fabric areas and disinfectant on the hard materials. For larger rugs, we use an upright steam cleaner and let all items air dry for 48-72 hours before bring them inside.
TEXTILES: After quarantine, place textiles in the washing machine and run on a regular cycle.
BED BUGS: Bed bugs are a real concern and are difficult to detect by the untrained eye. If you are concerned, we recommend only buying from vetted sellers (referred by family or friends) or by sellers that guarantee their inventory has been treated.
Here is a great document about navigating the threat of bed bugs while thrifting.
If you are in love with a used piece, we suggest hiring a professional pest management company that can perform a thorough treatment.
Things to Keep In Mind:
Always consider the material that something is made of or covered in before buying. Old pieces that are chipping may contain lead or chemicals that may be harmful.
When purchasing through an online market place (Craigslist/Facebook) never pick-up items alone. For safety, always bring a friend and try to arrange a time during daylight hours. I often request that the item is staged outside so I don’t have to go into a strangers home.
Don’t worry if you can’t fit the second hand item in your vehicle. Most shops will allow you to pay and provide 24-48 hours so you can arrange alternative pick-up and transportation.
When hunting for used decor, don’t carry a purse. It’s best to have both hands available to sift, especially at a thrift store or flea market. You don’t want to accidentally put your bag down and have to retrace your steps or run the risk of it being taken.
Carry cash! Cash is king and the best way to negotiate a bargain is with exact change!
Keep hand sanitizer available while digging through dollar bins.
What do you think? Are you ready to hit the second hand market now?
Have more questions about shopping for thrifted and used furniture? Comment below and we’ll cover even more in a future post!
